“He’s right,” Calix agreed quietly. “Our plans are unchanged.”
“This is what Kalli meant.” I realized, and I looked up to Calix, whose eyes were churning with the colors of the Aurora. “Cyrus is king, and he’s contracted the sirens to hunt down any escaped humans. It sounds like he’s had them chained up, but some actually managed to get loose.”
“That’s another bit of news.” Eryx cut in, and I sighed, looking up at him miserably. Eryx took my hand, and the fact that he knew I’d need the support made me incredibly nervous. Calix placed his hand on my back, and I reached out blindly for his other hand with my free one. I gripped it, preparing myself mentally.
“I’ve managed to confirm that Cyrus is capturing large numbers of humans and keeping them in camps. They’re tortured and drained of blood, which he is using to fuel his blood magic,” Eryx said, and I literally felt the floor shake as a wave of power rolled through me. My rage was so strong I could feel the fire in my throat, and my starlight was bubbling under my skin as I tried to forcefully keep it down. Trying desperately to remember my training. Forcing my emotions under control.
Control.
Cyrus was bringing us nothing but chaos. I couldn’t feel so damn chaotic myself on top of it. That couldn’t be helpful. I had to be in control.Balanced.
No matter how much I wanted to rage and scream.
Pushing my emotions down and down until they were buried was the only choice. I caught Calix giving me a strange look, but we were quickly distracted.
“The only good news is that humans have begun to rise up. Apparently, Kian is being watched too closely to do much, but someone else is definitely helping them. He’s trying to find out who, but in the meantime, he’s been assisting his brother with hiding his human. Apparently, he’s quite fond of her and scared as hell about what his brother might do. It gives us an opportunity.”
Calix nodded, a gleam in his eyes. “That is good news. Dusk is seeing him for what he is.”
“Yes, in part.” Eryx sighed heavily, “But manyarefollowing him. Those who are too scared not to, those who agree with him, or those who see opportunity.”
“How bad is it, Eryx?” I raised my head, our blue eyes locking. His face crumbled.
“I’m sorry, Asteria.” He squeezed my hand. “He's keeping them in awful conditions. They’re tired, starving, and cold. They’re beaten and tortured for the amusement of those carrying it out—all of the most depraved members of Dusk. Those that have been most heavily affected by the chaos.”
“Because the more they give into chaos, the more it gets its hooks in them.” Calix sighed, his forehead falling to my shoulder.
“So they’ll only get worse?” I asked, my voice sounding strange to my own ears, more dead than alive.
They both nodded silently, and we all took a moment to think on how bleak that was. The humans were relying on us, even if they didn’t know it. We had to free them. We had to save the ones Cyrus had in his clutches before he killed them all.
When I voiced this thought, they both agreed. “We will. Which actually brings me to my next bit of news.”
Eryx smiled slightly, and we both watched him expectantly. “Sunset responded.”
Calix lifted his head from my shoulder, eyes wide. “They did?”
“Yeah.” Eryx nodded, his smile growing. “King Tieran apparently heard about Asteria. He’s specifically requested you bring her.” Calix stiffened, and I could feel his unease and suspicion, making me nervous in tandem.
“Why?” He ground out, and Eryx rolled his eyes, shaking his head at his king.
“Calm down, Cay.” He laughed. “This is a good thing. He mentioned that the ‘Star Queen’s appearance’changed everything.”
It was my turn to stiffen in shock. “What? What does that mean?”
“That’s what my prophecy called you, a queen of stars.” Calix turned to look at me, a new light in his eyes. “Which means?—”
“That’s what the gods refer to you as. The Star Queen.” Eryx cut in. “So it stands to reason Tieran must know something. Perhaps another prophecy that referred to you?”
“Is that good?” I asked hesitantly, looking between the two.
“I think so.” Eryx huffed, laughing slightly. “I’m going to come with you, however.”
“You won’t be the only one,” Calix said, amused, as he launched into explaining what had happened since we arrived in Sunrise.
Eryx listened intently, definitely in spymaster mode. It was fascinating to see the differences between the normally sweet and playful Fae and the sly, battle-hardened spymaster. He nodded in various spots, hummed, and asked follow-up questions that launched Calix in whole other directions.
When they were done, I spoke up, “What about Day? Has Arien had any success?”
