29
Varian
My first instinct was to hold on to Layla and tell her no. No, she wouldn’t be going down to meet Sanna, of all creatures in this world. No, she wouldn’t risk her life for me, for my kingdom …
But at the same time, I knew her. She was strong and loyal and badass. If anyone could beat the wicked witch, it was my Layla. So, I pushed back my protective side and trusted her. I believed in her.
I knew she could do this.
Still, I felt my heart yanking as I took her down the inner wall so she could walk into what was sure to be the most fearsome battle of her life too—and possibly mine.
I wanted to give her armor, maybe a sword and shield, but she wouldn’t need any of that. All she needed was the ring in her hand. The rest was theatrics.
I reached for her hands and laced my finge
