My stomach feels as hollow as my chest. “Perhaps someday.” Right now it feels better to pretend.
I turn toward the Motherlake, and Oskar wraps his arms around me, drawing me into the shelter of his cloak. I lean my head back against his chest and look up at the moon, treasuring this collection of minutes, savoring each as if it’s the last. Because it might be.
Our future rushes toward us like a storm on the Motherlake, and our enemies are powerful.
Kauko is out there, perhaps leading two dozen rogue priests and apprentices. He has the cuff of Astia. He also has the Fire Suurin—along with hundreds of years of blood-fueled cunning.
And the Soturi, hungry for our wealth, eager to dominate, they’re out there too.
But so is she. I’m only a shadow compared to her. When we find her, I’ll be her Astia. Together, we’ll be perfect balance and infinite power.
Together, we’ll save the Kupari.