A tear sits heavy in the corner of her eye. “I think you know why, Briar.”
I don’t respond, but I watch a tear roll down her cheek. I can’t imagine the weight she feels from having lied to her children their whole lives about their father. As much as I want to dislike her, I pity her. A woman faced with an impossible choice will often do desperate things, especially for the sake of her children. I now know why she wanted to speak about that alone. She couldn’t tell Silas why she was in the Archives without having to come clean about Malachi.
“Are the answers we seek in the Archives?” I ask.
“Yes,” she whispers.
“How can we safely get in there? How does this Rigil protect me?” I lean forward, and I can feel the desperation rolling off my tongue.
She exhales and dives deep into her own mind for a moment. “When you enter, immediately hide. There is a desk in the middle; don’t go to it. That’s what the creature wants. There is a large bookcase to the left. Rush behind that and gather yourself.” She swallows as if remembering the fear she experienced. “The creature will feel your presence and prepare. Draw the Rigil as quickly and accurately as you can on your hand. You can’t draw it before entering, or the wards won’t move into place. The Rigil will make you invisible for a short while. Use it wisely and go after what you want.”
“And if that goes wrong?” I reply, making mental notes of everything she said.
“Then you need to run as if your life depends on it—because it does.”
I swallow hard, and she stares at me even harder.
“What’s in there, Aerona? What is everyone so desperate to find out?”
She squirms in her seat and fiddles with the jewel resting low on her chest. “After the Great Battle, many tried to destroy all documents related to the Great Wiitches. People were ashamed and afraid and wanted no records of their magic or stories. A few individuals saw this as wrong and sought to preserve history, which is why the Forgotten Archives were established. The Great Wiitches, the stones, even the Gods, have weaknesses, and those weaknesses lie within the Archives.”
I nod, allowing the words to sink in as I prepare to stand up to take my leave. I don’t believe there is anything else she is willing to discuss.
She sighs. “There is one thing that won’t be in the Archives.”
She once again clutches her jewel, and I drop my gaze, not wanting to stare continuously.
“This has been passed down through my family for many generations. I only recently learned more about what I have possessed all these years.”
I freeze, anticipation taking over me. She removes her necklace and extends her hand for me to take it. I don’t move.
“Take it,” she offers.
“I don’t believe that’s necessary, Aerona,” I respond, retracting my hand behind my back.
“Please.” She extends her hand further. “There are many things I regret in my life, and I don’t want to make this one of them. It will be of better use to you.”
I angle my head and study the jewel perfectly crafted into the necklace. The light dances off the stone, casting dark green and black colors into the room.
“You will learn more in the Archives, but it’s yours, Briar. Wield it, use it, and wipe those fuckers off the face of this realm.”
Islip out of Aerona’s room and back into the narrow hallway leading down to the main part of the castle. Her words rush through my mind. Entering the Archives tonight will be challenging, but nothing I can’t handle. I’m ready, but even in the back of my mind, what dwells within makes my stomach roll. I’ve seen my fair share of haunting creatures before, but something tells me this one is where the rumors started in Andorwood.
I glance in all directions, looking for my worrywart of a man, but I don’t see or feel his presence.
I continue my stroll, trying my best to ignore the height staring back at me through the large open windows. I feel my palms become sweaty, so I move to the farthest stone wall, dragging my hand along the rough surface. Aerona’s necklace sits heavily in my pocket, and I reach in, messing with the thick chain holding the jewel. My fingers tingle against the smooth texture of the stone, and I can’t help but feel as if I’m back in the forest from so many months ago, finding the resurrection stone. However, this time is different. My magic isn’t pulsing, and this stone feels dead.
I understand this signifies something important, and I’m eager to learn why.
My senses perk, and something in my chest tightens. A smile spreads across my face as I round a corner, leading me down into the castle. Silas leans against the stone wall with his arms crossed, his back to me, impatiently waiting for me to arrive.
Without even turning, his voice sounds around the hall. “Hello, my queen.”
“Hello, my stalker. I’m having flashbacks of you at Daramveer Castle, always lurking around the narrow halls.” I grin and grab his arm, turning him to face me. “Are you always this desperate for my attention?”
“I’m desperate for anything concerning you,” he says with a smirk.
“Come on,” I tug on his arm, pulling him to follow me.
