“We’re waiting,” Arim said, his voice low, silky, and threatening enough to make me wish I were standing closer to Cadmus.
As if he’d sensed my distress, Cadmus glanced at me and quickly sent waves of reassurance. Deep-rooted warmth stole through me, remembrances of our time in the gazebo sparking fresh heat. He winked and turned back to Lexa, waiting with Arim for my explanation.
Lexa glared at the imposing sorcerer awaiting me reply. “I’m surprised you haven’t sensed this before now. But then, you’re so stubborn you’d resist the truth if it bit you on the ass.”
Cadmus coughed to smother a laugh, and Arim’s huge fists clenched. Lexa was either very brave or had a death wish.
She sighed. “In all the centuries since the Dark Tribes split and were thrown from Tanselm, Storm Lord monarchies have ruled over the land. For the most part, you Light Bringers brought peace and prosperity to Tanselm.”
“For the most part?” Arim crossed his arms over his chest.
“Tanselm, like many other worlds with such magic, needs balance to flourish. Just as the Darkness in the Dark Lords’ hands all those years ago hurt the land, the Light you people throw on everything you touch has begun to scar your precious world.”
Arim frowned. “You’re lying.”
“You know I’m not. You’ve felt it. I’ve felt it myself.”
“Oh?”
“From time to time over the years, I’ve visited, Arim. Keep your enemies close, right?”
His lips thinned, but he said nothing. I found the interplay between Alex — no, Lexa — and Arim as fascinating as their words. I could see the way Arim studied her. I sensed they had a history that went far deeper than that of mere enemies. Lexa, for her part, acted so blithely uncaring and hostile that I was surprised Arim couldn’t tell how much she still cared for him.
Glancing subtly around me, I noted all eyes focused on Arim and Lexa. I opened my senses. The Light around Arim and the Dark around Lexa seemed complete opposites, and complete complements. The bands of energy surrounding each of them seemed to reach out and lick at the other, testing, probing, almost…inviting?
I agree. Cadmus mentally caressed me. But pay attention, love. Lexa’s about to tell us why we’re perfect for each other. I don’t want you or your father to miss this.
Very funny. Containing a smirk, I focused on Lexa again.
“Tanselm has been steadily weakening. The Light is beginning to burn her out, and she needs Darkness to balance her magic. Thus the most recent batch of royals.”
“Excuse me?” Cadmus asked.
“That’s right, Earth Lord. You and your brothers were born with Tanselm’s blessings. Of the half dozen Royal Four monarchs before you, yours is the most balanced of the bunch.”
Cadmus’ mouth tightened. “So what? I’m the Dark one to even out my brothers?”
“That’s bullshit.” Arim glared. “Cut the crap, Lexa. For once in your pitiful life, tell the truth.”
“I am.” Ice coated her words. “If you’d shut up and listen, I’ll more than explain. I’ll show you.” She stepped forward and drew a circle in the air. I watched, entranced, as four small boys looking very much like younger versions of Cadmus appeared. “These are the identical quadruplet princes of King Faustus and Queen Ravyn. Each prince was born with the powers of the elements, and each rooted himself to the Light and Dark of existence through Tanselm’s grace.”
Lexa turned to Cadmus. “Tanselm particularly liked you, Cadmus. That’s why she gifted you with the abilities of an Earth Lord. You, more than your brothers, feel what Tanselm feels. You’re in tune with the earth and its pleasures and pains. As such, you have more Darkness within you than your hotheaded brother, the Prince of Fire.”
“What?” Cadmus stared at her in confusion.
I felt the same.
“Well? Haven’t you flashed in truth, not once, but several times?”
Arim stared at him, and Cadmus swore under his breath. “I have, but Jonas explained that was due to Ellie’s influence.”
“Jonas was wrong.” Lexa shot Jonas a look that had him throwing up his hands.
“I told him what I thought he wanted to hear. So sue me.”
“What Jonas should have told you is that you’re the darkest of your brothers, Cadmus. Yes, you’re a Light Bringer and Storm Lord in every sense of the word, but Tanselm needs more from you than that. The land needs a savior.”
“This is too much.” Arim shook his head in disbelief. “You’re going to tell me I’ve been blind to the fact that my nephew is a Darkling? Try another one. I’ve kept you Dark Lords away from Tanselm for centuries. You don’t think I’d recognize a threat from within, and that close to me?”
