Page 102 of Of Masks and Fury

“This changes everything.”

We moved to the center of the room, staring around at the evidence of conspiracy and horror.

My mind raced, connecting pieces that had seemed random before.

“Father’s war preparations. The attempts on my life at Syllavar. The Day of Mercy harvesting magic for someone’s use. The Skathe research. The veil breach south of Syllavar. Addie and Fenmark’s imprisonment and torture. So many clues. It’s hard to squish them all together into one coherent thought.”

“The maps show attack plans for Syllavar,” Trew snarled. “Intelligence gathered on my castle’s defenses and key people to eliminate to create full-on chaos. My name is first on the list.”

All the people who could work magic, waiting to be captured and drained.

I had to lean against him and close my eyes before the next horror revealed itself. Each discovery built on the last until I felt like I was drowning in it all.

My father hadn’t just planned to kill me or marry me off to a convenient ally. He’d been watching me for months, possibly years, documenting my every movement like a scientist studying a specimen. The violation of my privacy felt almost as intimate as a physical assault.

I pressed my palms against my eyes, trying to process the magnitude of betrayal before forcing myself to continue. There would be time to break down later. Right now, I needed to see the rest.

We discovered details about where the Skathes were massing and how to direct them to specific locations to assist in an invasion. Evidence that these people were trying to widen the veil breach, not close it, confirming what Eva said.

Proof they were going to host a Skathe attack from the south at the same time my father’s army attacked from the north.

“He isn’t attacking you to avenge Addie’s death,” I said.

“We’re another source of magical power.”

I found more notes tucked beneath the maps. References to Crestin as “pliable.” Mentions of manipulating him to “end this if necessary.”

Backup plans within backup plans.

My stomach turned.

“He wants to kill me,” I whispered. “Either through arranged marriage or assassination. He must worry I’ll figure it out and kill him first.”

Trew’s arm came around my shoulders.

“He won’t get the chance,” he said. “I’ll raze this land before I let him touch you.”

Danger!Pherin’s voice shot through my mind like lightning.People.Coming!

Footsteps echoed on the tower stairs below, followed by multiple voices.

If it was one person, I’d wait here and end this now. But it might be hard to take down multiple people without one of us getting hurt. Especially those who were drinking power to fuel their own.

We’d planned to leave by the stairs.

Trew and I looked at the grate we’d slid through, but the left tunnel led to the kitchen where staff would see us. We didn’t dare return to the dungeon.

The echo of footsteps came closer. Closer.

My heart leaped up into my throat.

We had to get out of here before we were discovered.

After replacing the grate, Trew urged me toward the only way out.

Rain had begun falling outside, fat drops splattering on stone. The wind picked up, carrying the scent of an approaching storm.

“Can you climb in this?” he asked.