Page 31 of Death Will Follow

“And you have my sympathy,” Arthur said, bowing his head to Rowan and Estrid. “But you’d have better luck trying to eliminate the moon or the sun.”

“You are young, Lord Arthur,” Thorn said, his placating tone failing to mask his condescension. “But most of us are old enough to remember a Realm before the Shadow Court.”

“What is this new information?” Samira asked, voice low and smooth, her presence effortlessly commanding.

“As you know, many years ago, my own brother and his wife were lost to one of Omen’s attacks. Disappeared without a trace and presumed dead. But I have recently learned that not all who are taken by Omen are killed.”

Thorn paused for a breath before continuing, and Nova had to admire his fondness for theatrics.

“Some are charmed. Enchanted and held prisoner on Raven’s Isle.”

Estrid let out a small gasp, and Rowan straightened in his seat.

“How do you know this?” he demanded, voice thick with the wary hope of a father desperate to bring his child home.

“I ask to bring a witness before the Council to share her firsthand testimony on this matter.”

Thorn signaled to the court herald, who opened the doors and ushered Bryn inside.

The Wyldling walked to the edge of the table and waited until Thorn nodded at her to begin.

“I am Bryn of the Twin Arrow clan of Maedwen.” Her voice was clear and strong, carrying to the corners of the great room. “Nearly a century ago, I was captured by Omen of Raven’s Isle, along with the members of my clan. Until a few weeks past, I remained a prisoner of Raven’s Isle, enchanted by Omen and controlled by him. Manipulated to do his bidding. Under his thrall, I remembered nothing of who I was or where I came from. Cared for nothing but doing as I was told, which included serving as both a spy and an assassin.”

Arthur leaned forward in his seat, propping his elbows on the table. “If what you say is true—and I’m not prepared to accept that it is—how is it that you came to escape?” A smirk crept across his boyish face.

“The Shadowbringer dispatched me with orders to remove a threat. I tracked my target from Pyralis to Nivali, then to Silvergard, where, at last, an opportunity presented itself. When I attempted to carry out my orders, the female I was sent to kill broke the enchantment, setting me free.”

“Who were you sent to kill?” Siris asked. His eyes, green flecked with gold, flashed. “The one who broke the enchantment?”

Nova rose from her seat before she realized she’d begun to stand.

“I was her target,” she said. The attention of the room instantly shifted away from Bryn and settled upon her.

“And who might you be?” Siris asked, tilting his head as he appraised her.

“My name is Nova.” She swallowed with some effort before continuing, “I believe I possess an ability known as the Light of Illora.”

“The light of what?” Arthur asked.

“Illora,” Sienna repeated, enunciating each syllable, unable to hide her irritation with the young lord. “I’ve not heard it spoken of for ages.”

“Those with the ability can combat dark magic. Break curses,” Siris explained, his curious gaze focused squarely on Nova. “I must say, I’m intrigued. But how can we be certain it’s true?”

“I bore witness and can attest to the Light’s existence,” Nox said. “Along with my commander.”

“How convenient,” Arthur scoffed.

Nova wondered if he possessed the ability to speak words not steeped in disbelief.

“We’re expected to trust the word of someone who can manipulate thoughts?” he added.

“I’m not manipulating anything,” Nox asserted, his calm never wavering. “I’m simply sharing what I know. I witnessed Nova use the Light of Illora and saw it break the enchantment on the Wylding.”

“That’s a powerful ability,” Samira said, addressing Nova directly. “One passed down by a Noble bloodline, to be sure.”

“Yes,” Sienna agreed, dangly gold earrings dancing as she nodded. “What did you say your name is, my dear?”

“Her mother, Elena, was once a dear friend of mine.” Estrid offered, smiling as much as her distress would allow, eyes red rimmed and watery. “A courtier in Sonnend.”