Page 161 of Fate of the Sun King

“There are a handful of guards outside, but everyone ran to see what’s going on. What exactly is going on?”

“I’ll fill you in as we walk. Lead the way.”

Hylene nods, and the five of us skulk through the palace. We pass the occasional servant, who barely glances at us as they head for the eye of the storm.

“This way.” Halo gestures as we slink around corners, checking for guards. We pass a few lying asleep against walls where they’ve fallen. Good job, Willow, I think to myself.

The rest have abandoned their posts, and I’m sure Mael was right about their training, but I don’t think anyone anticipated news of this caliber coming in to sweep away all of their preconceived notions.

We turn a few more corners, and I’m reminded of those first days after I woke up in Aphelion and didn’t understand what I was doing there. Everything was so beautiful and luxurious, and it felt like I was living a dream. Until it started to become a nightmare.

Finally, we come upon a familiar hallway and slow to a stop.

Nadir peers around the corner while I huddle with the other three women behind him.

“Two guards at the doors. I can easily handle them,” he says.

I nod as he turns to Halo and Marici. “You two should return to the courtyard. If anyone notices you’re missing, it’ll arouse suspicion. Atlas might punish you if he discovers you’ve been helping Lor.”

I can tell they want to do what he’s asking. They probably have a thousand questions about the return of Tyr as well. This is their home, and Atlas was lying to them, too.

“Thank you,” I say, wrapping them both in a hug. “For everything.”

“Good luck,” Halo says. “I hope you find what you need here.” She glances at Nadir and then back to me, and I see the softening in her eyes. “And I hope we see you again, but whatever happens, know that we want the best for you and you’ll always have friends here.”

We study each other for a long moment, and I get the sense Halo understands something big is about to happen. I know she wants to ask. I see the questions on her face, but I can’t offer her the explanation she seeks. Maybe someday we’ll have that chance.

“I hope so too,” I say, and after another hug, they both scurry off, disappearing around a corner.

“Hylene, keep an eye out,” Nadir says. “If anyone comes this way, distract them.”

Hylene tips her chin. “Of course.”

Then Nadir takes my hand.

“Are you ready for this?”

“As I’ll ever be.”

He nods and then uses his magic, sending several tendrils of light towards the guards. The assault is nearly on them before they notice, but it’s already too late.

His ribbons of light cinch tightly around their chests, forcing them to drop their weapons, while more tendrils snake around their throats until they follow their swords, collapsing to the marble floors. He uses another sweep of magic to pull open a door and drag them inside the room, lest anyone passing notice two unconscious guards.

When Nadir is finished, he takes my hand, and we enter the room, being sure to close the door behind us.

The Mirror stands at the far end of the room, covered by a thick velvet sheet.

When I stood in this place last time, everything was so different. Now I’ve returned, and nothing will ever be the same.

My steps echo in the cavernous space as I approach.

Nadir waits next to me as we stare up at it. It seems bigger than I remember.

“What do I do?” I ask.

“You’re the one who’s been here before,” he says. “What did you do last time?”

“I just had to stand in front of it.”