First: She’d been a coward in refusing to learn about the Nightflame. Her aunt had begged, had pleaded with her to listen, but in her shame and revulsion, she’d turned her away. And now the knowledge that would have come from a loved one, trusted and safe, was gone to her forever.
Second: The virgin stones were made of magic, and that power would resist her if she tried to control it. They clearly viewed her as an enemy, and there was a slim chance her magic was more powerful than the stones, but somehow, she’d have to learn how to overcome their will if she had any hope of making progress.
And third: She didn’t know enough about her magic to achieve the second.
Ravenna pressed the heels of her hands to her eyes, fighting the rise of emotion smothering her body. She inhaled deeply, struggling for control. The magic within her was stirring, curious and eager, but she managed to hold the dark power at bay with the strength of her stubborn will.
The creaking noise was her only warning. Ravenna stiffened as the door cracked open. She was not ready for Saturnino. She braced herself, already pushing her worries from her mind, from her face—
“Signorina Ravenna,” Imelda said, poking her head into the room. “I’ve brought your merende. Can I come in?”
Ravenna let out a whoosh of air. “Si, grazie.”
Imelda carried a brass tray piled high with plates loaded with pastries that were dusted with cinnamon and filled with sweetened ricotta, candied fruit, and honey. Chestnuts, walnuts, and hazelnuts were arranged around soft almond cookies flavored with orange zest. As Imelda drew closer, Ravenna’s stomach rumbled loudly.
Imelda dimpled at her. “I’ve brought water infused with chamomile and mint. Would you like a cup?”
Ravenna nodded as Imelda placed the tray on the workbench. Her maid had tied up her curly hair with a scrap of fabric, and Ravenna made a note to ask for a few strips for herself. Without fresh air, or a window to speak of, she’d need some way to keep her long hair off the back of her neck. Imelda turned from the workbench and glanced around curiously. Her lips parted in surprise when her gaze landed on the virgin stones.
“First time down here?” Ravenna guessed.
Imelda drew close to the cluster of stones. The blue veining sparkled and shimmered, an eerie current, like a river cutting through an abandoned village. “What… what are they?”
“Mined rock from the fae lands,” Ravenna said grimly. “The Luni famiglia wants me to carve them.”
Her maid took a step closer and then another. Blue light washed over her face, giving her human features an ethereal quality. She lifted her arm, her fingers outstretched, reaching forward.
“Don’t,” Ravenna said sharply. “Don’t.”
The surface of the stone leaped; steam escaped hairline cracks, billowing up and over them both. Ravenna yanked Imelda backward, sweeping her maid behind her back. Imelda gasped loudly, and then coughed from the suffocating heat.
“Scusa, I didn’t think—” Imelda sputtered.
“It’s all right,” Ravenna said, turning. Both now had damp and frizzy hair, their faces dewy with sweat and their clothing hanging heavy on their frames. “The stones are volatile, don’t go near them.”
“Oh, I won’t.” Imelda glanced uneasily at them. “How long will you need to work?”
Ravenna regarded the stones grimly. She needed to at least make a dent in one of them before Saturnino returned. She blew an errant strand off her face. “Several hours at least?”
“Would you like cena?”
“That depends.”
“Yes, signorina?”
“Will I have to join the family?” Ravenna glanced down at her gown. “Dress again for dinner?”
“I believe the family would not mind if you would prefer to work instead. In fact, they would encourage it.”
Ravenna glanced at the tray of food. There was plenty to last her for the rest of the day. “I’d love cheese, if you have it.”
“Certainly,” Imelda said. “Gorgonzola? Provolone? Fontina? Parmigiano-Reggiano?”
“Yes.”
Imelda laughed. “There’s no shortage of cheese in this house. I happen to know that Sua Grazia adores it. I’ll return with your requests and then I’ll come fetch you later in the evening to take you back to your room.”
“You don’t have to do that,” Ravenna protested. “I remember the way. At least, IthinkI do. You mustn’t stay up waiting for me to finish for the day.”
