“You’re such an asshole.”
“Asshole?” He put a hand to his chest. “How rude. I prefer to be called a butthole wizard extraordinaire, thank you kindly.”
I snorted, my irritation at him lifting. He might’ve been a mysterious jerk, but he genuinely cared for me. Otherwise, he wouldn’t keep risking further repercussions from the council of mages by visiting me.
The weight of everything settled over me, heavier now.
“You gotta give me more than this, Lupin.” I rubbed at my eyes. God, I was tired, physically and emotionally drained. “You say my dad died protecting me but won’t say why other than it involved a rare power inside me. You won’t tell me who might kill me someday. As always, you drop huge bombs on me, and I’m left spiraling.”
“And as always, I apologize for it,” he softly responded. “While I’m unable to reveal anything that might interfere with your future choices or alter your current path, you deserve answers. So I will tell you what I can. The spy’s theory, along with what Briar has shared with you, opened the door for me to reveal what I couldn’t before.”
I peeked at him between my fingers.
“Your mother was a light mage.”
My brain screeched to a halt. “What?”
“Just as there are dark mages, so must there be light. It’s what keeps the balance in the universe. Your mother’s magic was beautiful. Gentle. I sensed it the moment I first met her.” He relaxed against the sink, hands sinking into his trousers pockets. “You recall how the people of Exalos mentioned they believed her food had healing properties? Because it did.”
“Okay.” I tried not to let my thoughts race too much and send me into another panic. “Is that my gift too? I’m a light mage?”
“No. As I said before, you’re much rarer. Something far greater than a mage.” Lupin returned his gaze to the window. Sunlight came through the glass, projecting the colors on the wall and areas of the floor. “A child of light and dark.”
“Uh, what?”
“People whose very essence consists of magic in its purest form, possessing the powers of both day and night. Of light and dark. Legends claim they hold the power of the gods in their hands.”
“The… gods?” Blood rushed in my ears. “You got the wrong guy.”
“I’m not saying you’re a god.” He fought a smile. “Only that you have a true gift. A calling.”
“A calling? God. You make me sound like a superhero or something.” I wrung my hands together before forcing them to still on my lap. “Only you can save the world, oh muffin lord. It’s all up to you now. Send forth your army of coffee and tasty treats to unite the lands and bring world peace.”
“After all you’ve been through, I’m glad to know your sense of humor remains intact.”
“Glad someone finds this amusing.” I picked at a speck of cupcake batter that’d dried on my wrist, reminding me I still needed to take a bath. But I needed answers more. “So, is this why the mercenary is after me?”
“Yes. There hasn’t been another like you in many, many years. All conditions must be perfect for a child like you to be born. It’s why you’re so rare.”
His words didn’t compute. They just smacked my brain and bounced off like rubber. This was the type of stuff that happened to people in superhero movies, being told they have a grand purpose. That they’re special.
“What about the bandit attacks last summer targeting Prince Sawyer and the infiltration that followed?” I asked. “They thought he was me?”
A slight hesitation. “Yes and no. Briar’s theory was correct about your presence in Bremloc alerting the ones after you. However, the infiltration from Haran and previous capture attempts truly were aimed at Sawyer.”
“Why? To make King Eidolon bow to Haran’s demands?”
He nodded. “King Silas knows how deeply Eidolon loves his son. How he’d do anything to protect him. He took advantage of that love.”
“So how did Nocturne get involved?”
He hesitated again.
“Lupin…”
“Your protection stone.” His gaze returned to the corner of the room, brow furrowed. “When Rowan removed it during your first meeting, it was like a beacon to those seeking you. By the time they arrived in the kingdom, you were wearing it once again and undetectable.”
So Sawyer and I had both been targeted. Him for having a loving father and me for being… whatever the hell I was.
