A Court of Souls and Shadows

41. Raven

"Raven, you need to wake up," Azriel murmured, his voice soft. I flicked my eyes open, stretching beneath the cloak he'd draped over us the night before. He was already up and dressed, attaching his weapons to his armour with practiced speed.

I frowned as I pushed up onto my elbows. "What's wrong?" I asked, reaching for my armour and tugging on the pieces one by one. Azriel stopped his movements to meet my gaze, his face drawn.

"Rhysand contacted me early this morning," he said. "We need to get back as soon as possible."

I felt my heart stutter in my chest. "What's happened?" I rasped. "Please just tell me the truth." Azriel grimaced.

"Hybern is making a move on the Winter Court."

I gasped as I stared at him, letting the news sink in. All of our forces were still somewhere in the Summer Court after the previous battle a few days earlier. They'd never make it back in time. The Winter Court was defenceless.

"No," I whispered, bringing my hand to my mouth. Azriel closed the distance between us, kneeling before me and placing his hands on my shoulders. "Rhys and the others who are able are winnowing as many as they can to a new camp set up on the Southern Border. We won't let Hybern take Winter," he said, his eyes searching my face. I nodded once, sucking in a sharp breath.

"I have to get back. I have to get to Kal. He doesn't even know I'm okay. I have to get back," I stammered, pushing to my feet. Azriel stopped my movements, grabbing my hands in his.

"Raven, look at me," he said. I looked up to meet his gaze, my heart thundering in my chest.

"That's not all, is it?" I asked. He shook his head slowly. "Just tell me," I said, clenching my jaw.

"It's Kallias," he said, his eyes never leaving mine. "He was injured in the last battle. Badly. He still has not woken."

My eyes widened as panic gripped me, turning the blood in my veins to ice. "What?" I whispered, stumbling forward a step. Azriel caught me in his arms, holding me tight. "Where is he?"

"He's at the palace. He was winnowed back to his Healers."

"I have to go," I snapped, summoning my wings in a sudden rush of power, my magic finally returned. Azriel grabbed my hand, pulling me back.

"I'll winnow you there myself," he said. "But there's something else you need to know."

"What is it?" I replied, bracing myself for the worst.

"You must know... you are the only Heir. You are next in line, and with Kallias out of commission... you are now the High Lady of the Winter Court."

* * * * * * *

I sucked in a deep breath as I stood before the door to Kallias' room, my hands trembling. Azriel had winnowed me to the Southern Border and I'd flown the rest of the way. I wanted him with me, but I knew I couldn't be selfish, and that the others needed him. Time was running out, and he would be winnowing soldiers from the Summer Court to the Southern Border all day.

It still hadn't sunk in that I was now the High Lady. I wasn't a High anything. I was a bastard-born nothing, and had been for my entire life. But I didn't have a choice. Kallias still hadn't woken, Vivienne was in no state to lead, and there was no one left for the job but me. There was a room of councillors and advisors waiting for me, but I'd told them to wait. I wouldn't be making any decisions until I'd seen my brother.

I knocked softly on the door before pushing it open and stepping inside. Kallias lay still in the bed, Vivienne slumped in a chair beside it. She looked up as I entered the room; her eyes red and puffy. Relief washed over her features as she stood and crossed the room with hurried steps, throwing her arms around me. I hugged her back as she sagged against me.