Page 71 of In The Shadows

“I may find your answer in an old healer’s journal, but I’ll have to find it first. Then I can formulate the reversal elixir and gather ingredients. I’ll need some time, though,” she says, her eyes still searching.

“This wouldn’t have something to do with our new guest, would it?” she asks.

My eyes go wide as I slowly turn my head to Nyx, who’s just as stunned as I am. Both of us are unsure of how to answer.

“He’s from Lux and your age. You two knew each other, didn’t you?” she asks, already knowing the answer.

I avoid her gaze as I fight back the pain from all the years lost and focus on a purple gemstone on the counter. My silence answers for me.

“Understood, my queen. I’ll work on this and find you when it’s done,” she says with a sigh.

I finally look back at her, and I’m positive she can see the pain in my eyes. She’s always been good at reading me. Her soft smile lets me know she does.

“Thank you, Loma.”

She grins at me with a sparkle in her eyes, which comforts me.

“Anything for you. This will be another one of our little secrets,” she says with a wink.

Nyx groans loudly, and I stifle a laugh.

Nyx and I head to the dining hall next, following the smell of bacon. My stomach grumbles, and I quicken my pace. Hiram stands near the doors, and I hurry to him, wanting an update on Theo. He bends deeply at the waist to bow, crossing his arm on his chest.

“How is he, Hiram? Is he okay?” I ask anxiously.

I rub my thumb on my palm, trying to distract myself from the panic rising within me. My shadows dance nervously in their well. Nyx comes beside me, running his hand across my back to one of my shoulders, giving it a gentle squeeze. His silent reminder for me to breathe deeply, which I do as a natural response.

Hiram notices my agitation and his features soften.

“He slept through the night. I’m here to get him some food and water. He was still asleep when I checked on him a little while ago. I’ll keep you posted if anything changes.”

“Thank you, Hiram,” I say, placing a hand on his arm.

“I follow orders, my queen.” I release my hold, and, with a bow of his head, Hiram turns to the dining hall to gather breakfast for Theo. Nyx and I trail in after. The dining hall is quiet this early in the morning, with only a few crew members stopping in for a meal before starting their day.

Pyke steps out of the kitchen with a hot plate of food and a mug of coffee. He hands them over to me with one of his dramatic bows.

“Thank you, Pyke,” I say.

His preening smile makes me smile back at him before he hurries back to the kitchen.

“I’ll meet you in the council room,” I say to Nyx.

“You’re not going to wait for me?” he asks with fake offense.

“And let my food get cold? Never,” I huff before leaving.

I plop into the seat at my desk in the council room, staring down at my overflowing plate. My stomach rumbles loudly. I’m already devouring my plate before Nyx joins me.

“Any idea what you are going to do about our new guest?” Nyx asks, picking at the food on his plate. I set my fork down and lean back in my chair.

“I’m not sure, but I know we can’t send him back to Lux. They would try to kill him for failure of duty.” I say, gritting my teeth at the thought.

Nyx leans forward, crossing his arms on top of the table.

“I have a theory. I went to Lux two months ago to investigate a rumor I heard in our village about Theo and Junie getting married,” I say.

Nyx stares at me wide-eyed. His jaw flexes, his annoyance palpable.

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