It’s okay. I’m so proud of you, little flower. I’m amazed by your strength. Please stay strong for just a little longer. The selection is coming soon, but until then, I will do everything I can to find out who took you from me so I can make them regret it.
The quill falls from Briar’s hand while she’s reading my message. Her eyes dart over the stone tablet as if she needs to read it again to be sure. When she finally looks up, her eyes are glossy again, but this time there’s no sadness in her gaze, only acceptance. Her chin bobs up when she takes a deep breath and picks up the writing implement to respond.
Will I see you again before then? What if they don’t let me go to the selection?
Yes, but only like this until I know it’s safe for you. No more direct communication.
What if they don’t let me go?
I had no intention of ignoring her question the first time she asked, but I wasn’t sure how to answer other than to make a promise I will die to keep.
There are no what-ifs, Briar. You will be there, and so will I. Open the mirror again in three days. I’ll be waiting for you.
Okay, are you going now?
I have to, flower, or I will just sit here and stare at you. That doesn’t do anything to bring you back to me.
I’m sorry I doubted you.
Don’t be. I never should have allowed you to believe it. No matter what happens, I will come for you.
KAGE
Ifeel the shift in the air the moment I walk into Ziv’s room. The dread hanging over the space has lifted, leaving only a slow burning rage in its place.
“Did you talk to her?” I question, already knowing the answer.
“Yes.” His monosyllabic response gives nothing away.
“Am I going to need to beat it out of you, fallen? What happened?”
“She… forgave me.” He seems surprised by his reply. I don’t know if it’s her mercy that shocked him, or the fact that he answered me at all.
“Of course she did. She’s too fucking kind for her own good. I’m more concerned about what else you might have learned, like something that would mean we could get her back,” I prompt the selfish bastard.
“Her abilities are developing.”
“Abilities?” I drop onto the floor cushions. Every once in a while, I swear I can still smell a whiff of Briar’s scent on them, though it’s probably in my imagination. My deep inhale is more from a desperate habit than anything else.
“Yes. She is developing the ability to harness powers that are used against her like the other void.”
“No shit.” My utterance is filled with awe. Briar was adamant that she didn’t possess any power, let alone one so formidable. If that’s true, then no one would be able to hurt her, so why does Ziv seem so uneasy? “What aren’t you telling me?”
“It puts an even larger target on her back. She will be seen as a prize in the Undertaking. Syrinx was responsible for killing the last void, and look what it got her.” He lifts a hand and motions to the walls around him.
“Didn’t you tell me that the last one went nuts and drained half the school, including the headmaster?”
“Yes, and how often does history repeat?”
I snort. “Are you saying you think Briar will massacre an institute while on a power trip?”
“No, but many others might think that and try to get rid of her before she can become too much of a threat. Why didn’t my contact at Frostburn tell me about this? He had to know.”
I’m being obstinate and defensive when I shrug and say, “Have you asked him? Maybe he was too worried about you taking back the one chance they have at winning the games.”
“I plan to ask him in person.”
That gets my attention, and I sit up. “You’re going there?”
