I shoved the stray thought back behind the dam.
Everett directed us to the throne room. Someone had picked up the crown I’d knocked from Renwell’s head and nestled it in the golden lap of the throne. And a lump of brown fabric lay at the foot of the dais.
No, it was Librius hunched over, his long hood enveloping his head.
At our approach, he unveiled himself. I bit my lip at his gaunt appearance. The hollow eyes and wasted skin reminded me of the prisoners in the mine.
“Librius,” Aiden said, getting on his knees to grasp the man’s shaking hands. “What happened?”
“Forgive me, Aiden,” the Teacher whispered. “I built the bombs that destroyed the bridge.”
“Renwell forced you to,” Aiden said firmly.
Tears filled Librius’s eyes. “He came to the Temple shortly after you left Aquinon. The High Teacher pointed him in my direction as someone who had the knowledge to create the bombs that had destroyed the Den. Renwell took me. Put me in the palace dungeon. Ordered me to create what he wanted. Tortured me when I refused.” Librius wiped his eyes. “I kept refusing until he brought a young woman before me and... and killed her. He said I would force him to kill more unless I obeyed.”
Everett flinched next to me.
My lips twisted with revulsion.Another crime you have finally paid for, Renwell.
Aiden bowed his head. “You saved lives, Librius.”
“But I also ended them. And for that, I beg forgiveness.”
“I must also beg yours,” Aiden said quietly. “It’s my fault they discovered you.”
Librius shook his head vehemently. “I always knew that was a possibility, dear boy. I simply ask that you allow me to return to the Temple, where I may live out my days serving Aquinon to atone for the pain I’ve caused.”
Aiden drew him to his feet. “Of course. Also, I believe the position of High Teacher just became vacant. I’d like you to fill it when you’re ready.”
My heart warmed with happiness, and I beamed at Everett, who was watching the exchange with something akin to awe mixed with deep yearning.
“Oh...” Librius blinked rapidly. “That is very generous. May I think about it?”
“Of course,” Aiden said. “For now, please find somewhere to rest.” He glanced over his shoulder at Everett. “Is there enough food and water here, or shall I have some carried over?”
“We’ve enough to feed everyone here for a month, maybe more,” Everett said. “I can show Librius back to his room and get him something to eat.”
And ask how one becomes a Teacher,I surmised, seeing the light in my brother’s eyes.
Aiden nodded, and the two of them left.
Leaving Aiden and me to stare at each other in an empty throne room. Sun burst through the tall windows in warm shafts, setting the golden throne aglow like a fireflower behind Aiden.
But he didn’t look at it. He stood there in his rough black clothes, the rebel I’d met, the assassin I’d betrayed, and the warrior I’d fought beside.
All of whom were the man I’d fallen in love with.
“This is it, then,” I said softly.
Chapter 68
Aiden
I frownedat Kiera’s words. Was she saying goodbye?
I stepped closer to her.
She bit her lip, her fingers dancing on her thighs before she gestured around the cavernous room. “Is it everything you thought it would be?”
