“I will do this. I swear it to you. I know what’s at stake.” For my familyandfor the Eversea. The thought of sacrificing myself still sends a chill down my spine, but there’s no other option. This is the path that my actions have led me down and I must follow it to its bitter end. Perhaps my resolve is a pathetic attempt to make this one, final act seem like my choice. To reclaim some power in a situation where I have precious little. But it feels like more than that. Like a calling I can’t ignore.
I have a role to play in this fight. A duty. I made a promise to Ilryth that at five years, I would be his, and I swore I would only ever break one oath.
Sometimes, the simplest choices are the most powerful.
Lucia pauses, tilting her head slightly, as if seeing me from a new angle. “Oddly enough, I believe you.”
CHAPTER14
For almost five weeks,I spend every day in the amphitheater. After the wraith attack, I have all the motivation I need to fully dedicate myself to Ilryth’s song training.
My day begins at dawn with Lucia or Fenny arriving to escort me. It ends at dusk with Ilryth bringing me back. While I was never specifically forbidden from leaving my chambers at night, I never have. I’m either too exhausted or the sensation of the wraith wrapping its spectral hands around my throat is too sharp.
There have been a few other nights that are filled with song. But nothing so ominous or dread-filled as the two attacks I’ve endured. At first, the music meant nothing, but the longer I work with Ilryth, the more of an innate understanding I have.
The occasional nighttime hymns are songs of protection, I think.Stay away, the sirens sing with a dozen voices, each saying a different word on a different note, yet in somehow perfect harmony.Stay away…
Every night, I fall to sleep listening for Ilryth’s voice among them. I can always find it, like a lighthouse beacon striking a distant shore. I cling to the sound, allowing it to ease over the gaps in my memories, left behind by my work. It fills and soothes the wounds that I try to keep hidden.
His voice is achingly beautiful. Toe-curling. It fills my chest and soothes the beast of my pain that paces its cage. I can’t deny the pull of his voice, even when I know I should. His words, though sweet and melodic, roar within me like a storm that I am powerless to stop—that can only be chased. It is every lost moment of savoring his songs condensed into what I know will be the final days of my existence.
One morning is not like the rest.
It is not Lucia, or Fenny, that has come to collect me. But rather both. They hover over my balcony at dawn. I’m up. Usually early to wake. So I saw them from the moment they crested the far edge.
“You won’t be meeting with Lord Ilryth today in the amphitheater,” Fenny announces.
“No?” I arch my brows. I’ve made good headway on turning lines throughout my markings golden and chunks of memories into voids. Much of my skin is inked. But more still is blank—there’s still much work to be done.
“No. Your attendance is requested for a small gathering of nobles in the duchy.” Fenny’s tone makes it clear there’s to be no argument. I object anyway.
“Is that the best way to be spending my time?” I push off from the bed. “I should be learning more words and gaining more markings for my anointing.”
Lucia’s eyes flick toward Fenny. There’s a spark of agreement in them. She’s an unlikely ally. But she doesn’t speak up.
“You still have nearly five months until the summer solstice, when you will be offered to Lord Krokan. But there are only a few weeks before we must surrender you to the Duchy of Faith for final preparations before the solstice. It would be improper if we didn’t allow our nobles to meet you first. Moreover, as a human, you will already be scrutinized enough. It is better for you to gain some allies here first. Where people are more inclined to be on your side.”
I find it interesting that Ilryth has mentioned nothing about introductions, nobles, or formalities. “I was under the impression that people didn’t have a choice in me being the offering or not.”
“They do not.”
“Good,” I say hastily, before she can get another word in. “Then I think I would much prefer to focus on my actual task instead of being paraded about.”
“Do not insult our customs,” Fenny says curtly. “Just because you are designated for death doesn’t mean the rest of us are. Don’t be so selfish as to think that your actions don’t impact the rest of us.”
“Selfish?” The word strikes at my core, ringing with anger.
“Fenny,” Lucia scolds, but not nearly firmly enough. So much for an ally.
“You are marked for death and—”
“Take me to Ilryth, now,” I demand, interrupting Fenny.
Fenny folds her arms and doesn’t budge. Lucia looks between us, a bystander to the wordless battle of wills. I narrow my eyes.
“I did something for you, as a personal favor,” Fenny says coolly. Lucia’s expression turns to confusion. “Now I’m asking for you to do this for me.”
Damn her. She’s using the ring against me. But at least it’s confirmation she did get rid of that stupid band once and for all.
