Page 43 of Poison Sun

When he puts it like that, I can’t really blame him.

“Amber’s magic is being eaten away by a potion that’s making her a beacon for shadow souls,” I remind him. “I’m not sure it can go anywhere worse from there.”

“Trust me,” he says, darkness returning to his eyes. “It can get worse. Way, way worse.”

I want to ask him what happened, but I don’t.

After all, I know better than anyone what it’s like to keep secrets. Pushing him isn’t going to get him to open up to me.

The only thing that will is time.

“Let’s keep searching through the book,” I say, since it’s clearly going to give me more information than Blaze will right now.

“For an idea that doesn’t involve me using my magic to curse your friend?” he asks.

“For anything that might help,” I say, and when we return to reading, he’s more focused than ever.

We continue in near silence, taking an occasional break to nibble on some cheese.

With each page turned, I feel like we’re getting closer and closer to an answer. But eventually, shadows creep across the pages as the sun starts to set, making it harder to read, until we’re ready to give up entirely.

“We should head back soon,” Blaze says, not sounding sad about it.

“Just a few more minutes.” I read faster, as if the answer’s going to pop out at any second. “There’s something here. I can feel it. We’re close.”

“Fine,” he says. “A few more minutes.”

I can tell from his tone that he doesn’t think we’re going to find anything.

But every bone in my body tells me to keep going. So, I turn the page, and the next, and then…

My breath catches at the detailed illustration of a quill, its red hue vibrant even in the fading light.

The title above it calls it the Crimson Quill, and the text around it speaks of ancient blood magic. Of a tool both powerful and perilous, with the capacity of creating unimaginable change.

“Look at this,” I say, and he moves closer as we read together.

The Crimson Quill was crafted by ancient blood witches, meant to amplify their magic. It’s a tool that can provide the precision and strength that Blaze’s magic lacks.

Better yet?

There are clear instructions for how to find it.

“Why do I feel like there’s no stopping you from trying to get this thing?” Blaze asks after we’ve read everything we possibly can about it.

“Because there’s no stopping me from trying to get this thing,” I say simply.

“I figured.” He breathes out, apparently knowing better than to put up a fight.

“Do you want to come with me?” I ask, hoping he does.

He pauses for a few seconds, thinking, and I remain totally still as I wait for his answer.

“You might need the book out there,” he finally says. “And you can’t read the book without me nearby. So… I guess that means I’m coming.”

“Good.” I smile, quickly turning serious again. “Thank you. You won’t regret this. It’s going to change everything.”

“I didn’t say I’ll use that thing on your friend’s skin,” he reminds me. “Just that I’ll help you find it.”

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