I can see where he’s going, but I can also see the problem in it. “Azur? Isn’t he magically poisoned? Bound to the Witch King? And how would we know where the three of them are?”
Ziven looks up, thinking. “There are other strong transcenders.”
“Yes,” Renel says. “Fire magic is still needed, so I suppose it’s up to my brother to figure it out.”
“Shouldn’t we return?” I ask, eager to see Astra, to be far from this castle.
Renel clicks his tongue and points at the books. “There could be more here. More things that might help us. And Berta asked us to spend the night. At this point, if we turn around and say we’re leaving, we’ll offend her.”
Ziven snorts. “Would she hang Marlak upside down? Because that would be deserved.”
Renel rolls his eyes. “My foolish brother. But I fear she’ll hangus.”
“Unless she’s planning on killing us,” I say. “In the middle of the night.” The thought stirs the food in my stomach.
“No.” Renel brushes away the hair covering his face. “She made a deal. We can go back to Marlak’s house tomorrow.”
Mirella raises her hand. “I have a question.” Renel frowns, and she looks at me and Ziven. “Why are you letting him make the decisions?”
“He’s making good points.” Ziven shrugs.
“Why?” I ask her. “Do you want to do something different?”
“Yes.” She points at the note. “We could find a circle and ask someone to come and pick us up. You don’t owe any loyalty to Renel.”
Ziven taps on the table. “We’re in this together, and make the decisions together.”
“Did he even consult you?” she asks.
Renel rolls his eyes. “I just found out how to kill the Witch King. You know, our priority number one. Would you rather we were doing nothing and waiting for my brother?”
She glares at him. “If I had my magic, I wouldn’t fear being in this court, so I want my magic back, that’s what I want.”
“Your deal was with me.” Renel places a hand on his chest. “And you’ll get your magic once you reunite with Marlak. Have some patience.”
“You know what?” Her voice sounds calm even if there’s a spark of fury in her eyes. “You’re the expert on research, aren’t you? You don’t need me.”
She walks to the door and leaves the library.
“Is it safe?” I ask. “For her to wander the castle alone?”
Renel shrugs. “Should be.”
We stare at each other in silence, then Ziven says, “I’ll go check on her.” He smiles. “Feel free to continue the thrilling reading without me.”
Being alone with Renel does something to my heart, an unpleasant squeeze. I look back at the book, slightly frustrated that I couldn’t find information as useful as what Renel found. The worst is that I can’t even focus on the words on the paper when all I can hear is Renel turning the pages of his book. Iglance at his daft fingers and can’t help remembering what they once did to me.
Steps sound by the door, and Ziven comes in.
“Did you find her?” I ask, realizing I’m a little worried about Mirella.
“No, but there’s something I need to tell you.” He glances at Renel quickly, then sets his eyes on me.
“What?” I ask. His intensity is making my heart jump.
“Renel’s the one who insisted on rescuing you. He also said that knowing you were in danger hurt more than being eviscerated?—”
“Ziven!” Renel’s face is red and he stares at the prince with murder in his eyes.
