Mariah chuckled softly. “At least you’re self-aware.”
“I know I’ve told you so much,” Signe said, tone shifting into something more earnest. “But this is serious. The Oracle and I—we can’t see you where you go. But we have tried to give you what you need to succeed, even when the darkness clouds the way.”
Mariah’s skin prickled. “Just tell me what I need to know, Signe.”
“Do you remember the play? The one from the eve of the Solstice?”
The play. The one in the cavernous theater, with its rows and rows of private booths, and the resplendent dinner that followed.
The one Mariah most definitely didnotwatch, choosing to occupy the time in…other ways. She couldn’t stop the flames that licked up her neck and into her cheeks, fueled brighter by the flicker of humor racing down a shadowy bond that never closed.
“Y-yes,” she said, softly clearing her throat. “The play. I remember.”
Signe nodded, not seeming to notice Mariah’s blush. “Good. I know it was short. But it tells a story that is deeply important to my people. One that has been passed down from generation to generation—a story of one of the first prophecies ever told after Callamus went to rest once the First War was over.”
She took a few more steps forward, grasping Mariah’s hands. “I asked them to perform it—for you. Because I knew you needed to see it. I hoped that if you did, you would understand what it meant.” She paused, eyes searching Mariah’s face. “Did you? Understand it?”
Mariah swallowed. Her heart pounded so violently in her ears, she feared Signe would be able to hear it.
How could she have been so fucking stupid? So reckless? So desperate for a distraction, a return to something normal, that she’d ignored a gift from a friend who had riskedeverything, again and again, to help her?
She felt the same emotions from Andrian. She reached out to him, desperate for a lifeline.
“You have to trust in yourself,nio. Whether watching that play could’ve helped you or not, you have to trust that whatever comes next, you have all you need to face it.”
It settled her some. Not enough—not nearly enough—but it was good enough to help calm her racing heart.
Mariah gave Signe a nod. “I did. Thank you. I’m ready.”
Signe loosened an exhale of relief, shoulder sagging slightly. “Thank the gods,” she breathed out. Her gaze wandered, first to Andrian, then to Callamus with a nod of respect, and finally to Matheo. That sadness flitted back across her face, flickering in her amethyst eyes.
“Whatever comes next,” she said, “was decided long ago. There is no changing it; all that can be done is to weather the storm and hope you are prepared.” She released Mariah’s hands. “I will tell theVigamorto send their forces to Andburgh when they are ready.” With a final, lingering sad smile to Matheo, Signe turned, starting back down the cliffside path. Matheo looked about ready to chase after her, conflict flowing across his face.
Mariah’s heart tugged in her chest. She went to him, laying a hand on his shoulder.
“You’ll see her again,” she said. “When this is over, we areallgoing to finally find the happiness we deserve.”
Matheo smiled and nodded, but his hazel gaze was uncharacteristically muted. He said nothing further as they finished their preparations. Light flashed against the setting sun as Mariah and Callamus shifted, leathery wings rustling. Matheo climbed aboard Callamus, Andrian settling between the ridges of Mariah’s spines.
They leaped into the air, banking south, Signe’s words ringing in Mariah’s mind.
All that can be done is to weather the storm and hope you are prepared.
Mariah ignored the chill worming down her spine. Shewasready. She had to be.
Beneath her scales, the Crieré’s Mark burned.
Chapter 79
The cell tucked high in the boughs of Elyren swayed in the breeze. Branches cracked, the floor buckling, like it would give way and plummet to the ground at any moment.
Sebastian felt none of that.
Three days. Three days had passed since Ydros had betrayed them, declaring Mariah and her court enemies of Vatha. Three days spent in these cells high above the earth, watching the sun rise and set with mocking warmth.
Three days since he’d failed. Again. And likely for the last time.
Because for the first time in his life, he couldn’t see his way out of this one. Couldn’t see a way forward, a path to fixing this.
