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The Blood Traitor - Lynette Noni | Full Audiobook | The Final Battle Between Love & Power Begins P2

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The protagonist, Kea, navigates a perilous quest to retrieve magical rings while confronting personal trauma, strained relationships, and the looming threat of an invading army. She must master her own abilities and forge alliances to protect her kingdom and loved ones.

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17 Ka had no idea how she made it

through the feast that night. The hours

passed in a blur of bright colors and

upbeat music of spicy foods and

boisterous laughter. The kings were in

their element, hosting hundreds of their

peers in the palace's massive banquet

hall, which was lined with foodladen

tables and decorated with strings of

luminium lights overhead, like a starry

expanse twinkling across the high

ceiling. As the guests of honor, Kea and

her friends were seated with the twins

and their royal council at the head

table. They'd all managed to bathe

before their guard escort had arrived,

with no traces of travel grime or arena

blood left to be seen, even if Ka still

felt as if it stained her hands.

The outfits they'd been given were

spotless with Ashlin, Cresta, Nari, and

Ka all wearing billowing long skirts and

floaty off-the-shoulder tops, while

Jiren, Calvin, and Tip wore trousers and

open collared shirts made of a thin

flaxin material.

Tip's clothes were bright orange, which

clashed terribly with his hair, but

Cal's were an attractive forest green,

and Jiren's were a deep navy, which had

effectively stolen Kea's breath when

she'd first seen him. She herself was

dressed in an attention-grabbing

turquoise, but every time she felt

self-conscious, she only had to look at

Cresta scowlling in her bright pink

outfit to realize she could have been

allocated something much worse.

When finally, finally, the king stood

and quieted their guests, Kea nearly

wept because without further ado, they

handed a small leather pouch to Jiren.

TBM raised his chalice and gave a

congratulatory speech. But Kea didn't

hear him, her focus solely on Jiren as

he opened the pouch to reveal a gold

ring topped with an obnoxiously large

ruby. The fire ring. One down, three to

go, Kea thought, overwhelmed by all that

was still ahead. But she reminded

herself of why they were doing this. To

stop Navoc from possessing the hand of

the gods and growing his magical army,

and more selfishly, at least Aka, to get

Jiren back his elemental powers, because

maybe then he would be able to forgive her.

her.

The rest of the feast sped by, but Ka

was on edge now that they had the ring,

eager to leave and seek out the other

three. She knew her friends felt the

same, with Jiren, Ashlin, and Calvin

having even more reason to want to keep

moving, given that their entire kingdom

and family was currently in the hands of a

psychopath. But there was nothing they

could do about Zelica from Yurin, or

Navoc for that matter. and wisdom warned

that only fools would begin a journey

through the harsh German desert at

night. Their departure would have to

wait until morning, even if their

patience was wearing

thin. When the kings finally declared

the feast over, Ka was relieved to be

quickly escorted back to their quarters,

and even more relieved to find Terrell,

Idrin, and Galdrich seated on the

cushions and waiting for them.

About time you showed up, Calvin said,

dropping beside them and stretching his

long legs out. How did it go with the

anomalies, kicked Cal's feet away? It

didn't. The spy wasn't known for being

verbose, so Kea looked to her brother

for more information. "We found the

village," Terrell shared. "But no one

would speak with us. They wouldn't even

come near us. It was like we had the

plague. "We didn't see any magic

either," Galdrich said, looking

dispirited. "If there were any anomalies

left, they were careful to hide their

powers. They were terrified of us,"

Adren said, running his fingers through

his short, dark hair.

We'd hoped to learn how Navic had

convinced them to join him, but given

our reception, the evidence is pointing

to them being coerced in some

way. Galdrich looked from the spy to the

Valentis royals and said, "There are

still two more settlements that I know

of in Hadras

and maybe we'll have more luck with

those." Kea hoped so. Knowing Navik's

plans and what was motivating his

magical followers would go a long way in

helping them strategize their next steps

to protect Ebon and

Wenderol. What about you? Did you get

the ring? Terrell asked, eyeing their

well-dressed group. In answer, Jiren

stepped forward and reopened the leather

pouch. He didn't mention how they'd

earned it, and Kea was grateful. If her

brother learned what they'd done in the

arena, what she'd done, he would

recognize the turmoil brewing within

her. As it was, she'd barely been able

to touch her dinner, her stomach queasy

from the golden warrior's face

repeatedly coming to her mind.

She'd thought taking some time away from

everyone that afternoon would help her

process and move on, but if anything,

she only felt more

guilty. A woman was dead. Six women were

dead. How was she supposed to act as if

that hadn't happened? Ashlin, Ca, and

Nari seemed unaffected. But Kea, she

still didn't know how to reconcile all

she was feeling.

That's some rock, Terrell said, leaning

in from his reclined position for a closer

closer

look. As Galdrich and Edin did the same,

Kea took a seat beside Calvin with Tip

coming to sit with her. He was near

enough that Tor sent her a surprised

look, but then his expression warmed as

he realized the young boy was no longer

ignoring her. That warmth quickly turned

to curiosity, but Ka shook her head, not

wanting to get into it for so many

reasons. Seconds after joining her, Tip

rested his head on Ka's shoulder and

fiddled sleepily with the beating on her

turquoise outfit, the events of the day,

and their long travel hours, leaving him

barely able to keep his eyes open.

She was just about to suggest they all

head to bed when Cresa approached Jiren

and asked, "How do we know if SA's magic

is already in it?" All eyes turned to

the ruby as if it would yield an answer.

Kea thought about the amulet she still

wore and how the gemstones had glowed

when Jiren sent his magic into them

before they had faded back to normal.

She was tempted to pull the crest from

beneath her top and see how it compared

to the ring, but she stilled her hand at

the last moment. There had been so many

times on their journey that she'd

considered returning it to Jiren, but

cowardice had stopped her, fearing what

he might say and what he might remember.

The amulet had protected her, but it had

also protected Zelica, keeping her safe

from Jiren's magic and ultimately

leading to his ruin. Because of that,

Kea had tried to keep it out of sight

for his sake. But there had been a few

moments during her vigorous morning

exercises when it had bounced free of

her clothes. During those times, she'd

seen Jiren look at it before clenching

his jaw and turning away, proving she

was right in trying to keep it hidden.

Now that she was thinking about it, Ka

almost felt as if the amulet was burning

against her chest, but she resisted the

urge to draw attention to it. She did,

however, wonder if perhaps the ring was

similar in that it would glow only when

magic was pushed into it, not the rest

of the

time. Seeming to be of the same mind as

Kea, Jiren finally answered, "There's no

way to know for sure." He handed the

pouch to Calvin. "Better safe than

sorry." Calvin looked from the ring to

his cousin and back again. Shouldn't we

wait until we have all

four? It was Galdrich who answered, "If

something happens and we're separated,

it's smarter to have it ready for use,

especially if Srana's power isn't

already imbued in it." "Between you," he

nodded toward Calvin and the princess, a

nod toward Ashlin this time. "You

command three of the four elements. If

you send your fire magic into it now, it

leaves less room for chance when the

time comes for Kea to wield the full

hand. Butterflies fluttered in Ka's

middle at the pressure of what she alone

would have to do, but her attention was

diverted when Calin accepted

Galdri<unk>'s reasoning and fished the

ring out of the pouch. He touched his

finger to the red gemstone, a rare look

of concentration on his face. Instantly,

the ruby began to glow, pulling Ka back

to the night when Jiren had gifted her

the amulet right after his mother's

attack. As the glow faded from the ring,

she wondered if he was also remembering

that tender moment between them, there

was a stiffness in his frame that made

her think he might have been,

particularly since he seemed determined

to avoid her eyes.

Once the ruby was no longer a light,

Calvin placed the ring back in the pouch

and returned it to Jiren, who tucked it

away for

safekeeping. "That was

anticlimactic," Crest said. "After

today, do you really need more

excitement?" Calvin asked incredulous.

That depends on the kind of excitement,

Cresta shot back, along with a

suggestive wink that prompted a

surprised but undeniably wicked grin from

from

him. Kea groaned and was tempted to tell

them to keep 10 ft apart, but before she

could, Terrell spoke. "What happened

today?" he asked, sitting up straighter,

his brow furrowing in concern. Nothing,

Ka answered quickly, avoiding everyone's

eyes. Ti and Ryu are just drama queens.

Drama kings even. She attempted a laugh,

but it was forced and panicked. Thank

the gods for Tip, who at that exact

moment revealed he'd fallen asleep on

her shoulder by uttering a loud snuffle snore.

snore.

It's been a long day for all of us,

Ashlin said. Quiet enough not to wake

him. Given how much the kings embibed

tonight, we should be able to sneak away

before they awaken. But we should also

aim to leave early just in

case. They set a plan, agreeing to meet

in the common room at dawn to begin

their journey to Hadress.

Ka was just about to ask someone to help

her move Tip to a bed, but Jiren was

already striding toward her and reaching

down for the boy. His hand grazed Ka's

waist as he sought to get a secure grip,

their eyes meeting for a split second.

Even knowing his touch was accidental,

she felt the world stop as they stared

at each other. But then he glanced away,

a muscle bunching in his cheek. He then

lifted Tip with ease and carried him

away, not looking

back. Kea's heart was racing and her

face was warm. Aware of everyone looking

at her, she quickly cleared her throat

before bidding them a good night, almost

running to the safety of her bedroom.

But as soon as she was alone, her

thoughts invaded. Even after changing

into a dervin night gown and crawling

into bed, she couldn't settle her mind

enough to sleep. Despite knowing she

needed to rest before their early

departure, tossing and turning, Ka

finally gave up and headed over to her

window, drawing back the curtains to

look out at the luminium lit city. The

giant statues caught her eyes, their

fighting poses reminding her all too

much of the women in the arena, the

golden warrior's face now permanently

embedded into her thoughts.

A quiet knock had Ka turning toward the

door. For one hearttoppping moment, she

wondered if it was Jiren before

remembering that the days of him coming

to comfort her were long gone. Instead,

the person who opened the door surprised

Ka almost as much because it was

Nari. The guard said nothing after

letting herself into the room, but she

walked straight to Ka's side. the two of

them staring silently out at the city.

Kea didn't know what to think, her pulse

skittering as the minutes trickled by.

But then Nari

spoke. The first time I killed someone,

I vomited for hours

afterward. Kea turned woodenly to the

guard. I was chosen by the Rockavon when

I was 10 years old, Nari continued. It

meant so much to my family and at that

age all I wanted was to please them. So

I accepted the invitation to begin

training. I showed enough promise that I

was brought here

to at 15. During my first arena battle,

I killed two girls, both friends who I'd

trained beside for

years. Kea's heart clenched. She baldled

her hands to keep from reaching out and

offering comfort, still unsure where she

and the guard stood. Kill or be killed.

That's what I told you today, Nari said

quietly. That's how I lived day after

day. Every time I entered that arena and

had to face someone I cared about,

seeing the same resolution in their eyes

as they tried to strike me down first.

All for riches and glory

and and

honor. The word came out broken. Nari

hugged her elbows, lost in memory. It

was destroying me. I could feel it. I

couldn't stomach the thought of

nominating for the Arzavar. Not after

everything they'd taken from me,

everything I'd given them. But I also

knew I wouldn't survive much longer. I

was strong. I was fast. I was good at

killing people. But seeing the life

leave their eyes, it never got easier.

It never

does. She inhaled

deeply. So I fled. I was a capable

warrior, but I was still young, and my

name wasn't widely known. So I was

confident I could disappear without

notice, saving my family from dishonor.

And I was right. It took weeks of

running and looking over my shoulder,

but no one came after me, and I finally

made my way back to the village where I

grew up. But then my

family, she closed her eyes slowly, her

voice when she shared, "They couldn't

abide having what they considered a

coward for a daughter. They turned their

backs on me and their abandonment forced

me into a different kind of

survival. She paused to collect herself,

then said, "You know what happened next?

I found my way to Ursa and snuck onto

Captain Varys's ship, sailing with him

to Valenia and eventually ending up in

the Royal Guard. But those other

details, everything I just told you, no

one knows. Not even

Jiren. Kea's throat was so dry that she

couldn't speak. But Nari turned and saw

the question in her eyes, the

desperation to know why she'd shared

such a personal

story. Holding Ka's gaze, Nari said, her

voice low and full of

emotion. I know what happened today was

hard on you. I know you killed that

woman to save me, and I know it's eating

at you.

Kea tensed as the golden warrior flashed

before her eyes once more. "As mad as I

am at you for all the lies and the

betrayals," Nari went on, causing Ka to

brace, I also know that the only reason

I'm standing here is because of

you. Before Aka could say anything, Nari

pulled her into a rough but heartfelt embrace.

embrace.

Thank you, the guard said into her ear.

She kept her hands on Kea's shoulders

and drew back enough to meet her eyes

again, her own amber gaze

serious. The fact that you're feeling

guilt is a credit to you. It means

you're human. It means you're ka. But

you acted in self-defense and in doing

so, you saved my life. So instead of

dwelling on what was lost, try to

remember that as important as it is to

mourn the dead, it's just as important

to celebrate the

living. Nari gave Ka's shoulders a

gentle squeeze and whispered, "I will

grieve for the six warriors we killed,

but I will not regret what we did

because if they had succeeded, then we

would all be dead."

She gave one final squeeze before releasing

releasing

Ka. Those women would be the first to

applaud the courage you showed today.

They undertook the arzavar knowing what

they risked and they died with honor

just as they would have wanted. They are

at peace now and forever. So when the

nightmares come, think about that. And

if you

can't. Nari's lips tipped up in the

slightest of smiles. That expression

more than anything else telling Kea that

the guard had forgiven her. Come and

wake me. I'll battle your demons for

you. On that profound note, Nari turned

and left the

room. Long minutes passed as Kea stared

at the closed door, mentally replaying

their conversation.

Tears welled in her eyes, but she wasn't

sure if they were from grief or joy. Tip

had forgiven her, and now Nari, too. Kea

let that sink deep before wiping her

face and leaving the window, curling up

in bed once more. This time, sleep came

swiftly. So did the nightmares. But

every time she woke, she remembered

Nari's words. How those women, including

the golden warrior, had known the risks

and were now at peace. Holding on to

that, Ka soon felt her nightmares

fading, their power dissolving as

perspective allowed her to accept what

had happened and her role in it. Only

then did she drift off one final time,

18. The next few days passed in a haze

of blistering sun and windswept sand as

their group set out across the desert.

They stayed close to the coastline to

take advantage of the ocean breeze, only

moving inland when the cliffside path

became too hazardous for the horses.

Every morning, Ka continued to work with

Cal, first on her physical strength and

then on her magic. He was methodical in

making her relive every single moment of

the arena battle, showing her a range of

self-defense moves she could have used

in a multiple opponent scenario,

ignoring her claims that she'd never be

in that situation again, or she hoped

not. She might have come to terms with

what had happened thanks to Nari's

intervention, but the golden warrior

remained in her thoughts. Kea doubted

she would ever fully disappear. That was

the consequence of taking a life, a

burden to live with

forever. On the magical side of things,

Ka was becoming increasingly jealous of

Ashlin, who was seeing vast improvements

in her windfunneling. She was now able

to transport herself to any point she

could see in the distance, even if she'd

yet to manage anywhere outside of view.

But Galdrich was impressed by how

quickly she was learning. Conversely,

Kea's attempts to throw her own power

outward continued to fizzle into

nothing. Despite how effortless it had

been for her to heal Nari after the

Arzavar and to extend that healing to

Ashlin and Cresta without having to

touch them, Ka had seen little success

since then. Her magic was temperamental

at best and causing her no small amount of

frustration. On the third day after they

left Yurin, the pressure finally got to

her enough that mid-training she threw

her hands in the air and cried. "It's

useless. I'm never going to be able to

do what Zelica does." "That's actually

the opposite of what we want," Calvin

said dryly. "Death magic bad,

remember?" Kea scowlled and kicked at

the sand. Don't try to be funny when I'm

upset. Straightfaced, he said. There's

nothing funny about death magic. That's

some dark humor you're into,

sunshine. He then cracked a smile and

nudged her in the ribs, saying, "Lighten

up, sweet cheeks. No one expects you to

learn everything in a

day." Maybe not, but they clearly wished

she'd learn faster than her current

speed. She might as well not have magic

for all the progress she was making.

Sighing, Ka stared across the seemingly

endless sand dunes, the early morning

sun hinting that the day would be

another scorcher. They'd found a small

oasis to camp beside overnight, the

watering hole narrow but bordered by

enough shrubbery that they'd each been

able to wash the sweat and dirt off

their bodies with a modicum of privacy.

Kea had felt nearly human for the first

time in 4 days when she'd awoken that

morning. But now her growing irritation

was sabotaging her mood. In a miserable

voice, she said, "I just don't know how

to do it. It's so instinctive to release

my magic when I'm touching someone who's

hurt, but the rest of the time." She

shook her head and looked down at the

sand. Galdrich says, "My mother thought

I was strong, but I don't feel strong.

All I feel is

scared." Gently, Calvin repeated.

"Scared that I'm going to fail you all,"

Ka admitted softly. "I know you're all

relying on me being able to stop Zelica,

but what if I can't? What if all the

training in the world won't prepare me

for her? I'm already struggling so much

just to summon my magic. So what if

Close your

eyes. Kea jolted at Jiren's quiet order

and spun to see him walking toward her,

his hair damp and his skin flushed from

his workout. Nari had been sparring with

him, but she'd now joined Idrin and

Cresta in a three-way match, while

Ashlin, having finished with Galdrich

for the day, was wrestling with

Terrell. For the briefest of moments, Ka

watched her brother, seeing the wide

grin on his face as Ashlin tackled him,

the two of them tumbling to the ground

in a mess of limbs, laughing freely. Kea

hadn't had a chance to ask him yet, but

there was definitely a spark between

them. Even Calvin had noticed, grumbling

about how his sister always stole the

good ones. But Kea had a feeling Calvin

had already turned his affections

elsewhere to a certain red-headed

exquarer, even if they spent as much

time ignoring each other as they did

flirting. The tension between them was

growing uncomfortable for the rest of

the group. But Kea could hardly talk

given the tension she herself felt

toward a certain crown prince. the same

crown prince who was now standing before

her waiting for her to obey his

command. "Pardon?" Kea asked, her chest suddenly

suddenly

tight. She expected to see impatience,

even anger, but his gaze was steady as

he repeated, "Close your eyes, Kea."

The way he said her name made her feel

as if gentle fingers were trailing down

her spine, causing her to shiver. "Close

my eyes?" she asked somewhat breathily

and definitely dazed. "He was so close,

closer than he'd willfully been to her

in the time since they'd been reunited."

You said you're struggling to summon

your power, he stated, apparently having

heard her outburst to Calvin. That was

mortifying. And she fought the blush,

wanting to stain her

cheeks. You also said, "We're relying on

you, and you're right, we

are." Kea winced at hearing confirmation

from the one person who needed her to

succeed, perhaps more than anyone else.

I might not have magic anymore, he said,

and she quickly looked away, afraid of

what she would see in his expression,

even if there continued to be no trace

of anger in his voice. But I still know

how it works. So, please close your eyes

and trust

me. Kea hardly dared to breathe with him

so near, especially since he seemed to

have momentarily set aside his hatred of

her. She had no trouble trusting him.

She'd never had trouble trusting him,

even when she should have. For her, it

was as easy as breathing. So, she had no

problem following his quiet

command. "When you use your magic, what

do you feel?" Jiren asked, his voice

soft and close enough that she shivered

again. "Hot, cold,

happy, sad?

What do you

experience? Kea's stomach flipped in

response to his proximity, but she kept

her eyes tightly closed as she answered.

It's like my blood heats up and I get a

tingling feeling in my fingers before it

just sort of erupts out of me. Is it

uncomfortable? No, never. It feels not

happy but pure, clean. It feels like.

She took a moment to consider her words.

It feels like

life. And what about when you healed

Nari and the others in urine? He

pressed. You said afterward that it had

come easier to you than ever before.

That it just

happened. Go back to that moment. What

was different about

it? Kea cast her mind back. There was

nothing she could recall that might have

made it less challenging to summon her

magic aside from Tip had just forgiven

me. Kea answered quietly, almost

embarrassingly. The way he was looking

at me, believing without a doubt that

I'd be able to heal Nari. I

I She paused to gather herself.

I was feeling a lot knowing that he

accepted what I could do and therefore

who I was, his confidence in me, his

love. She had to clear the emotion from

her voice before she could

finish. My magic came effortlessly. I

barely even had to think about

it. There was a weighty silence that

lasted long enough for Kea to wonder if

Jiren had walked away. She was just

about to crack open her eyelids and

check when he spoke. His voice still

quiet, still

close. Elemental magic is prompted by

conscious thought, he shared. In the

same way your brain sends a message to

your hands or feet if you want to move

your fingers or wiggle your toes, a

similar kind of mindful conditioning is

what creates a magical response.

Summon a flame. Grow a tree. Make it

rain. Create a breeze. All it takes is a

mental command, regardless of whether

it's deliberate or

reactive. He paused. But your magic

sounds as if it acts more on an

emotional level. Ignoring what happened

in urine, all the times you've healed

people in the past. What was your

dominant feeling?

Kea thought about healing Tip in

Zalandov, her brother at Valenia's

docks, Jiren at the river palace. In all

three instances, they were mere moments

from death. The answer came to her easily.

easily.

Desperation. A quiet puff of air left

Jiren, and she wondered if he, too, was

remembering the night he'd been stabbed.

He'd been unconscious when she'd healed

him, so he had no idea how terrified

she'd been that she wouldn't be able to

save him. But Calvin had witnessed every

traumatic second of it and likely shared

the entire encounter

afterward. "That makes sense," Jiren

said after clearing his throat. It's

also likely why you're having so much

trouble calling your power when no one's

in trouble. Because you've become used

to channeling your magic only in dire

circumstances. So what does that mean?

Asked Ken and Ka jumped, having

forgotten she'd been training with him

before Jiren had arrived. It means she

needs to retrain her mind. Jiren said if

her power is linked to her emotions,

then she needs to feed it the right

feelings, ones that aren't driven by

fear, but by hope and joy. And he

stopped himself, but Calvin finished for

him, having heard what Kea had said

about Tip. Love. She needs to focus on love.

love.

Kea was glad her eyes were still closed,

if only to avoid seeing whatever look

passed between the two

princes. "Right," Jarn said, his voice

rougher than before. But then it

returned to normal as he addressed Kea

again. "I want you to think of a memory,

a good one, something that made you feel

all the things we just talked about.

Maybe think about when Tip forgave you.

Or perhaps a moment from your childhood,

something that's strong and clear in

your mind and makes you feel lighter

just thinking about

it. A memory filled with love, Calvin

added, apparently agreeing with his

cousin's new training technique.

Kea's mind sped over a thousand

possibilities with Tip's face coming to

her, then Terrell's, her father's, even

Cald's. Each of them was attached to

more than one memory that made her feel

light, but she had trouble holding them

in her thoughts, the images vanishing

quickly. Only one memory was able to

stay in the forefront of her mind,

making her knees weak and her stomach

flip all over again. the night of the

masquerade, before everything had gone

wrong. The night when she and Jiren had first

first

kissed. "I know you're scared," he'd

whispered right before his lips had

touched hers. "But I promise you don't

have to be. You're safe with me, Kea.

You'll always be safe with me."

