“The dungeon cells were made with stones from the lower realm,” Ivara answered. “It acts as a barrier for those inside. For beings who are powerful enough, like Cassia or Ambrose, or even Samian, it doesn’t have an immediate effect on them. They can still use their magic at full force. However, if someone stays in the cell over time, it can take a toll on their magic. Their power will act differently. It will weaken, becoming an echo of what their magic used to be.”
“And for those not powerful enough?” I wondered, thinking back to the prisoners we passed while helping Ezra. I remembered how weary and frail they were, but shoved it aside, believing it was because of the lack of food and water. Mainly because, other than being in pain from his brutal beatings, Ezraacted as if he was fine. Yet, Arianna never used her magic during our time in the dungeon—only Ambrose.
“It can severely weaken them, and in some cases, it can be fatal. It just depends on how strong they are.”
My brows pinched together, my mind reeling. “Do they immediately feel the magic working against them?”
Samian’s lips dipped as he took in my uncertainty. “Yes,” he said slowly, his eyes glancing at Ivara before returning to mine. “They should feel the effects of the stones as soon as they walk into the cell.”
I nodded, taking in their words. “If someone from the lower realm came here, what would happen?”
“The magic of Nemos would work against them and vice versa. The rulers of the land created conditions to make sure the realms stayed separated for their people’s protection. Even Mide has such protections, as magic is not as strong there.” Samian’s eyes narrowed, his head tilting. “Why?”
“I didn’t feel weak,” I said quietly. “Well, my magic didn’t. I could always feel it coiling inside, looking for a way out.”
“Youarepart of the royal family,” Ivara said.
“And your magic is powerful,” Samian pointed out. “Like Cassia, it probably wouldn’t affect you unless you spent years in the cells.”
Right, Samian did mention when I first arrived in Nemos that my magic was stronger than he first thought. I could feel it continually growing, along with my seelie blood. The last time it was checked was when I stayed the night in the healer’s wing with Aster. If I had it retested, it would probably be over fifty percent by now. But something didn’t feel right. I couldn’t explain it, but during those times in the dungeon, even when Ambrose commanded me not to use my magic, I could have sworn that my power felt stronger.
Hearing Ivara call my name, I shook my head, clearing my thoughts. “I’m sorry, what did you say?”
“Do you feel up to training tonight with the others?” Ivara said slowly, worry lacing across her features.
“Oh, right,” I grimaced. We hadn’t been training as much in the past few days, and my body felt itchy knowing that I should have been doing more. “I’m still up for it tonight.”
“Good,” Samian smiled. “I’ll send a letter to Kieran to let him know.”
Chapter 24
Soren
The sound of metal chains chiming was my only warning to the intruder in my trove. Consumed by reclaiming what had been stolen from me, I missed the subtle change in the air that warned me I was no longer alone. Snarling, I twisted toward the newcomer, my magic pooling out of me to block the razor-sharp lash of water. Hot liquid splashed across my face, burning my skin, but I pushed through the pain. Baring my teeth, white horns gleamed before I lunged, clashing against the intruder.
Zarina let out a deep, rumbling growl, her lips curled, revealing her sharpened canines. Her forehead slammed into mine, our horns crashing together. “Why were you in Nemos? What evil did you bring to the upper realm?”
Pain radiated through my head, making my blood come to life. I thrived off the rush and chaos. I pushed Zarina off me, and my magic circled my legs, slowly whirling up my body. The dark shadows filled with violet lightning morphed into twin swords in my hands. Pointing a blade toward her chest, I glared at my sister. “I was there on orders from my queen; however, I brought nothing to that realm.”
“Why, then, are there rumors of shadow folk roaming free in Nemos?” Zarina hissed, her face contorting with fury. “Why has one attached itself to a halfling?”
“A halfling?” A soft voice drawled out. “What halfling could control one of the shadow folk?”
“There is none,” I hissed to Morg. Morg’s lips twitched as she stared at me with a raised brow. Silently, I cursed myself for letting my emotions get away from me.
“Don’t spit out lies now, Soren,” Zarina threatened, the blue and amber galaxy in her eyes flaring.
I let out a deep growl, letting my power fill the air, colliding against hers. She may be strong, but her strength was nothing compared to mine. I was far older, and my power flourished from the turmoil of this realm. My strength was twice that of hers, and I refused to allow her any leniency in my realm.
“As I said, thereareno shadow folk in the upper realm. The magic between the realms would not allow them to survive, let alone attach themselves to anyone.” Turning back to Morg, my nose curled. “I saw the shadow that she speaks of; it was not a part of that clan, nor did the shadow belong to me.”
“Lies,” Zarina spat out. “It has been seen, and it has attacked twice now. Two high fae lords have been killed. What else could it be but one of your revolting children?”
A vicious snarl echoed from my lips as I struck, disappearing into shadows and smoke until I was before her. Pushing my forearm into her neck, I slammed her into the stone wall, holding her captive. Growling, I leaned in close. “The shadow folk were created from my magic,notby me. Call them my children again, and I will throw you in their caverns and let them have their way with you.”
“Soren,” Morg sighed. “This is not how we handle diplomatic affairs. Though you really should have waited for permission to set foot in Dubnos, Zarina. You know the rules.” Turning to leavemy chamber, Morg flicked her hands toward us. “Let her go, Soren. We will talk about this in the main hall.”
I bared my teeth at Zarina, bristling with agitation from both her and Morg daring to enter my territory. Zarina returned the gesture, letting out a low growl of warning.
