“Naturally.” I grin slightly, an expression Kaelis returns.
“But he wasn’t forthcoming about any other reasoning.”
“What was the title?”
“Cornerstones of the Minor Arcana.He said it was published at least a hundred years ago.”
My brow furrows, and I shift in his lap, leaning against the table to get a better look at him. “It seems…” I start.
“Elementary,” he finishes. “Which leads me to believe it’s anything but.”
“Have you heard of the book before?”
“No. But I am of course going to do everything in my power to locate it and keep it from him.”
“I’ll try to find out about it, too,” I offer. “Maybe the Worldkeepers know something.”
“Thank you.”
Another stretch of silence settles over us. I stare off at nothing, trying to imagine what Ravin would want with theMinorArcana. All the power—every legend—it’s all about the Majors. Minor cards are commonplace.
Every time I think I’m beginning to get answers, I’m left with more questions.
“Clara.” My name on his lips pulls me from my spinning thoughts. His hand moves from my thigh to my cheek, skin warm against mine. “We’re going to stay one step ahead of them.”
“Absolutely.” There’s no room for doubt in my tone. If I’m close to claiming the power to remake the world, I’m certainly not going to let Ravin or Naethor distract me.
With a sigh, he pulls me closer, our foreheads pressing against each other, the tips of our noses brushing. “I know this is the last thing you want me to ask…but I must.”
“Kaelis…” His name is a warning. I don’t pull away, but I bite back a sigh by holding my breath, hoping that he doesn’t ask what I already know he will.
“We can make this all go away.” His fingers are in my hair, weaving through the strands as if they’re fate itself. “My father, Ravin—it could all be nothing more than a bad dream. You saw what the World should be—what the Chalice took from us—and we can still make it. How close is Arina to being ready?”
“She’s still so fragile, Kaelis. But I’m working on it.”
“Is there anything I can do?”
“No. But I appreciate you offering.” I sigh and brush my nose against his.
Kaelis’s arms stay around me, patient. I shift, pressing a soft kiss on the edge of his jaw before pulling gently away. The anger from Ravin’s presence has finally cooled.
His fingers catch my wrist. “Be careful, whatever it is you intend on doing on All Coins Day. Even if he’s busy, he has eyes everywhere.”
“I know,” I murmur, smoothing my clothes. “But we’re too close to finishing this to back down now.” I head for the door.
“Do you know yet what you will say?” he asks suddenly.
I pause at the door. “I have ideas, but I don’t know the exact wording, yet.”
Kaelis stands slowly; our eyes meet, and there’s a sudden weight in the air. “Tell me. Before you make the wish, tell me what you’ll say.” He swallows hard. “I…I’ll forget anyway, won’t I?”
The words hit like an arrow straight to my heart, stealing my breath, pain flooding my body. Kaelis must see it, because he gives a tired and sad smile. We’ve both been avoiding this truth.
“I won’t be a Worldkeeper, and I can’t be the one to make the wish, so I’ll forget.” He shrugs like it’s nothing, even though we both know it’s anything but.
“I could ask them,” I blurt.
“To induct me?” He blinks. “They’ll never agree.”