Kea hadn't let herself think about that

part of the night in all the time since

then, fearing what it might do to her

poor, grieving heart. But there was no

denying that it fit everything she was

being asked to feel. A good memory

filled with

love. "Do you have one?" Jiren asked

softly. "Yes," Ka whispered, hoping her

cheeks weren't as red as they felt. If

he had any idea that he was starring in

her thoughts, he didn't let on and

instead said, "Good. Now hold your hands

out like you're cupping water in your

palms." Kea did so, her arms trembling

from the emotion now coursing through her.

her.

"Keeping that memory," Jarn said, his

voice now coming from behind her. He was

close enough that she could feel his

heat along her back, his breath against her

her

ear. Everything you felt at the time,

keep it central in your thoughts, and

then use it to dive deep within yourself

as if tapping a well full of your magic,

carrying it back up to the surface. It's

light, not heavy, full of hope, full of

joy, full

of of love.

He stumbled over the word, but Ka barely

heard him, all too aware of the tingles

overtaking her body, of the warmth that

had nothing to do with him standing

behind her. "Open your eyes,

sweetheart." The words didn't come from

Jiren now. They were part of her memory

from that night when Jiren had uttered

them so impossibly softly and she'd

obeyed only to see everything he'd felt

for her revealed in his

expression. "Open your eyes, Kea." The

real Jiren whispered, causing her pulse

to skip a beat. But this time, when she

did so, he wasn't waiting before her,

looking at her with his heart on his

sleeve. Instead, she glanced down to

find her hands glowing. A steady, bright

light sitting between her palms, waiting for

for

direction. It was as if something

clicked within her, then an instinct

she'd been unaware of, or perhaps

suppressing. She separated her hands

until they were stretched out at her

sides, the glow remaining with them

both, until she fisted one set of

fingers to snuff it out. She then tossed

the remaining ball of light into the

air, catching it with her free hand

before making a waving gesture that

caused an arc of golden light to spread

outward from where she stood like a

gilded rainbow stretching 3 ft, 5 ft, 10

ft long before she called it back into

herself. Only then did she release her

hold on her power, the tingles and the

warmth fading as the glow finally disappeared.

disappeared.

For a moment, Ka stood there,

stunned. But then she heard a whoop

sound right before Calden lifted her off

the ground, spinning her in a circle. "I

knew you could do it," he said, dropping

her back onto the sand and beaming

widely. "Now we just have to work on

building your endurance and refining

your technique. How do you feel? Tired? Drained?"

Drained?"

Kea felt neither, or at least not to the

level she normally did after using her

magic. It was as if in not having to

fight for it, to beg for it, she hadn't

wasted as much energy as she normally

would. Her magic wanted to be summoned,

it wanted to feel the joy that she'd

just fed it, the love that she'd used to

coax it out. For the first time since

she'd learned about having to counter

her sister's power, Ka felt a stirring

of hope enough that she couldn't keep

the grin from her lips when she

answered, "I feel good. Really, really

good." Slowly, she turned to see what

Jiren had to say, longing to see the

approval on his face, perhaps even a

smile, something that she missed more

than anything. But when she looked

around, all she saw was his strong back

as he stroed

away. "Never mind him," Calvin said,

seeing her face fall and clapping her

heartily on the shoulder. "We're not

done training. Summon your magic again.

And this time, I want you to try for 15

ft. A straight line, too, like you're

aiming for a target."

When she didn't immediately jump to

action, he tapped his boot on the ground

and said, "What are you waiting for now,

sunshine?" And so Kea turned away from

the sight of Jiren, unshathing his sword

and returning to his sparring, acting

That night, Ka sat alone in front of the

fire, a soft glow emanating not just

from the flames, but also from the magic

she held between her palms. She stared

at it, amazed and knew by what she could

now do. All day, as they'd ridden

through the searing desert, Cal had

remained by her side, making her call

her power on command, and even send it

toward their traveling companions,

easing their riding pains from a

distance. It had been so easy, so

natural that Kea had wanted to laugh.

She'd still needed frequent breaks when

her energy waned enough to risk tumbling

off Zephyr<unk>'s back, not that the

beast would have minded, but she hadn't

suffered from the allconsuming

exhaustion her previous life or death

healings had prompted. Even now, there

was merely a weariness in her body,

similar to how she felt after a hard

physical workout.

Calvin had said she needed to build

endurance, and Ka was determined to do

so, knowing how vital it was for her to

be in top condition by the time they

returned to

Valenia. You're really getting the hang

of that, Terrell said, coming to sit

beside her. None of the others were in

sight, each having jobs to do as part of

their nightly routine. Kea had been

allocated dinner duty that evening and

was carefully monitoring the stew

boiling on the fire. "I still have a lot

to learn," she said, banishing her magic

before summoning it again. It was a

basic strengthening exercise, one of the

many Cal taught her that day. "Are the

others back yet?"

Like every evening when they made camp,

two of their companions had ridden out

to scout the area, making sure there

were no nasty surprises or unwanted

company near enough to threaten them

while they slept. Tonight, Calvin and

Ashlin had offered to go together,

making Ka's heart warm for the siblings,

who were slowly catching up on

everything they'd missed in the last 3 years.

years.

Not yet, Tor answered, feeding some

twigs into the fire. They'd been

fortunate enough to find another oasis,

this one considerably larger than the

last, and with more foliage, including a

good amount of desert grass that the

horses had begun devouring upon arrival.

Tip and Galdrich were currently checking

all the mounts and rubbing them down.

And despite how far away they were, Kea

could still hear the young boy talking

non-stop to the ex-rebel leader. She

couldn't make out the words, but his

bubbly, happy tone made her sigh with

contentment. "Everything all right?" To

asked, hearing the sound and looking at

her with concern, his emerald eyes and

dark hair both reflecting the light of

the fire.

Better than it's been for a long time,

Kea answered, thinking about the journey

her life had taken over the last few

weeks. A nightmare slowly becoming less

so. She still had moments of darkness,

her mind often plagued by memories of

Zalandov or Navic or the Arena Battle,

along with fears of what might be

happening in Valenia with Zelica and

Mirin. But right now, that all felt distant.

distant.

carefully to

hedged. Things seemed to go well with

Jiren this

morning. It was a leading statement, and

Ka looked around quickly, aware that

Jiren had gone to refill their water

skins and could return at any moment. "I

don't want to get my hopes up," she said

quietly. "But he seems to not hate me as

much. Maybe. I'm unsure."

Have you talked to him? Kea tossed her

magic slowly from palm to

palm. Talked to him? To's lips twitched.

Yeah, mouse. You know that thing where

your mouth moves and words come

out. Kea pulled a face causing him to

chuckle. Seriously? He said, it's been

what, 12 days since you were reunited?

13? Kea mumbled. And you still haven't

tried to explain everything that

happened. Even I've spoken with him,

sharing my side of things. Kea's eyes

widened. You have? I doubt we'll ever be

best friends, to said Riley. But I'm not

worried about him stabbing me in my

sleep anymore. We've even been training

together. Haven't you

noticed? He didn't wait for her answer

before he added. Don't get me wrong, it

was one of the most uncomfortable

conversations of my life. Owning up to

your mistakes is never easy. It's not

meant to be easy, but it's always worth

it. I understand why you're hesitant,

but well, he

frowned. Actually, no, I don't. Why

haven't you talked with him yet?

Kea rolled the tension from her neck,

shocked that she'd been oblivious to to

working on his relationship with Jiren.

But even so, their situations were

different. To wasn't in love with Jiren,

and he hadn't betrayed him. "It's

complicated," Ka finally said. Terrell

snorted. That's an understatement, but

it's never going to become uncomplicated

if you keep being afraid of confronting

him. I'm not

afraid. The lie was so obvious that

Terrell burst out laughing. No, you're

terrified, he said around his mirth. He

nudged her shoulder before gently

asking. "What's the worst that could

happen? He'll hate you even more."

Kea bit her lip and glanced toward where

Jiren had disappeared earlier, striding

through the fading twilight down to the

watering hole. For one mad second, she

considered going after him. But then her

courage fled, and she swiftly turned the

interrogation around on her brother.

Forget about Jiren. What's going on with

you and

Ashlin? Terrell started. What do you

mean? This time it was Ka who snorted.

Don't play dumb. Even Calden has

noticed. As an aside, she added, he's

quite put out, you know. Tor's forehead

bunched. I didn't realize he was so

protective of her. Kea rolled her eyes.

I think he's more upset that she's

managed to steal your attention rather than

than

him. Rather

than Terrell blinked.

Oh. He scratched his jaw, embarrassed. I

always wondered why I kept turning

around to find him staring longingly at

me. I was beginning to think I was

imagining it. Kea choked. You You didn't

know? She chroled. But he's so

obvious. Terrell fed more sticks into

the fire, his cheeks flushing. I thought

he and Cresta. He wishes," Cresa said,

appearing out of nowhere and making Ka

jump. She sat opposite them and

unshathed her sword gifted by Edin along

with a wet stone and began sharpening the

the

blade. Despite the glimmer of humor in

Crusta's features, Ka also noticed the

anticipation there. She shook her head,

failing to understand the cat and mouse

game her two friends were playing.

She still hadn't figured out who was the

cat and who was the

mouse. Turning back to her brother, Kea

said, "If you'd realized about Calvin

sooner, would you have returned his

affections?" She stumbled over the

words, feeling strange having this

conversation after so many years apart.

"And what about Rinda? I assumed you two

were, you know." She trailed off, uncomfortable

uncomfortable

now. An amused sound left Terrell. Russ

and me? No, definitely no. She's like a

sister. He shuddered comically. I mean,

I love her and I'd do anything for her,

and I know that's reciprocated, but

there is nothing romantic there. And

besides, he added, she doesn't feel that

way about men or women. She loves

fiercely, and the people she cares about

mean everything to her, but she's the

first to say she'd rather have choa buns

warm her bed than another

person. He smiled in memory. That's a

direct quote straight from her lips.

Kea was amazed by how wrong she'd been

about the two of them, though she

couldn't fault Russ for her taste in

pastries. "And Calvin"? Kea pressed.

This time, Terrell took longer to

respond, peering thoughtfully into the

fire before he said, "I'll admit I'm

flattered. Cal is well, he's obviously

nice to look at, and once you get past

the arrogance, I can see why you care so

much about him.

But there's no spark there. At least not

for me. Attraction has to be more than skin

skin

deep. Kea mauled over his response,

unsurprised given what she'd seen of their

their

interactions. So, back to my question about

about

Ashlin. Terrell's gaze became unfocused,

a rare goofy smile touching his

lips. She's

special. Ugh. Gag, Cresa muttered,

pressing harder on her wet stone as if

hoping the sound would drown out what

she was

hearing. No one asked you to join us.

Kea told her, I'm here for the food,

Cresta said. I didn't think I'd have to

endure whatever this is. You're just

jealous that Tor's not afraid to admit

to his feelings, Kea said. Unlike

whatever the hell you and Calvin are

doing. There's no fun in that. Cresa

returned, grinning. To's choice leads to

long sunset walks and chased cheek

kisses. Mine leads to pentup frustration

and hot steamy. Gods do not finish that

sentence. Ashlin groaned, appearing out

of the darkness with Calvin at her side.

He was chuckling and sent a wink toward

Cresta, which she dutifully ignored,

continuing to play their

game. Terrell had stiffened beside Ka,

clearly anxious about how much the

Valente siblings had heard. But when

Ashlin sat next to him and asked about

one of the rebel attacks he'd secretly

sabotaged, he relaxed again, answering

her questions without

hesitation. Kea marveled at them. two

generals from opposing bloodlines who

had managed to set aside their

differences and develop feelings for

each other. Because it wasn't just

Terrell who was emotionally invested.

The way Ashlin was looking at him made

it seem like he was the only person in

the world, or at least in her

world. I hate them, Calvin muttered as

he dropped down on Ka's free side. She

didn't even try to hide her smile. You do

not. He sighed. Fine, I don't. But do

they have to be so mushy about

it? There's a good 10 in of space

between them, Kea said dryly, leaning

forward to check the stew. And they're

discussing fighting strategies. I'd

hardly consider that mushy.

You forget my sister has wind magic.

Calvin retorted. All it would take is a

flick of her hand and whoosh, off come

his clothes. You think I want to witness

that? No, thank you. He cockked his head

and amended. Well, actually, I do, but

only if we can hear you, [ __ ] Ashlin

said, turning to scowl at him. Cresta

choked on a laugh, and Kea was tempted

to join her, if not for the unpleasant

image Calvin had just inserted into her

mind. "Please don't say something like

that to me again," Ka begged. "Or to

anyone," Ashlin stated, still frowning

at him. Her face then cleared, a

mischievous look coming over her as she

added. But since you're so curious, my

magic doesn't quite work like that.

Clothes are tricky with all those

buckles and belts. I much prefer to use

my hands so I can touch.

La, Calvin interrupted, plugging his

ears immaturely. Not thinking about my

sister and what in the ever world is

going on over here? Nari asked, joining

them with Edin following close behind.

With a devilish grin toward Calvin,

Cresta said, "We were just discussing

the preferred method of using magic."

Calvin interrupted firmly, but now Kea

is going to tell us if the food is

ready, and we're going to eat in

silence. Kea patted his knee, biting

back a laugh at his uncharacteristic

show of discomfort. The stew's done, she

confirmed, standing. I'll go tell the

others. As she walked away, she could

have sworn she heard Calvin pleading,

"Don't leave me with these

repbates." Which only made her snicker

into the

darkness. Carefully, she picked her way

through the shrubs and date palms toward

where they'd set up the temporary pen

for the horses.

Halfway there, she summoned her magic,

delighted to discover that the glow

illuminated her path enough to avoid

tripping. Soon, however, it wasn't

needed, since Tip and Galdrich were

using handheld luminium lanterns as they

saw to Ashland's and Cald's newly returned

returned

mounts. Spirit was already settled and

happily munching on toughs of grass,

while Cald's mayor, Fury, was

impatiently waiting for Galdrich to

complete her rubown.

Looking toward Tip, Ka saw that he just

finished cleaning their gear and was

sorting everything into neat, efficient

piles. Pride welled in her as she

watched him meticulously check

everything over before giving a nod of

satisfaction. Only then did he turn and

see her, his face brightening

instantly. Kea, he greeted her with a

gap tod smile. You were right about

that, Pus. Whistlefoot swelling is

almost completely

gone. She returned his smile, not

sharing that she'd had no idea if a

treatment intended for humans would work

on his beloved pony, but pleased for him

nonetheless. "Dinner's ready," she said.

"I added extra callus bulbs just for

you. No one else could stand the chalky

tasting desert tuber, but Tip was a

growing boy with a stomach that would

find dirt palatable as long as it filled

him up. His grin widened, and he bounced

over to give her a quick hug before

skipping off in the direction of the

fire, calling over his shoulder, "I hope

they left me me some."

Kea was willing to bet that every single

bulb would be waiting at the bottom of

the pot for him, untouched by the

others. She chuckled and shook her head

before looking toward the palms leading

down to the watering hole, debating

whether she should go and find Jiren or

let him return on his own. She still

hadn't decided when Galdrich cleared his

throat, drawing her

eyes. "We haven't had much of a chance

to talk," he said. shifting from foot to

foot. Fury stomped with agitation,

picking up on his nerves, and he ran a

soothing hand along her back. Before Kea

could ask what Galdrich wanted to

discuss, a puff of air on her neck had

her whipping around to find Zephr had

snuck up behind her. She eyed him

wearily, but instead of trying to bite

her, he only nudged her with his muzzle.

Huh?" she declared quietly, stroking his

silky gray cheek. "I knew I'd grow on

you." "That one's a menace to groom,"

Galdrich stated. "I don't think he likes

anyone. He's just picky," Kea said,

moving her hand quickly when Zephyr had

enough of her affection and attempted to

nip her. Clearly, there was still room

for improvement in their relationship.

But as Cal had once told her, small

steps were still

steps. Bored of her now, Zephr ambled

away, leaving Kea's full attention on

Galdrich. "I know it's not my place," he

said. "And I don't even know if you want

to hear it, but your mother," he broke

off, tugging on his beard. She

was your mother

was He tried again, his voice

thick. Tilda was very dear to me. We

grew close after your father

passed. Panicked, he said, "Not like

that. She loved Faren too much to give

her heart to anyone else. But I he kept

his gaze firmly on fury as he

admitted. I couldn't help developing

those feelings for her, even knowing

she'd never reciprocate

them. Kea stood there awkwardly, unsure

what to say. Since knowing Galdrich, the

mother she thought she'd had, then lost,

then realized she'd never known at all,

had returned to being someone she

remembered from her childhood. And yet,

she still felt distance whenever she

thought of Tilda. Not just from the

years they'd been apart, but from all

the lies and half-truths and the choices

her mother had made. Choices that had

left Ka alone in Zaland for a decade.

Did she ever tell you why she didn't

come and get me? Kea asked, having

recently learned that she could have

been freed any time before her 12th

birthday. Zelica had offered a flimsy

excuse about how Ka's magic could have

endangered the rebel movement, but Kea

knew there had to be more to it than

that since both Tilda and Zelica had

been using their power that whole time.

"Ah," Galdrich said, fidgeting.

I'm afraid that might have been my

fault. Kea narrowed her eyes at the

guilt on his

face. You see, he said, "I

Well, I'm sorry. There's no easy way to

say this, but I told Tilda that the law

allowing the release of minors didn't

apply to those accused of being rebel

sympathizers. She trusted me and I took

advantage of

that. Seeing Kea's stricken look, he

quickly added, "I thought I was

protecting her. Faren was still alive then, and if she'd gone to claim you,

then, and if she'd gone to claim you, she never would have left knowing he was

she never would have left knowing he was still imprisoned, she would have ended

still imprisoned, she would have ended up locked in there with him. But when

up locked in there with him. But when news of his death came a year later, I

news of his death came a year later, I was too ashamed to admit that I'd lied.

was too ashamed to admit that I'd lied. I'd already fallen in love with her, and

I'd already fallen in love with her, and I was so afraid that

I was so afraid that she'd his voice broke, his remorseful

she'd his voice broke, his remorseful gaze meeting Kas. I'm so sorry. I won't

gaze meeting Kas. I'm so sorry. I won't ask you to forgive me, but I'd hate if

ask you to forgive me, but I'd hate if you went on thinking your mother to be

you went on thinking your mother to be the villain when all she ever wanted was

the villain when all she ever wanted was to love you, to protect you, to be with

to love you, to protect you, to be with you. and she would have if not for

you. and she would have if not for me. Kea was having trouble breathing.

me. Kea was having trouble breathing. Somehow she managed to say, "But Zelica

Somehow she managed to say, "But Zelica knew." She said mother thought it was

knew." She said mother thought it was best if I stayed in. Zelica overheard me

best if I stayed in. Zelica overheard me speaking to one of the other rebel

speaking to one of the other rebel leaders about it, telling them my plans

leaders about it, telling them my plans to keep Tilda safe. Galdrich explained.

to keep Tilda safe. Galdrich explained. If anything, he only looked more

If anything, he only looked more ashamed. She was so terrified of losing

ashamed. She was so terrified of losing your mother that she readily agreed to

your mother that she readily agreed to stay

stay quiet. Kea had been seven when she'd

quiet. Kea had been seven when she'd been sent to Zalandov. Zelica had been

been sent to Zalandov. Zelica had been 11. They'd never been as close as Ka had

11. They'd never been as close as Ka had felt toward Terrell, even toward her

felt toward Terrell, even toward her younger brother Karen. But still, for

younger brother Karen. But still, for Zelica to have cared so little about Ka

Zelica to have cared so little about Ka that she'd hidden how easy it would have

that she'd hidden how easy it would have been to free her, even and especially

been to free her, even and especially after their father had passed, made Ka

after their father had passed, made Ka feel as if something very heavy was

feel as if something very heavy was sitting on her

sitting on her chest. "I'm sorry," Galdrich said again,

chest. "I'm sorry," Galdrich said again, whispering now. "I debated, not telling

whispering now. "I debated, not telling you. I've been fighting with myself

you. I've been fighting with myself about it since long before we met. But I

about it since long before we met. But I think if I were you, I'd want to know.

think if I were you, I'd want to know. And I can't in good conscience let you

And I can't in good conscience let you believe your mother abandoned you. She

believe your mother abandoned you. She loved you so very much. And she asked

loved you so very much. And she asked many times if we could stage a rescue,

many times if we could stage a rescue, but I always told her it was too

but I always told her it was too dangerous. and every time I saw her

dangerous. and every time I saw her heart break a little more until the day

heart break a little more until the day I could no longer say no. That's when

I could no longer say no. That's when you went with her to Navic. Kea realized

you went with her to Navic. Kea realized her voice.

her voice. Yes, but by then she was so sick that

Yes, but by then she was so sick that Galdrich stopped himself, then quietly

Galdrich stopped himself, then quietly said, "I knew our chances were slim, but

said, "I knew our chances were slim, but I'd hoped she would at least get to see

I'd hoped she would at least get to see you before." "She was blind when she

you before." "She was blind when she arrived at Zalandov," Kea said, feeling

arrived at Zalandov," Kea said, feeling numb now. "Did you know that?" "She

numb now. "Did you know that?" "She didn't get to see me, not once. And she

didn't get to see me, not once. And she was so delirious with fever. I don't

was so delirious with fever. I don't think she even knew who I was most of

think she even knew who I was most of the

the time. A pained moan left

time. A pained moan left Galdrich. We waited too long. I should

Galdrich. We waited too long. I should have helped her sooner. I should have

have helped her sooner. I should have listened. Instead, it was Zelica's

listened. Instead, it was Zelica's downward spiral that finally made me

downward spiral that finally made me agree that something needed to be done,

agree that something needed to be done, that we needed you. His voice was full

that we needed you. His voice was full of regret as he whispered, "I'm so

of regret as he whispered, "I'm so sorry." Kea held his gaze, a silent war

sorry." Kea held his gaze, a silent war raging within her, hearing that her

raging within her, hearing that her mother had been lied to. She didn't know

mother had been lied to. She didn't know how to process that, or the heartache

how to process that, or the heartache that came with knowing Tilda had never

that came with knowing Tilda had never truly abandoned her, not willfully, at

truly abandoned her, not willfully, at least. In the same way that Terrell

least. In the same way that Terrell hadn't known he could free Ka, Tilda had

hadn't known he could free Ka, Tilda had been equally ignorant because of

been equally ignorant because of Galdrich and

Galdrich and Zelica. Perhaps it was too forgiving of

Zelica. Perhaps it was too forgiving of Kea, but she could understand Galdrich's

Kea, but she could understand Galdrich's motivations. He hadn't known her

motivations. He hadn't known her personally back then, and he'd wanted to

personally back then, and he'd wanted to protect the woman he'd

protect the woman he'd loved. While there was surely more he

loved. While there was surely more he wasn't admitting to, like his desire to

wasn't admitting to, like his desire to keep Tilda out of prison so she could

keep Tilda out of prison so she could continue spearheading the rebel

continue spearheading the rebel campaign, for the most part, his reasons

campaign, for the most part, his reasons had been pure, even if they'd led to

had been pure, even if they'd led to Ka's

Ka's misfortune. But

misfortune. But Zelica, she was Ka's sister. Even if

Zelica, she was Ka's sister. Even if she'd been worried about their mother,

she'd been worried about their mother, she still should have cared enough about

she still should have cared enough about Ka to want her free.

