Shattered by Kailin Gow

he’d not lifted a finger to help me.
    Just then, the Magical One in the cylinder transformed into Prince Rodin.
    Torrid applauded. “Bravo, Kama.”
    The cylinder barrier disintegrated and Prince Rodin came to shake my hand. “Congratulations. I do believe you are battle worthy.”
    “My brother is about the fiercest enemy you could come across,” Torrid said. “He’s cunning and fast. He has the ability to outsmart and out maneuver any foe. That you were able to escape his binding is impressive enough, but the fact that you were able to encase him, and so easily…”
    “You’re going to let me go to Arcadia?” I asked hopeful y.
    “I don’t think I have a choice.” Torrid smiled though a hint of fear stil played in his loving gaze.
    “I’ve rarely seen a novice with such talent.” Prince Rodin bowed. “Few have ever managed to encase me…and with the encasement of a Catcher’s.” Prince Rodin and Torrid exchanged amused looks. “You are indeed General Adar’s daughter, and he would be very proud to see what you're capable of. The battle in Arcadia is deadly.
    Dr. Sanz is taking few prisoners and those he does take no doubt would have preferred a swift death.
    His means of torture are notorious. It is a great fortune to learn not only do you have the magic of djins, but that you have the magic of the Catchers, too. No one in the Western Nethers have that type of magic, except you, Kama.” Prince Rodin looked over at Torrid. “Kama is special indeed. She wil be the one to capture the rogue djins. As sad as it is to hear how they became rogue, we must use every method on him, even using Catchers.”
    Torrid came to my side. “Anger and the fear of defeat can turn the most sinister into veritable madmen. Dr. Sanz feels the impending defeat and is going to great lengths to win this battle, to keep Arcadia as it has been for so many years. Losing control is not an option for him. No matter what happens, don’t let your guard down, don’t trust anyone around him and don’t let yourself be fooled by the distractions Dr. Sanz is so good at.”
    “I wil ,” I said, feeling giddy and excited by the prospect of going back. I wanted nothing more than to defeat Dr. Sanz, to see him ruined. Beaming to defeat Dr. Sanz, to see him ruined. Beaming nouldl ,, I looked at the two handsome princes.
    “When do we leave?”

Chapter 11

    Unlike every other morning since I’d arrived in the Nethers, the sun remained covered by a thick layer of mist. Crows flew high above, cawing their displeasure as they repeatedly circled. The lovely songbirds that had accompanied me during every breakfast were gone, or silent.
    “The cal to battle is never a sweet one,” Torrid remarked, his eyes dark with worry. “Few songbirds venture out when a novice warrior prepares for her first battle.”
    “I know you're worried, Torrid, and I appreciate that, but I’m General Adar’s daughter.
    I’m so much stronger than you think. And I'm so much wiser since I arrived here. You're a wonderful teacher and you’ve trained me to be just as fierce a warrior as anyone out there.”
    “Indulge me, Kama. I’m in love with you. What man wouldn’t fear for his beloved under such dire conditions?”
    I brought my hand to his cheek and tenderly stroked it. “I’l be extra careful, just for you, I promise.
    I want to help save the people of Arcadia. I want peace to reign. It’s so important to me, and I won’t let anyone stop me. I don’t think I even fear Dr. Sanz anymore; that is how determined I am.”
    “Then fortify yourself, my love,” he said as he passed the platter of sausages and cheeses “for the battle ahead may keep you busy for a while.” An hour later, our bel ies ful and our plan of attack in place we set out for Arcadia. My heart beat fiercely in my chest, pounding out my anticipation.
    As we flew over the Western Nethers, I gazed down, my love for this land already as powerful as my love for the man who escorted