Page 99 of Poison Sun

“Okay,” I say, although my mind’s already a few steps ahead. “How are we supposed to use the phrase on both her and the compass at once?”

“You’re the fortune teller,” Blaze says, the bitterness from earlier back into his tone. “Shouldn’t you already know this?”

“I’m a scryer. Not a fortune teller.” I glare at him and cross my arms, sick of his attitude. “And yes. That’s a great idea. I can definitely scry to see if we can learn more.”

“Might as well put your magic to good use now that it’s out in the open,” he says.

I’m halfway to my dagger before Langwerda interrupts.

“I may not know the details about what’s going on between the two of you, but you couldn’t have gotten this far if you weren’t stronger together than apart,” she says, and then she focuses on me, more intense than ever. “Never forget that.”

Her final words burn into my soul, as if she’s trying to say something more.

Never forget that.

Does she know about the wind? That it’s trying to get me to turn on Blaze?

Should I say something?

Maybe we can work together to fix it. Maybe there’s a word in the book that can help me. I’m not thrilled about the idea of becoming a test subject again, but now that Blaze has the Crimson Quill, maybe it’ll turn out differently.

I can always scry for answers, but that’s something I’ll have to wait to do in private.

Plus, we’re not supposed to be working on fixing me. Our focus is on helping Amber.

If I tell them about the voices, will it distract us from our true mission?

Maybe. Probably. Because even though things are rough between me and Blaze right now, I do think he cares about me. I don’t think he’d prioritize Amber over me.

At least, I don’t want to think he’d prioritize Amber over me.

We can fix the voices in the future. For now, I’ll do everything I can to fight them off.

I’m strong.

I can do it.

I have to do it.

“Are you okay?” Blaze asks, the concern in his eyes hinting that I’m right—he does still care about me.

“Yes,” I lie, hoping he’ll believe it. “But Amber needs our help. We have to get to the city and get that potion out of her as soon as possible.”

Blaze nods, although he doesn’t look convinced of my lie. “All right,” he says, and he turns back to Langwerda. “Are there any spells I can use to teleport us out of here?”

“I’ve told you all I know,” she says. “The rest is up to you.”

“Maybe we shouldn’t use any more blood spells on ourselves that we don’t know the consequences to,” I say quickly, realizing a second later that I’m rubbing the scar on my arm. “It never hurts to be careful.”

“Careful?” Blaze looks at me like I’m crazy. “In the time we’ve known each other, I’ve yet to see you be particularly careful about anything.”

“That’s not true,” I shoot back. “I can be careful.”

“Sure you can,” he says. “But you’re right. We have a lot to learn about my magic. And if you don’t want me to use it on you again, then I completely understand.”

“Cool.” I breathe out in relief. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.” He sits back, seemingly pleased. “Now… what’s your grand plan to get us to NYC?”

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