“Speaking of,” Imo began, “maybe we should begin with the most pressing question and address the camel in the room.” She motioned towards Altair. “I’ve never come across anyone or any book with knowledge of how the stars came to be in the sky. Care to fill in the details?”
“It’s been a millennium. The details get a little fuzzy after all that time,” Altair intoned.
Imo narrowed her eyes at him, then focused again on Iyana. “Regardless of how they got there, I became aware the stars were able to sense an Aztia’s magic, but only if their attention focused on the night sky for too long. Hence, my rule of avoiding the stars all these years.”
“They’ll whisper you your fate…” Iyana muttered to herself.
“Exactly,” Imo said sadly.
Altair leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, steepling his fingers. “That is how I came to be here, Iyana. We heard your plea for help. It would have been impossible to ignore, honestly, with all the magic you put behind your voice.”
“I didn’t use magic to call to you. I only yelled.”
Altair smiled. “Not that you were aware of. But you summoned us nonetheless, and I answered. I’m here to help.”
“Okay…” said Iyana. “Thanks. But I think we’re all fine now? Your little light show scared off all the Athusans. Other than this asshole here, anyway.” She jabbed her thumb toward Emmeric.
“Hey…” he grumbled.
“So off you go, back to the sky.” She dismissed him with a shooing motion of her hands.
Imo and Altair shared a loaded look. Iyana wanted to groan. “I’m afraid it’s not that easy,” said Altair.
“Now that you and Emmeric have found each other, you’re both in more danger than you realize,” said Imo. “Altair can help protect you. And as much as I wish you didn’t need it, he can train you with your magic, too.”
“You’re going to need my help, Iyana. There is more at stake than you realize.” Altair gave her what she assumed was the most apologetic expression he could muster.
“Why can’t you just tell us?” Emmeric asked. “Why is there so much secrecy?” His voice raised in pitch, anxiety coating every word. “I need some air. I’ll be back.” With that, he stood and stomped his way out of the hut. She heard him yell from outside, “And why is it so godsdamnedhot?”
“He’ll come around,”said Imo.
Iyana’s eyes bounced from the door to Altair to her grandmother. “I’m honestly not sure I want him to.”
Emmeric
Emmeric gripped his hair in both fists and attempted not to panic. It was easier said than done. He sank onto his haunches, avoiding the hot desert sand, and curled in upon himself. He closed his eyes, taking deep, steadying breaths. This was fine.Hewas fine. There was obviously some huge mistake. Maybe Iyana had accepted her involvement in all of this—she’d already called down a star, after all—but he refused to be caught up in someone else’s drama.
He couldn’t have magic. There had been no inklings of power. He imagined there would have been tingling orsomethingwere he to be this magical Kanaliza. Imo had to be mistaken. A final deep breath, one he made sure he felt to his toes, and he stood. He’d march right back into the godsforsaken hut and tell all of them there had been a misunderstanding, and he would be taking his leave.Thank you very much for not killing me, he’d say. Then he would find his way back to Athusia. Emmeric vowed to walk the entire desert if he needed to in order to escape the craziness here.
He built the resolve to announce his plans when he heard Iyana’s anguished scream.
Emmeric would later ignore the way his heart paused in that moment. Then he was running. He sprinted into the hut, vision adjusting slowly to the dimmer lighting. Imo was on the floor, Iyana clutching the old woman to her chest. Imo’s eyes were closed, and it was only then Emmeric realized the healer’s chest wasn’t moving.
Chapter 8
Iyana
“No, no, no, no…” Iyana muttered to herself. She held her grandmother’s body close to her chest, rocking back and forth. Imo was already turning cold. Her eyes were closed, peace relaxing her face, but Iyana refused to accept this reality.
“No!” she screamed. Placing Imo down gently, she rushed to the cabinets and began searching desperately through all the ingredients foranythingto save her grandmother. But she didn’t know what had happened, what was wrong, what would work best to bring her favorite person in the world back to her. She dimly heard Emmeric rush back in and askwhat the fuck happened, and Altair’s mumbled response, but she couldn’t pay attention to them right now. She needed a cure.
Think, Iyana!she mentally chastised herself.
Klamath weed? No. Activated charcoal? No. Tamanu leaves? No, no, no. Iyana tossed the jars behind her as she eliminated options; she barely heard them shattering on the ground.
A powerful hand alighted on her shoulder, followed by the warm rush of Altair’s magic. She shook him off immediately, spinning to face him. Calming magic was not what she needed right now—she wanted answers. Iyana couldn’t bear the look of pity he bore. Emmeric was on the ground, feeling for Imo’s pulse.
“Don’t touch her!” she shouted at Emmeric. He swiftly lifted his hands in surrender and backed away.
