Kingdom of Ash

she remained licking her wounds in Morath
with Erawan. Until the rest of their horrors
marched, the spider-princesses with them.
But despite the approaching army, Dorian
touched Damaris’s hilt and said, “I will take
care of it. Of Adarlan. For whatever time I
have left. I will not abandon it.”
The sword glowed warm.
And Gavin, despite the loss that loomed for
him, smiled slightly. As if he felt the warmth
of the sword, too. “I know,” he said. “I have
always known that.”
Damaris’s warmth held steady.
Dorian swallowed against the tightness in
his throat. “When the Wyrdgate is sealed, will
I be able to open this sort of portal again?”
Will I be able to see you, seek your counsel?
Gavin faded. “I don’t know.” He added
quietly, “But I hope so.”
Dorian put a hand over his heart and bowed