“What of the king’s powers?I’ve read he is like you.A Firewalker.Do you know what kind of magic he has?”
The connection between us stilled, a sudden void where her warmth had been.The silence stretched on until the air in my lungs grew stale.When her presence returned, it was cautious and measured.
“The king possesses a broad range of power,” she said.“He is strong, undeniably so.He can breathe consciousness into his flames, creating soldiers and beasts that obey only him.The list goes on, but that should be of no interest to you.”
“Of course it should be,” I snapped.“I have to kill him or bind his soul orwhateverit is I’m here for.Shouldn’t I be aware of what kind of power he actually has?”My hands sliced through the air, punctuating each word.
“That knowledge will not change the outcome.” Her voice cooled, hardening at the edges.“Why scare yourself into oblivion, when it will not matter in the end?”
Everything she said seemed crafted to soothe, yet each word only tightened the knot of dread in my stomach.I pressed my palms against my temples, the frustration building.
“I must leave now,” Zaheera said, her voice receding like water draining from cupped hands.“But do not forget that I am here for you.Be calm.Breathe.You will be okay.” The last of her essence trailed along the walls of my mind, leaving only the faintest impression.
I was alone again, trapped with the agonising thoughts.There had been more—so much more—on my mind, but I couldn’t bring myself to mention them to her.She’d already made it clear not to fall for the king or his charm (or lack thereof) but I couldn’t deny the odd pull I felt toward him.Like gravity itself was drawing me toward him, even when every ounce of logic and reason warned me against it.
The door hinges protested with a low groan.My head snapped up.
Mira slipped inside, smiling bright enough to illuminate the shadows in the corners of the room.She balanced a fresh pile of clothes in her arms and set them on the edge of the bed.
“Come on,” she flicked her wrist, gold bracelets clinking down her forearm.“Up.Let’s get you pretty.Not that you need it, but I wouldn’t suggest going to the throne room nude.”She placed her hands on her hips, her eyes twinkling.“Unless that’s what you’re into.”
I let out an exaggerated sigh, dropping my head back.She laughed, the sound bubbling up from her chest.
“You’ve been reading too many romance novels,” I said as I pushed myself off the bed.
I dropped the linen cloth that had been wrapped around me.
“Far too many,” she winked, reaching for the clothes.She draped the black fabric over me.The material hugged every curve, creating a dress that left little to the imagination.
I caught my reflection in the mirror and arched a brow.
“Shh.”Mira pressed a finger against my parted lips before I could argue.“I love it.You look so much like them, and these outfits make you stand out even more.”She pulled a pin from between her lips, securing it near my hip with a sharp jab.
“I don’t want to stand out Mira, I—”
She pushed me toward the stool, her palm firm between my shoulder blades.My knees buckled and I landed on the seat with a thud.
“Elira,pleasejust trust me.”She threaded her fingers through my hair, separating strands with gentle tugs.
I threw my head back, neck arching until I could meet her gaze upside down.She caught the full force of my eye roll before pushing my head forward with a snort.
I loved being around Mira—a bright spot of comfort in a realm that was slowly consuming me.I let her be, watching in the mirror as lines of concentration etched across her face.Her hands moved deftly, weaving a braid that circled the crown of my head while leaving the remaining strands to fall down my back.She finished by applying kohl around my eyes, the tip of her tongue caught between her teeth as she worked.
When she stepped back, her smile crinkled the corners of her eyes.
“Oh, I almost forgot!”She clapped her hands together with a sharp crack and dove into the pile of fabrics.Bracelets jangled as she rummaged through the stack, emerging with the most beautiful arm link I had ever seen.A gold band twisted in a two-layer spiral, the heads of serpents on either end.Their eyes were glittering red gems.
“Wow, that’s…” My words failed as she carefully fitted it to my upper arm, the metal cool against my overheated skin.
“I just knew you would love it.”She stepped back, allowing me to twist my arm and watch as the gold caught the light, sending fractured patterns dancing across the walls.
“It’s beautiful, Mira!”I exclaimed, mesmerised by how the serpents’ eyes seemed to glow with internal fire.
“After seeing you with the kings pet and watching how you—” She visibly shuddered, shoulders rising towards her ears.“—likedthe serpent, I knew I had to give it to you.”
“Thank you.It’s perfect.”I reached out and caught her hand, squeezing in genuine gratitude.
The door slammed open with enough force to rattle the walls, ruining the moment.