Ka to want her free. Unless when did Zelica realize she had

Unless when did Zelica realize she had magic? Kea asked. Galdrich hesitated

magic? Kea asked. Galdrich hesitated before

before answering. Soon after your family joined

answering. Soon after your family joined us, but she kept it hidden, only telling

us, but she kept it hidden, only telling Tilda, who of course told

Tilda, who of course told me. And when did she start using death

me. And when did she start using death magic? This time Galdri<unk>'s

magic? This time Galdri<unk>'s hesitation was longer.

hesitation was longer. I can't know for sure, but I think she

I can't know for sure, but I think she understood what she could do almost

understood what she could do almost straight

straight away. She only trained her healing magic

away. She only trained her healing magic with your mother, though, which is why

with your mother, though, which is why she hasn't yet succumbed to the blood

she hasn't yet succumbed to the blood illness like Tilda did. That and because

illness like Tilda did. That and because she's not repressing it like Tilda was.

she's not repressing it like Tilda was. Plus, she's younger, so her body is able

Plus, she's younger, so her body is able to restore itself faster. It took a few

to restore itself faster. It took a few years before she began to actively use

years before she began to actively use her death magic, and that's when your

her death magic, and that's when your mother chose to cover for

mother chose to cover for her. Ka looked out into the now fully

her. Ka looked out into the now fully dark oasis, the moonlight, kissing the

dark oasis, the moonlight, kissing the leaves of the date palms and shading

leaves of the date palms and shading them silver.

them silver. So if Zelica knew what she could do and

So if Zelica knew what she could do and what I could do, then she could probably

what I could do, then she could probably have guessed what my power might do

have guessed what my power might do against

against hers. She was young, Galdrich said

hers. She was young, Galdrich said softly. But if I had to speculate, then

softly. But if I had to speculate, then yes, I assume that may have given her

yes, I assume that may have given her another reason for wanting to keep you

another reason for wanting to keep you away. That end. And

away. That end. And what? Galdrich

what? Galdrich sighed. Celica has always struggled with

sighed. Celica has always struggled with jealousy. I saw it time and again in the

jealousy. I saw it time and again in the rebel camps, especially when your

rebel camps, especially when your brother grew into himself and began to

brother grew into himself and began to excel in his training. She never liked

excel in his training. She never liked when someone else received more

when someone else received more attention or praise than she did. And I

attention or praise than she did. And I think because of that, she considered

think because of that, she considered you a threat for your mother's

you a threat for your mother's affections. Tilda was always saying how

affections. Tilda was always saying how powerful you were, even before you'd had

powerful you were, even before you'd had a chance to properly use your magic. I

a chance to properly use your magic. I think Zelica feared that if you were

think Zelica feared that if you were released from Zelandov, she might be

released from Zelandov, she might be pushed to the

pushed to the side. That heavy feeling on Kea's chest

side. That heavy feeling on Kea's chest was still there, now worse than before.

was still there, now worse than before. She looked into the darkness once more,

She looked into the darkness once more, automatically turning in the direction

automatically turning in the direction of the watering hole. She would have

of the watering hole. She would have given anything to talk to Jiren about

given anything to talk to Jiren about what Galdrich had just shared, knowing

what Galdrich had just shared, knowing that once upon a time he would have held

that once upon a time he would have held her until the pain eased. She missed

her until the pain eased. She missed that. She missed

that. She missed him. Maybe Terrell was right. Maybe it

him. Maybe Terrell was right. Maybe it was time she talked to Jiren. Tip had

was time she talked to Jiren. Tip had forgiven her, as had Nari, and Calden

forgiven her, as had Nari, and Calden hadn't maintained his anger long enough

hadn't maintained his anger long enough to need to forgive her. After nearly two

to need to forgive her. After nearly two weeks of being back together, of Jiren

weeks of being back together, of Jiren witnessing her heal Nari twice, and

witnessing her heal Nari twice, and watching her battle alongside their

watching her battle alongside their friends in the arena, all for a ring

friends in the arena, all for a ring that would return his magic and prevent

that would return his magic and prevent the loss of his kingdom, surely he would

the loss of his kingdom, surely he would be willing to hear her out.

be willing to hear her out. Kea wasn't confident, but she felt hope

Kea wasn't confident, but she felt hope flutter in her heart, especially when

flutter in her heart, especially when she remembered how he'd helped her that

she remembered how he'd helped her that morning, how he'd been within touching

morning, how he'd been within touching distance of her by choice. She knew

distance of her by choice. She knew better than to expect his comfort for

better than to expect his comfort for what she'd just learned. But maybe they

what she'd just learned. But maybe they could start working to get back to that

could start working to get back to that place, if only she could find the

place, if only she could find the courage to face him and begin mending

courage to face him and begin mending what was between them. Small steps are

what was between them. Small steps are still

still steps. Calon's wisdom came to her again,

steps. Calon's wisdom came to her again, solidifying her

solidifying her decision. "Thank you for telling me all

decision. "Thank you for telling me all of that," Kea said to Galdrich, wanting

of that," Kea said to Galdrich, wanting to seek out Jiren before she lost her

to seek out Jiren before she lost her nerve. "And thank you for caring about

nerve. "And thank you for caring about my mother and trying to protect her. I

my mother and trying to protect her. I don't agree with your actions, but I can

don't agree with your actions, but I can appreciate that you were in a difficult

appreciate that you were in a difficult position, and you did what you thought

position, and you did what you thought was

was best. Galdrich seemed stunned by her

best. Galdrich seemed stunned by her acceptance, his hand frozen on Fury's

acceptance, his hand frozen on Fury's back. If you'll excuse me, Kea went on.

back. If you'll excuse me, Kea went on. There's something I need to do. She

There's something I need to do. She turned and headed toward the water hole,

turned and headed toward the water hole, her heart pounding as she navigated the

her heart pounding as she navigated the desert shrubbery until she saw a glimpse

desert shrubbery until she saw a glimpse of the surface rippling beneath the

of the surface rippling beneath the moonlight. "I can do this," she told

moonlight. "I can do this," she told herself, even if she was shaking on the

herself, even if she was shaking on the inside. This was Jiren. She knew him. He

inside. This was Jiren. She knew him. He would listen to her. He had

would listen to her. He had to. But when Kea finally reached the

to. But when Kea finally reached the shore, he was nowhere in sight. The

shore, he was nowhere in sight. The courage bled out of her as she realized

courage bled out of her as she realized he must have already returned to the

he must have already returned to the fire. For a minute, she considered

fire. For a minute, she considered pulling him away for a private talk, but

pulling him away for a private talk, but that would only result in unwanted

that would only result in unwanted attention from everyone. No, Ka would

attention from everyone. No, Ka would have to wait for another

have to wait for another opportunity. Tomorrow, she would find a

opportunity. Tomorrow, she would find a chance to talk to him tomorrow.

chance to talk to him tomorrow. Nodding to herself, she stared at the

Nodding to herself, she stared at the water, allowing it to calm the

water, allowing it to calm the turbulence she felt after her

turbulence she felt after her conversation with

conversation with Galdrich. Only when she was at peace

Galdrich. Only when she was at peace again, did she rejoin her friends,

again, did she rejoin her friends, accepting the stew Tip had saved for

accepting the stew Tip had saved for her, and doing everything she could to

her, and doing everything she could to not look at Jiren for the rest of the

not look at Jiren for the rest of the night, lest he see the longing on her

night, lest he see the longing on her face.

Chapter 20. When Kea woke the next morning, she

20. When Kea woke the next morning, she was determined to follow through with

was determined to follow through with her plan to speak to Jiren. But since

her plan to speak to Jiren. But since he'd made an art out of avoiding her,

he'd made an art out of avoiding her, the only time she saw him were when he

the only time she saw him were when he was with other people.

was with other people. For the entirety of her training session

For the entirety of her training session with Cal, she kept one eye on where

with Cal, she kept one eye on where Jiren sparred with Nari in the large

Jiren sparred with Nari in the large clear space at the outer edge of the

clear space at the outer edge of the oasis. Partly because it was impossible

oasis. Partly because it was impossible not to appreciate the way his body

not to appreciate the way his body moved, how his muscles bunched and

moved, how his muscles bunched and shifted with a fluidity that was

shifted with a fluidity that was downright

downright criminal. But she also watched so she

criminal. But she also watched so she could see when he finished, wanting to

could see when he finished, wanting to catch him alone before they departed for

catch him alone before they departed for the next leg of their journey.

the next leg of their journey. Daydreaming

Daydreaming much? Calvin's voice pulled Ka's gaze

much? Calvin's voice pulled Ka's gaze back to find him smirking at her,

back to find him smirking at her, prompting Heat to touch her cheeks. "I

prompting Heat to touch her cheeks. "I get it," he said, jutting a thumb out

get it," he said, jutting a thumb out toward his sweats cousin. "Trust me, I

toward his sweats cousin. "Trust me, I do." His own eyes darted to where

do." His own eyes darted to where Terrell was sparring with Ashlin before

Terrell was sparring with Ashlin before they settled on Cresta, who was paired

they settled on Cresta, who was paired with Edin. They lingered on the redhead

with Edin. They lingered on the redhead before he shook away his dazed

before he shook away his dazed expression and frowned at Kea. But do it

expression and frowned at Kea. But do it on your own time. She nodded guilty,

on your own time. She nodded guilty, knowing she needed to concentrate.

knowing she needed to concentrate. They'd already finished her physical

They'd already finished her physical training, which had included running

training, which had included running laps around the oasis, leaving her a

laps around the oasis, leaving her a sweating, panting mess, and now they

sweating, panting mess, and now they were working on her magic.

were working on her magic. She'd secretly hoped Jiren might join

She'd secretly hoped Jiren might join them again, had even considered acting

them again, had even considered acting as if she was still having trouble

as if she was still having trouble summoning her power. But she didn't want

summoning her power. But she didn't want to manipulate his attention. That plus,

to manipulate his attention. That plus, she really was finding her magic to be

she really was finding her magic to be so much easier now that she was feeding

so much easier now that she was feeding it through positive emotions and

it through positive emotions and memories, and she knew they needed to

memories, and she knew they needed to continue moving her training along,

continue moving her training along, which wouldn't happen if she faked

which wouldn't happen if she faked having more difficulties.

having more difficulties. I was thinking last night about Zelica's

I was thinking last night about Zelica's magic, Calvin said. How she shot those

magic, Calvin said. How she shot those shadows toward us in the river room. Do

shadows toward us in the river room. Do you

you remember? Kea sent him a dead pan look.

remember? Kea sent him a dead pan look. No, why would I remember that? Calvin

No, why would I remember that? Calvin snickered. God, you're so grumpy in the

snickered. God, you're so grumpy in the morning. He then sobered and said, "Next

morning. He then sobered and said, "Next time you face her, we need to make sure

time you face her, we need to make sure you can avoid her magic striking you at

you can avoid her magic striking you at all since there's no way to know what

all since there's no way to know what command she'll have behind it. She might

command she'll have behind it. She might just repeat that instant paralysis she

just repeat that instant paralysis she struck us with. But she could also do

struck us with. But she could also do something more sinister, like stop your

something more sinister, like stop your heart or create a brain bleed. Since you

heart or create a brain bleed. Since you can't heal yourself, you'll be dead in

can't heal yourself, you'll be dead in seconds."

seconds." A sick feeling twisted Ka's stomach.

A sick feeling twisted Ka's stomach. Would Zelica really do something like

Would Zelica really do something like that to her own

that to her own sister? But then she thought about how

sister? But then she thought about how Zelica had stabbed Terrell and how she'd

Zelica had stabbed Terrell and how she'd murdered Nana Delora. There really was

murdered Nana Delora. There really was no telling what extreme she might go to,

no telling what extreme she might go to, especially if she felt threatened.

especially if she felt threatened. So along with focusing on your magical

So along with focusing on your magical strength and endurance, Calvin went on,

strength and endurance, Calvin went on, I think we also need to work on your

I think we also need to work on your reaction

reaction speed. Kea was unsure if she liked the

speed. Kea was unsure if she liked the eager look on his face. How? I had an

eager look on his face. How? I had an idea, Calvin said, appearing very much

idea, Calvin said, appearing very much like Tip as he bounced excitedly on his

like Tip as he bounced excitedly on his heels. And before you panic, hear me

heels. And before you panic, hear me out. That didn't fill Kea with

out. That didn't fill Kea with confidence, but she still said, "I'm

confidence, but she still said, "I'm listening. I'm going to throw my magic

listening. I'm going to throw my magic at you, and you're going to summon yours

at you, and you're going to summon yours to try and meet it midair before it can

to try and meet it midair before it can touch you." For a moment, Kea just

touch you." For a moment, Kea just looked at him and then she laughed.

looked at him and then she laughed. "Wow, you really had me going for a

"Wow, you really had me going for a second there," she said, still

second there," she said, still chuckling. Calvin crossed his arms. I'm

chuckling. Calvin crossed his arms. I'm serious, Sunshine. You need to get used

serious, Sunshine. You need to get used to magical attacks. If you freeze up or

to magical attacks. If you freeze up or if you don't react fast enough, all it

if you don't react fast enough, all it will take is one hit from Zelica and you

will take is one hit from Zelica and you could be

could be dead. I realize that, Ka said, her eyes

dead. I realize that, Ka said, her eyes flashing, her humor gone. But in case

flashing, her humor gone. But in case you forgot, I have healing magic, and

you forgot, I have healing magic, and you throw fire. I might be able to

you throw fire. I might be able to nullify Zelica's shadows, and that's

nullify Zelica's shadows, and that's still a big question mark, but my power

still a big question mark, but my power won't do anything to stop yours. You'll

won't do anything to stop yours. You'll roast me like a

roast me like a chicken. Oh, you of little faith, Calvin

chicken. Oh, you of little faith, Calvin said, rolling his eyes. What's that

said, rolling his eyes. What's that around your neck, sweet cheeks? Is it

around your neck, sweet cheeks? Is it possibly a crest that can protect you

possibly a crest that can protect you from

from magic? Kea's hands automatically moved

magic? Kea's hands automatically moved in the amulet beneath her clothes. She

in the amulet beneath her clothes. She bit her lip, feeling foolish for having

bit her lip, feeling foolish for having thought Calvin would risk harming her,

thought Calvin would risk harming her, and sent him a sheepish apologetic look.

and sent him a sheepish apologetic look. "Come on, time's a wasting," he said,

"Come on, time's a wasting," he said, waving to her hands. If anything, he

waving to her hands. If anything, he seemed amused by her having doubted him,

seemed amused by her having doubted him, his cobalt eyes sparkling with

his cobalt eyes sparkling with mirth. Quickly, Kea dug the amulet out

mirth. Quickly, Kea dug the amulet out from her leathery armor. Calvin touched

from her leathery armor. Calvin touched a finger to it, sending his power into

a finger to it, sending his power into the ruby gemstone of the quadrant

the ruby gemstone of the quadrant depicting the fire element. Just like

depicting the fire element. Just like with the ring, the jewel glowed bright

with the ring, the jewel glowed bright red before it faded back to normal.

red before it faded back to normal. "See, now I can attack you anytime I

"See, now I can attack you anytime I want, and you'll be fine," he said,

want, and you'll be fine," he said, beaming. A vision of being awakened in

beaming. A vision of being awakened in the middle of the night, surrounded by

the middle of the night, surrounded by flames, came to Kea. So she said, "I

flames, came to Kea. So she said, "I think we should lay down some ground

think we should lay down some ground rules." "No time for that," he replied,

rules." "No time for that," he replied, striding away. "Are you ready?"

striding away. "Are you ready?" "I Before Kea could get her next word

"I Before Kea could get her next word out, there was a ball of fire heading

out, there was a ball of fire heading directly for her." Suddenly, she was

directly for her." Suddenly, she was transported straight back to Navik's

transported straight back to Navik's throne room when Zuru had attacked her.

throne room when Zuru had attacked her. Her veins filled with ice, her limbs

Her veins filled with ice, her limbs tensed up, and she barely managed to

tensed up, and she barely managed to raise her hands to protect her face in

raise her hands to protect her face in time for the blaze to strike her. But

time for the blaze to strike her. But this time, nothing happened. The amulet

this time, nothing happened. The amulet making the flames fizzle out to nothing.

making the flames fizzle out to nothing. "What the hell are you doing?"

"What the hell are you doing?" Kea was shaking like a leaf, but at the

Kea was shaking like a leaf, but at the sound of Jiren's infuriated roar, she

sound of Jiren's infuriated roar, she lowered her arms to find him racing over

lowered her arms to find him racing over to them, his sword glinting in the early

to them, his sword glinting in the early morning sunlight, his face drained of

morning sunlight, his face drained of color. When he was only a few steps

color. When he was only a few steps away, he slowed, his gaze shifting to

away, he slowed, his gaze shifting to the amulet before touching on every

the amulet before touching on every other part of her, checking her for

other part of her, checking her for burns that didn't exist. His cheeks

burns that didn't exist. His cheeks flushed as realization hit him, and he

flushed as realization hit him, and he avoided her eyes as he said to Calvin,

avoided her eyes as he said to Calvin, his voice tight. "Make sure you keep

his voice tight. "Make sure you keep replenishing the amulet. If it runs out,

replenishing the amulet. If it runs out, I'd never let anything hurt her," Calvin

I'd never let anything hurt her," Calvin said, offended. "Lower," he added.

said, offended. "Lower," he added. "Unlike some people who are doing all

"Unlike some people who are doing all the hurting."

the hurting." Jiren stiffened and still without

Jiren stiffened and still without looking at Kea, he turned and jogged

looking at Kea, he turned and jogged back toward the sparring area. "Hey,

back toward the sparring area. "Hey, Jiren, wait," Ka called, shooting an

Jiren, wait," Ka called, shooting an angry look at Calvin before hurrying

angry look at Calvin before hurrying after the crown prince. She was still

after the crown prince. She was still trembling from what had just happened,

trembling from what had just happened, and with every step she took nearer to

and with every step she took nearer to where Jiren had halted, she second-gued

where Jiren had halted, she second-gued her timing. But she also knew she had to

her timing. But she also knew she had to speak to him before she lost her chance.

speak to him before she lost her chance. and her

and her courage. Jiren continued to avoid her

courage. Jiren continued to avoid her gaze, but he'd obeyed her call and was

gaze, but he'd obeyed her call and was waiting for her to catch up, so she

waiting for her to catch up, so she straightened her spine and approached,

straightened her spine and approached, all while hearing the memory of his

all while hearing the memory of his infuriated, panicked roar in her ears.

infuriated, panicked roar in her ears. Hope rose to near bursting within Kea,

Hope rose to near bursting within Kea, and she was desperate to ask about his

and she was desperate to ask about his reaction. But when she came to a stop in

reaction. But when she came to a stop in front of him, halfway between where

front of him, halfway between where Calvin stood and where the others were

Calvin stood and where the others were still sparring in the early morning

still sparring in the early morning light, all the words left her. "Did you

light, all the words left her. "Did you want something?" Jiren asked when she

want something?" Jiren asked when she remained silent for too long, his

remained silent for too long, his fingers flexing around the hilt of his

fingers flexing around the hilt of his sword. There was impatience in his tone

sword. There was impatience in his tone enough that Kea winced inwardly and

enough that Kea winced inwardly and blurted out, "Galdrich thinks we'll have

blurted out, "Galdrich thinks we'll have traveled far enough later today for him

traveled far enough later today for him to windfunnel us the rest of the way to

to windfunnel us the rest of the way to Ursa." Jiren said nothing, so Kea towed

Ursa." Jiren said nothing, so Kea towed the sand with her boot and continued

the sand with her boot and continued rambling. "It'll be good not to have to

rambling. "It'll be good not to have to ride through the forsaken lands.

ride through the forsaken lands. Everything I've heard about them has

Everything I've heard about them has been I need to get back to Nari." Jiren

been I need to get back to Nari." Jiren interrupted, definitely impatient now.

interrupted, definitely impatient now. Is that all? Kea swallowed, her eyes

Is that all? Kea swallowed, her eyes flicking over to where Nari was busy

flicking over to where Nari was busy sparring with the others, revealing

sparring with the others, revealing Jiren's lie. He just wanted to be

Jiren's lie. He just wanted to be anywhere that wasn't with her. But

anywhere that wasn't with her. But enough was

enough was enough. Inhaling deeply, Kea said, "No,

enough. Inhaling deeply, Kea said, "No, that's not all." Jiren sheathed his

that's not all." Jiren sheathed his sword and crossed his arms waiting. Kea,

sword and crossed his arms waiting. Kea, however, suddenly became aware of Cal's

however, suddenly became aware of Cal's eyes on them and also the sneaky but

eyes on them and also the sneaky but still obvious glances that the sparring

still obvious glances that the sparring partners were sending them. Terrell,

partners were sending them. Terrell, Ashlin, Cresta, even Nari herself. Adrin

Ashlin, Cresta, even Nari herself. Adrin alone seemed to be minding his business,

alone seemed to be minding his business, fully absorbed in his training, or more

fully absorbed in his training, or more likely choosing to give them

likely choosing to give them privacy. Coming to a decision, Kea said,

privacy. Coming to a decision, Kea said, "Do you mind if we She reached for Jiren

"Do you mind if we She reached for Jiren as she spoke, an instinctive move to

as she spoke, an instinctive move to guide him away from the curious eyes,

guide him away from the curious eyes, but her words broke off when he

but her words broke off when he physically jerked away from her." Kea's

physically jerked away from her." Kea's hand fell, his reaction like a punch to

hand fell, his reaction like a punch to the stomach. But she rallied and said,

the stomach. But she rallied and said, "Can we talk just for a moment? We're

"Can we talk just for a moment? We're already talking."

already talking." He was offering her nothing now, his

He was offering her nothing now, his tone and face emotionless. She wasn't

tone and face emotionless. She wasn't sure how to proceed or if to proceed.

sure how to proceed or if to proceed. But she also knew she didn't want to

But she also knew she didn't want to keep going as they had. So she tipped up

keep going as they had. So she tipped up her chin and said, "Away from the

her chin and said, "Away from the others." Not giving him the chance to

others." Not giving him the chance to reply, she left the open training area

reply, she left the open training area and headed deeper into the oasis, aiming

and headed deeper into the oasis, aiming for the secluded W's edge. She couldn't

for the secluded W's edge. She couldn't hear his footsteps behind her, but she

hear his footsteps behind her, but she also couldn't bring herself to check. It

also couldn't bring herself to check. It was only when she stopped in the shade

was only when she stopped in the shade of a date palm nestled right up against

of a date palm nestled right up against the water that she looked to see if he'd

the water that she looked to see if he'd followed. Relief left her in a quiet

followed. Relief left her in a quiet exhale. But then the breath became

exhale. But then the breath became trapped in her lungs at the still

trapped in her lungs at the still emotionless look on his face. "What do

emotionless look on his face. "What do you want, Ka?" he asked, his tone bland,

you want, Ka?" he asked, his tone bland, bored even. There was so much Ka wanted,

bored even. There was so much Ka wanted, but mostly she just wanted

but mostly she just wanted him. Her resolve strengthened as she

him. Her resolve strengthened as she recalled the image of his face after

recalled the image of his face after he'd seen the burn wound on her

he'd seen the burn wound on her shoulder, the way he'd thanked her with

shoulder, the way he'd thanked her with such meaning after she awakened Nari.

