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CHAPTER 34
There was an altarin the Siabra temple I hadn’t paid much attention to the first time Beks had taken me there.
Now I walked towards it with a heavy heart.
A collection of incense sticks lined one side of the altar, waiting patiently to be ignited by devout Siabra. I wondered how often they were used.
The altar seemed to be dedicated to no goddess or god in particular. Perhaps it was meant to provide offerings to all.
Selecting a slender stick of incense, I held it over a candle flame, watching as the fire engulfed the tip, transforming it into a wisp of smoldering smoke.
An earthy, musky fragrance filled the air. Sandalwood and smoke. Draven’s scent.
Wincing as smoke scrolls of perfume billowed gently around me, I placed the lit incense stick in one of the holders on the altar then stood back to watch the smoke rise.
How easily a single flame could burn out.
Especially if left unprotected.
“Morgan.”
I didn’t turn around. The intrusion wasn’t unexpected. Somehow, I’d known he’d find me. He always did.
“Javer is devastated, you know.” His voice was soft. I sensed him standing a few feet behind me.
“Good. He fucking should be.”
“He didn’t do this, Morgan.”
“He might as well have killed Beks himself, Draven, and you know it. He pushed him too far.”
There was silence for a moment. “From what he says, Beks refused to back down. Javer was so wrapped up in what they were doing that he didn’t see how drained the boy was becoming.”
Withered. That was what they called it when a magic wielder drew too deeply and too quickly and burned themselves out. Beks had withered.
He was just a boy, but he had withered defending a city. While up above him in the sky, I had laughed and enjoyed the feeling of power I had gotten from Draven’s magic channeling into me.
I had been drunk on power while below me, Beks had beendying.
I might have done the same thing to Draven. Drunk too deeply. Drained him dry. Was that what I had nearly done?
Who was the real monster? Me or Javer?
“You should have let me hit him a few more times,” I said calmly. “He deserved it.”
“I don’t think he’d disagree. But if you’re looking to blame someone, it’s me you want, Morgan. And you know it.” His voice was hollow and bitter. “I sent them both down there. Beks’ death is on my head.”
I shook my head silently, refusing to take the bait. We each had our own guilt to wrestle with. Neither of us were innocent. It didn’t matter anymore.
