She closed her eyes in concentration, then the air fizzled around me and popped, sparks exploding around us as magic sealed the deal between us.
“Good, very well.Now to change that face.”
The Enchantress rose and rummaged in the cupboards below the hutch, coming back with a clear bottle.Sunlight streaming through the window touched its contents, making it sparkle like glitter.The Enchantress’s lips moved, but no sound came from them.She uncorked the bottle and poured a small mound of the magical substance into her palm.She turned to me—and blew it directly in my face.
I gasped, inhaling the powder in one deep breath.It stung like icicles when it touched my skin yet burned like fire.My vision clouded, the world growing hazy before clearing again.I picked up a small looking glass on the side table and peered into it.Disappointment splintered through me when my own face peered back.Unchanged.
“The magic only works on people, not objects,” the Enchantress said.“I would avoid mirrors, polished silver, or large collections of water when you’re at the Paravellian Balls.Only those who you wish to and who know your true self can see it.The magic masks your name as well.”
I frowned.“My name?”
“You may introduce yourself at the Paravellian Balls as Analleia Kallistar.”She smiled.“It is far too pretty of a name not to use.As long as you fulfill your end of the bargain, the spell will keep anyone from associating the name Kallistar with your destroyed kingdom.”
Convenient, but strange.
Dark circles formed below the Enchantress’s eyes and she ushered me out the door.
That was it?
I grabbed the door frame to prevent her from pushing me outside.
“What about the invitations to the Paravellian Balls?”I asked.
“You will find them on your dressing table when you return to the tower of the Dark Walkers.I must rest now.”
“But—”
The door slammed shut behind me, the bright cottage and garden seeming to dim.
I looked down at my hands, expecting them to be different, but the pale skin belonged to me.
One ring.
One ring in exchange for disguise.
And a successful assassination.
I looked out at the dark wood, all the puzzle pieces falling into place.
But one misstep could destroy everything.
