Page 62 of Ashen Wings

“All I can remember them saying is ‘of noble blood,’ but one can assume.” Thaye tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear. We inspect the next shelf in silence, one after another, leaving some in place if deemed suitable condition.

“Did they bring the babe back to the temple then?” I swallow the agonizing anticipation before my words falter.

“No, there was no room for another child in that year’s seminary, but if I remember correctly, my mother suggested they try Neressa’s servants in Sea. We have distant family there,” Thaye replies. Her eyes narrow when they connect with mine. “You’re not going to tell anyone are, you?”

I shake my head just a little too quickly and Thaye leans over the cart. “There are those in this world that would kill for a whisper such as this, Nova. Tell me I’m not mistaken in trusting you.”

“No, Thaye, no. Your story is safe with me, I swear to Astora.” My fingers tremble as I reach for the tense palm at her side. When our hands brush, she doesn’t pull away. “I promise.”

“Besides, it’s just a childhood memory.” She backpedals, with a shift of her weight, then returns to the shelves.

My mind unravels like a pulled thread as we finish our chores. The hopeless corner I’ve found myself in feels larger, like there’s more room to breathe. Thaye doesn’t offer anything more on the subject, and I don’t ask. She’s taken a risk in trusting me, and my chest aches for the loss of her friends. The war was bloody and brutal, but even more so heartbreaking. How many others lost those they loved? The continent fractured the day Sovereign fell, and I pray to the gods we’re one step closer to the thread that’ll stitch it back whole.

Even after the sun has set, I still can’t rid myself of the mildew and muck. A thick layer glazes my skin, but I can’t possibly delay sharing the news with Jace and Yaris.

I find them seated opposite another in the downstairs dining room. Jace sits with a crossed leg and balanced wine glass, while Yaris throws the occasional violet-eyed dagger toward him.

“Astora be good, what have you been up to today?” Yaris’s posture straightens at the nightmarish sight of me.

“Gathering information,” I reply, breathless and damp. “There’s another Ceti descendant. One not written in the histories.”

Jace’s ear’s perk, and he reaches for an empty wine glass. “So Obdiris’s servants were helpful then.”

The tether between us flares to life with everything left unsaid. Like Thaye, I know he’ll wait for me to open the conversation about last night. My stomach drops when the memory of his fingers massaging my scalp quakes through me, interrupting the near earth-shattering news I’ve just dropped like a blazing comet.

Gods above, focus, Nova.

“I had to shovel dragon shit for a week straight, but we have a new lead. One of the priestesses I was assigned to—Thaye—spoke of a conversation she overheard as a child. Two of Astora’s servants came asking about a place in their ministry for a babe. When they were told there wasn’t any space in the current class, her mother suggested going to Sea. They had low enrollment that year and possibly took the babe in.”

“And you trust her information?” Jace leans over his knees.

“Yes. I can’t explain it, but I do,” I reply, battling the weight of his stare.

“Then I’ll send word to Isra. We’ll regroup back in Shadow and discuss a plan.” There’s a dark, almost somber, air about him when he trails to the crackling fireplace.

“We’re only a few days’ journey from Sea. We can’t simply ask for a crossing sanction upon arrival?” I ask.

“Unfortunately, starling, no. Sea isn’t all that kind to foreigners, especially those from Shadow. After the war, it wasn’t just Smoke who shut down their borders.” He prods a thumb against his lip. Gods that lip—insufferable, but all too captivating. My eyes adhere to the floor when he catches me staring.

“Well then, we should make haste back to Shadow,” I reply. “We’ve delayed enough already.”

“Agreed,” Jace says.

Yaris’s gaze flicks from me to Jace. “Nova, can I have a word?”

The room stills to a heavy silence. The two men watch each other, both with stone-cold posture and thinned lips.

“Of course,” Jace says finally, his voice a dangerously low whisper. “I’ll give you some privacy.” He turns on his heels and makes for the corridor, most certainly planning to lurk in the hall until we’ve finished.

“You don’t have to go with him. Stay here. My home is yours.” Yaris outstretches a hand toward me, and every fiber of my being begs to accept his offer, to stay in Storm and build a quiet life. Working with Thaye and Wren, learning from Yaris about Sovereign, it’s more than tempting. I’ve already planted seeds. If given the opportunity they’d root, but the ripple of Finnick’s tracking link down my spine crushes any vision of a home here. And the payout…I’m owed a life of comfort after everything I’ve faced. The scars painted on my back are the receipt of trade. I suck in a breath, mastering the fidget on my fingertips.

“I can’t. Not yet at least. There are loose ends that need tied before I settle.” I fight the lump in my throat.

“Loose ends in Smoke or Shadow?” he asks, his beard shaking with withheld frustration. “I can’t lose you again, Nova. I’ve only just found you.”

“In both,” I reply curtly, simply to keep myself from cracking.

“Whatever he’s offered you…it’s not worth your life, Nova.” His whisper is barely above ambient, but I know Jace is listening. Panic slews through me, quick and icy, like a sudden rainfall. “Stay. Please.”