“I don't know, Ember,” he said softly. “But I do know that Death can make you so.”
“What?” I jerked back in my seat.
“Did you think it could restore your parents but not you? If Death becomes one with you, you will never have to fear it again.”
“Are you saying that you can't die? Immortal doesn't mean invulnerable. Immortals can be killed. But you can't?”
The Corrupter shrugged. “If you take off my head, I'll probably die. But beyond that, I don't think so. I heal incredibly fast. And you can too, Ember. All you have to do is accept Death and join me. We can empower your people together. Just think of it . . . a world where everyone is equal. No more racism. No suppression. Everyone free to live as they please.”
I lowered my gaze to my plate. I didn't like that he made sense. Then I looked at the Corrupted. No, that wasn't empowerment or freedom. Maybe the Corrupter was deluding himself. Maybe the Death magic was blinding him. He seemed so earnest. It was entirely possible that he believed every word he spoke.
But I didn't.
“That's a lovely dream,” I murmured and lifted my gaze. “But I don't think this is the way to bring it about. And I don't want to accept Death.”
The Corrupter sank a little in his seat. “I see. Well, I can't say that I'm not disappointed. But I have faith that you will change your mind. You just need more proof. I can be patient. This war has lasted centuries. What's a few years more?”
“Years?!” I gaped at him. “You said you'd release me after I heard you out.”
“And I will. But I still have more to say, Ember.”
“You're going to draw this out until I give in!”
The Corrupter shrugged.
“That's not going to happen!” I stood up and pushed back my chair.
“Agree to disagree,” he said blithely.
“Fuck you and your history lesson.” I walked out.
Chapter Forty-Eight
I was angry enough to go wandering. I had to find a way out, and the last time I tried, I didn't think to use my magic. This time would be different. I stalked through the corridors, away from the Corrupter, furiously searching for a way out.
Then I came to the archway.
“Not tonight, Death!” I pointed at it and turned around. “Holy fuck!”
There it was. Behind me.
I spun. It was still there. Closer.
“No,” I whispered. Then I squared my shoulders. “All right, motherfucker. Let's see how you handle fading. I may not be able to fade out of this castle, but I can still fade back to my room.”
I summoned Spirit and felt it transform me into a wraith. Focusing on my bedroom/cell, I faded away. When I opened my eyes, I was in Death's domain.
“No!” I shouted.
“You cannot escape me,” a voice said.
“Who are you?”
“You know who I am.”
“Magic isn't sentient.”
A deep chuckle rolled around me. “I am not merely magic.”
