Chapter 24

Heat poured over her skin as Adelaide rose from the lake. Her skin, once pale and smooth, was filled with strings of black veins that crisscrossed in a gory pattern. She touched the still water and watched as it formed rings that stretched outward. She smiled slightly at the fall of thick red hair that her daughter had, a trait they shared.

“So the little girl has jumped one hurdle,” she murmured, striding out of the lake. She reached for her robe that rested in the outstretched arm of her faithful Freg.

“Prepare my troops. We’ll leave soon, very soon.”

***

They had been riding all morning. India would never say it, but her butt was sore as hell, and she was looking forward to getting to the border town soon. She’d never ridden a horse before, and the meager two hours over the four days spent in the Pillar of Stone didn’t count. 

She glanced around her. General Silver and her father were talking up ahead. The rest of the army was trailing behind th