their binding set to rule all.
This thread, born of words, weaves with life when spoken.
Should words be stolen, tied life shall be broken.”
The wind stilled, as if hanging, suspended in the natural air of the queen’s elaborate chamber. We then repeated the words of our deal.
“I, Queen Antares Ravindra, allow you to examine the Lady of Tomorrow’s bones, in exchange for eight sessions of Obscura and Transcindiel guidance to be completed with me before the end of summer.”
A gust of musty wind spun through the room, sending the queen’s loose blonde curls flying in a crown of light around her head. I shuddered as the spell settled, and a wide grin stretched across the queen’s face.
The shimmering doors behind us slid open in a soft hiss as a young, beautiful, light brown-haired elf timidly entered the hall. Bright green eyes,Ravindraeyes, hesitantly glanced up beneath her spectacles as she took in the sight before her.
Carina. Bayne and Nerissa’s cousin, and the queen’s sole heir.
She held a stack of books in her arms and donned a long, cotton dress, more modest than the rest of her elven kin. No crown donned her simple brown hair, wound back in a long, slender braid that ran down her back.
Carina’s wary eyes skimmed over me and landed on her mother. She gave a soft nod and strode past without a word.
Queen Antares didn’t acknowledge Carina, instead turning toward her desk and drawing up a correspondence before handing it to me.
“You have one hour, Bonder.”
