Page 87 of Crown of Ashes and Desire

“Well, fuck me sideways,” Sarp muttered, all traces of humor suddenly gone. “You’re actually serious.”

“No, I just enjoy destroying priceless artifacts for dramatic effect,” I replied dryly. “Of course I’m serious. The shadow magic grows more unstable each year. The boundaries thin. The darkness becomes harder to control.”

Sarp stared at the shards for a long moment. “So let me get this straight,” he said, and ticked points off on his fingers. “Option one: sacrifice your wife, gain temporary power, and watch our realm slowly implode anyway. Option two: convince the woman who would happily stab you in your sleep to join forces against the most terrifying entity in existence, who alsohappens to be your father.” He gave me a manic grin. “Have you considered retirement? Nice quiet cottage somewhere? Perhaps take up knitting?”

“She doesn’t need to know everything yet,” I said. “Just enough to agree to the alternative ritual.”

“Oh brilliant.” Sarp slapped his forehead. “More lies. Because that strategy has worked out so well for you so far. Remind me, how many times has she tried to kill you this week? I’ve lost count.”

His words hit deeper than he knew. Even after Ada had learned about my father’s memory spell, I’d maintained other deceptions, convinced they were necessary.

“I’ll tell her everything,” I decided. “The whole truth about what I’ve found.”

Sarp choked on air. “I’m sorry, what? Did you just say ‘truth’? Are you feeling alright?” He leaned over to press a hand to my forehead. “No fever. Perhaps a concussion? Did you hit your head while I wasn’t looking?”

I swatted his hand away. “I’m serious, Sarp.”

“That’s what worries me.” He peered at me with suspicion. “You’re actually going to tell her everything about this alternative ritual? Your suspicions about the shadow realm dying? Your plan to oppose your father?”

“Yes.”

“And if she calls bullshit? Which, let’s be honest, is the most likely response.”

I considered this. “Then at least I’ll have tried something other than manipulation for once.”

Sarp stared at me before throwing his hands up dramatically. “Who are you and what have you done with my friend? The real Hakan would never willingly choose honesty when lying is an option.”

A knock at the study door interrupted us. A guard entered, bowing low.

“My lord, the Lady of Light has awakened. She’s asking for you.”

My heart stuttered, an unfamiliar nervousness taking hold. “Tell her I’ll come to her shortly.”

As the guard departed, Sarp clapped a hand on my shoulder.

“Well, this should be entertaining. Try not to get immolated by light magic.” He paused. “Also, bring her something. A gift. Women like that sort of thing.”

“A gift?” I echoed with skepticism.

“Yeah, you know. Something that says, ‘Sorry I’ve been a manipulative ass and I’d like to try not murdering you now.’”

“I don’t think they make a gift basket for that.”

“Maybe just go with jewelry? Or those little pastries she likes? Or—here’s a radical thought—maybe just don’t be a complete dick for five consecutive minutes?”

Despite everything, I found myself smiling. “Sage advice.”

“I’m a fountain of wisdom,” Sarp agreed, and bowed with exaggerated ceremony. “Now go bare your soul to your wife. I’ll start planning your funeral, just in case.”

After Sarp left, I gathered the most crucial texts, the ones that detailed the alternative ritual and the history of shadow and light magic. Then, on impulse, I opened a hidden compartment in my desk and removed a small wooden box I hadn’t touched in five years.

Inside lay a simple bracelet of intertwined silver and gold, etched with ancient symbols of both shadow and light. I’d commissioned it for Ada before everything fell apart, before my father’s machinations separated us. I’d kept it all these years, a painful reminder of what I’d lost.

Perhaps it was time it served a better purpose.

When I entered our chambers, Ada was standing by the window, gazing out at the shadow city below. She’d bathed and changed since the events at the tower, but exhaustion still lined her face.

“How are you feeling?” I asked, and closed the door behind me.

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