I reached for him, and the little bird flew off, back out the window. “You’re too drained. You could have waited.”
“Maybe…but the look on your face was worth it.”
“Someday you can show me more, but until then, please rest.” I slid my hand over his without thought. My heart fluttered faster—warning me to move, but I couldn’t.
The silver in his eyes flickered again, filling me with warmth in a way I had never felt before.
I blinked the feeling away, too drained to think on it any further.
When he fell asleep, I crept out of the room to my chambers. The elegance of the room rivaled mine back in Bailoc. Open windows gave views of the streams and the lanterns illuminating the water.
The onyx shimmered in the moon’s glow. I traced the book’s uneven pages. It vibrated beneath my fingertips.
I nestled myself into the thick bed covers and unbound the amber strap. Silence fell, and I didn’t know what to ask it.
I sense your magic.
Lythira needs you—you will serve it well.
A lump formed in my throat as I pressed the pages closed. It saidI sense your magic.The book wasn’t just a magical force, its words were being written by someone. I did not know who, or what, I was communicating with. What if everything it made me do was wrong?
Tears spilled faster than I could stop them. I concentrated my thoughts back on the book, opening it again.
“Who am I speaking with?” It remained blank for a heartbeat.
In time, you will come to know what inspired the words on these pages.
It’s time you focus on who you are, Aelira.
The book slipped from my fingertips as I sank further back into the covers. The onyx poked into my palm as I gripped it too tightly. Its unknown magic haunted me long after the words disappeared from the page.
I may never know the source of its magic, but I now felt mine steadily flowing through my veins—it had awoken.
There was no hiding from it.
Chapter 13
My palm pressed into the wooden infirmary door.
“Aelira,” Lioran called from behind me.
“What are you doing out of the infirmary?” I spun to face him.
His body towered over mine again. Warmth surged through me as his gaze met mine.
“Oh…He’s simply defying what’s recommended as always.” Fyn stood beside him. “He’s just been standing here waiting for…” Fyn smirked. “Who were you waiting for?”
Lioran wouldn’t even look at Fyn. “I didn’t expect to see you.”
“You should be resting,” I said.
“Fae heal faster than humans.” Lioran crossed his arms over his chest, wincing.
“Rowena’s healing magic may have had something to do with it. Or maybe the fact that we dragged your lifeless body back here. But sure…go with the fae heal fast explanation.”
“I owe the three of you my gratitude.” Lioran’s tone softened.
“True.” Fyn leaned back into the stone wall. “Rowena did say you’re supposed to rest, though. So maybe you should go do that now.”
