Neither of them spoke.
My eyes thinned into slits as I stared them down. “One ancient, forgotten word from me, and the both of you will burn.”
Their crimson stares flared then.
“You threaten those who work to aid you? Is this not what you originally sought?”
“I threaten those who have threatened me and mine. Why should I trust you?”
The twins exchanged a glance before returning their gazes to me.
“We haven’t always agreed with Azenna and what she has sought to do since the discovery ofTinaebris Malifiscall those centuries ago. And we have come to heed your warning.”
My heart thudded at their words, but my face remained neutral as I observed them.
“What of it then? What have you come here to offer?”
“Azenna spoke of declaring her stance on the war by offering her aid to the current queen who sits upon the Velyran throne,” Empri stated.
Panic instantly clogged my throat.
“But she is a creature of the realm. The realm itself will only accept a true Valderre as its ruler,” I countered.
“Aye, that is why she plans to get her hands on your blood and intertwine it with the queen’s using the book. Blood magic works in mysterious ways and has many uses. This could work to trick the realm itself.”
I was going to be sick. “Such a thing is possible?” Gods, I hoped she was exaggerating.
“It is true,” Madalae relayed.
“So, Azenna has offered Idina her use of dark magic in the war? What did she seek in exchange?” I demanded.
“The lands within and beyond the Sylis Forest. Free roam to hunt and do whatever she pleases with. She wishes to be a recognized queen in her own right.”
“That’s foolish. Idina would never offer even a sliver of the realm.”
Then I thought it over for a moment. If it secured her victory, she may barter away just that, with no intention of keeping her promise.
“The winds have whispered that what you believe is not necessarily true,” the twins relayed in unison, causing a shiver to run up my spine.
I remained silent for a moment as my gaze wandered back to my court as they eagerly waited for orders—their stances declared they were ready to charge at any moment if commanded.
“How is it that you found us? Alaia Valley is hidden from the rest of the world, or so we thought,” I stated.
“When Azenna spoke of her plan immediately following our encounter, we rushed to leave and watched as you all soared through the clouds. We have been waiting to hear of what the winds speak before deciding what to do next,” Empri answered.
My eyes flared as she spoke of watching us this entire time from a distance and us never knowing it. Shaking that eerie thought, my attention drifted back to the twins. “Is it an alliance you seek? Why would you not follow your High Witch?”
They exchanged another look as if communicating their response telepathically.
“We have experienced firsthand the power of what Azenna now holds. When Veli stole the book and went into hiding, we admired her for it. We were too frightened to ever admit it, but what she did was right. If in the wrong hands, the pages bound within it could doom the realm and every creature within it,” Madalae answered.
“For a better realm,” Empri added.
I huffed out a sharp laugh as she mimicked the mantra of my rebellion. “For a better realm,” I echoed.
“My court is to join me in any further discussion regarding this. And you are to give me your word that no magic will be cast in said meeting. Do you agree?” I asked. “And if you break this vow, make no mistake, I will carve your hearts out myself and turn them to ash.”
Twin grins formed. “Agreed,” they hissed in unison.
