The Lost Hero: Chapter 20

Juen came awake with a gasp. Retching, she nearly fell from her bunk. Her soldiers still slept around her, oblivious to the smoke choking her throat, coating her mouth and nose.

 She stumbled with the kick of the waves, fighting to reach the cabin door. Tav was on guard, sitting with his back against the hull. He peered at her, even as the flames ate away his flesh. “My lady, are you alright?”

She could not answer. She rushed out into the night. The moon was setting, casting a silver path along the waves. Her legs wanted to run, to escape the inferno that consumed her. She leaned over the rail and put her face to the brisk wind. It stripped away the fear and nausea. The anger and bitterness.

“Juen?”

It was Sorrint. She kept her eyes closed, not wanting to see the flames again. Sick, hungry things.

“Juen, what is it?”

“Nightmare.” Her voice cracked on the lie. Great Lady, what has he done?

“Are you unwell?”

“No.” Maybe another lie. How could she be well, knowing the atrocities Maiek was working with Ero’s hands? Could she be well after telling this man his home had been destroyed by his own friend? Should she tell him?

Sorrint’s hand pressed into her shoulder, pulling her to this place, to the brine and the hiss of the ocean. “What has happened?”

“Ero—” She drew a sharp breath. “Maiek has taken Athus.”

Sorrint’s grip was like iron. “The city?”

“Burned.”

“The people? Lord Athus?”

Juen reluctantly thought over the images. “Safe. The city was empty.”

“Are you sure?”

“Athus’li says they are safe.”

He sagged. “Thank you,” he whispered. Prayed, to his Lady. He dropped his hand and stood looking down at his palms. “How could he…?”

More nausea rose up her throat. She had spoken the truth. Ero had destroyed his home. Maiek used it, but the anger had been his own. The shame, the resentment. How could he do such a thing?

But Ninan had warned her months ago, as they planned their secret journey into Athus.

He is dangerous, my queen. He must be kept in check or he will destroy us all.