“Fine. Where were you?”
“Places to go. People to see. Other things to do. Across the sea.”
She humphed. “I really hate it when you rhyme. You start speaking nonsense when you do. And how are you getting across the sea? Isn’t it blocked by the Veil? Or is it failing there too?”
“To unravel the Veil is a delicate thing. A craft known by few and lost to time. But an ability that still exists.” His eyes shot to mine, and cold fingers ran down my spine. I was in Violet’s memory—there was no possible way I was physically present when this scene took place—and yet I knew he could see me.His eyes went golden again as his voice took on that lyrical quality, echoing as if it was coming from a great distance. I knew with absolute certainty that these words were for me alone. “Learn the craft and stop his gaze, the path is set with Starfire’s blaze. The crown appears when all seems lost. Protect it now, whatever the cost.”
She stomped away from him. “Will you never just speak plainly?”
“Is this plain enough for you?” His voice had changed, lost that lyrical quality. His eyes were green and hard, and focused entirely on Violet as if the prior moment had never happened. “I returned for you. Only you. Violet Andrever.”
“You do know who I am,” she breathed. “I had wondered.”
“Of course I know who you are.” Irritation colored his voice. “I’m only here for you.”
The mist rolled in again but quickly cleared and we were still inthe same cave. But I had no idea if this was the same meeting or another one.
“He goes after the lost art. It calls to him. He yearns for it. And has for years. People have fled before. He follows. He’ll never stop. Not until it’s in his grasp.” The Wraith was pacing, but every so often, he’d pause to stare directly at Violet, as if ensuring she was internalizing his words.
“He’s targeting people who know about Starfire,” she breathed.
There was that word again. What was Starfire? And why was I only hearing about it from Violet and this Wraith?
He nodded. “Listen well, Andrever,” he said as his eyes turned gold. He stared over her shoulder, his eyes once again eerily focused on me, and I felt the icy hand drift down my back.
“A final stand, a battle waged,
“Light and darkness face enraged.
“A world in the balance yet again,
“Ancient foes standby even then.
“Bound to earth, bound to fire,
“Bound to one whose soul burns brighter.
“Bonds of three shall combine,
“Bring forth what’s destined to be thine.
“When bearer’s head the crown does lay,
“Light of the kingdom will have the say.
“Seven stars combine to pierce the night,
“Fire flashes with love’s pure light.
“Fur and flesh once more combine,
“An army to stand the test of time.
“With sword of light, army by her side,
“Channeling powers the earth provide.
“The balance met, light and dark,
