‘They were, and I need to get a better look at them to test my theory.’
‘You have a theory?’
‘I always have a theory,’ says Fox. ‘Now, whatever you do, don’t let go of her head.’
I nod, deciding that now is not the time to question why I’m choosing to trust him.
Slowly, he lifts the small bowl up to Elva’s face and her eyes shoot open, once fragments of amber stone and now slivers of molten sunset, luminous among the shadows.
Fox leans in close, examining them.
‘Can she – can she see us?’ I ask.
He shakes his head. ‘She’s still unconscious.’
Elva’s eyes flutter closed once more.
Fox places the bowl down on the table and lets out a long, low whistle. ‘Can you describe to me exactly what you saw upon entering your rooms?’
I swallow. ‘Well, I opened the door and she was just lying there on the ground and Hal was bent over her and –’
‘You misunderstand me,’ he says. ‘I want you to describe what you saw, the first thing you saw, when you opened that door.’
I frown, gently lowering Elva’s head back down on to the countertop. ‘I already told you, I saw her –’
‘Not her, not my brother. Think about your surroundings. What did yousee?’
‘I saw …’ Then I remember. ‘I sawnothing. I couldn’t see anything – it was all dark.’
‘It was all dark,’ Fox repeats quietly. ‘Seems strange,doesn’t it? The candles are always lit well before dusk, the curtains were not closed, the moon was bright tonight, and yet you walked into a room that was in complete and utter darkness.’
I’m not following, but I can feel my muscles tightening, as though bracing themselves for something.
‘You care for this girl, don’t you, Storm Weaver? You respect her. Talk to her. Have you ever talked about where it is she comes from?’
I decide lying is futile. ‘Yes, we have.’
‘And can you recall the name of this place?’
‘Obsidia.’ I fold my arms. ‘But what does that have to do with anything?’
Fox rests his head over a spot on Elva’s chest, listening to her heart. ‘Incredible,’ he breathes. ‘That she can withstand so much, that it hasn’t killed her.’
‘Thatwhathasn’t killed her?’
Fox straightens up. ‘Tell me, how did Ostacre defeat the Otherlands during the War of the Empires?’
I raise an eyebrow. ‘You’re – you’re seriously giving me a history test right now?’
‘Answer the question.’
I answer the question. ‘Well, because the Etheri were stronger, of course. Isn’t that how people usually win wars? They overpower their enemy.’
‘Overpower,’ Fox repeats softly. ‘Yes, you could say that. The Magi were left powerless, rendered no more than Fidra. Many were enslaved, just like your friend here.’
‘So, Elva’s ancestors lost their magic and now she’s a serf. This I already know.’ I fight to keep the impatience out ofmy voice. ‘Tell me what’s happening to her. Tell me what’s going on. Please.’ The last word slips out unbidden.
‘You said the Magi lost their magic,’ says Fox. ‘Lost it how?’
