Chapter 24

The new beginning.

We stare at each other in complete silence, surrounded by gloom and nature. The happiness rising inside me suddenly fades, and I feel nothing. The numbness isn't satisfying anymore, and slowly, soaring guilt reminds me I'm the real coward. Jorgen's a shadow of the man he once was. All at once, I remember the first time I stood in front of him, hoping to get selected, thinking about my revenge. I never thought it would end like this.

He doesn't look at my scar any longer, but the emptiness in his eyes slowly starts breaking me. This isn't what I thought I'd feel-remorse. Jorgen won't be able to rule without his dragon. No one will accept him or believe his creature died, unless we both keep this a secret.

"What do you mean you're no longer a shifter?" I ask, swallowing hard, tightening the grip around my sword.