Page 108 of The Oracle of Dusk

Theron woke with a gasp as his lungs filled with air he shouldn’t be breathing. This wasn’t the Loom, where all the threads of the world were collected to be respun by Fate back into the Tapestry once more. His surroundings were…physical. A pool of blood cooled beneath him. His blood. And yet he was whole, unharmed, as if the attack had never happened. Theron fumbled to his feet and was immediately sent crashing to his knees. His head swam. Triad’s tits, there it was, the proof of the attack, the blood loss. He leaned against the nearest wall and waited out the dizziness, calling on his magic to replenish his blood.

Theron opened his eyes to find the world had mostly righted itself…for him at least. The atrium of the vivarium was still splashed in blood, guts and gore. Bits and pieces of people were strewn about, with no way to discern the noble from the entertainers and whores. Paladins sifted through the mess, looking for any lingering survivors. It was simply too bad Flora hadn’t been here in time to be devoured. He dragged a hand down his face and sighed, exhausted. How had he survived? And why? He’d died for a reason—a purpose.

“Aurora,” he whispered.

Where was she? Had she managed to flee? Had she died? He got to his feet, ready to search for her when Princess Epicasta inserted her very unwelcome self in front of him.

“How did you know?”

He grinned, enjoying the advantage of knowing something she didn’t. Apparently, the rumours of his little fairy’s predictions and supposed madness hadn’t made it to this one’s ears. That was all for the better. Once her true power became known, it would make it harder to secure her for Aureum.

“Why did you believe me?” he asked.

“I didn’t.”

“And yet…” he chuckled, looking around her.

Aurora was nowhere to be seen. Was that because she’d survived…or because she hadn’t?

“Who are you looking for?”

“Your mother. Perhaps I got lucky and she was eaten.”

“Her Majesty is safe in the inner palace.”

“What a shame.”

“Watch your tongue.”

“Watch your tone. I’m still a king.”

“Clearly.” Epicasta looked him up and down before raising a brow.

He didn’t have the energy to be embarrassed. But he did have it in him to be crafty still. He caught the eye of a nearby paladin and waved him over.

“You’re a paladin of Justice, are you not?”

“I am, your…” The paladin looked him up and down, unsure exactly what Theron was. Though he spoke like a high-born, he was dressed like an ornament.

“Majesty. I am King Theron of Aureum. Thank you for your heroic efforts. If you had not been here at the right moment, everyone would have perished. How did you know when the monstrosities would appear?”

“We didn’t, Your Majesty. We’d been invited to come to the palace by Princess Epicasta to investigate a matter which occurred in the temple plaza a few days ago.”

Epicasta’s eyes widened a fraction as she caught on to his ploy.

“Which I will be happy to rectify with you. If you would please come with me?” Epicasta smiled, trying to pull the paladin away.

But no one who had become a paladin of Justice had done so without being hardheaded and stubborn in the extreme. Like a bloodhound on the scent, once they caught a whiff of injustice, they were as unmovable as a mountain. He might have just found his way out of the vivarium.

“I believe I know of what you speak. The woman attacked by the royal guard is a friend of mine. When we were dragged back here, the royal guard stripped and chained her to that column for days leading up to this…party. Have you found her yet?”

“No, not yet. But when we do, she’ll be taken to the temple of Justice for protection. You, too, will be welcome to take refuge there until the matter has been seen to. Given your status, you may wish to remain there until High Priestess Nerio arrives to oversee your case.”

Theron smiled and bowed to the paladin.

“Blessings of the Triad on you, paladin. I’m grateful for your assistance.”

He gave the paladin Aurora’s description, being sure to make clear that she wore manacles and a collar as well as the garb of a prostitute. Every detail only seemed to enrage the paladin more.

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