Sharp Flowers

Part 26

We head for the castle, triumphant and well-stocked with their supply wagon in our hands. Food is welcome there where even some of Sebastian's administrative staff was becoming weary about our status. I take a deep breath and stare down at my hands. I can't stop until my hands are drenched in Ryder's blood; I owe it not just to my family but to all the families ruined by his greed.

"Someone alert Kisomen!" someone bursts into the dining hall. They fall to their knees, breathless, and skin as pale a ghost. People pop up to their feet, startled but the man's sudden disturbance. "Tennoford's soldiers are coming from the East. Thousands of them are closing in on the city right now. They broke past our lines along the seaboard, and they're coming. They could be here in an hour," he explains, sending the room into a mass of panic. People rush, scarfing down food, running for their gear.

"Get a hold of yourselves!" I yell, slamming my fist down on one of the tables. I gain the attention of several Shields and a couple generals, "Gather the Shields to hold our ground. I want archery teams in position at the gates and the Knights to prepare for a battle," I snap at them. They freeze in shock before perking upright to attention.

"Yes, Lady Wrenwood!" they call out before heading off. I flinch at their unfamiliar formality, sending a chill down my spine. Shake it off, Raven. You haven't the time for this. Where is Sebastian? Felicity grabs my arm, her grave stare bearing into me. "Felicity?"

"The shields won't hold out against numbers like that," Felicity points out.

"What do you mean?" I murmur.

"We can't face those numbers, and we just don't have the manpower to compensate," Felicity hisses under her breath. She takes a shaky deep breath and huffs. "Do you think Henry did this?" she wonders, and I drop my gaze.

"I don't know. It might explain the sudden jump in numbers," I suppose as I shake my head and my stomach sinks

"It's time," Felicity warns me. I press my lip into a thin line. I haven't even gotten close to taking the chance, and I will not be scared off.

"Not before we fight," I deny it and tear my arm away from her, "Organize the archery units. If we can tear down their numbers, who knows, we might stand a chance," I suggest. She gives me a grim smile and nods obediently.

"Have you seen Sebastian?" Felicity asks.

"No, he normally dodges the dining hall, but no one has seen him," I answer.

"Do you think he'll let loose on the battlefield?" she wonders, inferring to his demonic power.

"If it comes to it, but what will become of him if people keep seeing him like that?" I remind her, biting my lip. I'm afraid people might turn like Henry. I pray we have the strength to fight this. I grimace internally. What if I don't and I have to use the power of the guardians? What if I can't control it? Do I lose myself for the fight? I shake the thought away. We'll cross that road when we get there. Until then, I must move forward. I take a deep breath and join the forces along the city wall, watching Ryder's masses fighting to creep forward and invade.

"Raven, whatever happens, I hope we can see each other again," Felicity tells me. My fingers curl along the edge of the city wall.

"Of course, I'll see you when we've won," I tell her. We give each other an acknowledging nod before she slings her quiver over her shoulder and heads for the gates. I watch my friend walk further away, feeling more and more like this was a goodbye and an aching tear at my chest. It sinks heavily, threatening to make me curl up where I stand.

"Raven," Sebastian's voice finally makes a show. I spot him hanging in the watchtower out of the sun's rays. Holding myself firm, I walk to meet him, though my legs wish to run. Outside the watchtower, the battle is a mess of rumblings, clings, and indistinguishable yelling. "We need to go," Sebastian whispers in my ear.

"What are you talking about?" I scoff at him, "I'm going to fight," I disagree. Sebastian puts both hands on my shoulders and gazes deeply into my eyes.

"Several of my generals are gone," Sebastian informs me, "I- We aren't going to come out of this," he tells me. I shake my head and back away from him.

"That doesn't matter. We can still win this. I can still fight out there. If it means seeing Ryder's head fall, I will die for that cause!" I argue against him.

"I want you to live. And that is why you need to run from this place," Sebastian tells me. I feel my face crumpling up.

"Won't you go with me?" I plead with him, and he drops his gaze. You can't die here, not without me. You made me a promise.

"I'll come with you. Only as far as I need to see you get out of here safely," Sebastian promises, brushing a loose strand of hair behind my ear. His hand gently caresses my cheek, lifting my chin to plant a soft kiss on my lips. "I will not them trample over my little flower," he whispers.

"I want you with me," I cry under my breath.

"You will see the sunlight of tomorrow. I will not be dying with you," Sebastian states firm and I sense his decision is unwavering.

"When the time comes," I give in. Sebastian's hands take mine in his, leaning forward so that our foreheads touch. "I pray that we might find peace," I whisper. I hear Sebastian smile under his breath.

"Will they hear a prayer from a demon?" Sebastian teases, offering me a lighthearted smirk. Its humor sneaks in like a thief, stealing my grief for a moment.

"They'll hear it, and I pray they'll take mercy," I chuckle, reaching out for him. Sebastian's lips crash down on mine, desperate for a connection. He presses me against the wall, smothering me with his affections craving my heat. I pull back and find his eyes.

"I love you, and that's why I can't go with you," Sebastian whispers. Sebastian holds me close, practically surrounding me before he pulls away. Before I can protest, there's a thunderous crash coming from the direction of the gates. It's time to go.