The silence between them thickened, heavy as summer rain. Her aunt’s violet eyes bore the shadows of sleepless nights, and for the first time, Alora glimpsed grief carved into Delphi’s face that left her hollow.
“You loved your sister,” Alora murmured, understanding settling as she said it. “But you hated her more.”
Delphi’s jaw tightened, her gaze sliding away, as if the truth itself cut too deep to hold. “My son, is he well?” she muttered tiredly. “I had hoped you would bring him with you.”
Alora poured herself a cup of wine. “He was preoccupied.”
It was not a lie.
She had stopped by Rihan’s chambers before coming here. And her brother had been busy packing and had no time for visits. But they both knew it was an excuse.
His mother knew it too.
For a moment, the last of Delphi’s arrogance faltered. “I did what I thought was best for his future.”
Alora’s voice cut sharp. “And how did that serve you? You destroyed so many lives, stole futures. And now I must fight to ensure Argyle has one.”
Delphi fidgeted with her gloves, not disputing that. “What will become of Rihan?”
“If Argyle stands, he will one day sit in his father’s throne. If it falls, then you will have nothing left to sink your claws into. Until then, I will send him to Karag Dûr with Commander Caelum and Theia, where he will be safe.”
Delphi’s head whipped around, eyes blazing. “What? No—you cannot send my son away with him!”
Alora frowned, ice settling in her tone. “What do you mean?”
“You cannot trust him.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Explain that to me plainly.”
Delphi opened her mouth but gave no reply because fae couldn’t speak anything but the truth.
Sighing, Alora stood. “Your attempts to sow discord and doubt will not work. I trust Commander Caelum with my life, and with Rihan’s. He is sworn to me.”
“Is he?”Delphi asked with sharp mockery. “You have always been a foolish, blind girl. You accept what you see without realizing we all wear masks. Many of them hide fangs.”
Alora rolled her eyes, her words tipped with venom. “Yes—and most of thempoisonous.”
Delphi scowled at the barb, but Alora was already turning for the door.
“Rihan will be safe with me. You, however, will remain in your tower. Perhaps you will enjoy the view of the battle to come. And should I fall, may you savor that sight too, before the end.”
“Such flippancy,” Delphi hissed after her. “From she who would claim to be queen. Cursed seed of darkness, yet so ready for death. What good were the gifts we gave you when they rot to waste?”
Alora’s hand froze on the door, her heart twisting in her chest. “Why yes, my godmothers thought themselves so clever.” She looked at Delphi sharply over her shoulder. “Grace and beauty. A voice sweeter than any songbird, that the world itself would hush to hear you. Yet who would care to listen? And what good are they now, when gods make war and Titans rise?”
Delphi said no more.
Alora marched out of the room, seething.
Gifts.
No, the old gifts were paltry things, shallow as vanity.
And they served nothing.
CHAPTER 63
Alora