such meaning after she awakened Nari. his gentle guidance and instruction with

his gentle guidance and instruction with her magic and just minutes ago the roar

her magic and just minutes ago the roar of him shouting at Calden. Those were

of him shouting at Calden. Those were not the actions of someone who didn't

not the actions of someone who didn't care about

care about her. Setting aside her fear and doubt,

her. Setting aside her fear and doubt, she looked straight into his eyes and

she looked straight into his eyes and said, "I'd like to talk about what

said, "I'd like to talk about what happened with

happened with Zelica." Her heart was racing now. I'd

Zelica." Her heart was racing now. I'd like

like to to apologize for my part in that. I'd

to to apologize for my part in that. I'd like to

like to explain. He cocked his head to the side.

explain. He cocked his head to the side. Why? Kea

Why? Kea blinked.

blinked. Why? He crossed his arms again, causing

Why? He crossed his arms again, causing her gaze to unconsciously follow where

her gaze to unconsciously follow where the muscles tensed and shifted before

the muscles tensed and shifted before she gave herself a mental slap and told

she gave herself a mental slap and told herself to focus.

herself to focus. Why would you like to talk about it? He

Why would you like to talk about it? He clarified. Kea brushed her hair behind

clarified. Kea brushed her hair behind her ear, stalling. She didn't feel

her ear, stalling. She didn't feel comfortable sharing her true reasoning,

comfortable sharing her true reasoning, her longing for his forgiveness and the

her longing for his forgiveness and the return of his affection. Instead, she

return of his affection. Instead, she said, "I think it'll be good for us to

said, "I think it'll be good for us to clear the air." A quiet huff of laughter

clear the air." A quiet huff of laughter left Jiren. It wasn't an amused sound.

left Jiren. It wasn't an amused sound. To what end?" he asked. Kea's courage

To what end?" he asked. Kea's courage began to trickle away. Perhaps she'd

began to trickle away. Perhaps she'd been wrong to start this conversation,

been wrong to start this conversation, thinking it was time, without giving

thinking it was time, without giving thought to whether he was ready. She

thought to whether he was ready. She quickly backpedled. "Maybe we should."

quickly backpedled. "Maybe we should." He spoke over her before she could make

He spoke over her before she could make an excuse to delay their talk. "Because

an excuse to delay their talk. "Because the way I see it," he said, his gaze

the way I see it," he said, his gaze locked with hers. "I really don't care

locked with hers. "I really don't care what you have to say." His statement was

what you have to say." His statement was delivered in a calm, level voice, but

delivered in a calm, level voice, but Kea felt as if she'd been struck, her

Kea felt as if she'd been struck, her entire body reeling backwards from the

entire body reeling backwards from the blow. Noting her reaction, Jiren's eyes

blow. Noting her reaction, Jiren's eyes flickered for the briefest of moments,

flickered for the briefest of moments, but that didn't stop him from

but that didn't stop him from continuing. Calvin has already shared

continuing. Calvin has already shared your side of the story. I don't need to

your side of the story. I don't need to hear it

hear it again. Kea's throat was suddenly as dry

again. Kea's throat was suddenly as dry as the desert around them.

as the desert around them. I appreciate him advocating for me, but

I appreciate him advocating for me, but there are things he doesn't know, things

there are things he doesn't know, things I I'd really like to

I I'd really like to explain. Jiren made an aggravated sound

explain. Jiren made an aggravated sound and ran a hand through his hair,

and ran a hand through his hair, frowning toward the water. He then

frowning toward the water. He then seemed to come to a decision and turned

seemed to come to a decision and turned back to her, his eyes no longer

back to her, his eyes no longer emotionless, but ablaze with feeling. If

emotionless, but ablaze with feeling. If you really want to do this, then fine.

you really want to do this, then fine. Let's do this. But I'm going

Let's do this. But I'm going first. His voice was thick with anger

first. His voice was thick with anger now, his fiery gaze trapping hers. You

now, his fiery gaze trapping hers. You lied to me. I won't be a hypocrite and

lied to me. I won't be a hypocrite and say I never did the same to you because

say I never did the same to you because we both know I did. But the difference

we both know I did. But the difference is I came clean about it. I told you who

is I came clean about it. I told you who I was. And from that point on, I told

I was. And from that point on, I told you everything. I invited you into my

you everything. I invited you into my life, into my home. You not only hid who

life, into my home. You not only hid who you were, you did it so well that I He

you were, you did it so well that I He cursed under his breath and glared down

cursed under his breath and glared down at the sand before his gaze returned to

at the sand before his gaze returned to snare hers. Unflinching now, he

snare hers. Unflinching now, he declared, "You made me fall in love with

declared, "You made me fall in love with a lie. I don't even know who you are,

a lie. I don't even know who you are, and frankly, I don't want to."

and frankly, I don't want to." The words rang in Kea's ears, a damning,

The words rang in Kea's ears, a damning, soulc crushing declaration. It was the

soulc crushing declaration. It was the first time he'd admitted to being in

first time he'd admitted to being in love with her, and it was said with such

love with her, and it was said with such pain, such anger, that there was no

pain, such anger, that there was no ignoring how much he resented her for

ignoring how much he resented her for it, how much he resented himself for it.

it, how much he resented himself for it. The back of her eyes burned fiercely,

The back of her eyes burned fiercely, but she kept her head high, not wanting

but she kept her head high, not wanting him to see how close she was to

him to see how close she was to breaking. As far as I'm concerned, he

breaking. As far as I'm concerned, he said, not yet finished shredding her

said, not yet finished shredding her apart. You're the person who was going

apart. You're the person who was going to help me protect my people and save my

to help me protect my people and save my kingdom. That's it. I helped you with

kingdom. That's it. I helped you with your magic yesterday because I need you

your magic yesterday because I need you to be able to face your sister. Once

to be able to face your sister. Once that's done, you and I will never have

that's done, you and I will never have to see each other again.

to see each other again. He released a breath as if relieved to

He released a breath as if relieved to finally have all that off his chest and

finally have all that off his chest and then asked, "Now, what did you want to

then asked, "Now, what did you want to tell

tell me?" Kea's lips were numb. Her whole

me?" Kea's lips were numb. Her whole body was numb. You and I will never have

body was numb. You and I will never have to see each other

to see each other again. Gods, that didn't just hurt. That

again. Gods, that didn't just hurt. That destroyed her. knowing that was what he

destroyed her. knowing that was what he wanted, knowing he was just using her

wanted, knowing he was just using her for her magic, even knowing that she

for her magic, even knowing that she deserved

deserved it. Something precious within Kea

it. Something precious within Kea withered and died right there in the

withered and died right there in the middle of the oasis. She wanted to turn

middle of the oasis. She wanted to turn and run from him, to disappear into the

and run from him, to disappear into the date palms and hide from the world, to

date palms and hide from the world, to release the sobs building inside her

release the sobs building inside her until the agony eased.

until the agony eased. But she didn't do any of that because

But she didn't do any of that because Jiren was waiting, ready to hear the

Jiren was waiting, ready to hear the explanation she'd been so determined to

explanation she'd been so determined to give him. She knew now that there was no

give him. She knew now that there was no point. He was never going to forgive her

point. He was never going to forgive her because he wanted nothing to do with

because he wanted nothing to do with her. You and I will never have to see

her. You and I will never have to see each other again.

each other again. The feeling courarssing through Ka was

The feeling courarssing through Ka was too overpowering, a wound that all the

too overpowering, a wound that all the magic in the world would never be able

magic in the world would never be able to heal. But somehow she managed to push

to heal. But somehow she managed to push it down, repressing her emotions as

it down, repressing her emotions as easily as Jiren seemed able to. It was

easily as Jiren seemed able to. It was the only way she could find the will to

the only way she could find the will to reply. Her voice sounding dead even to

reply. Her voice sounding dead even to her own ears as she answered, "Nothing.

her own ears as she answered, "Nothing. You're right. Calvin probably told you

You're right. Calvin probably told you everything you need to

everything you need to know. Jiren flinched at her voice, but

know. Jiren flinched at her voice, but Kea knew better than to read into it.

Kea knew better than to read into it. He'd made his feelings perfectly clear.

He'd made his feelings perfectly clear. "We should get back to the others," she

"We should get back to the others," she said, still in the same tone, staring

said, still in the same tone, staring over his shoulder, and so missing the

over his shoulder, and so missing the look on his face. "They'll want to leave

look on his face. "They'll want to leave soon." "Ka, I'll see you back at camp,"

soon." "Ka, I'll see you back at camp," she said, already turning away. She

she said, already turning away. She couldn't handle the gentling of his

couldn't handle the gentling of his voice, knowing she'd only embarrass

voice, knowing she'd only embarrass herself if she stayed. He didn't owe her

herself if she stayed. He didn't owe her his compassion, and the last thing she

his compassion, and the last thing she wanted was him feeling guilted into

wanted was him feeling guilted into offering it. He'd told her, in no

offering it. He'd told her, in no uncertain words what he wanted, and it

uncertain words what he wanted, and it was time she respected that time. She

was time she respected that time. She quashed the hope she dared to believe

quashed the hope she dared to believe in. There was no future for them, and

in. There was no future for them, and she was a fool for ever thinking

she was a fool for ever thinking differently.

21. Kea had no idea what happened over the next few hours, her mind withdrawing

the next few hours, her mind withdrawing into itself to protect her bleeding

into itself to protect her bleeding heart. As they rode through the desert,

heart. As they rode through the desert, she was aware of Tip chattering at her

she was aware of Tip chattering at her side, heedless to her inner turmoil. But

side, heedless to her inner turmoil. But the others weren't so ignorant. They'd

the others weren't so ignorant. They'd all watched her disappear into the oasis

all watched her disappear into the oasis with Jiren, only to return alone.

with Jiren, only to return alone. Whatever they'd seen on her face had

Whatever they'd seen on her face had told them everything they'd needed to

told them everything they'd needed to know. Calvin had tried to talk to her,

know. Calvin had tried to talk to her, his voice soothing and concerned, but

his voice soothing and concerned, but she brushed him aside by asking to

she brushed him aside by asking to continue her magical training while on

continue her magical training while on horseback. He'd seemed surprised before

horseback. He'd seemed surprised before eyeing her closely and seeing how

eyeing her closely and seeing how desperately she needed the distraction.

desperately she needed the distraction. And so, as they'd ridden along, he'd

And so, as they'd ridden along, he'd intermittently thrown fireballs at her,

intermittently thrown fireballs at her, careful to keep them small and nowhere

careful to keep them small and nowhere near

near Zephyr. Her mount wasn't thrilled by the

Zephyr. Her mount wasn't thrilled by the magical attacks, but he'd failed to

magical attacks, but he'd failed to unseat her despite his best efforts, and

unseat her despite his best efforts, and he'd eventually grown used to the quick

he'd eventually grown used to the quick bursts of

bursts of flames. It took hours before Kea was

flames. It took hours before Kea was able to meet Cald's fire midair. And

able to meet Cald's fire midair. And when she did, Tip let out a whoop so

when she did, Tip let out a whoop so loud that everyone turned toward them,

loud that everyone turned toward them, Jiren included. Ka didn't look at him.

Jiren included. Ka didn't look at him. She hadn't looked at him since she'd

She hadn't looked at him since she'd left him beside the oasis, taking a page

left him beside the oasis, taking a page out of his book and acting like he

out of his book and acting like he didn't exist. It was easier this way,

didn't exist. It was easier this way, ignoring him, living in denial. It

ignoring him, living in denial. It helped dull the pain, even if nothing

helped dull the pain, even if nothing could make it vanish entirely.

could make it vanish entirely. I had a thought, Cresa said, nudging her

I had a thought, Cresa said, nudging her ran mare closer to where Ka, Tip, and

ran mare closer to where Ka, Tip, and Cald were riding together shortly after

Cald were riding together shortly after Kea had successfully met Cal's

Kea had successfully met Cal's attack. We're in the middle of

attack. We're in the middle of something. Calvin told her, "Ka needs a

something. Calvin told her, "Ka needs a break." Cresta shot back. "She's

break." Cresta shot back. "She's exhausted. She's not exhausted. She's

exhausted. She's not exhausted. She's whatever Calvin had been about to say.

whatever Calvin had been about to say. He quickly changed his mind, seeing the

He quickly changed his mind, seeing the flash of anguish that Kea wasn't able to

flash of anguish that Kea wasn't able to hide fast

hide fast enough. I'm pretty tired myself, Tip

enough. I'm pretty tired myself, Tip said, standing in his stirrups to

said, standing in his stirrups to stretch his legs. I'm hungry, too. Do Do

stretch his legs. I'm hungry, too. Do Do you think we're nearly close enough to

you think we're nearly close enough to the windfunnel?

the windfunnel? Kea could have kissed him for taking the

Kea could have kissed him for taking the focus off her "Soon, kiddo," Calvin said

focus off her "Soon, kiddo," Calvin said before turning back to Ca. "What thought

before turning back to Ca. "What thought did you have?" For that, Ka could have

did you have?" For that, Ka could have kissed him, too. Acting like their brief

kissed him, too. Acting like their brief uncomfortable moment had never occurred.

uncomfortable moment had never occurred. Cresta said, "I've been considering what

Cresta said, "I've been considering what happened in the arena with those two

happened in the arena with those two anomaly warriors and also how we think

anomaly warriors and also how we think Navic is building a magical army." She

Navic is building a magical army." She had Cal's full attention now, but not

had Cal's full attention now, but not just his. Everyone else had written

just his. Everyone else had written closer to listen. and he asked, "I think

closer to listen. and he asked, "I think you and Ash," she nodded to the

you and Ash," she nodded to the princess, "should start using your magic

princess, "should start using your magic on us during our morning training. If

on us during our morning training. If the time comes when we have to face

the time comes when we have to face elemental opponents, it would be good to

elemental opponents, it would be good to have more experience defending against

have more experience defending against them." Calvin tilted his head to the

them." Calvin tilted his head to the side. "It sounds suspiciously like

side. "It sounds suspiciously like you're willing to fight with us once

you're willing to fight with us once we're done with all this hand business."

we're done with all this hand business." His tone was light, almost joking, but

His tone was light, almost joking, but Cresa stiffened in her saddle and looked

Cresa stiffened in her saddle and looked away, clearly embarrassed by having

away, clearly embarrassed by having revealed that she was beginning to care

revealed that she was beginning to care about what happened to their group and

about what happened to their group and to Avalon itself. As someone who had

to Avalon itself. As someone who had been locked away for over 5 years, it

been locked away for over 5 years, it would have been easy for her not to give

would have been easy for her not to give the first damn about the Valentis royals

the first damn about the Valentis royals and the fate of their kingdom. It wasn't

and the fate of their kingdom. It wasn't even her native land, just a place she'd

even her native land, just a place she'd fled to as a child. The fact that she

fled to as a child. The fact that she was even thinking ahead to ways she

was even thinking ahead to ways she might help them reclaim what they'd

might help them reclaim what they'd lost. Ka realized then that Cresta had

lost. Ka realized then that Cresta had come a long way since they'd first met,

come a long way since they'd first met, and she couldn't be prouder of her now

and she couldn't be prouder of her now friend, even if it was painfully evident

friend, even if it was painfully evident that the redhead loathed the attention

that the redhead loathed the attention she was receiving.

she was receiving. Noting as much, Calvin didn't make her

Noting as much, Calvin didn't make her answer. It's a good idea, he said. But

answer. It's a good idea, he said. But it'll just have to be ash. We only have

it'll just have to be ash. We only have one amulet, so unless we keep passing it

one amulet, so unless we keep passing it around, anyone I attack is going to get

around, anyone I attack is going to get burned. This time it was Ca who tilted

burned. This time it was Ca who tilted her head to the side. Do you think

her head to the side. Do you think Navic's anomalies are going to care

Navic's anomalies are going to care about hurting us? Calvin had no response

about hurting us? Calvin had no response to that. And besides, Cresa went on,

to that. And besides, Cresa went on, jerking her chin toward Kea, we have our

jerking her chin toward Kea, we have our very own magical healer. You keep

very own magical healer. You keep harping on about how she needs to

harping on about how she needs to practice, so give her something to

practice, so give her something to practice

practice on. It's a clever thought, Jiren said,

on. It's a clever thought, Jiren said, causing Kea to tense. She stared down at

causing Kea to tense. She stared down at Zephr<unk>'s silky mane to keep her gaze

Zephr<unk>'s silky mane to keep her gaze from wandering his way. I could

from wandering his way. I could certainly use the training, especially

certainly use the training, especially since I'm likely to respond to an

since I'm likely to respond to an elemental attack by reaching for my

elemental attack by reaching for my magic. Magic that wasn't there. He

magic. Magic that wasn't there. He didn't need to say it for Kea to still

didn't need to say it for Kea to still hear the words. Her grip tightened

hear the words. Her grip tightened around her res, the leather digging into

around her res, the leather digging into her palms. C, can I learn too? Tip asked

her palms. C, can I learn too? Tip asked eagerly. Jiren's voice was indulging,

eagerly. Jiren's voice was indulging, even teasing as he answered. That would

even teasing as he answered. That would require you waking up at a time before

require you waking up at a time before we have to drag you out of bed and onto

we have to drag you out of bed and onto your

your pony. Hearing the affection in his tone

pony. Hearing the affection in his tone made it almost impossible for Ka to keep

made it almost impossible for Ka to keep her eyes down. She needed this

her eyes down. She needed this conversation to be over so he could ride

conversation to be over so he could ride ahead again. Needed him to

ahead again. Needed him to leave. Well m maybe if dawn was later in

leave. Well m maybe if dawn was later in the day, Tip said clearly put out. I say

the day, Tip said clearly put out. I say we try it, Ashlin declared. Good

we try it, Ashlin declared. Good thinking, Ca. We'll begin tomorrow

thinking, Ca. We'll begin tomorrow morning. Ca pressed her lips together,

morning. Ca pressed her lips together, fighting her outward response to the

fighting her outward response to the praise. She gave a tur nod and rode

praise. She gave a tur nod and rode forward, prompting their group to return

forward, prompting their group to return to their previous positions, and Kea's

to their previous positions, and Kea's grip on her reigns to relax.

grip on her reigns to relax. The remainder of their passage through

The remainder of their passage through the harsh German desert was spent with

the harsh German desert was spent with Kea continuing to repress her feelings

Kea continuing to repress her feelings and simply focus on meeting Cal's

and simply focus on meeting Cal's attacks over and over until Crusta's

attacks over and over until Crusta's earlier assumption came true, and she

earlier assumption came true, and she did become exhausted. But at least her

did become exhausted. But at least her fatigue made it easier to quiet her mind

fatigue made it easier to quiet her mind and ignore her grieving heart. And when

and ignore her grieving heart. And when Galdrich finally announced that they

Galdrich finally announced that they were near enough to Hadras's capital for

were near enough to Hadras's capital for him to windfunnel them the rest of the

him to windfunnel them the rest of the way, Kea was too tired to experience

way, Kea was too tired to experience anything other than relief that they

anything other than relief that they were nearing the end of their journey.

were nearing the end of their journey. She did, however, retain her wits enough

She did, however, retain her wits enough to dismount before Galdrich swept them

to dismount before Galdrich swept them up in his wind magic again. Of course,

up in his wind magic again. Of course, this time Zephyr couldn't have cared

this time Zephyr couldn't have cared less, acting as calm as a lamb when they

less, acting as calm as a lamb when they touched down on the outskirts of a

touched down on the outskirts of a different kind of desert, the sand an

different kind of desert, the sand an eerie gray, almost black color. Kea

eerie gray, almost black color. Kea prodded it with her boot, marveling over

prodded it with her boot, marveling over the unusual shade before turning her

the unusual shade before turning her gaze to the city before them.

gaze to the city before them. Unlike Zadria and Urine, there were no

Unlike Zadria and Urine, there were no fortified walls around Ursa, so the inky

fortified walls around Ursa, so the inky sand dunes crept right up to the outer

sand dunes crept right up to the outer edges of the nearest buildings. But it

edges of the nearest buildings. But it was those buildings themselves that

was those buildings themselves that caught Kea's attention, because they too

caught Kea's attention, because they too were a near black shade, as if forged

were a near black shade, as if forged out of ebony sandstone. Their flat

out of ebony sandstone. Their flat rooftops allowed multiple structures to

rooftops allowed multiple structures to be stacked on top of each other, rising

be stacked on top of each other, rising skyward, and between them were colorful

skyward, and between them were colorful scarves and strings of lanterns

scarves and strings of lanterns stretching through the empty air in a

stretching through the empty air in a haphazard

haphazard manner. I forgot how dark this city is,

manner. I forgot how dark this city is, Kusta murmured, eyeing the streets that

Kusta murmured, eyeing the streets that even from a distance appeared gloomy and

even from a distance appeared gloomy and disordered. Ka looked at her, surprised.

disordered. Ka looked at her, surprised. You've been here before? Ca hesitated as

You've been here before? Ca hesitated as if debating whether or not to reveal

if debating whether or not to reveal more of her life before finally sharing.

more of her life before finally sharing. Once when I was very young. My mother

Once when I was very young. My mother had friends here, so she brought my

had friends here, so she brought my sister and me before. She looked away,

sister and me before. She looked away, her jaw tightening at whatever she

her jaw tightening at whatever she recalled about her sister's tragic end.

recalled about her sister's tragic end. Her tone was bitter as she finished.

