Shrugging, I turn toward the books in a weak attempt to change the subject. I’m already painfully aware that I’m unqualified. But as I scan over the titles, I only get confused all over again. They’re all medical textbooks from the Mortal Realm.
“What is this place?”
Nymara moves to my side. “It’s my office. This is one of the few places in the castle where we won’t be seen or heard without the use of personal magic.”
“Okay,” I drag out the word. “So, what do you want?”
She narrows her eyes at me slightly. “What is your plan to avoid being bonded to Leon?”
Her question feels like a test. I open my mouth to say something and then close it again. My cheeks heat.
She stares at me in disbelief. “Are you kidding me? What in the Fates have you been doing this entire time?”
“I – I was looking for Irena. I was hoping I could free her.” I say in a half-hearted attempt to defend myself.
Nymara stares at me like she thinks I’m an imbecile.
Fair.
Once again, rude – but fair.
“Irena is bound by magic that is so strong, not even the combined power of the Council mages could free her.Andshe isn’t even in this castle anymore. They moved her the moment Sin stopped attacking the wards,” Nymara says, exasperated.
Her logical explanation takes the wind out of my sails. Of course, the Council wouldn’t want Irena here after the castle was threatened with an attack, and I vaguely remember Lilanthara mentioning something about security for a new guest.
Embarrassed, I don’t bother trying to mask my defeat. “Look, I’m trying my best. But if I take a step out of line, Need will attack my home realm and start a war with the Shadow Realm.”
Her frustration softens slightly as she considers me. “You traded your life for the lives of your friends. You know they’re protected, and yet, you’re still going along with her manipulation?”
I swallow, hugging myself. “I’m just one person. My life isn’t worth the lives of thousands.”
Instead of looking understanding, Nymara’s stare sharpens, her mismatched eyes holding mine in an unwavering stare. “But what would you risk, if she was going to hurt the one you loved most?”
Immediately, I think of Sin coming for me, only to be captured. It takes me a second to swallow back the rage that flickers to life within me.
Nymara watches me like she’s trying to search my soul, to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I’m not going to lie.
“Everything,” I whisper, admitting the dark truth.
She nods, like my answer has sealed my fate, before reaching for a book on the shelf.
“Why?” I ask again.
She tugs on the book, and this time, I’m not even remotely surprised at the answering sound of gears.
“Because you need to see something,” she answers cryptically, and there’s a faint waver in her voice.
The bookshelf sinks into the wall, only to slide behind the shelf next to it, revealing a small set of stairs.
My throat tightens. I’m not sure who is engineering these, but I would really appreciate it if they could move to more ‘open concept’ designs.
Unconsciously, I take a step back.
Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve recovered from my last claustrophobic adrenaline-inducing activity.
“You need to come with me.” Nymara nods at the steps.
A small, panicked laugh escapes me. “Yeah, I don’t think so. You can just tell me what’s down there.”
