Read Online Ever Wrath by Alexia Purdy - Free Book Online

better?”
    “Yes, thank you.”
    “You’ve been called to the upcoming battle with the Unseelie?”
    “Unfortunately, yes. I fear for Shade, she’s at the pinnacle of it all. Do you think she can finish it?”
    Her eyes went pensive, and Jack could feel the stir of her magic in the air. She was the purest soul in the kingdom of Guildrin, full of natural magic, focused and strong.
    “I have strong faith that she will. She’s been through so much already, yet there is so much more to come. She’s the one , I know it.”
    Jack nodded, feeling more assured but still apprehensive as he straightened. “Thank you. I feel a lot better to hear those words from you. You’ve never steered us wrong.”
    “Nothing is for certain, but Faerie favors her. I’m not sure why, but she’s blessed and will come through for us. Even if it costs her everything. Even her life.”
    Jack scratched his head and studied the flickering torches as they passed. He made his way toward the armory of the underground palace. “I know she won’t let us down. I just hope everyone else doesn’t let her down either. She’s been betrayed and put through a wringer. It can’t be easy. She’s the youngest queen in the history of Faerie. I fear for her life every day.”
    Ilarial ’s cool hand on his arm brought his attention back to the oracle. “Just believe, Jack. She needs your sturdy support now more than ever. Your direction and experience will get the army in place to give her what she needs. Don’t underestimate her.”
    “I won’t. Thank you Ilarial.”
    The o racle continued to watch him, extreme concern floating in her gaze. “Jack, can I ask you about Evangeline?”
    He halted in his steps but refused to look at Ilarial, his jaw tensing. “I’ve not spoken of her in a long time. What do you want to know?”
    “I sense a shift in her stance with Aveta and Arthas. When you were together, she was a good friend of mine, too. She may be the leader of the Unseelie Army for now, but I want you to speak with her. Get her alone somehow. She doesn’t want Shade harmed. She sacrificed contact with her only family to keep them safe, and her uncertainty grows as time goes on. If you could persuade her to change sides again, she could help us in so many ways.
    Jack struggled to keep his frustration hidden, but he knew Ilarial was well aware of the broken heart he still held inside from losing Vange all those years ago.
    “Is it that necessary? Things between us were badly severed. Besides, how do you know she feels conflicted?”
    “I understand , Jack. But do try. She was like a sister to me, and I showed her a lot of magic back in those days, linking us forever. That’s how I know she’s having doubts. You never know what may come from your kind words to her. She’s at a critical time in her life, and I know if you speak to her, you—and only you—can bring her back from the Unseelie’s grip. The time is now.”
    He nodded, still unconvinced , but not willing to go against Ilarial’s wishes. She was an oracle for a reason, and not listening to her could spell tragedy. “Very well, Ilarial. I hope I don’t regret this.”
    “Thank you, Jack. You won’t.”

Chapter Eight
The Iron City

     
    “WHAT’S IN THESE things anyway?” asked Nautilus with a mouthful of Chicago hot dog. He spoke with his mouth full and opened wide. Several patrons of the small coffee shop were eyeing him with disgust. “It’s delicious! We don’t have these in Faerie.” He took a generous swig of his soda pop and smacked his lips with satisfaction. “This bubbly drink feels funny in my mouth.” He let out a loud burp before laughing and patting his belly.
    Disgruntled patrons moved away from their table, cursing under their breaths.
    “Slow down, will you? You’re scaring off the locals,” Dylan grumbled and finished off his deluxe turkey sub sandwich. He was more schooled on the ‘real’ world than Nautilus was and knew to chew with mouth