Her tone was bitter as she finished. My father wasn't pleased that we'd

My father wasn't pleased that we'd traveled so far without him. He made

traveled so far without him. He made sure we were all aware of that after we

sure we were all aware of that after we returned

returned home. Kea almost wished Cresta's father

home. Kea almost wished Cresta's father was still alive so he could be made to

was still alive so he could be made to pay for how he treated those he was

pay for how he treated those he was meant to have

meant to have protected. Judging by the look on

protected. Judging by the look on Calvin's face, she wasn't alone in her

Calvin's face, she wasn't alone in her thinking. But Cresta caught both of

thinking. But Cresta caught both of their expressions and scowlled at them,

their expressions and scowlled at them, making it clear she didn't want their

making it clear she didn't want their sympathy. Calvin quickly turned his gaze

sympathy. Calvin quickly turned his gaze back to the city. I have a lovehate

back to the city. I have a lovehate relationship with Ursa, he said.

relationship with Ursa, he said. Aesthetically, it's unique, but it's

Aesthetically, it's unique, but it's also a bit like opening up an unusual

also a bit like opening up an unusual piece of fruit to find the inside is

piece of fruit to find the inside is rotten.

rotten. Jiren stepped up beside them, leading

Jiren stepped up beside them, leading his horse nightshade by the rains. It's

his horse nightshade by the rains. It's bad form to speak ill of how other

bad form to speak ill of how other rulers run their kingdoms, especially

rulers run their kingdoms, especially those who, if not our closest allies,

those who, if not our closest allies, are certainly not our enemies. But I

are certainly not our enemies. But I agree that Hadras has suffered under

agree that Hadras has suffered under King Sibli's reign. He's too busy

King Sibli's reign. He's too busy spending his citizens gold on food and

spending his citizens gold on food and drink and cortisans to look outside his

drink and cortisans to look outside his windows. Crime is rampant in Ursa, but

windows. Crime is rampant in Ursa, but rather than patrol the streets, his

rather than patrol the streets, his royal guard have orders to stay close to

royal guard have orders to stay close to him while he carouses all day long. Last

him while he carouses all day long. Last time I was here, he seemed to have no

time I was here, he seemed to have no idea what was happening in his very

idea what was happening in his very city, and certainly not beneath it.

city, and certainly not beneath it. Kea diligently kept her eyes ahead

Kea diligently kept her eyes ahead rather than on Jiren as he spoke, but

rather than on Jiren as he spoke, but peripherilally she was aware of him

peripherilally she was aware of him frowning toward the dark mass of

frowning toward the dark mass of buildings. "What's h happening beneath

buildings. "What's h happening beneath it?" Tip asked, squinting down at the

it?" Tip asked, squinting down at the sand. "A labyrinth of twisting, deadly

sand. "A labyrinth of twisting, deadly underground streets where the worst of

underground streets where the worst of humanity trade everything from poisons

humanity trade everything from poisons to people," Calvin answered. Seeing the

to people," Calvin answered. Seeing the widening of Tip's eyes and his

widening of Tip's eyes and his impossible to miss curiosity, Kea made a

impossible to miss curiosity, Kea made a sound in the back of her throat, and

sound in the back of her throat, and Calvin realizing his error, quickly

Calvin realizing his error, quickly added, "They also eat young boys for

added, "They also eat young boys for breakfast. Boil them in a big pot while

breakfast. Boil them in a big pot while they're still alive. So, don't even

they're still alive. So, don't even think about wandering off because we

think about wandering off because we won't be coming after

won't be coming after you." Tip snickered, seeing right

you." Tip snickered, seeing right through Cal's lie. Cal's right, Ashlin

through Cal's lie. Cal's right, Ashlin said, causing Tip's humor to vanish into

said, causing Tip's humor to vanish into shock. Not about the cannibalism, don't

shock. Not about the cannibalism, don't be ridiculous. But it is a dangerous

be ridiculous. But it is a dangerous city, and we all need to stay together.

city, and we all need to stay together. Those of us who are going for the ring,

Those of us who are going for the ring, that

that is, are you still seeking out the

is, are you still seeking out the anomalies? The spy nodded and answered,

anomalies? The spy nodded and answered, different strategy this time. If

different strategy this time. If Galick's information is correct, this

Galick's information is correct, this community lives closer to the city than

community lives closer to the city than the last, but it's nearly sunset, so

the last, but it's nearly sunset, so we'll head there now and find an inn to

we'll head there now and find an inn to stay at overnight, acting as if we're

stay at overnight, acting as if we're just passing through. People are chatty

just passing through. People are chatty when they've had a few drinks. Once

when they've had a few drinks. Once they're comfortable with us, we'll try

they're comfortable with us, we'll try to get some answers out of

to get some answers out of them. Ashlin nodded her approval and

them. Ashlin nodded her approval and looked to Galdrich. You're with him

looked to Galdrich. You're with him again.

again. Galdrich seemed resigned to this now,

Galdrich seemed resigned to this now, aware that he was the only one who could

aware that he was the only one who could lead to the anomaly settlement, but

lead to the anomaly settlement, but regretting having ever said so. "Who

regretting having ever said so. "Who else is going with them?" Ashlin asked.

else is going with them?" Ashlin asked. Kea noted the difference between this

Kea noted the difference between this time and last time when the princess had

time and last time when the princess had ordered Cresa and Terrell to follow

ordered Cresa and Terrell to follow Edin, even if Ca had disregarded the

Edin, even if Ca had disregarded the command. It was yet more proof that the

command. It was yet more proof that the two were now considered part of the team

two were now considered part of the team rather than a rebel general and an

rather than a rebel general and an escaped prisoner. I'll go, Tor offered.

escaped prisoner. I'll go, Tor offered. Seeing Ka's questioning look, he

Seeing Ka's questioning look, he admitted. Just looking at this city

admitted. Just looking at this city makes me feel

makes me feel claustrophobic. Adren glanced around the

claustrophobic. Adren glanced around the group and said, "I think we need a woman

group and said, "I think we need a woman with us, too. Three men traveling

with us, too. Three men traveling together make people

together make people nervous. Especially when two of those

nervous. Especially when two of those men were built like warriors, Ka

men were built like warriors, Ka thought. I also think it should be you,

thought. I also think it should be you, Ash. Adren continued. They might be more

Ash. Adren continued. They might be more willing to talk if they see someone else

willing to talk if they see someone else who can use elemental

who can use elemental magic. Ashlin considered for a moment

magic. Ashlin considered for a moment before turning to Jiren and Calden. Can

before turning to Jiren and Calden. Can you two handle Sibi without me?

you two handle Sibi without me? I always hated the way he looked at you

I always hated the way he looked at you when you were younger, like he was

when you were younger, like he was undressing you with his eyes, Calvin

undressing you with his eyes, Calvin said, his tone full of

said, his tone full of disgust. I'd prefer it if you're not

disgust. I'd prefer it if you're not with us. We'll be fine, Jiren answered

with us. We'll be fine, Jiren answered Ashlin's question. I've dealt with Sibi

Ashlin's question. I've dealt with Sibi before. He's unpleasant, but only

before. He's unpleasant, but only because he thinks everyone should

because he thinks everyone should celebrate life the way he does. That and

celebrate life the way he does. That and he coughed and Kea snuck him the

he coughed and Kea snuck him the briefest of glances to see his cheeks

briefest of glances to see his cheeks flushing

flushing slightly. That and the last time you saw

slightly. That and the last time you saw him he tried to trick you into marrying

him he tried to trick you into marrying all 16 of his daughters. Calvin finished

all 16 of his daughters. Calvin finished for Jiren chuckling as he clapped his

for Jiren chuckling as he clapped his cousin on the back. 16? Terrell said

cousin on the back. 16? Terrell said gaping. Their poor

gaping. Their poor mother sibl doesn't believe in monogamy.

mother sibl doesn't believe in monogamy. Ashlin explained. Most hadrissens don't.

Ashlin explained. Most hadrissens don't. His children are from different

His children are from different women. Terrell looked embarrassed to not

women. Terrell looked embarrassed to not have realized as much. But even Kea had

have realized as much. But even Kea had been doing the math in her head until

been doing the math in her head until Ashlin's

Ashlin's explanation. "We're losing daylight,"

explanation. "We're losing daylight," Nari said, impatient at their dallying.

Nari said, impatient at their dallying. Ided, Galdrich, Tor, and Ash will head

Ided, Galdrich, Tor, and Ash will head to the village and the rest of us to

to the village and the rest of us to King Sibi to get the ring, assuming all

King Sibi to get the ring, assuming all goes to plan. We'll meet back here

goes to plan. We'll meet back here tomorrow morning and head south

tomorrow morning and head south to Ka felt weary just thinking about how

to Ka felt weary just thinking about how far away their next city was and how

far away their next city was and how much they still had to do before

much they still had to do before returning to Valenia, but reminded

returning to Valenia, but reminded herself to focus on one challenge at a

herself to focus on one challenge at a time.

time. Hadras didn't have any arenas, so there

Hadras didn't have any arenas, so there would be no battles for them to

would be no battles for them to undertake in order to get the second

undertake in order to get the second ring. They simply needed to ask King

ring. They simply needed to ask King Sibly for it and then enjoy or perhaps

Sibly for it and then enjoy or perhaps endure a night of his hospitality before

endure a night of his hospitality before they could be away again. But as their

they could be away again. But as their group parted ways, Kea couldn't ignore

group parted ways, Kea couldn't ignore her fear that there would be some new

her fear that there would be some new complication to keep them from reaching

complication to keep them from reaching their goal. She told herself she was

their goal. She told herself she was being paranoid as they wound a path

being paranoid as they wound a path through the grimy streets toward the

through the grimy streets toward the palace at the opposite side of the city.

palace at the opposite side of the city. But the feeling remained with her. It

But the feeling remained with her. It was almost a relief since it helped keep

was almost a relief since it helped keep her distracted from Jiren and everything

her distracted from Jiren and everything she was desperately trying to bottle up

she was desperately trying to bottle up inside. When they finally reached King

inside. When they finally reached King Sibli's abode, Kea marveled at the view

Sibli's abode, Kea marveled at the view since his palace was built at top a

since his palace was built at top a cliff looking down at a massive shipyard

cliff looking down at a massive shipyard and out over the expansive Corin Sea.

and out over the expansive Corin Sea. While it was made of the same dark

While it was made of the same dark sandstone as the rest of his city, the

sandstone as the rest of his city, the outside of his residence was splashed

outside of his residence was splashed with color, with scarves and flags and

with color, with scarves and flags and banners of all shapes and sizes flapping

banners of all shapes and sizes flapping in the wind from almost every available

in the wind from almost every available surface.

surface. It looks like a rainbow vomited on it.

It looks like a rainbow vomited on it. Tip observed his head cocked to the

Tip observed his head cocked to the side. A wide grin stretched across his

side. A wide grin stretched across his face. I love

face. I love it. Just wait until you see the inside.

it. Just wait until you see the inside. Calvin said, wrinkling his nose. Your

Calvin said, wrinkling his nose. Your eyes are going to feel like they're

eyes are going to feel like they're bleeding. Sure enough, after being

bleeding. Sure enough, after being stopped at the gates by a group of

stopped at the gates by a group of guards who quickly allowed them entry

guards who quickly allowed them entry and ordered that their horses be taken

and ordered that their horses be taken care of, they were then escorted into

care of, they were then escorted into the palace, proving Calvin's assertion

the palace, proving Calvin's assertion true. Kea cringed at the interior

true. Kea cringed at the interior decorating, noting the clashing colors

decorating, noting the clashing colors and tasteless portraits, some of which

and tasteless portraits, some of which were so lewd that she covered Tip's eyes

were so lewd that she covered Tip's eyes as they walked past.

as they walked past. No one is that flexible, Calvin muttered

No one is that flexible, Calvin muttered as they hurried by one particularly

as they hurried by one particularly graphic painting. Speak for yourself,

graphic painting. Speak for yourself, Cresta muttered back, causing him to

Cresta muttered back, causing him to make a choked sound. Kea just kept her

make a choked sound. Kea just kept her gaze down and her hands firmly over

gaze down and her hands firmly over Tip's face until the guards delivered

Tip's face until the guards delivered them into a receiving room and left them

them into a receiving room and left them with instructions to wait for the king's

with instructions to wait for the king's steward. Glancing around, she fought to

steward. Glancing around, she fought to control her expression as she took in

control her expression as she took in the shockingly blue couches with bright

the shockingly blue couches with bright orange cushions over a lime green rug

orange cushions over a lime green rug paired with sunshine yellow carpet and

paired with sunshine yellow carpet and fuchsia

fuchsia wallpaper. The only relief was that

wallpaper. The only relief was that while there was an overabundance of

while there was an overabundance of portraits on the walls, at least all the

portraits on the walls, at least all the people in them were clothed.

people in them were clothed. The decorator was clearly blind, Cresta

The decorator was clearly blind, Cresta stated, shielding her eyes as if from a

stated, shielding her eyes as if from a glare. Tip alone seemed immune to the

glare. Tip alone seemed immune to the room, and he bounded straight for the

room, and he bounded straight for the couch where a platter of fruits and

couch where a platter of fruits and cheeses rested on a small table. He

cheeses rested on a small table. He began stuffing his mouth, food spraying

began stuffing his mouth, food spraying from between his lips as he declared,

from between his lips as he declared, "Do you you think King Sibli will give

"Do you you think King Sibli will give us a feast like in urine?" God, we'd all

us a feast like in urine?" God, we'd all better hope not," Nari said under her

better hope not," Nari said under her breath. "The kind of feasts Sibi offers

breath. "The kind of feasts Sibi offers aren't the kind you'd enjoy, buddy."

aren't the kind you'd enjoy, buddy." Jiren said. "The tightness around his

Jiren said. "The tightness around his eyes, revealing his distaste for the

eyes, revealing his distaste for the foreign king's proclivities."

foreign king's proclivities." Realizing that she was looking at him,

Realizing that she was looking at him, Ka quickly turned to study a painting of

Ka quickly turned to study a painting of a large man seated at top a colorful

a large man seated at top a colorful throne, a goblet of wine in one hand, a

throne, a goblet of wine in one hand, a bunch of grapes in the

bunch of grapes in the other. Is this? Before she could finish

other. Is this? Before she could finish asking if the painting was of the king,

asking if the painting was of the king, the door opened and her question was

the door opened and her question was answered for her. Devik, you old dog,

answered for her. Devik, you old dog, blustered the man from the portrait. And

blustered the man from the portrait. And while he wasn't holding any grapes,

while he wasn't holding any grapes, there was a full goblet in one of his

there was a full goblet in one of his hands, he was also considerably more

hands, he was also considerably more rotunded in person, enough that he was

rotunded in person, enough that he was nearly waddling into the room, his red

nearly waddling into the room, his red trousers and purple vest straining

trousers and purple vest straining against his portly figure. The only item

against his portly figure. The only item that fit him properly was the bejeweled

that fit him properly was the bejeweled crown at top his head. Sibly, thank you

crown at top his head. Sibly, thank you for come here, my boy. Come here. The

for come here, my boy. Come here. The king interrupted Jiren, yanking him into

king interrupted Jiren, yanking him into a tight, one-armed embrace, the other

a tight, one-armed embrace, the other stretched out to avoid spilling his

stretched out to avoid spilling his wine. When he pulled back again, Kea

wine. When he pulled back again, Kea noted the glazed look in his eyes along

noted the glazed look in his eyes along with the ruddy, sweatdamp tinge to his

with the ruddy, sweatdamp tinge to his features. The king was drunk, or high,

features. The king was drunk, or high, possibly both, but he wasn't slurring,

possibly both, but he wasn't slurring, indicating he'd had plenty of experience

indicating he'd had plenty of experience at keeping court in such a condition.

at keeping court in such a condition. What a fine young man you've grown

What a fine young man you've grown into," Sibi said, patting the

into," Sibi said, patting the uncomfortable-looking Jiren on the

uncomfortable-looking Jiren on the chest. He leaned in and added, "You

chest. He leaned in and added, "You know, half of my daughters are still

know, half of my daughters are still sibly always inexperienced to see you."

sibly always inexperienced to see you." Calvin cut in, saving his cousin. The

Calvin cut in, saving his cousin. The king turned to Calvin, but as he did so,

king turned to Calvin, but as he did so, he noticed the others in the room, his

he noticed the others in the room, his attention shifting curiously from Nari

attention shifting curiously from Nari to tip before coming to land on Ka. He

to tip before coming to land on Ka. He looked her over slowly, licking his

looked her over slowly, licking his lips, until Jiren pointedly cleared his

lips, until Jiren pointedly cleared his throat. Sibi then hurriedly moved his

throat. Sibi then hurriedly moved his gaze to Cresa, eyeing her body in a

gaze to Cresa, eyeing her body in a similar manner, though quicker, before

similar manner, though quicker, before his gaze rose to her face and arrested

his gaze rose to her face and arrested there. There was no doubting that Cresa

there. There was no doubting that Cresa was beautiful, but in a fierce,

was beautiful, but in a fierce, intimidating way. Her serpent tattoo was

intimidating way. Her serpent tattoo was enough to warn wouldbe suitors that they

enough to warn wouldbe suitors that they would have their hands full with her.

would have their hands full with her. But Sibi didn't seem to get that message

But Sibi didn't seem to get that message since he continued staring. Placing her

since he continued staring. Placing her hands on her hips,

hands on her hips, Crestrolled. See something you

Crestrolled. See something you like? The king came back to himself

like? The king came back to himself then, shaking his head as if to clear

then, shaking his head as if to clear it. I apologize. I thought you were

it. I apologize. I thought you were someone else. Someone

someone else. Someone dead. Ca arched an eyebrow. Do I look

dead. Ca arched an eyebrow. Do I look dead to

dead to you? The king laughed it off and waved a

you? The king laughed it off and waved a hand in the air, nearly spilling his

hand in the air, nearly spilling his wine. Forget I said anything. She was

wine. Forget I said anything. She was just a child,

just a child, any definitely

any definitely not. He looked her over again, his eyes

not. He looked her over again, his eyes lingering on places that had Calvin

lingering on places that had Calvin uttering a warning

uttering a warning growl. The king finally became aware of

growl. The king finally became aware of the mood in the room and quickly looked

the mood in the room and quickly looked behind him to where a hunched man

behind him to where a hunched man lingered awkwardly in the doorway. Send

lingered awkwardly in the doorway. Send for drinks, Tanton. My friends and I

for drinks, Tanton. My friends and I will celebrate as we catch up.

will celebrate as we catch up. Ka wondered if he'd heard rumors about

Ka wondered if he'd heard rumors about the takeover in Avalon, but then

the takeover in Avalon, but then remembered what Jiren had said about

remembered what Jiren had said about Sibi barely knowing what was happening

Sibi barely knowing what was happening in his own city. At least that was one

in his own city. At least that was one conversation they wouldn't have to

conversation they wouldn't have to endure in their catchup. "Actually,"

endure in their catchup. "Actually," Sibi, this isn't a social call, Jiren

Sibi, this isn't a social call, Jiren said. "We're here for SA's ring, the one

said. "We're here for SA's ring, the one she entrusted to your ancestor years

she entrusted to your ancestor years ago."

ago." The king visibly stilled before raising

The king visibly stilled before raising his goblet and taking a large gulp, then

his goblet and taking a large gulp, then another before draining all that

another before draining all that remained. "My coffers are full of

remained. "My coffers are full of trinkets, dear boy," Sibly said

trinkets, dear boy," Sibly said genially. "I have troves of jewels,

genially. "I have troves of jewels, necklaces, and bracelets and diadems,

necklaces, and bracelets and diadems, swords and daggers, and weapons of

swords and daggers, and weapons of infinite value. I'm sure we can find

infinite value. I'm sure we can find something you'd like more than a dusty

something you'd like more than a dusty old

old drink. Kea tensed, her earlier feeling

drink. Kea tensed, her earlier feeling returning at the panicky look on the

returning at the panicky look on the king's face. He mopped the sweat from

king's face. He mopped the sweat from his brow and grinned widely at them,

his brow and grinned widely at them, swaying slightly as he added, "I can

swaying slightly as he added, "I can have my stewart escort you there

have my stewart escort you there straight away, and you can take a piece

straight away, and you can take a piece of your chewing. all of you gifts to

of your chewing. all of you gifts to celebrate our friendship and then we'll

celebrate our friendship and then we'll dine and drink together afterward. I'll

dine and drink together afterward. I'll have the finest of entertainment brought

have the finest of entertainment brought in so we can enjoy sibly Jiren

in so we can enjoy sibly Jiren interrupted the king's rambling, his

interrupted the king's rambling, his voice brimming with command. Where is

voice brimming with command. Where is Sana's

Sana's ring? The Hadras monarch lifted his

ring? The Hadras monarch lifted his goblet again, grimacing when he found it

goblet again, grimacing when he found it empty. Only then did he sigh and

empty. Only then did he sigh and reluctantly admit, "I don't have

reluctantly admit, "I don't have it." Calvin swore and demanded, "Who

it." Calvin swore and demanded, "Who does?" "I need more vine. Would you like

does?" "I need more vine. Would you like some vine?" "You, boy," Sibi pointed to

some vine?" "You, boy," Sibi pointed to Tip. "You look like you could use some

Tip. "You look like you could use some fine." Tip started.

fine." Tip started. "Um, he's 11," Ka said flatly. She

"Um, he's 11," Ka said flatly. She ignored Tip's quiet mumble that he'd be

ignored Tip's quiet mumble that he'd be 12 soon and went on. He doesn't want any

12 soon and went on. He doesn't want any wine. Now answer the

wine. Now answer the question. The king turned to her, his

question. The king turned to her, his jowls wobbling as he offered what he

jowls wobbling as he offered what he thought was a charming grin. I'm not

thought was a charming grin. I'm not sure if you've heard, but I'm always

sure if you've heard, but I'm always looking for new treasures to join my

looking for new treasures to join my haram. I can already tell you've been a

haram. I can already tell you've been a favorite of He stopped abruptly when

favorite of He stopped abruptly when Jiren moved a threatening step forward.

Jiren moved a threatening step forward. In a low, dangerous voice, the prince

In a low, dangerous voice, the prince asked, "Where is the ring,

asked, "Where is the ring, Sibly?" Whatever the king saw in Jiren's

Sibly?" Whatever the king saw in Jiren's expression had him mopping his brow

expression had him mopping his brow again, even more desperately. But he

again, even more desperately. But he answered, "I gave it to a woman named

answered, "I gave it to a woman named Zophia Sage.

Zophia Sage. Nari, Calvin, and Jiren all spoke at

Nari, Calvin, and Jiren all spoke at once with one asking why, the other when

once with one asking why, the other when and the last, "Where is she?" Flustered

and the last, "Where is she?" Flustered now, the king said, "I invited her here

now, the king said, "I invited her here to read my fortune. She's a mystician,

to read my fortune. She's a mystician, you see, a damn fine one, and very rare.

you see, a damn fine one, and very rare. But she wouldn't take gold as payment.

But she wouldn't take gold as payment. Only that ring.

Only that ring. It's been hundreds of years without

It's been hundreds of years without anyone from your family coming to claim

anyone from your family coming to claim it. How was I supposed to know you'd

it. How was I supposed to know you'd show up in my

show up in my lifetime? He made a harump sound as if

lifetime? He made a harump sound as if he were horribly put out. How do we find

he were horribly put out. How do we find her? Jiren asked. She has a stall in the

her? Jiren asked. She has a stall in the midnight market, Sibly said, causing

midnight market, Sibly said, causing Calvin to swear again with Nari

Calvin to swear again with Nari surprisingly doing the same. But be

surprisingly doing the same. But be warned, she won't just hand the ring

warned, she won't just hand the ring over. She'll have to pay and not in

over. She'll have to pay and not in gold. I strongly suggest you take up my

gold. I strongly suggest you take up my offer to visit my troves

offer to visit my troves instead. Jiren turned to pace the length

instead. Jiren turned to pace the length of the room. Kea tracked his movement,

of the room. Kea tracked his movement, part of her wondering what he was

part of her wondering what he was thinking. The rest wishing she could

thinking. The rest wishing she could leave his presence to keep from being

leave his presence to keep from being constantly reminded about what he'd said

constantly reminded about what he'd said that morning. You and I will never have

that morning. You and I will never have to see each other

to see each other again. She winced and wrapped her arms

again. She winced and wrapped her arms around herself, ignoring Cal's concerned

around herself, ignoring Cal's concerned look. "What's the time now?" Jiren

look. "What's the time now?" Jiren finally asked. The king looked to the

finally asked. The king looked to the hunched steward, who quickly answered.

hunched steward, who quickly answered. "There's still a few hours until

"There's still a few hours until midnight," Jarn noted, making Ka realize

midnight," Jarn noted, making Ka realize the midnight markets must be more

the midnight markets must be more literal than she'd assumed. We need a

literal than she'd assumed. We need a place to rest in the meantime. Can you

place to rest in the meantime. Can you accommodate us? It was asked politely,

accommodate us? It was asked politely, but there was an undercurrent of anger

but there was an undercurrent of anger and frustration that the king, even

and frustration that the king, even inebriated, didn't miss. He quickly

inebriated, didn't miss. He quickly said, "Of course, of course. It would be

said, "Of course, of course. It would be my pleasure." He clapped his hands and

my pleasure." He clapped his hands and called, "Tanton, take some to the blue

called, "Tanton, take some to the blue suite." He beamed at Jarn. only the best

suite." He beamed at Jarn. only the best for my

for my friends. Jiren gave a tur nod of thanks.

friends. Jiren gave a tur nod of thanks. I'll be in the dining hall with some of

I'll be in the dining hall with some of my lovelies should you wish to join me

my lovelies should you wish to join me later, Sibly offered. He winked and

later, Sibly offered. He winked and added. We'll be enjoying each other well

added. We'll be enjoying each other well into the night. You're welcome to come

into the night. You're welcome to come and make merry with us after your visit

and make merry with us after your visit to the markets.

to the markets. Cresa made a gagging sound, saving Jiren

Cresa made a gagging sound, saving Jiren from having to

from having to answer. None of them bid the king

answer. None of them bid the king farewell as they followed the hunched

farewell as they followed the hunched tanton from the room with Kea once again

tanton from the room with Kea once again covering Tip's eyes as they passed yet

covering Tip's eyes as they passed yet more indecent portraits.

more indecent portraits. Walking through the sandstone halls, she

Walking through the sandstone halls, she considered the king, unsurprised that

considered the king, unsurprised that Ursa had run a muk under his care. While

Ursa had run a muk under his care. While Tempi and Ryu were warriors who

Tempi and Ryu were warriors who commanded obedience from their German

commanded obedience from their German citizens, Sibi was lacking any sense of

citizens, Sibi was lacking any sense of authority, more interested in his own

authority, more interested in his own comfort than anything else. Despite

comfort than anything else. Despite Jiren being only a prince, and not even

Jiren being only a prince, and not even that technically at the moment, Sibi was

that technically at the moment, Sibi was still cowed by him.

still cowed by him. He wasn't a king who inspired respect,

He wasn't a king who inspired respect, but nor did he seem to care for it. The

but nor did he seem to care for it. The further Ka traveled from Avalon, the

further Ka traveled from Avalon, the more she realized just how fortunate her

more she realized just how fortunate her home kingdom was to be under the rule of

home kingdom was to be under the rule of the Valentis family, ignoring, of

the Valentis family, ignoring, of course, the current circumstances, which

course, the current circumstances, which she was hopeful would be remedied as

she was hopeful would be remedied as soon as

soon as possible. "Here we are, the

possible. "Here we are, the Blue," said Tanton in a grating accent.

