Page 140 of The Trials of Ophelia

“Jezebel should go,” Tolek said, and all eyes swung to him. “I’ve been studying Mindshaper magic, and I think she should try hers around this twisted source. To see if there are any connections.”

He had been digging through those books at every possible chance. I worried about how it would affect his own nightmares, but he was too curious to be convinced otherwise.

“And Rina,” I added. She may not be a Bodymelder, but she was the healer I wanted by my side.

“You four go.” Malakai waved a hand at us. “You’re the ones with the most reason.”

“Mali’s right,” Tolek said. “We don’t need to be there.”

Cypherion said nothing, but he nodded, and they left. These three men had been through death and torture and war together, and a piece of me warmed to see them walking down the corridor peacefully. The weight of the future gave them a brief reprieve. With so much uncertainty in our lives, I’d never take those small moments for granted again.

“All right.” I brought myself back to the moment, checking that Starfire, Angelborn, and my dagger were all secure. Met my sister’s, Rina’s, and finally Vale’s eyes. “Let’s go, then.”

Chapter Forty-Seven

Ophelia

The prisoner’s head hung between his shoulders, dark hair slicking to sweaty skin as he muttered to himself. His fingers flexed over the iron arms of the chair in time with his feet fluttering where they were chained.

Dried blood splattered across his face. Drops speckled his lips and chin. His boots were gone, replaced with thick, lined slippers, and he retained no weapons belt or bandoliers. If I didn’t know better, he looked as plain as a baker in Palerman, dressed in a thick tunic and leathers.

Zaina circled around him, leading our small train. Rina stationed herself nearest, quick eyes assessing his physical state. Beside her, Vale pulled out a small wrapped cylinder of crushed herbs like she’d once given us all at Renaiss. How long ago those days felt.

“Easier to prepare for spontaneous readings,” she explained. The match she struck was a loud hiss in the cell, the prisoner’s head cocking at the sound. Soon, the hazy lavender smoke surrounded Vale, a much thinner layer than her recent readings.

Jezebel lingered in the shadowed corner, eyes intent and power bubbling within her frame, as I stepped up to the prisoner.

His eyes stuck to my boots first, slowly dragging up my body—not leering, simply taking me all in.

And when they landed on my face, a manic smile split his own.

“It’s you,” he gasped. Then, he was shouting. “Call the queen! Call the queen!”

It reminded me of Aird. Of the hinges in his mind slowly coming loose, the power swirling within him when I’d rescued Tolek.

But this was far worse.

The way this warrior cracked his neck and flexed his hands almost seemed like he had no control over himself. Like his power was pushing at the edges of his skin, fighting to pop bones and tear flesh.

I hardened my voice against the nausea that image drew.

“Pleased you recognize me. But your queen will not hear any calls you make.”

Those wild eyes widened. I thought Vale was muttering something. Santorina circled around, eyes on the man’s twitching fingers.

“You nearly took her last time, but oh, how the queen waits. Her anger stews and wounds run deep, but she’ll win her prize.”

“What does he mean?” Jezebel snapped.

“The blood of the girl across her hands. We are not allowed to touch. We must only deliver. And I found you.” He thrashed, not seeming to remember he was in chains. The clanking echoed in the small cell.

“You can’t touch me,” I said. “None of you can. I will die by my own blade before I fall to your queen’s.” I brushed my fingers across the handle of my dagger.

Vale’s muttering grew louder. “Breath of lungs and threads of heart.” Santorina and I exchanged a nod, and Rina moved closer to the Starsearcher.

“Little angel child, is that what you think?” The prisoner cackled. “She will destroy what she wishes, or did you not learn with your father?”

My fist cracked into the side of his face before I realized what I was doing. Again and again until my knuckles split open and our blood mingled.

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