“Exactly,” I respond, and he looks me all over, confused. “Which is why there’s more to my new plan…but I can’t do it without your magic.”
His eyes narrow a bit. “Why didn’t you just come to me first, then?” he asks. “I told you I’d help.”
I work hard to swallow. “Because I needed to know you were one hundred percent willing to come aboard for me—that for once you weren’t just thinking about yourself. If you hadn’t, I still would’ve tried anyway, and yes, it may have resulted in failure, but at least I’d go out knowing I did everything I could for Analla.”
He seems to contemplate all of this as he studies my face. Then his shoulders soften. “I said I’d help you save her, Zaira. I know you don’t want to believe it after everything, but I meant that. I’m right here. Put me to work.”
My traitorous heart flutters. I was expecting a bit more resistance from him, but there’s a look in his eyes. One of certainty along with a whisper of desperation.
Though I feel myself softening for him, I shake my head. “This doesn’t change anything between us,” I add, pointing a stern finger at him. “I want nothing more than to be angry with you and to never speak to you again, but that would be selfish on my part—especially when I know you have something we can use.” I point at the tome still tucked under his arm. “Is there a spell in there that allows you to hear me if we’re in different locations?”
“There is a mindflare spell,” he returns, “but I don’t need the tome for that. It’s a common spell. I just need a lock of your hair or a drop of blood to make it work.”
“And what about a spell to enhance the properties of an elixir?”
At that, he narrows his eyes. “I’m sure there’s something in the tome I can work with. Why?” His head cocks a bit. “What are you planning, Zaira?”
I gesture to the chair beside me. “Sit and I’ll explain.”
He does, and as I go over everything I have in mind, his eyes widen more and more. This plan is dangerous, with averyslim chance of survival.
But if we do it right—if we go in prepared—even he knows that it just might work.
Chapter 60
As I walk off the gangway in Meriva, I notice the streets of the Commons are exactly the same as any other night. A few people walk by themselves along the cobblestone roads, merchants are closing shop, and the familiar scent of the salty canal stings my nose as I pass it.
The cold gets to me, so I dig through my rucksack for a long-sleeve sweater. It hardly helps, but I figure I should embrace the chill because it makes me feel something. It reminds me that I’m still here, still capable of rectifying things.
Someone falls into step beside me, matching my pace.
I look to my left at Thane, who nods at me before disappearing completely with an enhanced whispershade. It’s best if no one in the kingdom sees him. I don’t want Seferin to have any kind of warning or heads-up about Thane being around.
I slow my pace as I near a familiar alley and walk through it. It’s darker here, with stacked multi-level homes overlooking the street. It isn’t exactly in the Scraps, but it’s close.
At the end of the alley is an open door with soft wafts of pink smoke billowing out and licking the ground. I step into the sorceress’s apothecary and spot a woman behind the counter wearing a gray scarf on her head. A beady-eyed white owl is perched on her shoulder, watching me as the woman does.
“Welcome back,” the sorceress greets in a raspy voice.
I give her a nod of recognition.
I’ve been here several times with Analla, most times for healing elixirs, medicines, and the sort. Her shop is filled with all sorts of crystals and trinkets. Animal and beast furs line one of the walls, and above are floating pink orbs. The scent of sulfur is barely masked by a strong floral fragrance.
Behind her is a shelf with several vials filled with liquids of various colors.
Approaching the counter, I dig into my satchel and request one of the vials. She raises a curious eyebrow at me before turning to retrieve one containing dark-purple liquid.
“Big plans, yes?” she asks, sliding the glass vial across the counter.
I place the coins in her hands. “Yes.” I scoop up the small bottle and study the swirling concoction inside.
She picks up the coins and slips them into a pouch tied at her waist.
“Thank you.”
“Use it wisely, little mortal,” she calls as I twist around to leave. I glance over my shoulder to catch her smirking while stroking a finger along her owl’s chest.
Thane brushes past me as I leave the sorceress’s shop. Our eyes meet as I tuck the vial in my satchel. I wait for him to gather all the supplies he needs, and then we’re on our way toward the Scraps.