Blue," said Tanton in a grating accent. Kea had yet to hear the native Hydrrisen

Kea had yet to hear the native Hydrrisen language since arriving in the kingdom,

language since arriving in the kingdom, but she'd encountered it numerous times

but she'd encountered it numerous times in Zalandov, so was familiar with the

in Zalandov, so was familiar with the rough vowels and edged consonants.

rough vowels and edged consonants. Stepping through the door the steward

Stepping through the door the steward held open, Kea was unsurprised to see

held open, Kea was unsurprised to see that everything from the floors to the

that everything from the floors to the walls to the ceiling and all of the

walls to the ceiling and all of the furniture was blue. Navy, ceruan, azure,

furniture was blue. Navy, ceruan, azure, sapphire, turquoise. Every shade

sapphire, turquoise. Every shade imaginable was before them, with not

imaginable was before them, with not even the scenery off the large covered

even the scenery off the large covered balcony offering any respit, since it

balcony offering any respit, since it looked straight out over the aquamarine

looked straight out over the aquamarine Corin Sea glinting in the

Corin Sea glinting in the sunset. But that at least afforded some

sunset. But that at least afforded some natural beauty, unlike the blue

natural beauty, unlike the blue explosion of the room.

explosion of the room. This is

This is ridiculous," Cresa muttered, glaring at

ridiculous," Cresa muttered, glaring at the space as if it personally offended

the space as if it personally offended her. "If you need anything, please ring

her. "If you need anything, please ring the bell," Tanton said, indicating a

the bell," Tanton said, indicating a cord hanging near the door. "The guards

cord hanging near the door. "The guards will be made aware of your evening

will be made aware of your evening plans, so you'll be free to travel

plans, so you'll be free to travel through the gates as you please." He

through the gates as you please." He hesitated before adding, "Take care in

hesitated before adding, "Take care in the markets. They are beyond his

the markets. They are beyond his majesty's jurisdiction. Should you

majesty's jurisdiction. Should you encounter trouble, he will be unable to

encounter trouble, he will be unable to assist. With that warning, he gave a

assist. With that warning, he gave a shallow bow and left them alone. "What's

shallow bow and left them alone. "What's the deal with these markets?" Cresta

the deal with these markets?" Cresta asked, collapsing onto the periwinkle

asked, collapsing onto the periwinkle couch. "And what's a mistition?"

couch. "And what's a mistition?" Tip asked, his eyes lighting when he

Tip asked, his eyes lighting when he found a tray of pastries in the corner,

found a tray of pastries in the corner, despite everything he'd just eaten in

despite everything he'd just eaten in the receiving

the receiving room. Both are bad news, Nari answered,

room. Both are bad news, Nari answered, her features tense. Jiren strode toward

her features tense. Jiren strode toward the balcony, halting where the carpet

the balcony, halting where the carpet ended, staring brutally out at the

ended, staring brutally out at the ocean. "You all right?" Calvin whispered

ocean. "You all right?" Calvin whispered to Kea. She feigned confusion. Why

to Kea. She feigned confusion. Why wouldn't I be? His lips pressed into a

wouldn't I be? His lips pressed into a thin line, not buying her act, but he

thin line, not buying her act, but he didn't get a chance to call her on it

didn't get a chance to call her on it before Jiren turned back to them all and

before Jiren turned back to them all and said, "The midnight markets are a place

said, "The midnight markets are a place that I deeply wish we could have

that I deeply wish we could have avoided." Calvin snorted, "You're just

avoided." Calvin snorted, "You're just remembering the last time we were

remembering the last time we were there." A memory came to Ka then of her

there." A memory came to Ka then of her dinner with the Valentis family at the

dinner with the Valentis family at the river Palace and the stories they'd

river Palace and the stories they'd shared, mostly to embarrass Jiren,

shared, mostly to embarrass Jiren, including one about how he'd spent a

including one about how he'd spent a night dancing at the midnight markets

night dancing at the midnight markets after Calvin had spiked his

after Calvin had spiked his drink. I'm really trying not to, Jiren

drink. I'm really trying not to, Jiren said tightly. To the rest of them, he

said tightly. To the rest of them, he said, "There are two halves to the

said, "There are two halves to the markets. One that spills above ground,

markets. One that spills above ground, which is mostly safe and focuses on

which is mostly safe and focuses on realry and celebration. Think of it like

realry and celebration. Think of it like a carnival, except it occurs all year

a carnival, except it occurs all year round. And the other half," Tip asked,

round. And the other half," Tip asked, between bites of a berry

between bites of a berry tart. It's part of Ursa's underground

tart. It's part of Ursa's underground where everything Cal mentioned earlier

where everything Cal mentioned earlier takes place. the trading of illicit

takes place. the trading of illicit substances, the buying and selling of

substances, the buying and selling of human flesh, the hiring of assassins and

human flesh, the hiring of assassins and spies. Jiren's brow was

spies. Jiren's brow was pinched. It really isn't somewhere we

pinched. It really isn't somewhere we should

should go. Ca pulled her feet up onto the

go. Ca pulled her feet up onto the couch, stretching out. And yet, I think

couch, stretching out. And yet, I think we can all guess which side we'll find

we can all guess which side we'll find the mystician

the mystician on. Jiren made a frustrated sound of

on. Jiren made a frustrated sound of agreement.

agreement. You did didn't say what um mystician is.

You did didn't say what um mystician is. Tip pressed. Kea too was curious since

Tip pressed. Kea too was curious since it wasn't a term she was familiar

it wasn't a term she was familiar with. As King Sibi said, mysticians are

with. As King Sibi said, mysticians are incredibly rare. Nari answered, moving

incredibly rare. Nari answered, moving toward tip and swiping a muffin off the

toward tip and swiping a muffin off the tray. They come from across the ocean,

tray. They come from across the ocean, mostly Adastria, though some are from

mostly Adastria, though some are from Mahari.

Mahari. Considering how far west we are, Zofhia

Considering how far west we are, Zofhia Sage is probably from the latter. I

Sage is probably from the latter. I can't imagine she would have crossed

can't imagine she would have crossed Wonderall and ended up here if she

Wonderall and ended up here if she hailed all the way from the

hailed all the way from the east. But what does she do? Tip asked.

east. But what does she do? Tip asked. The king said she read his

The king said she read his fortune. Is that even possible?

fortune. Is that even possible? No one really knows what mysticians can

No one really knows what mysticians can do, Calvin said, shoving Crest's legs

do, Calvin said, shoving Crest's legs off the couch so he could sit beside

off the couch so he could sit beside her. He ignored her glare and

her. He ignored her glare and continued. Legend claims they're gifted

continued. Legend claims they're gifted in the mind arts, a special kind of

in the mind arts, a special kind of magic that we know little about here in

magic that we know little about here in Wendall. They're said to be able to do

Wendall. They're said to be able to do anything from predicting the future to

anything from predicting the future to knowing someone's innermost secrets.

knowing someone's innermost secrets. Some can even move objects without

Some can even move objects without touching them, while others can speak

touching them, while others can speak directly into your

directly into your thoughts.

thoughts. Whoa. Tip breathed, and Kea found

Whoa. Tip breathed, and Kea found herself

herself agreeing. So, what's our plan? Nari

agreeing. So, what's our plan? Nari asked, nibbling her muffin. We don't

asked, nibbling her muffin. We don't have a choice, Jiren said, unhappy about

have a choice, Jiren said, unhappy about it. We need the ring. So that means we

it. We need the ring. So that means we have to find her and then pay whatever

have to find her and then pay whatever price she

price she demands. What if she wants our firstborn

demands. What if she wants our firstborn children? Cresa asked, frowning. Or our

children? Cresa asked, frowning. Or our kidneys. Our

kidneys. Our kidneys? Calvin's eyebrows shot upward.

kidneys? Calvin's eyebrows shot upward. That's what you're worried about? The

That's what you're worried about? The redhead tapped her chin thoughtfully. I

redhead tapped her chin thoughtfully. I can probably give her one, but she's not

can probably give her one, but she's not getting both.

getting both. Crest is right, Nari said. Not about the

Crest is right, Nari said. Not about the kidneys. That's Well, never mind. She

kidneys. That's Well, never mind. She scrunched her face and shook her head.

scrunched her face and shook her head. But she's right that it's risky to go in

But she's right that it's risky to go in willing to offer anything. We have no

willing to offer anything. We have no idea what the might want. It's still a

idea what the might want. It's still a risk we have to take, Jiren maintained.

risk we have to take, Jiren maintained. No one was pleased, but they all knew

No one was pleased, but they all knew there was no alternative.

there was no alternative. They just have to hope Zofhia Sage would

They just have to hope Zofhia Sage would relinquish the ring for a price they

relinquish the ring for a price they were capable of

were capable of paying. Devising a quick plan of action,

paying. Devising a quick plan of action, they all agreed to rest for a few hours

they all agreed to rest for a few hours in the separate bedrooms connected to

in the separate bedrooms connected to the suite before meeting up again close

the suite before meeting up again close to

to midnight. Unlike the others, however,

midnight. Unlike the others, however, once Ka was alone, she didn't try to

once Ka was alone, she didn't try to sleep. Having no distractions for the

sleep. Having no distractions for the first time since that morning, she could

first time since that morning, she could no longer hold back the tide of what

no longer hold back the tide of what she'd been ignoring all day. With every

she'd been ignoring all day. With every detail of her talk with Jiren replaying

detail of her talk with Jiren replaying in her

in her mind, "You made me fall in love with a

mind, "You made me fall in love with a lie. I don't even know who you are, and

lie. I don't even know who you are, and frankly, I don't want

frankly, I don't want to. And perhaps the worst, you and I

to. And perhaps the worst, you and I will never have to see each other

will never have to see each other again."

again." She curled into a ball on her

She curled into a ball on her teal-colored bed, her arms around her

teal-colored bed, her arms around her knees, her wounded heart thumping dully.

knees, her wounded heart thumping dully. And finally, she released the tears

And finally, she released the tears she'd been fighting for hours, allowing

she'd been fighting for hours, allowing them to flow in silent rivers down her

them to flow in silent rivers down her cheeks, all while she begged for the

cheeks, all while she begged for the pain to

Kea felt hollow as she walked with Jiren, Calvin, and Tip into the midnight

Jiren, Calvin, and Tip into the midnight markets later that night. Casta and Nari

markets later that night. Casta and Nari had left earlier in the evening,

had left earlier in the evening, choosing to scout ahead rather than

choosing to scout ahead rather than rest. Kea had wished she'd known in time

rest. Kea had wished she'd known in time to accompany them because now she was

to accompany them because now she was stuck with a much more intimate group,

stuck with a much more intimate group, including the one person she greatly

including the one person she greatly wished to distance herself from. But she

wished to distance herself from. But she did her best to ignore Jiren. instead

did her best to ignore Jiren. instead channeling her energy into keeping her

channeling her energy into keeping her eyes on Tip. She'd wanted him to remain

eyes on Tip. She'd wanted him to remain back at the palace, but their encounter

back at the palace, but their encounter with the king had made her wary about

with the king had made her wary about leaving him

leaving him alone. And while she'd almost offered to

alone. And while she'd almost offered to stay with him, she was also aware that

stay with him, she was also aware that the dangerous nature of the underground

the dangerous nature of the underground markets could result in her friends

markets could result in her friends needing her magic.

needing her magic. So there they were, the four of them,

So there they were, the four of them, having just climbed down one of the many

having just climbed down one of the many public entrances into Ursa's underground

public entrances into Ursa's underground network, with the above ground hatch

network, with the above ground hatch having revealed a set of ladders eerily

having revealed a set of ladders eerily similar to those at

similar to those at Zalandov. They weren't all like that,

Zalandov. They weren't all like that, Calvin had shared, rattling off other

Calvin had shared, rattling off other entrances he'd used during past visits.

entrances he'd used during past visits. sandstone staircases and even mechanical

sandstone staircases and even mechanical shafts powered by aluminium along with

shafts powered by aluminium along with different trap doors with more ladders

different trap doors with more ladders and ropes and pulleys and

and ropes and pulleys and slides. Urs had made it all too easy to

slides. Urs had made it all too easy to access their criminal world from all

access their criminal world from all across the city and to escape it

across the city and to escape it quickly. "It smells bad down here," Tip

quickly. "It smells bad down here," Tip said, wrinkling his nose as they headed

said, wrinkling his nose as they headed along a vast thoroughfare.

along a vast thoroughfare. Kea didn't feel as if she was

Kea didn't feel as if she was underground. As long as she didn't look

underground. As long as she didn't look up at the dark, rocky ceiling, it was

up at the dark, rocky ceiling, it was just like walking through a normal

just like walking through a normal street with vendors lining the sides of

street with vendors lining the sides of the road, some pedalling their wares,

the road, some pedalling their wares, others sitting silently behind tables

others sitting silently behind tables and watching as they passed.

and watching as they passed. There were also a surprising number of

There were also a surprising number of urs moving from stall to stall, some

urs moving from stall to stall, some angling fertively down narrow alleyways

angling fertively down narrow alleyways and through secretive doors cut into the

and through secretive doors cut into the earth. Kea couldn't help being curious

earth. Kea couldn't help being curious about those hidden establishments, what

about those hidden establishments, what they contained, and how they'd been

they contained, and how they'd been heuned out of the sandstone itself.

heuned out of the sandstone itself. She didn't, however, dwell on the

She didn't, however, dwell on the question of how safe she and her

question of how safe she and her companions were, and tried to forget

companions were, and tried to forget that there was an entire city resting

that there was an entire city resting just above their

just above their heads. "Should we split up?" Calvin

heads. "Should we split up?" Calvin asked as they walked past a woman who

asked as they walked past a woman who had three snakes coiled around her arms

had three snakes coiled around her arms and neck, and dozens more for sale in a

and neck, and dozens more for sale in a glass

glass enclosure. The red streaks in their

enclosure. The red streaks in their black scales identified them as necross

black scales identified them as necross adders. a single bite from which would

adders. a single bite from which would cause death within

cause death within seconds. Kea quickly pulled Tip away

seconds. Kea quickly pulled Tip away when he moved in for a closer look.

when he moved in for a closer look. "Maybe we should just ask someone where

"Maybe we should just ask someone where we can find Zophia," she suggested, not

we can find Zophia," she suggested, not wanting to separate, even if it meant

wanting to separate, even if it meant she wouldn't have to be near Jiren.

she wouldn't have to be near Jiren. She'd scrubbed her face before leaving

She'd scrubbed her face before leaving her room, but her eyes had still been

her room, but her eyes had still been red from crying, making her mumble an

red from crying, making her mumble an excuse about them being irritated from

excuse about them being irritated from the sand when Tip had expressed his

the sand when Tip had expressed his concern. He'd bought the lie, but the

concern. He'd bought the lie, but the look Calvin sent her said he hadn't. Kea

look Calvin sent her said he hadn't. Kea hadn't dared glance at Jiren.

hadn't dared glance at Jiren. It'll be faster to split up, but safer

It'll be faster to split up, but safer to stay together, Jiren answered,

to stay together, Jiren answered, frowning at the mass of people. We don't

frowning at the mass of people. We don't want to draw attention to what we're

want to draw attention to what we're doing, not in a place like this. But he

doing, not in a place like this. But he was right. We are probably going to have

was right. We are probably going to have to ask for directions.

to ask for directions. Ooh, look, Tip said, pointing to a stall

Ooh, look, Tip said, pointing to a stall up ahead and beaming. An apothecary. We

up ahead and beaming. An apothecary. We should ask her. Everyone knows

should ask her. Everyone knows apothecaries help

apothecaries help people. Kea couldn't help thinking of

people. Kea couldn't help thinking of Mott from Zalandov, who, while

Mott from Zalandov, who, while thoughtful and kind to her, had

thoughtful and kind to her, had deliberately misdiagnosed his patients

deliberately misdiagnosed his patients so he could test experimental remedies

so he could test experimental remedies on them, causing multiple deaths.

on them, causing multiple deaths. The midnight markets were the kind of

The midnight markets were the kind of place he would have thrived at, so Kea

place he would have thrived at, so Kea followed Tip with caution as he skipped

followed Tip with caution as he skipped toward the woman behind a table covered

toward the woman behind a table covered in

in vials. Numerous plants and flowers and

vials. Numerous plants and flowers and vines hung along the sides and across

vines hung along the sides and across the top of her stall, most of which were

the top of her stall, most of which were unknown to Kea, aside from a few highly

unknown to Kea, aside from a few highly poisonous buds that had her eyes

poisonous buds that had her eyes rounding.

rounding. The booth itself had copious stoppered

The booth itself had copious stoppered flasks and bottles scattered over every

flasks and bottles scattered over every available surface, none of which were

available surface, none of which were labeled. And there was also a

labeled. And there was also a preparation area where the woman was

preparation area where the woman was meticulously chopping ingredients and

meticulously chopping ingredients and transferring them to a large stirring

transferring them to a large stirring pot. All of this Ka took in quickly. But

pot. All of this Ka took in quickly. But it wasn't the woman or her task that

it wasn't the woman or her task that held her focus. It was the shelf behind

held her focus. It was the shelf behind her, stocked high with clear containers

her, stocked high with clear containers full of a familiar golden powder. Angel

full of a familiar golden powder. Angel dust. So much angel dust. More than Ka

dust. So much angel dust. More than Ka had ever seen in one place. Her insides

had ever seen in one place. Her insides twisted and she tore her eyes

twisted and she tore her eyes away. Excuse

away. Excuse me, Tip said before Ka, Calvin, or Jiren

me, Tip said before Ka, Calvin, or Jiren could stop him. We're looking for Zofia.

could stop him. We're looking for Zofia. Sage. The woman didn't look up, her hand

Sage. The woman didn't look up, her hand steady on her dagger as she continued to

steady on her dagger as she continued to chop, chop,

chop, chop, chop. Jiren stepped forward and spoke in

chop. Jiren stepped forward and spoke in the guttural Heddrrisen

the guttural Heddrrisen language. I heard the kid, the woman

language. I heard the kid, the woman replied in the common tongue with barely

replied in the common tongue with barely a trace of an

a trace of an accent. That's in it for

accent. That's in it for me. You would have a gratitude, Calvin

me. You would have a gratitude, Calvin said, offering her a winning smile.

said, offering her a winning smile. Gratitude don't pay the king's taxes,

Gratitude don't pay the king's taxes, she shot back. Jiren pulled out a small

she shot back. Jiren pulled out a small pouch of gold. No, but this will. For

pouch of gold. No, but this will. For your information and your

your information and your silence. The woman finally glanced up,

silence. The woman finally glanced up, holding out her palm. When Jiren handed

holding out her palm. When Jiren handed over the pouch, she weighed it

over the pouch, she weighed it thoughtfully, then opened her mouth to

thoughtfully, then opened her mouth to give a stream of directions, none of

give a stream of directions, none of which Ka understood. But Jiren and Calen

which Ka understood. But Jiren and Calen listened intently before murmuring their

listened intently before murmuring their thanks. The apothecary merely went back

thanks. The apothecary merely went back to her work, ignoring them once more.

to her work, ignoring them once more. They turned to leave, but as they did,

They turned to leave, but as they did, Tip asked, "What's the

Tip asked, "What's the that while pointing to a large jar full

that while pointing to a large jar full of what looked suspiciously like blood

of what looked suspiciously like blood inside of which floated a pale

inside of which floated a pale "nothing!" Kea said quickly, grabbing

"nothing!" Kea said quickly, grabbing his arm and dragging him away, her

his arm and dragging him away, her stomach roing. Even Calvin made a quiet

stomach roing. Even Calvin made a quiet wretching sound while Jiren rubbed his

wretching sound while Jiren rubbed his eyes as they hurried from the apothecary

eyes as they hurried from the apothecary stall as if hoping to erase the image

stall as if hoping to erase the image from his mind. The four of them

from his mind. The four of them continued down the thoroughfare, passing

continued down the thoroughfare, passing everything from exotic creatures in

everything from exotic creatures in cages to strange weapons that had the

cages to strange weapons that had the princes lingering with appreciation.

princes lingering with appreciation. There were also entire stalls piled high

There were also entire stalls piled high with more angel dust, poppy milk, and

with more angel dust, poppy milk, and other unidentifiable drugs, causing Ka's

other unidentifiable drugs, causing Ka's anxiety to spike every time she saw a

anxiety to spike every time she saw a hint of the glittery powder. She still

hint of the glittery powder. She still hadn't told anyone, especially Jiren,

hadn't told anyone, especially Jiren, what she'd gone through at Salandov. The

what she'd gone through at Salandov. The horrors of her addiction and withdrawal.

horrors of her addiction and withdrawal. Just seeing the angel dust glinting

Just seeing the angel dust glinting innocently under the luminium beacons

innocently under the luminium beacons made her heart race and her palms sweat

made her heart race and her palms sweat with her battling to keep her mind in

with her battling to keep her mind in the now and not fall back into the

the now and not fall back into the nightmare she'd barely

nightmare she'd barely survived. Are you all

survived. Are you all right? The quiet words came not from

right? The quiet words came not from Calvin or Tip, but from Jiren. Kea

Calvin or Tip, but from Jiren. Kea stiffened and kept her eyes straight

stiffened and kept her eyes straight ahead, focusing on a shirtless man

ahead, focusing on a shirtless man dancing with a collar and chain around

dancing with a collar and chain around his neck as she answered. Of

his neck as she answered. Of course, there was a weighty pause before

course, there was a weighty pause before Jiren said, "It helps if you don't look

Jiren said, "It helps if you don't look too closely. This is their world. It's

too closely. This is their world. It's their normal. They don't see it as we

their normal. They don't see it as we do, and we'll be out of here as soon as

do, and we'll be out of here as soon as we can."

we can." He thought she was struggling with the

He thought she was struggling with the markets when really she was struggling

markets when really she was struggling with her

with her memories. I'm

memories. I'm fine. Her tone was as detached as his

fine. Her tone was as detached as his had been for

had been for weeks. Calvin said, "This is where the

weeks. Calvin said, "This is where the worst of humanity resides, but I spent

worst of humanity resides, but I spent 10 years with the worst of humanity.

