Page 180 of Revels on an Angel’s Grave

Roremar’s stare met Emmeline’s, and he was certain she was working through the same pieces. She shook her head. They’d discuss it later. He saw a thousand theories spinning behind her eyes, but he shifted his attention back to Perry.

“Fuck you for stabbing me.”

“Second that,” Desmond echoed, resuming his search of the jungle floor.

“Fair,” Perry said. “I thought you’d come back to the barracks with a small wound, and I’d patch you up as penance. The best laid plans often get derailed though.”

“De-fucking-railed, indeed,” Roremar scoffed.

“Points of Constellation,” Emmeline murmured, speaking to herself.

“What?” Roremar asked at her sudden change of conversation. Cirre’s tail flicked through the brush, shuffling leaves and tapping his ankle as it looped around.

“In my reading,” Emmeline said. “Serchus called Wisteria Falls a Point of Constellation.” She recounted the rest to the others, Myrella’s brow creasing as she took it all in, but Perry⁠—

That fucker’s eyes lit.

Emmeline watched Perry with fierce hostility as she spoke. “That’s what you’re looking for, isn’t it? You’re curious about the Constellation Isles, too. You said originally that was why you were helping us. Is there some sort of connection to these Points of Constellation?”

“I am curious about the isles,” Perry answered. He rubbed his chest absently, as if alleviating an ache across his sternum. “I’ve never heard it referred to as Points of Constellation, though.” Emmeline’s shoulders drooped, but Perry, clearly trying to be helpful now, added, “My theory is the land on your islands is a similar composition to Wisteria Falls. Stronger magic. I didn’t think it could be a coincidence that was where you were heading.”

Roremar squinted at Perry. “What do you want with the isles?”

“Did you know we don’t even learn of the Constellation Isles as part of Starsearcher Territory in schooling on the continent?” Perry asked.

Roremar glanced at Emmeline, and she shrugged. “My mother always told me of them. I didn’t attend traditional schooling.”

Interesting that her mother knew enough to teach her. Perhaps she was where Emmeline and her sister inherited the intensity of their magic.

“They’re referenced in certain history books and archives,” Perry explained. “They aren’t kept a secret, but a lot of modern maps don’t include them. Like they’re only discussed when you know.” Perry gave them all a thoughtful glance. “My grandfather was fascinated by the isles. He visited shortly after his Fatorum Revelus—all seven. And he told unbelievable stories until the day he died. Everyone else thought he was senile, making up fantastical tales in his age, but I listened. I remembered. And Grandfather…he always insisted there was more there. That magic was richer. When you two came along for this tournament, I saw my opportunity to find out why.”

Again, his fingers brushed at his chest. When he shifted, Roremar thought he saw the edge of a scar slicing across his sternum, but the laces of his tunic were tied too tightly to fully make it out.

“This is all for your grandfather, then? That’s why you’re willing to ally with me? Why you fucking stabbed me?” Roremar asked. He wasn’t entirely sold on Perry’s explanation.

Based on her stiff demeanor, Emmeline didn’t seem to be either.

“Inspired by him,” Perry clarified.

Desmond continued to grumble, weaving in and out of the trees so light rippled around them.

“For Fates’ sake, Des. What’re you doing?”

Desmond stumbled back onto the path, holding the lantern high overhead and glancing at Perry. “Looking for something.”

Roremar understood he didn’t want to explain around the other competitor. About to offer an excuse, Desmond opened his mouth, but he was interrupted by a slip of parchment igniting beneath the mystlight lamp. His tattooed fingers snatched it midair and read it.

The ticking of his jaw had Roremar’s entire body on alert. Even Cirre stiffened, the entire jungle pausing.

“What’s wrong?” Roremar asked.

Desmond held up the note. “Your sister says to meet at our apartment as soon as possible. They found another body.”

Chapter Fifty-Eight

Roremar

Roremar’s heart pounded the entire ride back to the city.