1564024802

Temis, Goddess of Wild Things, was free—
uncaged. As he had once wished to be, when
he had been little more than a reckless,
idealistic prince.
It was the magic’s sole command: let go.
Let go of who and what he’d become since
that collar and emerge into something new,
something different.
It was easier realized than enacted. Since
his eyes had returned to blue, like the
unraveling of some thread within him, he’d
been unable to do anything else. Even change
them to brown again.
The Crochans and the Thirteen had halted
for their midday break under the heavy cover
of Oakwald, the trees barren, yet not a hint of
snow on the earth. Another day, and they’d
reach the rendezvous point. A week after
they’d promised the Eyllwe war leaders, but
they would arrive.