Total pages in book: 116
Estimated words: 108376 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 542(@200wpm)___ 434(@250wpm)___ 361(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108376 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 542(@200wpm)___ 434(@250wpm)___ 361(@300wpm)
I didn’t know if Belinda would agree to open a portal again, but even if she did, it would never be large enough for hundreds, possibly even thousands, of people to pass through. No, we’d need something much bigger and no one person would be powerful enough. It would require a number of people, all with vast power.
“I could ask Roman,” I suggested to Vas. “My mother and Rita might be prepared to help, too.” I almost added Peter’s name to the list, but after how things ended with us I had no business asking him for help.
“You don’t worry your mother would disapprove?” Vas questioned.
“She might, but I have to tell her of my plans eventually. If I’m to build a community in this forest then it will need to be put to the Hawthorn Council.” I paused, eyeing him as we walked. “I also want to ask my father if he’ll organise for you and Sven to be pardoned for your crimes. I want you both to finally be able to live your lives without the worry that someone’s out there searching for you. My father’s purpose in Tribane has always been to create a place where all supernaturals can live, free of prejudice and segregation. If he sees that you and Sven are risking your lives to do the same for those who come from Oreylia then he must agree that you deserve your freedom.”
Vas’ expression was tender. “I appreciate the thought, but I doubt your father will ever agree. Sven killed a man, and I plotted to kill your father, your mother and others once upon a time. Those aren’t crimes that can be easily overlooked.”
I took his hands in mine. “I’m still going to try.”
He shook his head. “It’s a fool’s errand, Darya.”
Despite his words, I saw a flicker of hope in his eyes. We walked for a few more minutes in quiet contemplation before Vas spoke again. “I’ve been thinking of ways to free the miners. It’s going to take something big but I have an idea.”
I glanced at him. “Oh?”
“I have you to thank for it. You mentioned how the demons you encountered when you came to Oreylia were entranced by your gold earrings. It’s true that they turn into magpies when they see new, shiny things.”
“You want to distract them with gold?” I guessed and he nodded. “But how? Gold is expensive. It will take time to gather enough to create a distraction and there’s also the problem of transporting it.”
“That won’t be necessary. I don’t need actual gold to distract them, just the illusion of it. I’ve been concocting a spell, a mass illusion of sorts, that will make all the rivers of lava in Treyu look like rivers of gold.”
I stared at him, impressed. “You can actually do that?”
“It will take a lot of power, but I’ve had weeks of rest and leisure. My magic is stronger than ever, especially since you and I have been spending so much time together.”
A flush heated my cheeks. I’d almost forgotten about that. Since I possessed his mark my proximity amplified Vas’ power.
I cleared my throat. “Well, all we need is something that will distract them long enough for everyone to make it out of the mine.”
“You work on convincing your great-grandfather and mother to help with opening the portal and I’ll concentrate on the spell,” Vas said and we continued our walk.
The following week was Grace’s graduation night. I still hadn’t worked up the nerve to talk to Mum, nor to ask her if she’d call on Roman for me.
Peter, Ren, Sophia, Nic and Angela would all be graduating tonight, too. I felt a sadness that I wouldn’t be going through the ceremony alongside them, but I would still be there since Grace made me promise to attend. Her parents were throwing her a party at their house afterwards and my whole family would be there, so I knew there was no getting out of it.
I put on my fanciest black dress, allowed Rebecca to style my hair in soft waves and do my make-up, though I drew the line at wearing heels. Instead I wore a pair of red Converse, which complemented the dress nicely. If I was going to be depressed about being the only person in my year to flunk out and not graduate then I was at least going to be comfortable.
I rode in the back seat of Grace’s parents’ car. My cousin squeezed my hand, shooting me a look that said she was grateful to have me there with her. I was so proud of her, all decked out in her robes. At St. Bastian’s those graduating wore dark burgundy robes and beret style hats with long black ribbons streaming down the back. It was a cute look on Grace, given she normally wore a steady stream of jeans, T-shirts and heavy boots.