“It’s a possibility, yes.” Narissa nodded and gave Novalise another bite of cake. “There are plants and herbs that can combine to achieve such an effect. With Queen Elowyn being a Druid, she would be well-versed in such a concoction.”
“That somehow makes it even worse.” Creslyn muttered a rather unladylike swear, and Drake arched a brow, a smirk pulling at the corner of his mouth.
“It is our belief,” Kjeld began, his palm still planted firmly at the nape of Caelian’s neck, like a fissure of bonded strength, “that Queen Elowyn tried to use Trysta to dilute and ultimately end the Starstorm bloodline. In her mind, she was muddling the source of power with Druidic blood, but all she succeeded in doing was creating more potent variations of the Starstorm magic, as evidenced by the eight of you.”
Ariesian, Caelian noticed, had been strangely silent throughout most of the discussion.
“If her goal is to end us, then something must be done.” Tovian pushed off the hearth and glanced back at Nyxian, who stood with him, his arms folded over his chest. “I will not remainidle and do nothing while ruin befalls my family. I’m going to postpone my sailing trip, it’s clear I’m needed here with?—”
“No.” Ariesian’s interruption was low and icy, so cold it pulled every last shred of warmth from the room. He unfolded himself from the chair, his masculine, intimidating stature taking up far too much space. “If Elowyn has waited this long to start making moves, then I know she will not act in haste.”
It did not escape Caelian’s notice that Ariesian so blatantly dropped her title.
“If she intends to carry on as though nothing is amiss, then so shall we. I will not have us drawing any unwanted attention to ourselves. Tovian, you will sail as planned. Nyxian, you will marry as planned.” He stalked toward the center of the room, his presence commanding as he addressed all of them. “But we will make subtle moves. We will hone our magic, all of us. We will make plans and preparations. Sarelle, I would like a detailed analysis of Prince Aspen’s every move, and if he truly stands with us.”
She nodded dutifully, and he continued. “More importantly, I want every Starstorm under my roof.”
Ariesian’s hardened gaze shot to Asher and Drake in quiet challenge. “I will hear no argument on the matter.”
Solarius cocked his head to one side, his gaze trekking over to linger on his wife once more. “Think you can take him, Rissa love?”
Ariesian loosed an exasperated sigh but cracked the faintest of smiles when Narissa folded her hands in her lap and fired back. “Shadowy starlight has nothing on the might of the ocean.”
The room erupted into laughter, and Caelian was grateful for the reprieve, though it was short-lived.
“The corrupt magic that plagued the mountains has been defeated, for now.” Ariesian’s tone was ominous, and a shudder of apprehension pierced Caelian’s spine. “Assuming it belongs toElowyn, that would mean her power, her nature-based magic, is somehow tied to the land.”
Caelian stiffened, drawing herself upright. Her brother’s words dredged up a foggy recollection, like a memory that was just out of reach. A forgotten wish from years ago, perhaps, though she couldn’t be sure. Each time she grasped for it, the edges surrounding the possible wish blurred, and the voice accompanying it faded from her memory.
“Correct, Morwyn claimed much the same,” Kjeld added, but there was an edge to his tone. “Druidic magic is bound to the land and the natural world. When it is used for good, the beauty of that power is displayed by the user. Yet when it is sullied, much like what Elowyn has done, the darkness makes itself known through rot and decay. Which was why when Trysta ingested the poison, she turned to dust and ash.”
Tovian stepped closer, tucking his hands behind his back, a prominent line of concern etched across his brow. “But Elowyn looks as though she hasn’t aged a day in years.”
Ariesian lifted one finger. “That’s because she’s a Druid masquerading as a fae.”
“Likely using moonshade to forge glamour,” Narissa chimed in, handing the rest of her cake to Novalise. “Just like Trysta’s bracelets. Elowyn must be wearing something, some kind of metal to be used in conjunction with the moonshade in order to glamour herself as a fae.”
Solarius stood up from his chair, stalked over to her, and captured her cheeks with his hands. “Stars above, I fucking love you.”
Then he kissed her soundly on the mouth.
Nyxian groaned. Sarelle sighed. And Novalise started to cry.
“Oh, I am so sorry.” She batted her hands around her face and fluttered her lashes, trying to keep the tears at bay, while Asher dotingly handed her another handkerchief.
“You have nothing to apologize for, Starlight,” he crooned softly from over her shoulder.
“I’m just very emotional.” Novalise’s eyes welled again. “About everything.”
Narissa patted her gently on the hand. “We know.”
Drake cleared his throat in an attempt to redirect the conversation at hand. “So far, there have been no other reports of this dark magic attempting to decimate the land. It appeared to be targeted. That being said, we also don’t know if Elowyn is acting alone.”
“I will find out.” Sarelle made the bold claim, and every head in the room turned to look at her. “Prince Aspen and I are friendly enough,notin that way,” she added, when each of her brothers arched a threatening brow. “But he trusts me. And I trust him. Whatever she is planning, I will uncover it.”
“Safely,” Creslyn added.
“Yes, of course.” Sarelle offered her a bright smile. “Always safely.”
