Page 130 of Queen of the Crimson Throne

I dumped the contents of the bowl over the raging fire, setting it on the ground at my feet before closing my eyes and beginning the spell.

The magic pushed and pulled against my skin, I gritted my teeth against the strain. Without Luce and Kara by my side, the magic was more intense than before. It nearly brought me to my knees, but I continued. I opened myself up to the magic, letting it roam through my body as I called for the Goddess.

All at once the magic stopped. I sucked in a breath as my magic returned to its resting place inside me, but the hairs on my arms remained raised. Magic filled the cavern. I could feel it in the air, taste it on my tongue.

When I opened my eyes, the Goddess’ starry form was in front of me once again.

“That was less dramatic than last time,” I told her.

“I didn’t take you for one to care for dramatics.”

“You’re right.” I perched myself on a large rock, crossing one leg over the other.

“So, what do you want from me this time, Queen of Stardust.” The Goddess sat herself on a rock across from me.

“You owe me an explanation.”

“For what?” She raised a perfectly arched starry brow.

“You lied to us about what’s in the journal.”

“And you didn’t destroy it like I told you to.”

I scoffed, “If you’re so concerned about it, why didn’t you take it back yourself.”

She narrowed her dark eyes on me. “You met the Galtain family. You know why.”

“But you thought I could go in and do it?”

“You are becoming more and more unpredictable, Lennox Adair.” She looked at her nails. “I thought at least one of you would be able to do it.”

I doubted anyone who heard the family’s story would be able to take the journal from them.

“How long have you been looking over that family?”

“What do you mean?” She snapped.

“You know exactly what I mean. You feel guilty over what you did to the family—you’ve been trying to make up for your actions for decades, haven’t you? Giving them luck and assistance when they needed it.

“Anything they believe is my doing is only coincidental.”

I rolled my eyes. “How did you let the story get so twisted anyways?Whydid you let that happen?”

“The well-known story paints me in a much more flattering light, don’t you think?” The smile that grew on her face was cold and cruel.

“You’re a monster. You know that? You let that poor family suffer for the consequences ofyouractions.”

Astria stood, her form turning darker. “Do you forget who you speak to? I am your Goddess. No matter how you feel about me, you still need to treat me with respect.”

“I think we’re past that, don’t you?” I stood, meeting her eye to eye.

“I could turn you to stardust with the snap of my fingers girl.”

“Do it,” I gritted. Our eyes locked in a fierce stare.

“I’ve had enough,” she snapped, her form dissipating, the stars winking out.

“Wait!” I reached out, my fingers slipping through her figure.

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