Kingdom of Ash

tide of the battle had shifted, their enemy now
fleeing Orynth’s walls.
Aelin’s head swam, her magic down to the
dregs, her limbs leaden. The roar of battle still
buzzed in her ears.
Covered in gore and mud, no one
recognized either queen where they’d fallen to
their knees, so close to the southern gates.
Soldiers ran past, trying to get into the city
before the army at their backs arrived.
Just a minute. She needed to only catch her
breath for a minute. Then they’d hurry to the
southern gate. Into Orynth.
Into her home.
Ansel swore, swaying, and the healer shot
out a hand to brace her.
Not good. Not at all.
Aelin knew what and who marched toward
them.
Lysandra had returned to the skies long