Kingdom of Ash

Elena had walked her through forging the
Lock, putting the keys back into the gate.
Though there would be no great display of
magic, no threat to any around them, she had
wanted to be away. Far from anyone else.
In the moonlight, Chaol’s face was pale.
“What do you need us to do?”
“Be here,” Aelin said simply. “That is
enough.”
It was the only reason she was still able to
endure standing here, in this hateful place.
She met Dorian’s inquiring stare and
nodded. No use in wasting time.
Dorian embraced Chaol, the two of them
speaking too quietly for Aelin to hear.
Aelin only began to sketch a Wyrdmark in
the dirt, large enough for her and Dorian to
stand in. There would be two, overlapping
with each other: Open. Close.
Lock. Unlock.