“You,” she says and it’s barely there, but she smiles. “It’syouI’ve been missing.” She squeezes my hand then wraps me in a hug.
“You’re okay?” I ask as we pull away from each other.
“Getting there,” she says quietly before joining Sorin on the other side of the table.
I slide into a chair next to Jarek. “An old friend?” I nod toward Lord Calix.
“Something like that, my queen.” He kisses my temple but offers no other explanation for their strange encounter.
Now that everyone is seated, I rap my knuckles against the tabletop. “Why has no one answered my question,” I demand. “Where is Galen?”
“We have much to discuss,” Sorin says, drawing my attention. He gestures to the kettle. “We might be here awhile.”
“I can’t believe this.”I cradle my face in my palms as Sorin and Elora recount their time in Valebridge. My head spins and I wish it were from too much wine and not what I’m hearing.
It was Galen who hurt her.
Who trapped Ruse that night. Who plotted against us. His friends. His family.
And without a doubt in my mind, it was he who destroyed Loxley.
Not all those you trust are worthy.
“It’s pretty unbelievable.” Sorin nudges my arm so I look up. His face is so much paler than when I saw him last, his eyes that much darker. “I saw Galen at the Autumn Moon and Elora has confirmed it. He is the one responsible for this.”
Jarek mumbles something in Scandavi, his fists clenched into tight balls atop the table. Calix gruffs an agreement, shaking his head.
“He really did this to you?” I grasp Elora’s hand. She nods. “I’m so sorry.” My lip quivers and sour, vile creeps up my throat. “Why? Why would he do this?”
“He believes he’s protecting Teravie from Enchantresses,” Elora says. Her voice is hoarse and quiet. Like she’s spent the last few weeks screaming and is only now realizing how to speak again. “His sister died at the hands of an Enchantress Healer and so he thinks the only way to get justice is to take magick into his own hands.” She rubs her fingers over her eyes before tugging on her ear.
“Did you know about this sister?” I ask Sorin, regretting the accusatory tone in my voice.
“I knew she died when he was young, I didn’t know the extent.” He sighs. “I certainly would have never guessedthis.”
“He wasn’t able to pull my magick,” Elora continues. “Though it didn’t stop him from trying.” I wince as she guides her finger over the long scar down her forearm “He wouldn’t stop, even when my magick refused to come forth, and he won’t stop until he has the Awakening Stones. Won’t stop until he hasmeto control them.”
“The Stones are safe, susi,” Jarek says. “They’ve been under constant supervision. Either by Agnes, Sam, or Tallulah.”
Calix tenses for a moment before his eyes meet mine and he busies himself with another cup of tea.
“And you are also safe. He’ll never hurt you again,” Jarek says.
Elora attempts to smile but it’s quickly washed away when Evren joins us.
“I’m sorry to interrupt,” he says. “But this has gotten out of hand, Sam. They’re in the larder for Mothers-sake!” I bite my bottom lip and pull Elora to her feet.
“What’s going on?” She frowns as I stand from the table.
“Where are Ruse and Alaric?” I ask.
“Hunting.” Elora’s brows worry together further. “Why?”
“There’s a lot we need to unpack and discuss,” I say. Holding out my hand, she takes it. “But I need you to come with me.”
She follows me through the narrow hallway, stopping occasionally to run her fingers along the vibrant ivy.
“There are a few new faces I’d like you to meet,” I say, a bit of excitement thrumming through me.
