When I arrived outside, clean air hit my nose, rescuing me from what felt like hours of strained breathing. I gave the wind direction to my lungs and allowed it to rejuvenate my magic, knowing that my full strength was required if I was going to race all the way to the castle. And that I did.
I sprinted through the village, and a shameful gratitude fluttered in my chest. Everyone departed from my path, and I was relieved I would not stumble into anyone on my urgent journey. A trail of dust fled behind my feet as I ran, fueled with anger and disbelief.
My father had been the one who murdered Taegen and instigated Simon's execution. The audacity he'd had to attack the two people I loved most. If I could bring myself not to kill him first, I would demand an explanation for it all.
