I whip my eyes to her then, “In his mind? How?”
“Rowan is a Mindweaver—it’s old Zerynthian magic from the Nix bloodline,” Lady Sylvaine answers simply.
“Magic from his bloodline? I didn’t even know that was possible,” I whisper my shock.
“Starborn magic isn’t the only magic, dear. Especially not in Zerynthia.”
What the fuck.
Before I could probe the woman further, Varian commands theroom, “The Zerynthian War Council meeting is now in session. All hail Prince Kael Thorne of Zerynthia!”
Everyone, aside from Ronyn, Seren and me, moves to make the inverted triangle symbol, but Kael dismisses them with a wave.
“No need for all the formality, Varian,” Kael instructs. “Let’s just get on with it.”
Apparently, Varian has a flair for theatrics.
Lady Sylvaine clears her throat, announcing she’s about to speak. With her voice smooth and steady, rich with quiet authority, she begins, “While you’ve been away, Prince Kael, we’ve quietly strengthened ties beyond our borders. Ambassadors from Caeloria have responded favorably to our messages, and even the emissaries of Nymeris seem intrigued by our message that a true heir to Zerynthia has made himself known after all these years.”
Varian chuckles softly, folding his hands with practiced ease. “Indeed. I had the honor of receiving correspondence from Caeloria’s High Chancellor myself. They remain tight-lipped, but supportive—watchful of our next moves.”
The older gentleman with white hair leans forward. He adds thoughtfully, his gray eyes distant, reflecting a quiet wisdom, “Nymeris is wary as ever—they’ve always been cautious—but the mere mention of restoring Zerynthia has piqued their curiosity. It's clear our struggle has implications beyond our borders.”
Caeloria? Nymeris?
The names echo softly in my mind, strange and intriguing.Just how much don’t I know? How far does Kael’s reach extend?
“That’s Eldric Bannon, former Royal Advisor to King Aurius Thorne, and now advisor to Prince Kael,” Lady Sylvaine whispers in my ear.
Hold on, the crown is passed down through the bloodline?
Kael intercepts my thoughts and sends one of his own back.It’s a monarchy in Zerynthia, El—not a power play like Dravara.
I nod to him and Lady Sylvaine, but can’t peel my eyes away from the meeting.
“Caeloria need to declare their position. We need to know we have their aid when the time comes,” Kael commands.
“I’ll press further,” Eldric confirms.
“Good,” Kael says, then he turns his gaze to Daelen. “Dae, any further knowledge of The Decay since we’ve been gone?”
Daelen sits up straighter, clearing his throat. The first sign of seriousness I’ve seen. “We’ve been tracking its movement,” he begins. “It isn’t a fixed wall of magic—it breathes, it shifts, itwatches.”
A flicker of unease runs through me at his choice of words.It watches?
“We sent scouts to the southern border,” he continues, “where it used to be weaker, but the passage we once knew has closed. Completely sealed.” He shakes his head, frustrated. “The Decay isn’t just a barrier—itlearns. Every time we find a vulnerability, it adapts.”
Therion mutters a curse under his breath.
How did we get across then?I send the question down the tether.
Bloodline access. Kael’s response comes quickly.
He folds his hands on the table, expression darkening. “And the people who try to cross?”
Daelen hesitates. “Few return. Those who do...” He exhales, gaze flicking to me briefly before continuing. “They don’t remember anything. Sometimes, they forget why they even tried. Sometimes, they forget who they are altogether. Enchanted to wipe memory, most likely.”
A cold shiver licks up my spine.
