Page 99 of A Curse of Breath and Blood

Amolie nodded. “I did, but it will require blood and espionage.”

“You’ve piqued my interest. Tell me more.” Tharan took a sip of his wine.

As Amolie explained the intricacies of the amulet, my thoughts drifted to Caiden riding away in the black carriage, oblivious to my existence. In some memories, I merely removed myself, while others, I wiped entirely. To him, I existed as Baylis’s sister, a sibling he had never encountered.

Tharan massaged his chin, pondering the whole thing. “I want to go with you.”

The clanging of silverware interrupted the conversation. “Over my dead body,” Sumac said, food flew from her mouth.

“The Highlands attacked my kingdom. I need to do reconnaissance.”

“Send me.” Sumac rubbed her shoulder where Baylis’s crossbow had hit.

“I need someone to stay here and defend the Woodlands. You and Hopper can run things until I return.”

“But—”

Tharan placed a reassuring hand on top of Sumac’s. “I know you want to protect me, but I am the Alder King now. I will be fine.”

Sumac nodded, returning to playing with her food.

“Is there a chance Gideon could be dead? I skewered him through the gut.”

“I think I would know… or have a feeling if he was dead,” I said.

“Knowing Erissa, she could probably bring him back. Elves with their breaths and all,” Amolie said, not looking up from her book. “It’s a tricky thing, bringing someone back from the dead. No one truly returns. Sure, their body is alive, but you can see the differences over time. Little things, like their sense of humor changes or goes away.”

“How do you know about all of this?” I asked.

“There used to be a coven of witches known for their necromancy. Whoever casts the spell must give some of their own life to bring the person back.” She returned to studying her book.

After dinner, Tharan and I shared a smoke outside. Leaning against the railing, I stared at the stars, blowing smoke rings at them.

“Tell me about your sister,” Tharan said, gazing over his massive kingdom. The forest embarked on its own healing process. Glimpses of green emerged amidst the charred branches of trees.

I sighed. “I know you must hate her for what she did to your father. I’m sorry I couldn’t stop her.”

Tharan turned to me. His verdant eyes accepting. “I know it wasn’t really her. My father’s blood is on Gideon’s hands.” He took another drag of his cigarette. “He was as old as the world. Born from the very trees in this forest—a king to lead them. He ruled for nearly ten thousand years, fought countless wars, helped the Trinity cull the land, and united the Wild Courts. His people loved him, and I hope I can be like him. We had our differences, but‌ I knew he loved me.” He took a deep breath as if the crown weighed heavily on him.

“Thank you,” I whispered, lowering my head. “She’s not that person.”

He placed his hand over mine, making the hairs on my arm stand on end. “I know the love siblings share.”

“Is Briar your only sibling?” I stomped on my cigarette butt.

“Originals differ from you and me, Aelia. The Trinity chooses when they will sire offspring.”

I leaned in closer. Moonlight shone off his silken hair. “What of your sister? Will you look for her?”

Tharan dug a finger into the wood railing. “Briar has always walked her own path. The root rot she contracted as a child transformed her. Some think the rot seeped into her brain.”

“Is that what you think?” I arched my brow.

A sigh escaped his lips, turning his breath to mist in the night air. “I think Illya gives us all special gifts. Sometimes, our gifts may be hidden from others, or it may take time to find them, but they are still there. Briar will do whatever Illya wishes her to do. Should she return, I would welcome her with open arms.”

I rubbed the spot on my arm where the inky mark had been just hours before. “Were you close?”

“We were once. She is the daughter of my father’s only wife, Maple. My father favored her above all others until the rot took her magic. She and I used to play for hours. We were best friends.” He paused. “After the rot, she changed. She secluded herself away from the outside world. Ashamed of what the illness did to her. I tried to help her, but she did not want to be helped. So, we grew apart.”

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