“I moved the moon,” Nyx murmured. “That impacts projections for all lunar-related events.” Her nose scrunched. “But if I move the moon back, it’ll hurt again. And I just started healing it.”
She’d used a bucket of Klas’s blood—which Fallon had brought to her after eviscerating the bastard—to perform a sacrifice ritual last night. The moon’s glowing orange rivulets had slowly calmed, leaving it with a faint white glow.
She’d said the process would need to be repeated over the next six nights—with more blood.
“I could do this faster if you let me kill Klas, but after everything he’s done, this does seem more fitting,” she’d said.
“Yeah, well, maybe I’ll let you talk to the next astronomer who calls,” Kaspian muttered.
“There are still astronomers in this world?” I marveled. “I thought that was a human hobby.”
“Magic might change our views of the world, but the fascination with the universe remains.” Kaspian grimaced. “And they are a loud group of scientists.”
Nox returned with Nolan and Slater, the three of them grinning as they entered.
“Did another stars enthusiast call?” Nolan asked.
Kaspian rolled his eyes. “You know what? I’m going to assign the three of you to all future calls. Let’s see how much you enjoy being chastised about eclipse charts and the lunar calendar.”
“I can talk to them,” Nyx offered.
“That would probably make it worse,” Kaspian admitted. “And it’s not just astronomers, but also advisors from various Houses.”
I nodded. “I’ve been reviewing the messages you’ve forwarded, and I’ve spoken to a few of them personally.” Such as Volker and Elias, as well as Kieran during his visit. “Tell me more about what Klas has said.”
I’d left Kaspian to manage it all, the task feeling like a final farewell in a way.
Or a graduation of sorts.
Because I hadn’t involved myself personally. I’d simply allowed Kaspian to handle it as a king would.
Slater and Nolan took over the couch across from me, their expressions sobering.
While Nox went to stand behind Kaspian again, the symbology making me wonder if the phantom was vying for a protector sort of role. He seemed to care about Kaspian, which pleased me. Because I soon wouldn’t be here to protect my old friend.
“Well, as I said, he admitted that the purpose of his ‘plan B’ was to tie himself to you. It was his way of saving his life without any regard to the others who had helped him. Most of whom came with him from Dublin. The others were members of Paxton’s family from Ireland, which is why he betrayed us.”
Yes, Kaspian had messaged me about that. He’d been beating himself up for not seeing it, but I’d told him it wasn’t his fault that Paxton hadn’t voiced his discontent.
Unfortunately, however…“This all tells me that we have some members of our House who are not pleased with my voting in favor of the creation of Death and Diamond.”
“Yes. I’m working with Niamh on it. We’re going to send out advisors to everyone impacted and provide a more personal touch for the decision process.”
I nodded. “That’s something I should have done initially.”
“The way you and Kieran have handled the territory transition is better than most. You offered to financially cover relocation costs for anyone wishing to move into Gold and Garnet’s territory. And you negotiated the option for them to say.”
“True, but it seems I should have met with our constituents to better understand their feelings. A lot of this could have been avoided.”
“Yes and no,” Kaspian replied. “Perhaps it would have kept Klas from reacting when he did, but I think he was a ticking time bomb waiting to explode.”
“He’s a fucking sociopath,” Nox muttered. “The things he’s done to Fallon…”
Kaspian’s jaw ticked. “She’s another matter entirely.”
“Oh?” That sounded intriguing.
He grunted and shook his head, dismissing my intrigue. “I’m handling her for now. However, I have concerns about her powers.” His gaze flicked to Nyx before returning to me, his message clear—his concerns were about the other territories reacting to Fallon’s death magic.
