Page 54 of Memory of Ashes

At first, his face remained blank, as though his reaction had been delayed.

“Amelia!” Emin exclaimed, jumping up to embrace her. “We thought you were dead. You’ve been missing for so long.”

She ran to him and squeezed him tightly. His familiar scent of leather and spices filled her nose.

He pulled back to look at her.

The tears ran down her face. She should have listened to him. None of this would be happening if she had.

“Where have you been? Who’s this?” he said, turning to Ruven.

“Do you remember the skull I showed you from the mine?” she said.

“Yes, of course.” He frowned.

“I found them.”

“You found what?”

Ruven pulled down his hood. It fell, freeing his delicately shaped antlers and furled ears.

Emin took a step back. His mouth moved, but no words escaped it.

“What…?” Emin stammered.

“Fae,” she said matter-of-factly. “My father was right. But that’s not the reason we’re here. There’s an army coming. They’re on their way right now to attack us.”

“How do you know that?” he said. His face had drained of all colour.

“I’ve just watched them burn a town to the ground. And we’re next. This isn’t the time to doubt me.”

As they reached the palace, the guards recognised his guild robes and allowed him through. The lack of security filled her with dread.

Ruven never said a word, just quietly followed as they were led through the gardens towards the grand entrance.

“I need to speak to the Councillor,” Emin said to the palace staff. “It’s of utmost importance.”

He turned to Amelia. “You had better be right. I’m putting my reputation on the line here.”

His gaze caught on Ruven.

“I am,” she said solemnly.

After a brief period, the councillor arrived. “What is it, Emin?” Cyrus snapped. He was a tall, spindly, elderly man. He’d advised the emperor for almost all of his reign, as well as the emperor’s father before him.

“There’s an army coming to attack the city.”

“And how on earth would you know of that before us?”

“The army is fae. They’re on their way to our city right now,” Amelia said. “I’ve just watched them burn down a town, and we’re next. We had a head start on them, but they’re coming.”

“Aren’t you the archaeology girl who went missing?” the councillor asked.

She nodded.

“Have you lost your mind? Fae? And you believe her?” He looked pointedly at Emin.

Emin glanced at Amelia and then at Ruven. “Show him.”