Total pages in book: 210
Estimated words: 200096 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1000(@200wpm)___ 800(@250wpm)___ 667(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 200096 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1000(@200wpm)___ 800(@250wpm)___ 667(@300wpm)
“Something tells me you are right.” She hesitates. “I was told that I have you all to thank for my rescue.”
I nod toward the Shadow leader. “Solange played a big part. So did Agatha.”
Mention of the Master Scribe brings a soft, genuine smile to Allegra’s lips. “She found you after all. I knew she would.”
“That wily one made it all the way to the rift before I discovered her,” Solange mutters.
“And how many times has she mentioned her imminent death?” Allegra asks.
I laugh. “At least five times. A day,” I add after a beat.
Allegra chuckles. “She was fascinated by news of your great nymph city behind the wall. She would be happy to end her days there if permitted.”
“She’s in the library, combing through books with the rest of the scribes.” And one annoyed Legion warrior.
“Don’t be surprised if she asks to be buried with them.” She pauses. “And what of Gesine?”
A prick strikes my chest. “She was killed in Cirilea while we were freeing the mortals.”
Allegra’s brow furrows. “Fates rest her soul, then.”
Fuck the fates, I want to say. They’re the reason for this disaster. I step deeper into the room. “That library is full of books that we believe hold the answer to how to get rid of Malachi. The scribes are looking for any clue.”
“Solange told me he has claimed Islor’s throne. And that Aoife is also somewhere, but we do not know where, or what her plans may be.” Worry mars her forehead. “What of Malachi’s actions?”
I shrug. “Not much, though I doubt that will last.”
“He has made no move to claim the armies at the rift yet,” Zander adds. “But he has a key caster at his side.”
Allegra’s eyes flare. “There is a second key caster?”
“Because one wasn’t bad enough, right?” I say wryly. Let’s call a spade a spade. I spent too many months hiding what I was to protect myself.
Zander shoots me a warning glance. He really should learn to appreciate my humor. “Romeria has ended the blood curse and united our two realms. But yes, she is a key caster, and we know the lengths to which Mordain has gone to keep such power out of reach. What is your stance on all this?” He watches her closely. I know that look well. He’s searching for all the things she doesn’t say in her next words.
“I would much prefer one as an ally than an enemy.” Allegra bites her bottom lip. “It was inevitable, was it not? The seers foresaw the nymphs return in the age of the caster. If it was not by Her Highness, it would be by another. Prophecy always finds a way.”
A wave of déjà vu ripples through me. Gesine said those exact words, more than once.
“The fates are not bound by time as we are. For whatever reason Malachi has to wish to rule here, he would not have stopped in his attempts. That is why I helped Agatha and the scribes in their cause. What Neilina made Ianca do was reckless, but the wheels were in motion the moment a fate wished to walk this plane. Denying or ignoring the seers’ visions would have helped no one, despite Mordain’s position.”
“Those wheels have been in motion a lot longer than we thought.” I hold up Neilina’s journal and explain what I spent the night reading.
The Seconds’ curses are simultaneous.
“A summons is an open invitation to wreak havoc. Who knows how Aoife chose to grant such a request!” Solange spits, fury marring her face.
“We will find out soon enough. But first, things must be in order with Mordain. Do Ybaris and Islor have your full support?” Zander pushes.
Allegra opens her mouth, but hesitates. “What if I said no? What would you do?” She stares at him in challenge for several beats before relenting to the silence. “As the guild’s Second, yes, I support any cause that resists the damage a fate may inflict upon our realms. But I do not speak for Mordain. Only the Prime dictates Mordain’s position.” She looks to Solange.
“Except Solange isn’t Mordain’s new Prime.” I dig into my pocket and pull out the unassuming ring, holding it out to her. “I’m naming you Prime, Allegra. You have helped the scribes and prophecy. We need you to lead Mordain now.”
She stares at it, unmoving.
“Your assumption that I care for politics was amusing,” Solange says, her voice flat. “I declined the offer.”
“Solange is the one who recommended you,” I add.
That raises the Second’s eyebrows higher. “That is … unexpected.”
“Do not waste too much time being honored,” Solange says. “And spend even less time deciding, for there is much to do.”
Allegra takes a step toward me, but then stops.
“Well?” I hold the ring a touch higher.
A few seconds pass and then Allegra says, “I must decline, Your Highness.”