War will come. It’s already here.
I sparked it. I’ll fight it. And I’ll end it.
I don’t know how, but I know that I will.
With a sigh, I take Aspen’s outstretched hand, and we make our way through the forest together.
* * *
By the timeSelene Palace comes into view, an imposing figure is halfway between us and the front doors. Queen Nyxia closes the distance, expression twisted with irritation. “Look who finally decided to show up. The good Queen Evelyn.”
I furrow my brow, taken aback by her scorn.
She puts her hands on her hips. “As if I didn’t already have enough unwelcome guests.”
My mouth falls open and snaps shut as I search for words. “If I’m no longer welcome—”
“Not you.” She flutters a dismissive hand. “Your...sister.” The last words come out more like a hiss.
The blood leaves my face. “My sister? She’s here?”
“Yes. She claimed the protection of a peaceful exchange of words and said she’d speak to no one but you.”
“Did she come alone?”
Nyxia nods. “Thankfully, otherwise I wouldn’t have spared the girl’s life.”
“Where is she?”
She lifts her chin and purses her lips, as if preparing for reproach. “The dungeon.”
I start off toward the palace again. “Take me to her.”
My heart pounds in my chest as Nyxia leads me through the front door, then down a hall I’ve never been to. We descend a flight of stairs that end in a corridor carved from obsidian. My mind is whirling to comprehend what Amelie’s arrival must mean.
I feel Aspen’s hand graze my elbow. “Be careful,” he whispers. “We don’t know what to expect.”
I nod. Every part of me assumes this is some sort of trick, and I don’t fault Nyxia for choosing to lock her up.
The dark corridor widens, and two wraiths in flowing black translucent robes stand guard before what must be the dungeon. Nyxia nods to the guards, and they stand apart, allowing us to enter. Beyond, everything is carved from the same glossy, black stone as the corridor, and the bars of the cells are blanketed in writhing shadows. The only light comes from a few sparse orbs along the walls, keeping the occupants hidden from view.
Nyxia stops before a cell, gesturing toward it before she steps away. Arms remaining crossed, she takes up post along the empty wall opposite the cells. Aspen does the same.
Only I approach the cell. I step closer, squinting into the dark. A figure shifts inside, but I can’t see clearly. I lift my hand.
“Don’t touch the bars,” Nyxia says, making me jump.
I look back at her, taking in the warning her eyes are trying to convey.
“The shadows will incapacitate you,” she explains.
I swallow hard and return my attention to the cell. Hand still raised, I turn my palm upward. My motions are almost automatic, as is my intention for light. As soon as I think it, a blue flame ignites above my hand. Only then does a wave of shock move through me.
“Evie.” The voice comes from within the cell. The figure steps closer to the bars, as do I. My fire illuminates my sister.
Rage and tenderness and sorrow fight for dominance as I take in her haggard appearance. She looks worse than I did last night—than I likely still do now. Her copper hair is matted with dirt, tangled around her shoulders. There’s no sign of her selkie skin, only filthy flesh and a thin, torn dress that ends above her knees.
She smiles, eyes swimming with tears. “You’re making fire,” she says with a gasp. “Are you queen now?”
