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  Despite the tension, they all enjoyed a hasty breakfast of buttered toast, eggs, and fried potatoes, aware that this might be the last they would have for quite some time. They all ate silently and packed their leftovers in sacks. Lhana also packed dried toast and fruit for the journey. They would have to buy more supplies as they went on or rely on Pirin to hunt while in the wilderness.

  While the others gathered their belongings, Lilae sharpened her dagger. For her, packing was always quick. She had nothing of value. She wore her only trinket of worth around her neck. It was a simple silver necklace with shiny stones around a ruby. Besides that, a sack of clothing and an extra pair of boots was all Lilae needed.

  Jaiza’s grunt sounded like exasperation as she stuffed her favorite dress into her travel bag. She reached for her bow and arrows and headed toward the door, not even looking at Lilae as she passed by.

  Once everyone was ready, Lilae hooded herself and followed the procession into the woods. Soon, the sun would rise, and farmers would tend to their cattle and crops.

  Delia led the way as they quietly crossed the village to the path leading east. Always east. She cut through the darkness, taking them from gentle paths directly into the thickness of the woods, where the grass was knee high and the hungry bugs were ready to feast on any exposed skin they could find. They were all used to it by now. It would be just another long, hard journey to a foreign land.

  Whenever she saw Delia look into the sky, eyes glowing and staff raised, she imagined that she could actually see the Ancients peering down at them from their homes in the Overworld. When Lilae glanced upward, she saw only stars.

  “I am glad we have a moment to speak, Lilae. I’ve been wondering how you feel, now that you’re approaching your eighteenth birthday.”

  “I feel fine.” She stuffed her gloved hands into her pockets to warm them. “I am ready for a new journey. I feel more at peace in the wilderness. No one can be mean to me out here, and no one can hurt me.” She shrugged it off and forced a smile Delia’s way. She didn’t want to complain.

  “No one can hurt you, Lilae,” Delia said, “unless you let them. Have The Winds spoken to you lately?”

  “No, they have been quiet.”

  “Well. Perhaps it is a good thing. They warn you of danger that even I cannot see.”

  Lilae nodded. “Yes. I don’t need The Winds to tell to look out for boys. I’m glad to be free of Jameson’s taunting.”

  “Tell me about this boy.”

  “He smells like the pigs and always tries to wrestle me in the pits.” Lilae scrunched up her nose. “I won’t wrestle him, even if I want to twist his arm off.”

  Delia chuckled softly as she glanced at her. “I’m glad to hear it. I hope you know he wants more than to wrestle, Lilae. I’m sure he fancied you.”

  “Gross.”

  “Risa and Jaiza enjoy the company of boys. I’m sure they are ready for marriage, but you know you’re different, right?”

  “I know. I guess I don’t care about the same things that they do. I do not care about friends or boys or starting a family of my own.”

  A small smile formed on Delia’s lips. “Of course not…” She winked at Lilae. “—you’re too young to think of such things.”

  “Am I?” She couldn’t see a boy falling in love with her or raising children of her own. But that didn't mean she wouldn't like an adoring, handsome boy professing his love to her; she just didn't think that it was possible. She looked odd. She acted differently. It was better not to dream about such things.

  “Don’t most girls get married at my age?” She stepped over a fallen tree and waited for the others to do the same.

  The grass grew taller, nearing their necks. It was covered in ice, making it so sharp that they had to walk through it with caution. So many years of walking, of moving. When would they stop?

  “Sure, some do. There are scores of young girls who, at the first sign of womanhood, begin bearing children, too. And they will do so continuously until the seed no longer catches. But that’s not the life for you. You have a future, Lilae. There’s a bigger, more important task for you than just producing babies. You are different.”

  “How? Why? Because there's something wrong with me?”

  “No!” Delia waved a flippant hand and peered at Lilae. “Nonsense. There's nothing wrong with you. You’re special. You have a very important destiny.”

  “But why, Delia?” For as long as she could remember, she just went with whatever Delia or Pirin said was best. “How am I special? Why am I being hunted? I’ve never hurt anyone innocent. I have killed, but I follow the judgment of The Winds.”

  Delia was silent for a moment. “Soon,” she said and patted Lilae on the shoulder.

  “She is ready,” Lilae heard Delia whisper to herself as if praying to the Ancients above.

  Acknowledgments

  I’d like to thank all of my fans and readers for being so supportive in my writing journey. This series was born from my love and obsession of Norse mythology. You’ll see some references from Viking lore in this series; such as fenrirs, the giant wolves from the legends.

  Special thanks to my best friend and fairy godmother, Colleen Albert, also known as CM Albert. Thank you to my cover designer Amalia Chitulescu for my amazing dragon covers. She truly is a magician.

  Also, thank you to my mother for being there for me and encouraging me to follow my dreams.

  XOXO,

  K.N. Lee

  About the Author

  K.N. Lee is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She is the author of the Dragon-Born Saga, Eura Chronicles, Wonderland University, and the Chronicles of Koa series. When she is not writing twisted urban fantasy, epic tales of dragons, pirates, and mermaids, and dark poetry, she does a great deal of traveling.

  Also by K.N. Lee

  The Chronicles of Koa Series:

  Netherworld

  Dark Prophet

  Blood Princess

  Crimson King

  * * *

  Dragon Born Saga:

  Half-Blood Dragon

  Magic-Born Dragon

  Queen of the Dragons

  War of the Dragons

  Fate of the Dragons

  Curse of the Dragons

  Heart of the Dragons

  * * *

  The Eura Chronicles:

  Rise of the Flame

  Night of the Storm

  Dawn of the Forgotten

  Prophecy of the Seer

  Fall of the Steel-Born

  * * *

  Empire of Dragons:

  Fallen Empire

  Reign of Magic

  Fire and Fury

  Realms and Ruin

  * * *

  Wonderland University:

  The Red Queen

  The Sea Witch

  The Ice Princess

  * * *

  THE FALLEN GODS TRILOGY:

  Goddess of War

  Goddess of Ruin

  Queen of Chaos

  * * *

  Discover more books and learn more about K.N. Lee on knlee.com.