I let out an exhale. “She could do that?”
Ziba nods. “A sovran-level psionic magi can do that and more. Some as powerful as Princess Anahima and the king can create whole illusions that aren’t real, that exist only in the minds of those affected. For a long time, I thought only King Darrius possessed that power.”
“Gods,” I whisper, alarm rising at the thought of Anahima controlling me or anyone I love. I recall some of the images with Zahre and Darrius I’d envisioned at the Mithral feast that had never felt like mine. Instinctively, I strengthen my mental shield. “Are you afraid?”
Her face is grim, but she smiles. “Not with our king. And not with the Starkeeper by his side.”
That’s a lot of faith to have to carry, not just for one realm but two. I hug Ziba tightly, emotion clogging my throat, wondering if it will be the last time I see her. “You’ll be safe, won’t you?”
She bows reverently, tears misting her eyes. “Of course, my queen. As will you.”
It’s not the first time I have been called a queen, but it is the first time that I feel it, a destiny written into the marrow of my bones. I stand with not one but two powerful kings at my sides: Darrius’s magic humming down the bond to empower me and Roshan’s devoted heart grounding and tethering me. I am the conduit between the earth and sky. My simurgh flexes her wings, ready for what is coming and ready to defend both of the kingdoms under her watch.
Darrius, are you well? I’m going to Solis now.
His reply is immediate, apprehension and affection tumbling down the bond.Yes, pátni. Please be vigilant. I love you.
Always am. I love you, too.
Chest squeezing, I make my way downstairs to the courtyard, where a small contingent of Darrius’s kingsguard is waiting, led by Maxur. His face is hard, and I feel a pulse of pity. He’d also been blindsided by Anahima’s betrayal, a revelation that must hurt, considering their on-again, off-again intimacy. She’d used him, too, to keep track of the king’s movements and any decisions made in the war council. Darrius had trusted her, but she preferred to have all her bets covered. The general gives me a grim nod.
This is personal for him. It’s personal for all of us.
With a deep breath, I pull on my magic to conjure the portal to Solis. Something tickles the back of my mind and my eyes catch the slightest shimmer of something before the smell of ozone hits my nose and the iridescent oval of my portal forms. Darrius had taken me to Solis via his own portal a few days ago so I could see exactly where I needed to be. Maxur directs five of his men to go first. I follow, knowing he will bring up the rear with the rest.
As I step through, the portal shimmers an odd color, and I feel it the second the magic envelops me—it’snotmine.
But there’s nothing I can do—I’m already through.
Heart pounding, I emerge in a cobblestone courtyard with a looming black castle behind me andnotthe open air of Solis. The awful sight of five dead bodies greets me... the ones of my guard who had stepped through before me. I grasp for the bond.
Darrius, the portal failed.I peer up.I’m in a black-stoned fortress with spires.
Morien? Fuck. Get out of there. You’re—
His voice cuts off as a blast of magic douses our connection. I whirl around, but before I can reverse my steps, the portal is gone. My own power lashes over my arms in a defensive position in the empty courtyard as a sole pair of footsteps breaks the silence.
“Hello, my friend,” Anahima says, and I blink in shock. She looks ghoulish. Her black hair is lank and greasy, her face haggard and gaunt. She was always thin, but her bones are in stark relief, her blue eyes burning like festering violet flames. Has Fero done this to her? The answer is obvious when my magic brushes against a twisted, malevolent energy.
It’s Anahima... but not.
“What did you do?” I whisper in horror.
Her head cocks. “What’s meant to be.”
I shudder and try to stay calm at the utteracceptancein her voice. “Whatever that thing is, it’s not your father.” In some of the ancient texts I’d read, Fero had been described as a ruthless but impartial god, one who was the necessary balance to Saru. “That remnant is corrupt.”
“I know,” Anahima says calmly. “Did you know that in our prophecies, the lightbreaker dies so true darkness can rise? They also say that the godslayer will bring about the birth of anewgod.”
I frown. Is she talking about the same Everlean prophecy Darrius had told me? Isshethe purported godslayer, if she means to kill her father? Then who is the lightbreaker?
Anahima lets out a condescending sniff as if she can read my chaotic thoughts. “Ashes below, you were always so slow, Sura.”
“My name is Suraya.”
She ignores me. “Allow me to break it down into child-sized pieces for you. In the old days, they called Darrius thelightbreakerbecause of his power over the shadows.” She sneers. “As firstborn, that power should have been mine. And you will help me take it back.”
My fists curl and tighten. “I could end you right now and stop this madness.” I gather my magic, though I know it won’t be easy. Anahima is not to be misjudged, and if she tinkered with the portal to bring me here, it’s because she wants me here.
