AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Cassia, I know you can hear me. We are not going to lose tonight, remember? You’re going to stay in Orthros with me. You’re going to stay!
Lio heard the groan of rock. Another cry of panic went up among the mortals.
“Brace it up!” Lord Gaius commanded. “On your feet, men. Use those chairs for supports.”
Lio sensed the ward dim. The bundle of light in his arms grew fainter.
Goddess, please. Goddess, please—!
Novas exploded in the Union, and the deep, dark sky wrapped around them, full of stars. The Sanctuary ward blazed back to life with Queen Alea’s magic. The Union shook with Father’s wrath as the rocks were tossed away.
Queen Soteira’s power filled the night. “I’ve got her, Lio.”
Only her voice could have persuaded Lio to lift his mouth from Cassia’s wrist and let go. “Annassa. Will she—?”
Queen Soteira took Cassia in her arms. “She will come through this safe and sound, with my healing. How well I know the wounds of Sanctuary magic.”
The world spun around Lio. They were perched on a solid island of rock, surrounded by a ditch full of rubble. Beyond the gulch, Rose House lay in ruins. Only the skeleton of the facade still stood. His rose window was no more, but through the empty frame shone the Harbor Light, undimmed.
The Queens, the elder firstbloods, and the Stand had arrived. In their wake came Chargers, healers, most of the royal firstbloods, and Lio’s Trial sisters, blessedly unharmed. Lio’s father knelt beside him, holding him upright. His mother supported him on his other side, and he felt her magic make a gentle examination of his mind.
Lio’s uncle knelt down in front of him and touched a hand to his face. For a long moment, Uncle Argyros said nothing, his aura furious. “I am proud of you.”
In spite of everything, Lio smiled briefly. “Thank you, Uncle.”
Aunt Lyta joined them. “We need you to tell us what happened, as you are able.”
“Eudias needs a mind healer,” Lio blurted. “He found out where our hostages are. Chrysanthos’s war circle is keeping them in the crypt beneath the Sun Temple at Solorum.”
“We’re on our way.” Ioustin gripped Lio’s shoulder.
After a moment of veiled conference with the Queens, he and the Chargers stepped away.
Lio’s mother turned his face toward her and looked into his eyes. Her own gleamed with tears, but her voice was calm and steady. “You are going to be all right.”
He nodded. She kissed his brow, then went to Eudias’s side.
Queen Soteira’s power already touched the young mage. Lio could feel her at work upon all the mortals. Chrysanthos gasped and pushed himself to a sitting position.
He felt of his chest, then stared at Queen Soteira. “You already know where the hostages are. You don’t need me.”
She met his gaze.
He looked into her eyes for a long moment. Then he turned his face away with a grimace and a whimper. “Why did you bother?”
“Because your heart could still be saved,” Queen Soteira answered.
Callen still held Benedict by the collar. The knight was staring at Lio’s mouth.
“Don’t you understand what just happened?” Perita demanded of Benedict, pointing at Lio. “He protected our lady!”
“And she protected all of us.” Lio looked away.
His father gave him a handkerchief. Lio wiped his mouth and beard. But the truth sat there in his hand, a bloodstained square of silk. He did not put it away.
Cassia’s eyes fluttered open. Lio heaved a sigh and caressed her head.
Her gaze met his. “Is he gone?”
