“Oi! What are you doing out?” the shorter of the two questioned, stomping forward.
Heraphia swallowed, hard. “I found our new Seer wandering the halls. You should be thanking me for escorting her. Don’t you see her eye color?”
I blinked at my friend, astounded at her change in demeanor. Herapahia, my soft, sweet friend. Where had this side of her been? What had happened to cause it to emerge?
There was certainly a lot we had to discuss once we had privacy.
“Alright, get moving. Don’t want the Korona to drift in and find you out of place,” he huffed, gesturing for us to continue on.
Without another word, my friend spun on her heel and glided toward the righthand door. I limped behind her, my spine locked straight, awareness prickling beneath my skin. The Sightkeepers followed us, and the moment we entered the chamber, a lock slid into place behind us.
Trapping me. Imprisoning me.
Air constricted in my lungs again as reality sank into my bones.
There was no way out, not anymore.
Heraphia continued on like it was normal, revealing the future that awaited me more than my power ever had.
A wide, circular room greeted us, devoid of life save for two females in a small kitchen, squeezing juice from a citrus fruit. Off to one side, a sitting area with plush, elegant furniture waited. Stacks of books lined the end tables, most of which appeared to be holy text or books of sacred prophecies upon further inspection. Beyond, a wall of windows offered us a glimpse into a sprawling garden. The lush greens swayed, revealing more palace sentinels out on patrol.
No chance of escaping out there.
“Heraphia,” one of the females in the kitchen greeted my friend. “Can we get you and…” she trailed off, her attention falling over me. Her brows lifted for the briefest moment as our eyes locked.
“Sylaira,” Heraphia provided for me.
The servant gathered herself, gaze skittering away. Whether it was the sight of the ice-blue or the fact they were swollen in a way that was undeniably from sorrow, I wasn’t sure. But did it matter? Didn’t everyone forcibly confined here cry?
“Can we get you and Sylaira anything? We’re almost finished squeezing these fresh lemons. But if you’re hungry, I can put together a salad or roast some vegetables?”
“We’re fine for now. Maybe later,” she tossed over her shoulder as she exited the room through a carved arch at the rear.
After we had space between us and them, I asked, “Who are they?”
“Our personal chefs. The only good thing about being here is that our every need is taken care of.” She glanced at my crutches as we made our way down a door-lined hall. “I’m sure the moment they find out about your injury, you’ll have someone checking on you seven times a day.”
A smile wanted to bloom on my face, but at the thought of someone other than the Issaraeth touching me, helping me bend my knee so I could dance again, a fresh wave of agony dashed it away.
“The room beside mine is empty. I saved it especially for you,” Heraphia said, coming to a stop. Twisting the knob, she revealed a surprisingly luxurious personal space.
“Wow,” I commented as I swung inside. A bed large enough for three of me beckoned me to lie down and sob my pain away. Pushed up against a wall, a white oak desk waited, parchment and charcoal perfectly positioned. Besides those, a dresser, vanity, and storage bench decorated the room.
A common theme, however, was shades of sky blue and creamy white—for our Radiant Mother, of course.
“We’ll also share a bathing chamber,” Heraphia added, tugging open a door to reveal a deep soaking tub and privy. “That leads directly into my room if you need anything.”
“Or vice versa,” I told her. “Did you always know I would end up here?”
A long moment passed while Heraphia studied something in the woven rug beneath her feet. “After Zuriel’s departure, yes.” Her voice cracked on his name.
My heart shattered along with it. I’d hoped to find them both at Thalvireth, and to learn now that he was gone…
“When did he leave?” I asked gently.
“The day after we arrived.”
I swung forward and embraced her again. “Everything will be okay.” I wasn’t sure if the words were for her or me.
