“This symbol is—it’s Iona’s crest. This box is from Iona.”
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Kai
Kailetherfingerstrail along the crest, memories of life on Iona streaming through her mind. Watching sunsets over the white beach while nestled into Aidan’s chest. Swimming through jewel-toned waters as slippery fish brushed against her skin. Wandering in the markets, where children chased animals up and down the streets, their joyous laughter filling her soul.
She didn’t know anything from their home even existed anymore. It had been a thousand years since the kingdom was dissolved and its subjects supposedly scattered across the realm. The elementals had made sure of it before they slumbered. How had this box found its way to Evonlea?
Kai pulled at the latch on the side, and it fell away easily with a softclick. Lifting the wooden top with care, she wrinkled her nose as plumes of dust rose into the air. Inside lay an old but well-preserved leather book. She gingerly eased it out, the leather rough and thick against her palms. The kingdom’s crest was also etched onto the front, the mountain and two arrows almost indiscernible after so many years.
The rustling of paper was deafening as the book fell open to the first page. It appeared to be a family tree, recording the births and lineage of a particular bloodline. Worrying at her bottom lip, Kai examined the faded cursive lettering flowing across the top of the tree, not quite believing what she saw. For the family name, the one written above all the others, was one she recognized well.
Vasileia.
The name of the ruling family of Iona for most of the kingdom’s existence. Why did Isla’s father have a book of records belonging to the Vasileia?
Kai’s eyes scanned the list of names, many of which she remembered. Liam, Ariantha, Tatum, Elrich, along with dozens—hundreds—more. The Vasileia dynasty had born a great number of powerful rulers. She flipped the page, and the tree kept going. Pages upon pages of names. She saw Medes and Nah-yomi, the last king and queen before the kingdom fell.
But that was not the end of the list.
As the generations went on past the dispersion of Iona, the handwriting changed and the letters became brighter, bolder, as if they had been written more recently. The last entry was the most fresh.
She let out a gasp, almost dropping the delicate book.
There was the name Luca, and a line off to the side with the name Evydora Belthare. And below them, connected with another thin line, were the names Arden and Isla.
Kai looked up at Isla, who stared back at her questioningly. Kai swallowed. “Isla, what does the name Vasileia mean to you?”
Isla blinked, her shoulders still bunched in confusion. “That’s my last name. Why?”
A tidal wave rose inside of Kai. “I thought your surname was Belthare.”
She watched as Isla leaned her head to the side. “Well, Belthare was my mother’s name before she married. I decided to adopt it two years ago after she passed to honor her. My father’s name is Vasileia. Luca Vasileia. Why is that important?”
Questions and connections exploded through Kai, one after the other in rapid succession. Did Isla even know of her heritage? Was it because she was descended from one of the original bloodlines of Iona that she would be able to find the dagger? Sheknewthere had been something strange about the way her mind abilities didn’t work on the girl. That day at the Snapdragon, it had almost felt like when she’d tried to get into King Medes’s head so many years ago. What if there was some sort of block on all members of the Vasileia line that prevented mind control?
Kai was about to respond when a door slammed at the front of the house, followed by a string of curses in a feminine voice Kai didn’t recognize. Isla darted to the bedroom door before Kai could warn her to stay put.
“Bri!” She heard Isla cry, followed by stomping feet and a responding muffled squeal. Kai quickly but gently laid the leather book back in its box, placed the lid on top, and latched it shut before bundling it in her arms.
When she entered the front room, Isla was embracing a pretty, young woman with dark skin and short, curly black hair. She looked to be in her early twenties and was slightly shorter than Isla. Her emerald cloak was wrinkled, as if she had thrown it on in haste. Both girls’ eyes were closed, mingled looks of relief and fear etched on each of their features.
Isla’s friend leaned back first, keeping her hands tightly gripped around Isla’s elbows. “Where have you been? We’ve been so worried!” The girl’s accent was low and slightly guttural, reminiscent of Kai’s time spent in Ara Mir, but with hints of the same softness in Isla’s tone.
“I know, I’m sorry—it’s a lot to explain. But I’ve missed you so much.” Isla pulled the girl back in and rested her chin on her friend’s shoulder.
Kai cleared her throat.
The girl instantly stiffened. “Who is this?” she asked as she let go of Isla and turned toward Kai.
“Bri, this is Kai. She’s a…friend. She came with me to come see you, Papa, and Arden. Do you know where they are?” Isla asked urgently.
“No, that’s why I’m over here. Arden was supposed to bring some meat to our house this morning, but he never showed. He’s not home?” The girl looked around the room, her face falling as she took in the damage for the first time. “And Luca?”
Isla shook her head.
“But where would they go? Your father—he woke up a couple of days ago,” Bri added, and Isla’s eyes practically popped out of her head. “They shouldn’t be traveling right now with his condition.”
