Cold rushes down my spine. I recall Magdin and Damarlach in my mind, two different sides of one coin, both asking me to smite the oppressors. But who are the true oppressors? Willclosing the Veil truly end the blight? Would opening it really unleash the gods?
Despite Rheon’s words, he’s nonchalant about it. He only smiles, that murky shadow creeping into his eyes again, as he pops more food into his mouth. This time, I feel myself flinch, but he doesn’t seem to notice.
“To close the Veil, we believe it requires a Shadow Wielder,” says Rheon.
My pulse jumps.
“Why?” Neris asks.
“Enidwen was the first Basduun. After her demise, her followers—the other Basduunai—continued to wreak havoc on the realm. And because Basduunai no longer exist in our modern era, a Shadow Wielder is the closest we will find. However, if the Shadow Wielder does not cooperate, the Veil will continue to open. And it isn’t just Erleya that will be doomed but the rest of the world. If the Purists somehow get to Fiada Purlieu, they won’t hesitate to open the Veil by whatever means. They have their ways.”
Oh, I know. Just as much as I know that Basduunai very much exist. Just as thePuristsare aware. They are after the Heirs. I am certain they’re after that Dreamwalker. I suppose it is because, if the sovereign is right, she can destroy the only hope they have of opening the Veil.
But what exactly do the Purists gain from opening the Veil to the Underworld? Unless they also think it’s the Otherworld?
My brain itches to know. Something is not adding up. Something is off with this whole situation. It seems both the Zenith and the Purists want extreme versions of balance. Neither of them is right.
The Dreamwalker says that I play a role in this grand scheme. I want to believe that I don’t, but I have flipped both sides of thecoin; I have lived two different lives. I have seen things I never wanted to see, experienced things I never wanted to experience.
I know what it feels like to have nearly had my powers cleaved from me, to live with a fractured soul.
Neither of these factions can be allowed to reign.
“This is why a Mage army is important,” the sovereign says, snapping me out of my thoughts. “We can protect Erleya in case it does happen.”
I don’t say a word.
“Lady Gwyneth. I require your assistance to convincethe Shadow Wielder. Tiernan Kilkenny is stubborn. I know because he was one of my soldiers years ago. He is exceptional and an undefeatable fighter, even at a young age, but he is dangerous. And for that reason, he is the perfect ally. Convince him with the truth. Tell him what you’ve been through and the world you and the Zenith envision for this kingdom. But whether he agrees or not, you will be helping me close the Veil. Are you in agreement?”
My throat goes dry, but I nod. Because I have to pretend for as long as I can so I can help the Dreamwalker with her plan.
“What a madman,” Neris says with a giggle as soon as we step into our room and close the door behind us.
I turn to her, my face drawn. “It’s no laughing matter.”
She sobers rather quickly. “You don’t believe all of that, do you?”
I wring my hands together and bite the inside of my cheek before releasing a breath. “Every word.” My throat feels tootight. “You know about my visions. You know what the Purists believe.”
“The Purists are?—”
“Neris, please listen to me.”
Her mouth snaps shut. I finally tell her about the Dreamwalker and details of the visions I’ve been having.
By the time I’m finished, she’s sitting on the bed with her eyes wide as saucers. “Did you see the sovereign’s eyes when he was talking to us?” she whispers. “They seemed darker at times. Shadowy.”
“I did see that. I just wasn’t sure if I was imagining it.”
“No. And that Lynx woman is like something out of a nightmare.”
I nod. “I think she had bandages on her arms today.” I rub my hands over my arms, suddenly cold as a chill runs down my spine. “If I can’t get out of here, I need to somehow getyouout of here, Neris. I don’t know how, but I don’t like the way the sovereign was looking at you, or how he spoke of transferring powers after asking you if you ever wished for them yourself.”
Neris’s eyes widen again. “I didn’t even consider what he might’ve been implying.”
We talk for a while longer before a knock sounds on my door. “Bring that gorgeous face of yours out here,” Lynx’s voice calls from the hall. “Time to convince the Shadow Wielder.”
My stomach turns over.
