Page 144 of Revels on an Angel’s Grave

Emmeline didn’t miss the distinction that that space was tied to her magic, yet she’d said minutes ago that most of Valyn was built after her time.

“Can you usually see people who go there?” Emmeline asked.

“People do not usually find it, my girl.”

“What do you mean?”

“There is much hidden in Valyn that cannot be accessed by mere Starsearchers. Wards keep them away should they venture too close.”

“Underground, right?” Emmeline asked, recalling the vast network of tunnels around the seeing chamber, the ones she’d found in the Ninth District, and the way her magic had reacted to all of them.

Valyrie nodded. “Secrets have been buried beneath this city for many, many years.”

Yet, the crypt let Emmeline and Roremar right in, as if the seeing chamber wanted to be found.

The chill worked down Emmeline’s spine. “So, you felt when I entered, but you couldn’t see me there?”

“No.”

“And Roremar?”

“I could not see the Reckless either.”

“Can you see…” Emmeline’s throat was dry as the question formed, afraid of what Valyrie would say. She swallowed. “Can you see him otherwise? What will become of him?”

The stars in Valyrie’s eyes swirled faster, ether weaving between the silky strands of her hair. She blinked slowly. “I cannot. A few possibilities, but not nearly all.” Her gaze drifted to the city again. “It is odd…”

Starfire rippled through Emmeline as she stood with the Angel, a steady, crackling hum, still pounding into the balls of her feet. Valyrie appeared to be mulling it over, too, her features in that placid, unreadable expression that set Emmeline on edge.

“I’m going to assume there’s not many people you cannot read,” Emmeline said. No warrior could read the gods, Angels, or Fates. She’d seen Valyrie before in readings, but it was always a projection of her, not a reading of the Angel’s future. But for Valyrie to be blocked?

That was a boundary Emmeline had never heard of.

The Angel’s attention swung back to Emmeline, eyes steady again. Burrowing into her in a way no one—not even Roremar—did. As if Valyrie had pieces of Emmeline even she didn’t know existed.

“No,” Valyrie confirmed. “There are not many I cannot read.”

Emmeline’s throat tightened. Her natural instinct to remain unseen sank its claws into her heart, an extra layer of skin wrapping around her ribs, burying all those secrets she’d recently let go.

“Why don’t you stop this tournament?” Emmeline asked. “You created it. Why don’t you stop the Chancellor now?”

Valyrie’s eyes dropped to Emmeline’s hand, still twisting her ring, and her perfect brows creased.

“Things are already in motion.”

“Don’t,” Emmeline snapped. “Don’t say it’s too late.”

“It is. Not only for the trials, but for other fortunes.”

“I understand why some warriors feel that way, but you’re the Angel, for Fates’ sake! You are the sole being who can stop Rocarri.”

“You are a fan of mythology, Emmeline. What happens if you cut off the head of a hydra?” Valyrie asked calmly.

“Another grows in its place.”

The Angel nodded.

“Then take the beast’s heart,” Emmeline suggested. “Don’t allow him to use your people this way. People who honor you each night. Who pray to you for guidance and safety.”