Aya had also remained silent, letting Ezekiel’s facts about Rinnia wash over her as she focused on steadying her breath.
To meet with the Saj of the Maraciana was an honor, he’d said.
She couldn’t help but feel it was more like a sentencing.
‘And that’s the main library, there,’ Ezekiel said as he nodded to a third building, shorter than the other two but by far the largest. Its white facade stretched around the cliffs, further than Aya could see. ‘The rest are on the other side. You won’t be able to see them from here.’
The main library looked to be about three stories, the front of each made up entirely of arches that stretched the length of the building. The top was lined with spires aboveeach arch, subtly masking the domed gray roof that glinted in the sunlight.
Ezekiel left them as they began to pick their way up the small pathway that wound through the structures. Aya glanced ahead, noting someone standing in the doorway of the main library.
‘You must be Aya, I’m Natali,’ they said as she approached, giving her and Will a small bow that they returned. ‘I’ll be your guide throughout your time with us.’ Strands of their chin-length gray hair whipped around their lined face in the breeze. Their complexion matched that of the sand that dusted the courtyard path, even this high in the cliffs. And while their voice was warm enough, their eyes – large and round and a rich amber – were wary as they scanned them both.
‘Enforcer.’ Natali nodded in acknowledgement to Will.
‘Always a pleasure, Natali,’ Will answered smoothly.
‘Don’t lie, Enforcer. It’s unbecoming, even for you.’ Natali beckoned toward the library. ‘Let us not waste our words where the wind whispers.’
Aya followed them as they stepped into the large atrium.
They were led into a massive library, the dark green and white checkered marble floor stretching as far back as Aya could see. Lines of towering mahogany bookshelves bordered the atrium, reaching all the way up toward the domed ceiling. Every so often, the rows were broken up with small study nooks, some of which looked out over the sea. Aya followed Natali as they passed through the atrium and took a left. They led the way up a ramp to the second floor, through some of those towering bookshelves, and back to a quieter wing of the library where a cluster of offices sat.
‘Please, have a seat,’ Natali said, holding the door open for them. Aya and Will sank into the two small wooden chairs,watching as Natali adjusted the books on the shelf before settling behind their desk. They pressed their palms together, surveying them above their fingertips, and waited.
Aya cleared her throat, her fingers toying with the gauzy material of her loose gray pants. But the words wouldn’t come.
Will leaned back in his chair, his ankle propped over his knee as he said, ‘As I mentioned in our letter, we’re interested in learning more about the prophecy of the Second Saint.’
‘You’ve come a long way for something you could read in a book. Surely Tala, in its devotion to the gods, has such texts. And Saj who can help you in your religious endeavors.’
‘True, but our Queen feels it is essential for us to gaingreaterknowledge of it with the threat arising in Kakos,’ he answered smoothly. ‘Hence our request to see you.’
Natali tilted their head, their amber eyes pensive. ‘We’ve heard whispers of what’s unfolding. It’s familiar.’ Aya tried not to flinch under the steady gaze that seemed to strip her bare. ‘And what connection to all of it doyouhave?’
‘You tell us,’ Will drawled, his relaxed posture not enough to hide the tension in his jaw. ‘Your affinity identifies others’ powers. Don’t act like you didn’t read us both as soon as we stepped into this room, Natali.’
Natali merely laughed.
‘So eager for answers, but unsure of the right questions,’ they chided. Aya tried to keep her breathing steady as Natali’s eyes roved over her again. ‘I sense much anger in you, Daughter of Secrets. Those who study the religious law say the Second Saint is one of light. But you …’
Aya felt a chill race up her spine.
‘Don’t bait her, Natali,’ Will interrupted. ‘It’s …unbecoming.’
Natali’s brows rose. ‘Let us both be straightforwardthen. Are you not here to learn what I sense in her, Enforcer? To discover if she is indeed the one the prophecy speaks of?’
Will grimaced, but he raised his hands in a gesture of compliance. Aya swallowed her surprise. She’d never seen someone leash Will so quickly.
‘We are,’ Will said evenly. ‘And you can understand the …sensitivityof the matter, yes? We wouldn’t want word getting out, given there are those who might cause her harm.’
Natali’s lips twitched. ‘Trust me, Enforcer. I have no desire to bring Kakos to our door. Your secret is safe with me.’ They leaned back in their chair, their hands steepled once more in contemplation as they regarded Aya. ‘The prophecy does speak of one like you, with raw power in their veins. Here to right the greatest wrong.’
Aya’s chest tightened. ‘So … it’s true then? I’m a …’
She couldn’t bring herself to utter the word. She hadn’t let herself consider the possibility for more than a few spare moments; hadn’t let herself think too long on what that could mean, what that couldchange.
Natali merely stared at her, the silence settling heavily between them. ‘They saythisone will accomplish what the other could not,’ they finally said slowly.
