Page 101 of Dare
At last, I felt more than a truce. Now I felt trust.
And so, I told him about my fated purpose. How the rainforest had called out not merely to offer me sanctuary, but to provide a key—a greater purpose in helping the unfairly condemned in this kingdom. Somewhere in the ruins resided the answer to that mission, the steps I must take.
In the beginning, Jeryn hadn’t believed the rainforest had chosen me. I’d known why, figuring he doubted a so-called “born fool” would ever be summoned by nature.
But now, I felt him listening and absorbing. Where once he would have spit on my passions, now this prince contemplated everything I told him. He asked questions, and I gave answers, and we shared possibilities. He took what I said seriously, his logical mind contributing to theories. Whereas I searched for answers based on sensation, Jeryn rationalized how there might be hidden relics in the ruins, which could provide artifacts worthy of research, remnants of the past that would somehow advance the crusade for born souls.
We debated at length before he reclined in his chair, a thought furrowing his brow. “What do you think this purpose will involve? What actions will you take?”
I blinked. “The rainforest will tell me.”
“I’m not asking what the rainforest thinks you can achieve. I’m asking what you think you can achieve.” He leveled his gaze with mine. “Of what quest do you believe yourself capable? On which of your skills will this mission rely?”
My tongue stalled. This man wasn’t being condescending. Rather, he was earnestly trying to help me figure this out. But I’d only ever assumed the rainforest would decide which abilities I needed for this pursuit. My fate would choose which skills mattered the most.
When I told him this, Jeryn threaded his fingers. “Seafaring. Exploring. Your expertise in locating precious items, which certainly helped you uncover the map. What about those talents?”
I wavered in confusion. “The rainforest selected me to read the map. The rest is ultimately a means to find my key.”
“Meaning your self-made abilities are irrelevant compared to what nature designates for you? That discovering the map had only to do with fate instead of any personal skill?” His head flopped to the side. “You’re selling yourself short, Flare.”
My gaze scrunched like a wad of paper. “I trust this forest.”
“You should also trust yourself. Your strengths don’t begin and end in this realm.”
I didn’t know what to say to that. But while his words simmered in my head, Jeryn added, “Be that as it may, when you locate this key, that leaves the matter of how to use it. Regardless of its identity, it will most certainly require departing from this realm. You cannot affect a continent while in isolation. Yet you also can’t leave as a fugitive without plotting how to avoid getting caught again.”
I cocked my head. “Will you try and stop me?”
“Chain you? String you up?” His voice turned rough. “I’ve done so before.”
He wasn’t talking about the castle quad but a different place, a closer one where he’d also had me arching with ecstasy, the molten recollection pouring down my skin.
Nonetheless, I held that gaze. “I’m done being someone’s prisoner.”
“I said nothing about that. But restraining you would keep you safe. At least, until we have a sound plan that guarantees your head remains attached to your neck.”
When Jeryn said things like that, it was hard to keep still, to keep myself from tracing the shape of that vicious mouth. “I’ve been contemplating that. But I need to find the key first, which might reveal the solution.”
Jeryn tapped his finger against the stem of his chalice. “Doubtless, Winter and Summer are searching for us.”
“They won’t succeed. This rainforest is invisible to them.”
“Humor me. If they manage to get around that barrier, that means time is of the essence. Your key must be found sooner rather than later.”
“In which case, this sand drifter will need the help of someone from a land of hunters and engineers and inventors. To discover more of the ruins, I could use his support.”
Jeryn’s features gripped mine. “You have it.”
Not until he spoke those words had I realized how badly I’d wanted to hear them. Relieved, I admired the stars hanging over the sea. “It’s beautiful here.”
“It is.” A deep and penetrating pause followed. “So beautiful.”
That husky timbre caressed my skin. Mist showered from the heavens, and celestial rain suddenly fell from the clouds, the droplets shimmering like constellations. I rubbed my arms absently, and Jeryn responded by rising. Unfolding the blanket from the back of my chair, he draped it over my shoulders.
Nestling into the fabric, I stared as he returned to his seat. I wanted to save people, while doctors like him wanted to take care of them. Though, only recently did he extend that desire to all citizens.
Jeryn’s eyes skirted toward my collar peeking from under the blanket, and his jaw clenched. “No one deserves those markings. Least of all, you.”