“She likes you,” I say to her. “And she’s usually a pretty harsh judge of character, so that’s quite the compliment.”
The Matron offers me a proud smile and lays a crinkled hand against Furi’s leg.
“I don’t know how to repay you for what you’ve done. For giving him back to me.” My eyes slide to Zadyn, hauling himself up Furi’s spikes to settle into the saddle. The Matron turns to face me.
“As I said, it was an honor to serve my queen.” Her head dips in reverence before she moves to turn away. I rush to stop her.
“Can I ask you something?” She waits with patient eyes. “If it seemed like the entire world was shouting at you—telling you to do something you know in your heart can’t be right—telling younotto do something, but you know you must, what would you do?”
“Nature is rarely ever wrong, dear girl. But then again, hearts are never misleading.” She takes hold of my shoulders and leans in. Dropping her voice to a whisper, she says, “I think you know deep down that the harder you run from your fate, the faster it catches up to you.You have no reason to shy from it. Turn and face yourself. Face the world that needs you to make it a better place.”
She pulls back, her bony fingers squeezing my arms one last time before releasing me.
My mind flits back to those witchlings. I think of them—think of Mar—having to choose between their homes and their lives. And it makes me want to fight for them.
To fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.
Suddenly, this role I never asked for, the one I have resisted and avoided, feels like an honor. And even though it scares me more than anything has in my entire life, I feel overcome with gratitude. Acceptance. Determination.
One day, I will fix this. I will make this world safe for them. Because I don’t think anyone else will.
Or can, a small voice whispers in my head.
“Well, child,” the Matron says as Mar makes her way back to us, “it would seem this is goodbye.”
She holds my friend at arm’s length, staring up at her with pride.
“I promise to stay away this time.” Mar tries to smile, but I catch the wobble of her bottom lip. She throws herself into her grandmother’s arms and holds fast.
“If we never meet again in this life, I will assume you are well and happy.” The Matron’s eyes close, savoring their embrace. “One last thing.”
She pulls back and slips a hand into the pocket of her skirt. “Thatthingyou showed up here wearing was a monstrosity.Thiswas given to me by your grandsire, gods rest his soul.”
Taking Mar’s hand, she places a thick silver band inlaid with a round sapphire on her middle finger.
“Grandmother, I can’t accept this?—”
The Matron leans in and kisses her on both cheeks. Then she sweeps her thumb over Marideth’s forehead, murmuring something under her breath.
Mar gasps, clapping a hand to her mouth as her eyes fill with tears.
“I fear you’ll need it one day soon.”
“Thank you.” She throws her arms around her grandmother’s neck, nearly knocking her small frame over. “Thank you.”
“What was that?” I ask when Mar finally drags herself away.
“My magic.” She breaks into a grin as tears glide down her ivory cheeks. “She gave it all back.”
94
JACE
3 DAYS
My door blasts open, ricocheting off the marble wall. Serena stalks in and pins me against the mantel, one arm barred against my chest and a knife poised to my throat.
I could disarm her with my eyes closed and my hands bound. But I don’t.