10 years with the worst of humanity. This isn't just their normal. It's mine,

This isn't just their normal. It's mine, too. I'm used to it."

too. I'm used to it." That was a blatant lie, especially when

That was a blatant lie, especially when she recalled what she'd seen in that

she recalled what she'd seen in that bloodied jar. But the last thing she

bloodied jar. But the last thing she needed was Jiren feeling obligated to

needed was Jiren feeling obligated to worry about her due to some misplaced

worry about her due to some misplaced sense of duty, or worse,

sense of duty, or worse, guilt. Another weighty silence came from

guilt. Another weighty silence came from him before he tried. Key, there you are.

him before he tried. Key, there you are. Nari's voice cut him off with her

Nari's voice cut him off with her approaching from a side alleyway they

approaching from a side alleyway they just turned down. We found Sophia. She's

just turned down. We found Sophia. She's only a short walk from

only a short walk from here. Ka sent a silent thank you to the

here. Ka sent a silent thank you to the guard for interrupting whatever Jiren

guard for interrupting whatever Jiren had been about to say. Then followed

had been about to say. Then followed quickly after Nari as she led them

quickly after Nari as she led them through the narrow alley and into

through the narrow alley and into another large thoroughfare almost

another large thoroughfare almost identical to the one they just left.

identical to the one they just left. This side, however, smelled fresher and

This side, however, smelled fresher and sloped upward with a slight breeze and

sloped upward with a slight breeze and the distant sounds of music indicating

the distant sounds of music indicating that it led straight into the outdoor

that it led straight into the outdoor section of the midnight markets where

section of the midnight markets where the revalry took place. "Where's

the revalry took place. "Where's Cresta?" Calan asked as they passed yet

Cresta?" Calan asked as they passed yet more suspicious stalls.

more suspicious stalls. trying to convince the mystician to hand

trying to convince the mystician to hand over the ring. Nari answered,

over the ring. Nari answered, sideststepping a man and woman haggling

sideststepping a man and woman haggling loudly in the middle of the road.

loudly in the middle of the road. Zophofia refused to negotiate until we

Zophofia refused to negotiate until we were all there. Somehow she knew there

were all there. Somehow she knew there was more than just the two of us.

was more than just the two of us. A chill crept over Kea as she considered

A chill crept over Kea as she considered the strange magic of the woman they were

the strange magic of the woman they were about to approach. And that chill only

about to approach. And that chill only grew when Nari guided them down another

grew when Nari guided them down another dark alleyway and pushed open a jade

dark alleyway and pushed open a jade door etched into the sandstone. The sign

door etched into the sandstone. The sign above it in scripted

above it in scripted haden. Enter in if you dare, but do so

haden. Enter in if you dare, but do so being fully aware. There is a payment to

being fully aware. There is a payment to prepare. The heart will tell what you

prepare. The heart will tell what you most care, Calvin

most care, Calvin read. I have a bad feeling about this,

read. I have a bad feeling about this, Jiren muttered. But even so, he followed

Jiren muttered. But even so, he followed Nari over the threshold with the rest of

Nari over the threshold with the rest of them at his

them at his heels.

heels. "Ooh," Tip said as soon as the door

"Ooh," Tip said as soon as the door closed behind them. "It smells much

closed behind them. "It smells much nicer in here.

nicer in here. Kea could barely breathe from the

Kea could barely breathe from the overpowering scent of incense, and she

overpowering scent of incense, and she had to waft a hand in front of her face

had to waft a hand in front of her face as she squinted through the smoke haze

as she squinted through the smoke haze to take in the room. Candles, not

to take in the room. Candles, not luminium orbs, illuminated the space, at

luminium orbs, illuminated the space, at the center of which was the only piece

the center of which was the only piece of furniture, a wooden stool, upon which

of furniture, a wooden stool, upon which sat the most beautiful woman Kea had

sat the most beautiful woman Kea had ever seen.

ever seen. Her skin was as dark as the sandstone

Her skin was as dark as the sandstone surrounding them. A rich ebony covered

surrounding them. A rich ebony covered with silver tattoos in an unrecognizable

with silver tattoos in an unrecognizable rune language, the ink traveling from

rune language, the ink traveling from her hands up along her arms, even

her hands up along her arms, even circling her neck before disappearing

circling her neck before disappearing beneath her simple homespun tunic. Her

beneath her simple homespun tunic. Her hair and eyes were also the same

hair and eyes were also the same remarkable shade of silver, the latter

remarkable shade of silver, the latter shining with an unnatural glow as she

shining with an unnatural glow as she smiled and beckoned them

smiled and beckoned them closer. Ca was already standing there,

closer. Ca was already standing there, her arms crossed, her face set into a

her arms crossed, her face set into a scowl, indicating she'd had no luck

scowl, indicating she'd had no luck retrieving the ring while Nari had been

retrieving the ring while Nari had been gone.

gone. Welcome," the mystician said, her soft

Welcome," the mystician said, her soft accent unlike anything Kea had heard

accent unlike anything Kea had heard before. Lulling and melodic. "How may I

before. Lulling and melodic. "How may I be of

be of service?" Cresta grumbled under her

service?" Cresta grumbled under her breath about how she'd repeatedly said

breath about how she'd repeatedly said what they were there for, but the gentle

what they were there for, but the gentle smile didn't leave Zophia's face. Kea

smile didn't leave Zophia's face. Kea wondered how old she was. She appeared

wondered how old she was. She appeared young, but there was an agelessness

young, but there was an agelessness about her, something in her unusual gaze

about her, something in her unusual gaze that spoke of untold

that spoke of untold wisdom. Calvin gave Jiren a hearty shove

wisdom. Calvin gave Jiren a hearty shove forward, prompting Jiren to turn and

forward, prompting Jiren to turn and glare at his cousin before clearing his

glare at his cousin before clearing his expression and approaching the beautiful

expression and approaching the beautiful woman.

woman. I'm Prince Dearik Jarn Valentis of

I'm Prince Dearik Jarn Valentis of Eveon," Zofhia said, her smile widening.

Eveon," Zofhia said, her smile widening. "It's a pleasure, your highness,

"It's a pleasure, your highness, although I suppose that's not your title

although I suppose that's not your title right now, is it? Still, that is

right now, is it? Still, that is undoubtedly who you are."

undoubtedly who you are." Jiren looked at Nari and Cresta, but

Jiren looked at Nari and Cresta, but they shook their heads, their solemn

they shook their heads, their solemn faces indicating they hadn't shared

faces indicating they hadn't shared anything about him with the

anything about him with the mystician. Another chill snaked down

mystician. Another chill snaked down Kea's spine, this one causing her to

Kea's spine, this one causing her to shiver. She hung back as the others

shiver. She hung back as the others edged closer to Zophia, instinct telling

edged closer to Zophia, instinct telling her to keep her distance.

her to keep her distance. If you know who I am, Jiren said

If you know who I am, Jiren said unwavering, then you know why I'm here.

unwavering, then you know why I'm here. King Sibi gave you a ring that was never

King Sibi gave you a ring that was never his to give. It belonged to my ancestor,

his to give. It belonged to my ancestor, and now it belongs to me. I'd like it

and now it belongs to me. I'd like it back,

back, please. Zophia cocked her head to the

please. Zophia cocked her head to the side, her silver hair tumbling smoothly

side, her silver hair tumbling smoothly over her shoulder.

over her shoulder. I sympathize with your plight,

I sympathize with your plight, princling, but I cannot hand it over for

princling, but I cannot hand it over for free. I have a reputation to

free. I have a reputation to uphold. We w won't tell anyone," Tip

uphold. We w won't tell anyone," Tip said, staring at the woman as if she

said, staring at the woman as if she were an ancient

were an ancient goddess. Her eyes gentled, and her tone

goddess. Her eyes gentled, and her tone softened even more as she looked at him.

softened even more as she looked at him. "You have a kind heart, dear one. Your

"You have a kind heart, dear one. Your mother would be

mother would be proud. Tip jerked and Kea moved

proud. Tip jerked and Kea moved unconsciously forward, stopping only

unconsciously forward, stopping only when she saw that Jiren was already

when she saw that Jiren was already reaching out to place a comforting hand

reaching out to place a comforting hand on the young boy's

on the young boy's shoulder. "What do you want in return

shoulder. "What do you want in return for the ring?" Jiren asked in a voice

for the ring?" Jiren asked in a voice that made it clear the woman was to

that made it clear the woman was to leave Tip alone. "Even words said with

leave Tip alone. "Even words said with care could still cause damage." Kea knew

care could still cause damage." Kea knew that more than

that more than most. Zophia looked thoughtfully at the

most. Zophia looked thoughtfully at the prince, pressing a finger to her lips.

prince, pressing a finger to her lips. She then turned her musing gaze to

She then turned her musing gaze to Calvin, then Nari, then Cresta, before

Calvin, then Nari, then Cresta, before finally glancing past them all and

finally glancing past them all and finding Ka. The silver in her eyes

finding Ka. The silver in her eyes flared, her lips tipping upward as she

flared, her lips tipping upward as she declared, "You have a tortured soul."

declared, "You have a tortured soul." Her smile widened. Come with

Her smile widened. Come with me. Kea's heart skipped a beat when

me. Kea's heart skipped a beat when Zofhia stood and moved toward a door at

Zofhia stood and moved toward a door at the back of the

the back of the room. She's not going anywhere with you.

room. She's not going anywhere with you. Jiren stated in an unyielding tone.

Jiren stated in an unyielding tone. Zofhia didn't even turn around. She is.

Zofhia didn't even turn around. She is. If you want your ring, your beloved is

If you want your ring, your beloved is going to provide the payment for it.

going to provide the payment for it. Your

Your beloved gods, that hurt. Pain tore

beloved gods, that hurt. Pain tore through Ka enough that she had to close

through Ka enough that she had to close her eyes against it, but they shot open

her eyes against it, but they shot open again when she felt a hand on her arm. A

again when she felt a hand on her arm. A gentle, achingly familiar grip. You

gentle, achingly familiar grip. You don't have to go with her, Jiren said

don't have to go with her, Jiren said quietly, urgently. We'll find another

quietly, urgently. We'll find another way. Kea yanked her arm free and moved

way. Kea yanked her arm free and moved backward so fast that she nearly

backward so fast that she nearly stumbled. Her reaction caused his face

stumbled. Her reaction caused his face to tighten, but she quickly turned away,

to tighten, but she quickly turned away, unable to bear being so near to him and

unable to bear being so near to him and the mixed messages he was

the mixed messages he was sending. "I don't even know who you are,

sending. "I don't even know who you are, and frankly, I don't want to." She

and frankly, I don't want to." She couldn't afford to forget what he'd told

couldn't afford to forget what he'd told her, how he truly felt when he wasn't

her, how he truly felt when he wasn't being the Jiren who was concerned for

being the Jiren who was concerned for her welfare. It was in his nature to

her welfare. It was in his nature to protect her, something he couldn't help.

protect her, something he couldn't help. But it was an instinct, nothing

But it was an instinct, nothing more. You and I will never have to see

more. You and I will never have to see each other again. There was no hope left

each other again. There was no hope left for the two of them. Kea knew that now.

for the two of them. Kea knew that now. He'd made it clear. But their mission

He'd made it clear. But their mission hadn't changed, and she was determined

hadn't changed, and she was determined to do her part in aiding its success,

to do her part in aiding its success, even if that meant paying whatever price

even if that meant paying whatever price the mystician

the mystician required. Kea, Calvin said as she

required. Kea, Calvin said as she stepped forward. Are you sure? I'm sure.

stepped forward. Are you sure? I'm sure. I'll be back

I'll be back soon. She had no idea if that was true,

soon. She had no idea if that was true, but she sent a confident smile to Tip,

but she sent a confident smile to Tip, one that wobbled only slightly as she

one that wobbled only slightly as she moved it to Cresta and Nari and Calden,

moved it to Cresta and Nari and Calden, taking in their anxious faces before

taking in their anxious faces before heading toward where Zophia waited at

heading toward where Zophia waited at the doorway into the next room. Kea

the doorway into the next room. Kea didn't look at Jiren. Her heart couldn't

didn't look at Jiren. Her heart couldn't take

take it. Sophia chuckled as she neared and

it. Sophia chuckled as she neared and said to her friends, "You need not fear

said to her friends, "You need not fear for Kea quarantine. She'll be out

for Kea quarantine. She'll be out momentarily." Another shiver traveled

momentarily." Another shiver traveled down Kea's spine. This one stronger

down Kea's spine. This one stronger since she doubted Cresta or Nari would

since she doubted Cresta or Nari would have shared her name either. But she

have shared her name either. But she kept her chin high and pushed aside her

kept her chin high and pushed aside her panic as the mystician ushered her

panic as the mystician ushered her through the door and closed it behind

through the door and closed it behind them. The room was small but more

them. The room was small but more comfortable than the previous space with

comfortable than the previous space with a pair of large emerald cushions on the

a pair of large emerald cushions on the ground and a low-lying table between

ground and a low-lying table between them. Please sit, Zophia invited,

them. Please sit, Zophia invited, gesturing to a cushion as she claimed

gesturing to a cushion as she claimed the one opposite and rested her inked

the one opposite and rested her inked hands casually on the

hands casually on the table. Ka sank onto the downy seat,

table. Ka sank onto the downy seat, relieved that the incense wasn't as

relieved that the incense wasn't as strong in here, though there were still

strong in here, though there were still numerous candles around the space,

numerous candles around the space, making it look almost dreamy.

making it look almost dreamy. Zophia watched Ka in silence before

Zophia watched Ka in silence before waving her hand toward a shelf along the

waving her hand toward a shelf along the far wall. Two items immediately sailed

far wall. Two items immediately sailed toward them, causing Ka to inhale

toward them, causing Ka to inhale sharply at the foreign magic. But she

sharply at the foreign magic. But she reminded herself that Jiren had once

reminded herself that Jiren had once been able to do something similar using

been able to do something similar using his wind

his wind element. This was a different kind of

element. This was a different kind of power, but just because it was

power, but just because it was unfamiliar, that didn't mean there was

unfamiliar, that didn't mean there was any reason to fear it.

any reason to fear it. The mystician made a humming sound of

The mystician made a humming sound of agreement, as if she could read Ka's

agreement, as if she could read Ka's thoughts and approved of them. "Maybe

thoughts and approved of them. "Maybe she could," Ka realized, squirming

she could," Ka realized, squirming uncomfortably. But before she could grow

uncomfortably. But before she could grow too distressed, Zofhia placed one of the

too distressed, Zofhia placed one of the items at the center of the table. It was

items at the center of the table. It was Sana's second ring, the band made of

Sana's second ring, the band made of gold like the first, but with a large

gold like the first, but with a large white topaz in place of the ruby. The

white topaz in place of the ruby. The air ring. Kea wanted to snatch it up and

air ring. Kea wanted to snatch it up and run. But given the magic she'd just seen

run. But given the magic she'd just seen and the amused warning in Zophia's eyes,

and the amused warning in Zophia's eyes, she knew better than to try. Instead,

she knew better than to try. Instead, she said, "Name your price."

she said, "Name your price." It was a dangerous request, but the

It was a dangerous request, but the mystician was no fool. It was obvious

mystician was no fool. It was obvious how desperate Ka and her friends were.

how desperate Ka and her friends were. "You have a choice," Sophia said,

"You have a choice," Sophia said, leaning forward. "There are two things

leaning forward. "There are two things you most fear. In order to reclaim the

you most fear. In order to reclaim the ring, you must face one of

ring, you must face one of them." Kea dug her nails into her

them." Kea dug her nails into her thighs, right over her faded scars. I

thighs, right over her faded scars. I have a lot of fears. You're going to

have a lot of fears. You're going to have to be more

have to be more specific. Zophia's mouth quirked up

specific. Zophia's mouth quirked up again, her silver eyes flaring once

again, her silver eyes flaring once more. That was the only warning Kea had

more. That was the only warning Kea had before images assailed her vision.

before images assailed her vision. Memories playing out across her mind.

Memories playing out across her mind. Her memories. The day she met Jiren with

Her memories. The day she met Jiren with him covered in blood and near death. The

him covered in blood and near death. The night before the second ordeal when

night before the second ordeal when she'd slept in his arms for the first

she'd slept in his arms for the first time. Their near kiss in the infirmary's

time. Their near kiss in the infirmary's garden. How he jumped into the quarry

garden. How he jumped into the quarry and breathed life into her. Their fight

and breathed life into her. Their fight in the tunnels and the betraying

in the tunnels and the betraying revelation of who he

revelation of who he was. Memory after memory slammed into

was. Memory after memory slammed into her as Zophia sifted through her mind

her as Zophia sifted through her mind and replayed all their tender moments in

and replayed all their tender moments in Valenia. his loving touch, his kind

Valenia. his loving touch, his kind words, the way he'd slowly but surely

words, the way he'd slowly but surely convinced her to choose him over her own

convinced her to choose him over her own family without even realizing it. He'd

family without even realizing it. He'd earned her respect, but he'd won her

earned her respect, but he'd won her love. And when Zophia finally touched on

love. And when Zophia finally touched on the night of the masquerade, when Jiren

the night of the masquerade, when Jiren had kissed her with such longing, such

had kissed her with such longing, such passion, Kea finally snapped,

passion, Kea finally snapped, "Enough!" She knew what came next. the

"Enough!" She knew what came next. the devastation that followed that night and

devastation that followed that night and in the months since then. She didn't

in the months since then. She didn't need to see it again, didn't want to see

need to see it again, didn't want to see it

it again. At her command, the images

again. At her command, the images stopped and she leaned back on her own

stopped and she leaned back on her own cushion, panting as if she'd run a race,

cushion, panting as if she'd run a race, glaring at the

glaring at the mystician. "He is one of your fears,"

mystician. "He is one of your fears," Sophia said mildly.

Sophia said mildly. If you choose to pay for the ring by

If you choose to pay for the ring by facing him, all it will take is a

facing him, all it will take is a kiss. Disbelief and dread strangled Ka.

kiss. Disbelief and dread strangled Ka. What? She breathed. You heard me, Zophia

What? She breathed. You heard me, Zophia said. The ring for a

said. The ring for a kiss. Kea shook her head, not even

kiss. Kea shook her head, not even having to think about it. I can't.

having to think about it. I can't. You already have. Sophia returned. This

You already have. Sophia returned. This would be no

would be no different. You made me fall in love with

different. You made me fall in love with a

a lie. Jiren's words burned across Kea's

lie. Jiren's words burned across Kea's mind, and she rasped out, "You're wrong.

mind, and she rasped out, "You're wrong. I won't force him to kiss me. I can't do

I won't force him to kiss me. I can't do that to him." He already hated her

that to him." He already hated her enough without her adding physical

enough without her adding physical coercion to the list of grievances.

coercion to the list of grievances. You said this was my payment, not his.

You said this was my payment, not his. What's my second

What's my second choice? A strange look came over Zofhia

choice? A strange look came over Zofhia then, almost like regret. It was enough

then, almost like regret. It was enough to make Kea brace, expecting to have her

to make Kea brace, expecting to have her memories violated again. But the

memories violated again. But the mystician didn't delve into her mind

mystician didn't delve into her mind this time. Instead, she placed the

this time. Instead, she placed the second item she'd retrieved on the table

second item she'd retrieved on the table right beside the ring.

right beside the ring. Kea examined the small velvet box,

Kea examined the small velvet box, relieved to know that whatever it was,

relieved to know that whatever it was, it couldn't be worse than having to kiss

it couldn't be worse than having to kiss Jiren without his

Jiren without his consent. But then Zofhia opened the box

consent. But then Zofhia opened the box and ice instantly flooded Ka's veins

and ice instantly flooded Ka's veins because inside was a small vial of angel

No, Ka gasped, jumping to her feet and backing away.

backing away. No. Zophia spread her hands in

No. Zophia spread her hands in apology. This is your second fear. The

apology. This is your second fear. The choice is yours as to which you will

choice is yours as to which you will face. I can't, Ka said, still gasping. I

face. I can't, Ka said, still gasping. I can't. The musician only sat there

can't. The musician only sat there waiting patiently for Kea's decision.

waiting patiently for Kea's decision. There has to be something else, she

There has to be something else, she begged, her eyes glued to the golden

begged, her eyes glued to the golden powder. Please, I'll do anything.

powder. Please, I'll do anything. Anything. But she couldn't finish, her

Anything. But she couldn't finish, her terror

terror overwhelming. She sought for calm, but

overwhelming. She sought for calm, but it eluded her. All she could think about

it eluded her. All she could think about was the two impossible choices she'd

was the two impossible choices she'd been

been given. You made me fall in love with a

given. You made me fall in love with a lie. Gods. Gods. Kea couldn't do it. She

lie. Gods. Gods. Kea couldn't do it. She couldn't put him through that. Couldn't

couldn't put him through that. Couldn't put herself through that. Kissing Jiren

put herself through that. Kissing Jiren would rip open a wound she hadn't even

would rip open a wound she hadn't even begun to heal from. And not just her, it

begun to heal from. And not just her, it would also hurt him. She knew it. And

would also hurt him. She knew it. And god damn it, that thought alone brought

god damn it, that thought alone brought her more pain. They both needed time to

her more pain. They both needed time to accept what was no longer between them.

accept what was no longer between them. Time to move on. Her kissing him would

Time to move on. Her kissing him would only make that

only make that harder. But the angel

harder. But the angel dust. Kea trembled as she stared at the

dust. Kea trembled as she stared at the vial sitting innocently on the velvet.

vial sitting innocently on the velvet. It was a small amount, not enough that

It was a small amount, not enough that she would have to go through a full

she would have to go through a full withdrawal again. But given how addicted

withdrawal again. But given how addicted she'd been only 2 and 1/2 months

she'd been only 2 and 1/2 months earlier, the effects would hit her hard

earlier, the effects would hit her hard and fast and leave her feeling dreadful

and fast and leave her feeling dreadful for hours afterward.

for hours afterward. It was only one night though. It would

It was only one night though. It would be awful and then it would pass. But if

be awful and then it would pass. But if she kissed

she kissed Jiren, better for her to suffer alone

Jiren, better for her to suffer alone than to damage them both beyond repair.

than to damage them both beyond repair. Further

Further repair. Think carefully, Ka, Sophia

repair. Think carefully, Ka, Sophia warned, seeing her decision solidify.

warned, seeing her decision solidify. One of these choices is easy, the other

One of these choices is easy, the other hard, but both lead to the same

hard, but both lead to the same result. Kea was waring too much within

result. Kea was waring too much within herself to comprehend Zofhia's meaning,

herself to comprehend Zofhia's meaning, knowing only that neither of the choices

knowing only that neither of the choices were easy, and both would have

were easy, and both would have devastating consequences. "Why are you

devastating consequences. "Why are you doing this?" she whispered. "How can

doing this?" she whispered. "How can this be worth more than gold?"

