Page 44 of Embers of Ruin

I am not whatever story he has built around me in that cold, calculating mind of his. But I can't ignore the truth. My magic stirred the first time I encountered him. His garden answered when I touched it. And when Thorin looked at that tiny white flower, just for a moment, I saw something in his eyes that frightened me.

Hope.

I don't know what Thorin is planning, or why he has chosen me when others possess magic. I only know that I refuse to become the answer he's searching for, so I need to find a way out of this palace. Or I need to kill him. Neither option seems particularly easy, but becoming the Shadow King's weapon is not an option. That leaves only one problem. I have absolutely no idea how to escape Andell, so my best chance is probably Onyx. I saw the way he watched Thorin the other day, his jaw set so tightly I thought his teeth might crack. Whatever loyalty he has to the king, he clearly doesn't approve of every decision Thorin makes. Maybe, if I can convince him I'm not the enemy, he'll tell me something useful.

Because another week of having my magic pushed further and further until I'm too exhausted to think⁠—

I glance down at my hands.

I need a plan. Or I have to kill him.

* * *

Growing up in Elvora, I heard countless stories about the Shadow King's capital. Most of them involved suffering, darkness, and people living in fear beneath the rule of a cursed tyrant.

Instead, every time I look out this window, I find families walking through the streets, or shopkeepers opening their stores. I find children racing through alleys while exhausted parents attempt to keep up with them.

Nothing about Andell resembles the nightmare I was taught to expect and the contradiction has become deeply inconvenient. But I do know that Thorin—he is pure evil. What he did to Briar the other day? That was terrifying. Thorin says I don’t know the entire truth, and that may be true but one thing I know to be true—he is not a good man.

A knock sounds against the door, disrupting my thoughts. I don't even bother turning around at this point.

“If that's breakfast, tell them I'm accepting donations. And I’d like a hot cup of tea, please!”

The door opens and a familiar voice answers. One that I actually don’t mind hearing.

“You might be disappointed, then.”

I smile as I turn to see Onyx striding in the room carrying a tray of meats, cheese and breakfast pastries.

“You brought me goodies! I knew you had a soft spot for me.”

A laugh escapes him. “Don't let anyone hear you say that. They'll think I show favoritism.”

“I was under the impression you already did.” I smile, walking over to him and grabbing a particularly delicious looking pastry on the tray.

He sets the tray on the table beside the window before making himself comfortable on the settee.

“I wanted to check on you,” he says, handing me a cup of tea. “And I thought you might appreciate a walk around the palace today.”

My face lights up because yes, I desperately need to do something other than drain my magic every single day. “I absolutely would! Wait—no lessons from Thorin today?”

“Not today, little terror.”

I sigh in relief. “Well, that’s great news. My body almost can’t handle it anymore. King Thorin isn’t giving me enough time to replenish myself before he puts me to the test again.”

Onyx hums his agreement, lifting his eyes to me. “Are you alright, Lyra? I know life has never been that kind to you. How are you doing here?”

I look at Onyx—really look at him, and my eyes immediately begin to fill with tears.

“I don’t know—don’t look at me like that!” I say, noticing a look of pity cross his face. I hate when people pity me. I don’t want pity. I want to be free.

“Don’t pity me, Onyx. It’s not doing me any favors. Elvora wasn’t kind to me but I have someone back there. A mother figure. She probably thinks I’m dead. I use my magic for good—to heal those who are sick, or on Ryza’s doorstep.” I cross myself with his sign as I say it.

“This just feels…I don’t know what it feels like. No, I do know. It feels like I’m being used, and I don’t understand why. Is the king planning to kill me? There is magic surrounding Andell and other people I’m sure he could use. Why keep me hostage here? I don’t understand it.”

“The king is not a man who is easily understood.” Onyx says, looking at me sympathetically. I hate that look, and I miss our banter.

“Would you tell me the truth if I asked you what he wants with me?”