Chapter Text
Rayla
“We go as soon as the rays from the full moon light the treetops,” Runaan says, his eyes sweeping the group of Moonshadow elves in front of him.
The sun is creeping slowly towards the horizon, the high cliffs leading to the castle of Katalis bathed in a golden glow.
“And if they know we’re coming?” Rayla asks, nervously looking at her hands. There’s a single speck of blood beneath her nails - except it’s not blood. Berry juice - looks exactly like blood and the other Moonshadow elves can’t tell the difference.
Runaan looks to Rayla, his eyes seemingly staring into her soul, seeing her greatest lie.“They don’t. You dealt with the guard, yes?”
“Of course, Runaan,” Rayla says with a slow nod, breaking their eye contact. How can she ever tell her fellow assassins her darkest secret - she is a Moonshadow assassin, the most revered species of killers, who can’t kill anyone.
It’s not that she can’t physically kill. Rayla is capable in every way possible to deliver a killing blow, with a multitude of weapons. It’s just that every time she has someone held at the tip of her blade, the look in their eyes always makes her hesitate.
Runaan stands, holding his hands out to gesture to everyone else to stand.
“Four full moons pass, on the eve of the Winter’s Turn, the humans crossed into Xadia and murdered the King of Dragons. They destroyed his only egg, the Dragon Prince. Tonight, we bind our lives to justice,” Runaan says, as the sun’s final rays dip below the crest of trees.
He wraps a pale white binding around his forearms, turning to Callisto, who holds out his wrists. “My breath for freedom.” Runaan wraps the binding around his wrists.
Andromeda is the next to step forward, the binding being wrapped around her upper forearm. “My eyes, for the truth.”
Skor and Ram step forward almost at the same time. “My strength for honor.” Ram’s words quickly follow Skors; “My blood, for justice.”
Runaan turns to Rayla, with only a small piece of fabric left. Rayla takes a deep breath, raising her wrists as she steps forward.
“My heart, for Xadia.”
⋆˙⟡☾𖤓☽⟡˙⋆
Harrow
“All I’m asking is that you rethink your decision, King Harrow,” Viren says, running his hand down his face.
“I will not let one of my people die because of me,” Harrow responds, his eyes narrowing on Viren.
Viren groans, hanging his head. “They’re going to die either protecting you or impersonating you, Harrow. What difference does it make?”
“Because I will not be a coward!” Harrow explodes, throwing one of his arms outwards.
“No one will think you a coward for wanting to live,” Viren says, and Harrow can tell he’s trying to make him see reason.
“This is my final decision. I will not swap my soul,” Harrow says, an air of finality in his tone. Viren lets out one more frustrated groan before sweeping out of Harrow’s chambers, almost bowling over Callum on his way.
“You wanted to see me, King Harrow?” Callum asks, straightening his jacket.
“Yes. How- how much have you heard around the castle?” Harrow asks, leaning against his bed frame.
“About the Moonshadow assassins coming to kill you? Pretty much everything. Soren’s really bad at keeping secrets,” Callum admits.
“So you know what’s going to happen?” Harrow asks uncertainty.
“I’m seventeen. I’m familiar with how assassins work,” Callum responds drily.
Harrow chuckles slightly, his shoulder moving with each breath. “I’m going to miss you.”
“You’re going to survive this though, right?” Callum asks, any humor in his expression fading.
“I’m not sure if I can,” Harrow admits, dropping Callum’s gaze.
“You can’t leave us,” Callum chokes, tears welling up in his eyes.
“Callum, I need you to promise me something,” Harrow says, reaching out to put his hand on Callum’s shoulder. Callum nods slightly, his throat bobbing. “Look after Ezran for me. He’s going to turn to you as his closest advisor, and you need to be there for him.”
“I’m only agreeing to this because he’s not going to need to turn to me for many years to come,” Callum says, his eyes narrowing.
Harrow sighs, smiling slightly at Callum. “Whilst I do hope that is the case, I have this for you.” Callum seems hesitant at first to take the scroll Harrow holds out. “You’ll know when the right time to open it is.”
“I’m not going to need to open this,” Callum whispers, his voice cracking.
“You and Ezran are going to the winter lodge until this all blows over. When the time comes for Ez to learn the truth, I want you to be there,” Harrow says as Callum tucks the scroll into his jacket.
“I will be,” Callum says, a wave of determination spreading across his face.
“You’re going to do great things, Callum,” Harrow says, patting Callum on the shoulder.
“Thank you, Dad,” Callum says, and Harrow can swear he hears him sniffle slightly as he leans in for a hug. Harrow opens his arms, tucking Callum under his chin.
The room glows gold as the sun dips below the horizon.