“How many know about the mirror?” she asked.
“Of the Chosen? Not many. But Tenebris was not the only one to learn of it.”
“You mean groupsbesidesthe Chosen know of its existence?” Rakel asked.
“Assumedly,” Farrin said. “I cannot say for sure, but I don’t believe he discovered its existence by happenstance. Tenebris is too purposeful for that.”
Rakel fell silent and stared at her hands.
Farrin placed his hand on top of hers. “I know it feels hopeless, and the knowledge of the slaughter he has committed is horrible, but you have to remember what you’re saving your people from. You cannot allow yourself to take responsibility for his actions. You should be proud of all you have accomplished, Rakel.”
He squeezed her hand. Without thinking, Rakel repositioned her palm so their hands were intertwined, drawing strength from the connection. “Thank you, Farrin.” She drew back her shoulders and smiled at him. “It can be difficult to remember what we’re doing is right.”
Farrin, who had been admiring their hands, raised his eyes. “You are burdened with many responsibilities, but you have done well. Even before I sided with you, I admired you for your loyalty and courage.”
“I’ll have to be the one to face Tenebris, won’t I?” Rakel asked, her dread building.
“Not necessarily. Liv’s powers might prove to be more fatal to him.”
Rakel looked across the room where the female magic user smiled brightly at one of Farrin’s underlings. “I don’t think I could ask her to.”
“She would do it,” Farrin said.
“Yes,” Rakel said. “She’s plunged headfirst into his magic to save others. Though she feels inadequate, she has courage like I haven’t seen…but…”
Her magic isn’t meant to hurt others. And mine…mine is meant to protect. But how can I face him and win? If I took his life, wouldn’t that make me more like him?
“We can find another way. As I recall, you’ve had an antipathy for killing since you started the resistance. No one will force you to change that stance. If you can capture him in ice, I can help you,” Farrin said.
Rakel nodded. She could feel his heat leaking into her through their joined hands. Though it felt a little strange, it was oddly relaxing. She squeezed his hand, released it, and then stood. “I will think on it.”
“Don’t take too much of this burden on your shoulders,” Farrin warned.
Rakel smiled. “I know. Come—Crow has Bunny cornered. We should grab him lest she reacts violently. Soon, your healer won’t be able to fix his nose anymore.”
Farrin stood and glided behind her. “As you wish.”
The door to the mess hall creaked open. Out of the corner of her eye, Rakel saw Gerta—her cheeks wet with tears—peer inside. “Farrin, could you see to Crow and Bunny?” Rakel asked.
Farrin followed her gaze. “Of course.” He tenderly tucked a tendril of her white hair behind her ear. Though he didn’t say anything more, his eyes were bright with longing, and he brushed Rakel’s cheek with a finger.
The gesture made warmth bloom on Rakel’s face, and she involuntarily leaned toward his touch.I love him.She ruthlessly pushed the thought down. Then she pulled her face away to give Farrin a business-like nod, raised her chin, and focused on Gerta—grateful for the distraction.
She heard Farrin chuckle as she left him, but her mirth—and embarrassment—died away as she approached the little girl and crouched next to her. “What’s wrong, Gerta?”
“Nothing,” Gerta said in a small voice.
“Are you seeking out your grandmother?” Rakel asked. Hilda had attended the meeting to give the latest report from her contacts.
“No,” Gerta said. “I wanted to talk to you.”
Rakel drew the little girl aside so they wouldn’t block the door. “What would you like to talk about?”
Gerta tugged on her worn skirt. “I want magic, too. Like Kai,” she blurted.
Rakel blinked—that had been the last thing she had expected.Who—besides Phile—actually wants magic?“Why?”
“I want to be special, too.”
