"You know about the metal forging."
"That's all?"
Her smile is mysterious. "Maybe."
He shakes his head and turns to me. Before he can ask, I open my palm. Fire blooms there, steady and bright.
Kage looks at Malachi. "You knew she could do that?"
"I did,” he says with a pride that makes my chest ache more.
Kage looks at the three of us again and shakes his head in disbelief. “Well, I guess that’s yet another thing the curse didn’t affect here.”
“Can we get to planning now?” Draven asks, getting us back on track.
An hour later, we have something resembling a plan.
Naima, Margot, and Kage leave to gather supplies. Coats. Lanterns. Whatever else Kage insists we'll need.
Draven lasts approximately three seconds after they leave before announcing he needs to go home. I nearly beg him to stay. Anything to avoid being alone with Malachi before the mission. But Malachi just looks at my face and tells me to rest. He doesn't push. I'm out of my chair and through my bedroom door before he can change his mind.
“We’re still having that conversation after we get your brother back,” he calls after me.
I nod, shut the door behind me, and collapse onto my bed.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Eucalyptus. The scent hits me before my eyes open. I'm on my hands and knees. The floor beneath me is slick, almost wet, and I grapple for purchase as I try to stand. My feet slide out from under me twice before I manage to rise. A third slip sends me crashing into a wall.
My eyes dart through the darkness. The vault? No. Different. I search for my last memory and find only fog. I must be dreaming. Whispers flutter through the air. I turn toward them and hold my breath.
Then the chatter rises. All at once, like a swarm of cicadas waking from a long slumber. The sound is deafening. I flinch and double over, pressing my palms to my ears.
My head whips in the direction of the light. I stagger towards it. I stop before a familiar archway. Through it, I see the Flame burning at the center of the chamber. Mortiana. My stomach turns.
I step into the threshold, and the Flame flares.Ada Temperance Acevedo.
I wet my lips. "Why am I here? I'm not making another bargain."
The Flame stills.It's difficult to make another bargain when you haven't paid back your first debt. Then again, plenty of souls in my kingdom carry multiple debts.
"Why am I here?" I repeat, crossing my arms to hide the trembling in my hands.
Because your debt is important. And my collector has been avoiding me.
My shoulders stiffen. I think of everything Malachi has given up. Everything she's taken from him.
The Flame flares, almost amused.Is my warrior not treating you well?
My sigil flares. I clench my jaw, trying to contain the anger, but those words burn through me.Mywarrior. As if she owns him.
Is this the bond?The Flame's tone turns condescending.I know how territorial it can make people.
I want to find a bucket of water and douse it. The thought gives me a flicker of satisfaction.
The Flame stills. Then flares.Are these your emotions?A pause, and then —Well. That is unexpected.
"What do you want?" I demand.