this be worth more than gold?" The mystician's beautiful feature

The mystician's beautiful feature softened. I know you'll find this

softened. I know you'll find this difficult to believe, but I'm trying to

difficult to believe, but I'm trying to help you. One day, you'll be

help you. One day, you'll be grateful. Tears burned the back of Ka's

grateful. Tears burned the back of Ka's eyes, a potent mix of frustration and

eyes, a potent mix of frustration and anger and fear. She knew better than to

anger and fear. She knew better than to tell Zophia how wrong she was, that

tell Zophia how wrong she was, that nothing good could come of this choice.

nothing good could come of this choice. Instead, she sank back onto the cushion,

Instead, she sank back onto the cushion, plucking the vial from the velvet and

plucking the vial from the velvet and weighing it in her hands. The gold

weighing it in her hands. The gold powder stirred within the glass when she

powder stirred within the glass when she unstopped the lid, the familiar caramel

unstopped the lid, the familiar caramel scent, making her feel a sickly

scent, making her feel a sickly combination of dread and

combination of dread and longing. It was the longing that scared

longing. It was the longing that scared her the most, nearly making her seal the

her the most, nearly making her seal the vial again. But then Jiren's hard,

vial again. But then Jiren's hard, unfeilling eyes came to her, and she

unfeilling eyes came to her, and she knew down to her soul, her tortured

knew down to her soul, her tortured soul, that she couldn't kiss him. He

soul, that she couldn't kiss him. He would hate every second, and

would hate every second, and she she would not. And when they were

she she would not. And when they were done, nothing would have changed except

done, nothing would have changed except that she'd have another memory of his

that she'd have another memory of his lips on hers, the taste of him in her

lips on hers, the taste of him in her mouth, the touch of him on her skin. She

mouth, the touch of him on her skin. She wouldn't be able to bear it. The angel

wouldn't be able to bear it. The angel dust at least would be out of her system

dust at least would be out of her system by morning. A momentary inconvenience,

by morning. A momentary inconvenience, she told herself, nothing more. She knew

she told herself, nothing more. She knew it was a lie, that she was ignoring the

it was a lie, that she was ignoring the lasting damage it could cause her, the

lasting damage it could cause her, the nightmares it would reawaken. The

nightmares it would reawaken. The darkness hadn't managed to claim her

darkness hadn't managed to claim her last time, but it was still waiting,

last time, but it was still waiting, ready to finish its work.

ready to finish its work. Even so, she had to make a choice, and

Even so, she had to make a choice, and there was only one that she could live

there was only one that she could live with. Before she could change her mind,

with. Before she could change her mind, Kea raised the vial to her lips and

Kea raised the vial to her lips and threw back the

threw back the contents. The gold dust coated her

contents. The gold dust coated her throat as she swallowed, dissolving into

throat as she swallowed, dissolving into a caramelly syrup. It took only seconds

a caramelly syrup. It took only seconds before she began to feel the effects,

before she began to feel the effects, her tremors easing, a lightness

her tremors easing, a lightness overtaking her. For the first time in

overtaking her. For the first time in weeks, all her care seemed

weeks, all her care seemed insignificant. Zophia

insignificant. Zophia sighed. "You made the hard choice, just

sighed. "You made the hard choice, just so you know. It would have been much

so you know. It would have been much easier for you to kiss him." Kea just

easier for you to kiss him." Kea just shook her head at the mystician's now

shook her head at the mystician's now blurry figure, dropping the empty vial

blurry figure, dropping the empty vial onto the table.

onto the table. You'll never be able to move forward

You'll never be able to move forward until you conquer the past," Sophia said

until you conquer the past," Sophia said softly. "One way or another, you'll have

softly. "One way or another, you'll have to face him

to face him eventually." She leaned forward and

eventually." She leaned forward and whispered, "Don't be afraid to share

whispered, "Don't be afraid to share your heart, dear one. Only then will you

your heart, dear one. Only then will you be able to truly heal."

be able to truly heal." Quieter, she added. Both of

Quieter, she added. Both of you. The words made Ka's pulse skitter,

you. The words made Ka's pulse skitter, but her fear faded as the room began to

but her fear faded as the room began to spin around her. The fiery candle wakes

spin around her. The fiery candle wakes smudged into flaming lines. Some part of

smudged into flaming lines. Some part of her knew she should be concerned, but

her knew she should be concerned, but instead she fought to recall why she was

instead she fought to recall why she was there. The memory finally coming to her,

there. The memory finally coming to her, indistinct and hazy.

indistinct and hazy. You owe me a ring," Ka slurred, aware

You owe me a ring," Ka slurred, aware she had very little time before the

she had very little time before the angel dust stole what was left of her

angel dust stole what was left of her wits. She could already feel the

wits. She could already feel the dreamlike state taking hold, a relaxed,

dreamlike state taking hold, a relaxed, euphoric sensation liquefying her mind

euphoric sensation liquefying her mind and

and body. Sophia reached across the table

body. Sophia reached across the table and took Kea's hand, sliding Srana's

and took Kea's hand, sliding Srana's ring down her finger for safekeeping.

ring down her finger for safekeeping. Kea stared at the topaz, mesmerized by

Kea stared at the topaz, mesmerized by how it sparkled in the candle light

how it sparkled in the candle light before her rapidly declining mind

before her rapidly declining mind remembered that her friends were

remembered that her friends were waiting. She stood and then stumbled

waiting. She stood and then stumbled three steps before managing to stay

three steps before managing to stay upright. A giggle left her, but she

upright. A giggle left her, but she slapped a hand over her mouth, knowing

slapped a hand over her mouth, knowing she had to act normal, that no one could

she had to act normal, that no one could know. If they learned she'd willingly

know. If they learned she'd willingly chosen to take the angel dust, they'd

chosen to take the angel dust, they'd want to know why, and they wouldn't

want to know why, and they wouldn't understand. None of them

understand. None of them would. "You and your guard can see

would. "You and your guard can see yourselves out," Zofhia said, not moving

yourselves out," Zofhia said, not moving from her seat. "I wish you all the

from her seat. "I wish you all the best," Ka quarantine. "Your future is as

best," Ka quarantine. "Your future is as bright as the

bright as the stars." "What a nice thing to say," Ka

stars." "What a nice thing to say," Ka thought. staggering to the door all of

thought. staggering to the door all of the animosity she'd felt toward the

the animosity she'd felt toward the mystician having been swept away by the

mystician having been swept away by the angel

angel dust. She only just remembered to drop

dust. She only just remembered to drop her drug addled smile before she stepped

her drug addled smile before she stepped back into the smoky room, prepared to

back into the smoky room, prepared to tell the others of her success, but only

tell the others of her success, but only Nari was there. Kea's euphoria dimmed

Nari was there. Kea's euphoria dimmed before the angel dust pulled her under

before the angel dust pulled her under more fully. It didn't matter that her

more fully. It didn't matter that her friends were gone. It was good they were

friends were gone. It was good they were gone since it meant they wouldn't try to

gone since it meant they wouldn't try to question her. But then she saw the look

question her. But then she saw the look on Nari's face and a hint of unease

on Nari's face and a hint of unease managed to slip through her deepening

managed to slip through her deepening haze. "Did you get the ring?" the guard

haze. "Did you get the ring?" the guard asked. Knowing her words would come out

asked. Knowing her words would come out slurred, Kea held up her hand in answer.

slurred, Kea held up her hand in answer. Nari seemed relieved, but her features

Nari seemed relieved, but her features remained tense.

remained tense. Don't panic. But Tip snuck off. We

Don't panic. But Tip snuck off. We should have been watching him more

should have been watching him more closely, especially with how interested

closely, especially with how interested he was in the markets, but we didn't

he was in the markets, but we didn't expect him to slink away. The others are

expect him to slink away. The others are looking for him. I waited to tell you,

looking for him. I waited to tell you, but we need to go join the

but we need to go join the search. Keven nodded, her head flopping

search. Keven nodded, her head flopping on her neck. She knew she should be

on her neck. She knew she should be alarmed that the last place a curious

alarmed that the last place a curious 11-year-old should be running a muck was

11-year-old should be running a muck was the deadly midnight markets, but the

the deadly midnight markets, but the drug made her worry seem fuzzy and

drug made her worry seem fuzzy and senseless. Tip would be fine. They

senseless. Tip would be fine. They should just let him have his fun. She

should just let him have his fun. She almost opened her mouth to say so, but

almost opened her mouth to say so, but Nari took her silence for dread and sent

Nari took her silence for dread and sent her a reassuring look before exiting

her a reassuring look before exiting Zophia's store, assuming Ka would

Zophia's store, assuming Ka would follow. Kea did, but then she didn't

follow. Kea did, but then she didn't because once they reached the crowded

because once they reached the crowded thoroughfare, Nari hurried off in one

thoroughfare, Nari hurried off in one direction while Kea paused to listen to

direction while Kea paused to listen to the music in the

the music in the distance. Pretty

distance. Pretty song, she thought. Even her mental voice

song, she thought. Even her mental voice sounded slurred with her now fully

sounded slurred with her now fully yielded to the angel dust. She couldn't

yielded to the angel dust. She couldn't remember the last time she felt so

remember the last time she felt so light, so happy, so free.

light, so happy, so free. Kea grinned and skipped forward, heading

Kea grinned and skipped forward, heading away from Nari and up the sloping

away from Nari and up the sloping incline toward the fresher air. The

incline toward the fresher air. The sounds of strings and drums grew louder

sounds of strings and drums grew louder with every step, making her want to

with every step, making her want to dance and sing. So that was what she

dance and sing. So that was what she did. Somehow finding herself above

did. Somehow finding herself above ground and nestled between tall, dark

ground and nestled between tall, dark buildings full of color and bright with

buildings full of color and bright with luminium lights, people everywhere

luminium lights, people everywhere jumping and spinning to the music. A

jumping and spinning to the music. A delighted sound left Ka when hands

delighted sound left Ka when hands tugged her forward, sweeping her into a

tugged her forward, sweeping her into a tide of arms and legs as she twirled

tide of arms and legs as she twirled from person to person, dancing on her

from person to person, dancing on her own and with groups, her head thrown

own and with groups, her head thrown back with

back with elation. Everything was so beautiful,

elation. Everything was so beautiful, the crescent moon like a smile in the

the crescent moon like a smile in the sky. She stared at it for a long time,

sky. She stared at it for a long time, stared and stared and stared before the

stared and stared and stared before the music carried her away again. She didn't

music carried her away again. She didn't know where she was, and even better, she

know where she was, and even better, she didn't care about anything. All was

didn't care about anything. All was right in her world. There was no Zelica

right in her world. There was no Zelica and no Navic, no magic stealing dagger

and no Navic, no magic stealing dagger or magic giving rings, no waring

or magic giving rings, no waring families, no angry princes, and above

families, no angry princes, and above all, no broken hearts. It was just Kea

all, no broken hearts. It was just Kea and the music along with cheering people

and the music along with cheering people and rainbow colors and bright lights

and rainbow colors and bright lights blurring around her. But then a hand

blurring around her. But then a hand latched onto her arm, yanking her firmly

latched onto her arm, yanking her firmly out of the mass of twirling, joyous

out of the mass of twirling, joyous bodies. "What do you think you're

bodies. "What do you think you're doing?" came Jiren's furious voice as he

doing?" came Jiren's furious voice as he continued dragging her away from the

continued dragging her away from the crowd. "The moon is smiling. We have to

crowd. "The moon is smiling. We have to smile with it." Kea slurred, stumbling

smile with it." Kea slurred, stumbling after him and then into him when he

after him and then into him when he stopped suddenly.

stopped suddenly. Oops," she said, giggling. "We

Oops," she said, giggling. "We bumped." From one blink to the next,

bumped." From one blink to the next, Jiren was directly in front of her, his

Jiren was directly in front of her, his face mere inches away, his blue gold

face mere inches away, his blue gold eyes right there as he examined her

eyes right there as he examined her closely.

closely. "Beautiful," Kea whispered, reaching out

"Beautiful," Kea whispered, reaching out to touch him. He jerked backwards before

to touch him. He jerked backwards before her hand could make contact, his gaze

her hand could make contact, his gaze slitting with

slitting with realization. "Are you

realization. "Are you high?" Kea peered upward at the tall

high?" Kea peered upward at the tall sandstone buildings.

sandstone buildings. "Hi," she said, pointing. "Very

"Hi," she said, pointing. "Very high." Jiren cursed loudly. "I can't

high." Jiren cursed loudly. "I can't believe you after everything." He bit

believe you after everything." He bit out another curse, then grabbed her arm

out another curse, then grabbed her arm again. "Come on, we found Tip back with

again. "Come on, we found Tip back with the mystician. He's fine. Everyone's

the mystician. He's fine. Everyone's headed to the palace." "Not the right

headed to the palace." "Not the right palace," Kea said, tripping as Jiren

palace," Kea said, tripping as Jiren guided her along the dark street, the

guided her along the dark street, the festival noises fading behind

festival noises fading behind them. "The River Palace is the right

them. "The River Palace is the right palace. The River Palace is

palace. The River Palace is home. His fingers tightened as if he was

home. His fingers tightened as if he was surprised. It didn't hurt, but it

surprised. It didn't hurt, but it reminded her of

reminded her of something. You shouldn't touch me. No,

something. You shouldn't touch me. No, that's not right. I shouldn't touch you.

that's not right. I shouldn't touch you. Her face scrunched before clearing

Her face scrunched before clearing again, a triumphant cry leaving her as

again, a triumphant cry leaving her as she said, "You don't want me to touch

she said, "You don't want me to touch you. That's it." "Quiet," Ka, Jiren said

you. That's it." "Quiet," Ka, Jiren said in a hard voice. "You don't know what

in a hard voice. "You don't know what you're talking about." "Angry

you're talking about." "Angry again," Ka blew out of breath. "I'm

again," Ka blew out of breath. "I'm always making you angry."

always making you angry." I'm not angry, Jiren stated, leading her

I'm not angry, Jiren stated, leading her down another

down another alleyway. I'm livid. What were you

alleyway. I'm livid. What were you thinking taking? What was it? Silver

thinking taking? What was it? Silver wish blood wraith? He leaned closer and

wish blood wraith? He leaned closer and sniffed before edging back again and

sniffed before edging back again and saying with clear disgust, "Angel dust!

saying with clear disgust, "Angel dust! Unbelievable!"

Unbelievable!" Everything was swirling around Ka. The

Everything was swirling around Ka. The colorful scarves like fluorescent bats

colorful scarves like fluorescent bats flapping their wings. Something on the

flapping their wings. Something on the ground caught her attention and she

ground caught her attention and she clapped

clapped gleefully. Happy

gleefully. Happy kitty. Jiren tugged her back before she

kitty. Jiren tugged her back before she could try to pet it. That's a dead rat.

could try to pet it. That's a dead rat. Kea pouted as he pulled her away. Sad

Kea pouted as he pulled her away. Sad kitty. Everworld. Help me. Jiren

kitty. Everworld. Help me. Jiren muttered. "I'm tired," Kea said. And

muttered. "I'm tired," Kea said. And right there in the middle of the dirty,

right there in the middle of the dirty, dark alley, she folded her knees and

dark alley, she folded her knees and collapsed. When Jiren swore again, she

collapsed. When Jiren swore again, she squinted up at him and noted. "You curse

squinted up at him and noted. "You curse a lot more now than you used to." "I

a lot more now than you used to." "I wonder why," he said under his breath.

wonder why," he said under his breath. The next thing Kea knew, she was in his

The next thing Kea knew, she was in his arms with him striding quickly through

arms with him striding quickly through the

the darkness. So strong. She sighed

darkness. So strong. She sighed contentedly and nuzzled her face into

contentedly and nuzzled her face into his neck. So

his neck. So perfect. His arms tensed around her, but

perfect. His arms tensed around her, but he didn't reply. She closed her eyes and

he didn't reply. She closed her eyes and breathed him in, his familiar scent

breathed him in, his familiar scent loosening something deep inside her that

loosening something deep inside her that not even the angel dust could soothe.

not even the angel dust could soothe. "Miss you," Ka whispered against his

"Miss you," Ka whispered against his skin, causing his tension to grow.

skin, causing his tension to grow. so

so much. From that point on, time held no

much. From that point on, time held no meaning for her, the drug distorting

meaning for her, the drug distorting everything she knew until she became

everything she knew until she became aware of other people around them and a

aware of other people around them and a room that was way too blue. She tried to

room that was way too blue. She tried to focus again just as she was lowered onto

focus again just as she was lowered onto something soft with her arms being pried

something soft with her arms being pried away from their death grip on

away from their death grip on Jiren. No, she whined. come

Jiren. No, she whined. come back. He ignored her and stepped away as

back. He ignored her and stepped away as the others came into view, their voices

the others came into view, their voices reaching Ka as if from a dream. What do

reaching Ka as if from a dream. What do you mean she's high? Calvin demanded.

you mean she's high? Calvin demanded. Come on, Tip. Nari murmured. Let's go

Come on, Tip. Nari murmured. Let's go look for King Sibli's kitchens. I could

look for King Sibli's kitchens. I could use a midnight snack. But Kea, Tip

use a midnight snack. But Kea, Tip started until Jiren quietly interrupted.

started until Jiren quietly interrupted. She won't want you to see this,

She won't want you to see this, buddy. Cresa, meanwhile, was swearing

buddy. Cresa, meanwhile, was swearing loud enough to be heard in Avalon. Kea

loud enough to be heard in Avalon. Kea was vaguely aware of Nari leading Tip

was vaguely aware of Nari leading Tip out of their suite, but her own eyes

out of their suite, but her own eyes remained locked blurly on the

remained locked blurly on the exquarer. I had to do it, she slurred. I

exquarer. I had to do it, she slurred. I didn't have a choice. She laughed.

didn't have a choice. She laughed. Well, I did, but I

Well, I did, but I didn't. What's she on about? Calvin

didn't. What's she on about? Calvin asked. She's been rambling nonsense ever

asked. She's been rambling nonsense ever since I found her, Jiren said, his tone

since I found her, Jiren said, his tone still bristling with irritation. You

still bristling with irritation. You won't get anything out of her. She needs

won't get anything out of her. She needs to sleep it off. This isn't like her,

to sleep it off. This isn't like her, Calvin defended. Kea. Something must

Calvin defended. Kea. Something must have shut up, both of you. Cresta

have shut up, both of you. Cresta snapped at them. You have no idea what

snapped at them. You have no idea what she

she ow. Kea shouted, sitting up, the room

ow. Kea shouted, sitting up, the room tilting around her. The spike of panic,

tilting around her. The spike of panic, left as quickly as it had arrived. But

left as quickly as it had arrived. But she remained cognizant enough to say,

she remained cognizant enough to say, "Don't tell

"Don't tell them." "You can shut up, too," Caes

them." "You can shut up, too," Caes said, pushing Kea back down and

said, pushing Kea back down and crouching in front of her. I got you

crouching in front of her. I got you through withdrawal once. I'll damn well

through withdrawal once. I'll damn well do it again. But as a so-called healer,

do it again. But as a so-called healer, you should have known better than to

you should have known better than to dabble with angel dust when you barely

dabble with angel dust when you barely survived your last

survived your last addiction. I didn't want What are you

addiction. I didn't want What are you talking about? Jiren spoke over Kea, his

talking about? Jiren spoke over Kea, his eyes no longer filled with fury, but

eyes no longer filled with fury, but dangerously alert. Calvin, too, had

dangerously alert. Calvin, too, had stilled at his side. She's never used

stilled at his side. She's never used angel dust before.

angel dust before. That was true until her psychopath of a

That was true until her psychopath of a sister and yours for that matter ordered

sister and yours for that matter ordered that she be kept drugged for the whole

that she be kept drugged for the whole journey from Valenia to Zalandov. Cresta

journey from Valenia to Zalandov. Cresta shared bluntly. She was so addicted when

shared bluntly. She was so addicted when she arrived that it took weeks for her

she arrived that it took weeks for her to function again. I still have

to function again. I still have nightmares about her screaming at me to

nightmares about her screaming at me to put her out of her misery. And given how

put her out of her misery. And given how rabid she was, I'm not ashamed to admit

rabid she was, I'm not ashamed to admit I considered

I considered it. Both Jiren and Calvin looked as if

it. Both Jiren and Calvin looked as if they'd been

they'd been slapped. Some part of Ka was feeling

slapped. Some part of Ka was feeling panicked again, but the angel dust

panicked again, but the angel dust quickly numbed her distress. She decided

quickly numbed her distress. She decided the best thing to do was ignore them

the best thing to do was ignore them both and speak directly to Cresta, which

both and speak directly to Cresta, which she did, slurring, "Don't worry, I

she did, slurring, "Don't worry, I didn't take much."

didn't take much." She then yawned loudly and snuggled down

She then yawned loudly and snuggled down into the couch, exhaustion combining

into the couch, exhaustion combining with the drug to lull her into a

with the drug to lull her into a perfectly relaxed state. Her eyes

perfectly relaxed state. Her eyes closed, and since she could no longer

closed, and since she could no longer see anyone, she promptly forgot that the

see anyone, she promptly forgot that the two princes were in the room, continuing

two princes were in the room, continuing to speak only to Crusta as she

to speak only to Crusta as she explained. I had to do it, or the pretty

explained. I had to do it, or the pretty mind readader would have made me kiss

mind readader would have made me kiss Jiren. That was the payment she

Jiren. That was the payment she wanted. I had to face one of my two

wanted. I had to face one of my two fears, him or angel dust. I didn't want

fears, him or angel dust. I didn't want to take it. It nearly killed me last

to take it. It nearly killed me last time. But Sharon hates me. He would have

time. But Sharon hates me. He would have only hated me more if I had kissed

only hated me more if I had kissed him. She rolled onto her side, unaware

him. She rolled onto her side, unaware of the dead silence now ringing in the

of the dead silence now ringing in the room. Kea's thoughts were scattered as

room. Kea's thoughts were scattered as she mumbled, "I didn't even get to tell

she mumbled, "I didn't even get to tell him about Karen. I saw him die. Did you

him about Karen. I saw him die. Did you know my little brother, he was only five

know my little brother, he was only five and he was killed by the royal guard.

and he was killed by the royal guard. Captain Varys held me back, so I didn't

Captain Varys held me back, so I didn't have a chance to heal him. I didn't know

have a chance to heal him. I didn't know I could throw my magic then. If I'd

I could throw my magic then. If I'd known, I could have saved

known, I could have saved him. Kea yawned again. I like Captain

him. Kea yawned again. I like Captain Varys. I shouldn't, but I do. I

Varys. I shouldn't, but I do. I shouldn't like Jiren either or Calvin or

shouldn't like Jiren either or Calvin or Ashlin or any of them. But they're all

Ashlin or any of them. But they're all very likable. You feel the same. I can

very likable. You feel the same. I can tell, even if you don't want to. I'm not

tell, even if you don't want to. I'm not sure why that

sure why that is. Maybe it goes against your chish

is. Maybe it goes against your chish Miran nature.

Miran nature. Kea

Kea snickered.

snickered. Churish? That's a funny

Churish? That's a funny word. Unable to get comfortable, she

word. Unable to get comfortable, she returned to her back and flung an arm

returned to her back and flung an arm over her face, her words now muffled as

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YouTube Transcript:The Blood Traitor - Lynette Noni | Full Audiobook | The Final Battle Between Love & Power Begins P2

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The Blood Traitor - Lynette Noni | Full Audiobook | The Final Battle Between Love & Power Begins P2