I crack open my eye and see his gaze burning through me.
“Go ahead,” I say. “Ask.”
He chuckles. “You can’t relax for five minutes, can you?”
“Hardly,” I reply, closing my eyes again.
“The Rigil on your forehead was broken when we entered the library, so the ward didn’t work.”
“It worked for a while,” I answer. “I found the book in time for it to smudge, and that’s when I was seen.”
“I see,” he says, and quiets.
“Is that the monster you all speak of?” I ask.
“Yes,” he says, dipping the towel back into the water.
The warmth of the water surrounds me, and I watch Silas’s face intently.
“I had no idea until I saw him myself. The God of Darkness created the creature as a protector. Legend has it that this island was his home before the Wielders came into existence. It livedfreely, which, as you saw, isn’t the case anymore. It hates all kinds of Wielders now and only obeys Raddnoke.”
I nod, opening my eyes. “He told me his name is Eldursyth.”
“You might be the only person who has been told that creature’s name and lived to tell the tale.”
“Lucky me.”
“You, my love, are destined to become the stuff of legends.” He leans in and kisses my forehead.
“Eldursyth told me something regarding the stone,” I confess.
Silas attempts to remain steady, but his posture straightens. “And?”
“A stone was created for every kingdom. Daramveer, Andorwood, Eddris, Cammon, and Brinkym. All different, and all deadly. Whoever is in possession of the stone decides how it should be wielded based on its magic. Andorwood’s is the Stone of Truth.”
Silas remains silent, and I can tell from his eyes that he is battling his own swirling thoughts.
“We need to find the other stones before Calia and Nolan do,” I add. “They already have the resurrection stone. If the others are that powerful…” My mouth goes dry at the thought.
Silas looks at me. “Do you think Oak has any idea about Brinkym’s stone?”
“No.” I shake my head. “I don’t think so.”
“Now isn’t the right time to ask. He’s consumed with Maines—understandably so. We will talk to him when we have the time.”
I give an agreeable nod and settle back into the warm water.
Silas picks up the small towel and starts to wash my arms, being careful of the cut on my forearm. He moves toward my head, taking a small cup, and running the water through mydark hair. I close my eyes, and sit forward for him to continue bathing me.
I hear his sigh and cut my eyes toward him, questioningly.
“Today is a big day. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have my doubts.”
“Doubts about what?” I sit up further in the tub and plug the drain.
“These people are scarred from Malachi. They will be excited to hear of his disappearance, but acceptance is what I fear. Acceptance of me, and acceptance that Malachi won’t return one day.”
I lean my arms against the side of the tub, looking into his eyes. “You are going to be an amazing king, Silas.”
