The seven flowers of fate

Chapter 6 : new plan

Later that night, the shop was quiet, the faint crackle of the fire offering the only sound as we sat around the table, poring over the details of our next step. The day had slipped away quickly, and now the soft glow of the lanterns cast shadows that flickered across the walls.

Aric had spread the map across the table, his finger tracing the outline of the Mountains of Stars, where the old man-the one who could help us-lived.

"The old man's not easy to deal with," Aric said, leaning back in his chair. His pale hair gleamed in the dim light, eyes sharp. "He hates strangers, and he's not one to bargain lightly. All he's ever wanted is the red rubies-the ones laid by the giant crows. If we can get them, we'll have a chance to trade."

I glanced at Kellan, who sat across from me, his broad shoulders tense, his jaw tight. The full moon was only two days away, and I could feel the weight of the curse pressing down on him.

Aric folded his arms, his gaze darting between us. "I think Evelyna and I can manage it. We can leave tomorrow at first light and retrieve the rubies before the moon rises."

Kellan's hesitation was clear. His hands were clenched into fists, resting on the table. I knew he didn't like the idea of me going on this quest without him, especially with the curse looming over him.

"I should be with you," he said, his voice low and rough. "It's dangerous. The crows are no small matter, and there's no telling what else might be out there."

I met his gaze, my heart squeezing at the sight of the conflict in his eyes. He was torn, just as he always was before the full moon-pulled between wanting to protect me and the unavoidable reality that he couldn't.

"It's only for a day, Kellan," I said gently, reaching out to place my hand over his. "You have your own quest. The Mad King's summons can't be ignored, and we don't have time to waste. Aric and I can handle this. We'll be careful."

His brow furrowed, his silver-flecked eyes searching mine as if trying to find a way out of the inevitable. The tension in his body was palpable, a physical manifestation of the internal battle he faced. He hated the idea of leaving me, hated the curse that forced him to serve the king's twisted whims during the full moon.

"I don't like it," he admitted, his voice tight. "I don't like leaving you to deal with those crows. They're vicious creatures, and you've never faced them before."

I smiled softly, squeezing his hand. "You've told me plenty about them. I know what to expect. This isn't going to be a difficult quest. We'll be in and out before anyone knows we were there."

Kellan let out a long, slow breath, rubbing his hand over his face. "Just... be careful. Don't underestimate them. The crows are drawn to shiny objects, but they're territorial, and their talons are sharp as knives. They guard their nests fiercely. Keep your distance."

"I will," I promised, my voice gentle but firm.

Aric gave Kellan a reassuring look. "She'll be with me. I've dealt with worse, and you know that. We'll be fine."

But Kellan's worry remained. I could see it in the tightness of his jaw, the tension in his shoulders. He glanced at the window, where the rising moon cast a pale glow, knowing his time was running short.

He stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. "I need to get ready," he muttered, heading for the door.

I followed him out of the shop, the cool night air washing over us as we walked in silence back to the cottage. I could feel the weight of his concern as if it were a tangible thing between us, heavy and thick.