Page 20 of Spells of Shadow and Blood

The Stormshades would be brought to justice, and finally have to answer for their crimes.

Osiris was right about that.

War was brewing…and I planned to be at the heart of it.

THIRTEEN YEARS OLD

Ihad packed my bags to go to Akra, and never wanted to look back. I was ready to train full time in the king’s army, and knew I would climb the ranks quickly. I was skilled with the dagger and sword, and even the bow and arrow. But most importantly I was a skilled shifter, and my shadow magic was becoming stronger and stronger every day.

The final item I packed away for my trip was the Grishina grimoire. It was a part of me now, and under no circumstances would I leave it behind. I had never gotten to see the Kotova grimoire when Annelise had returned, but I knew it lingered somewhere in the cottage.

Despite it not choosing me, I could scent the hum of its energy. Kotova blood ran through my veins, after all.

Zion and Annelise had allowed me to go on my own. After years of traveling there each month to train, I knew the way. And I wasn’t afraid of passing through The Shadow.

No.

The Shadow should be afraid of me.

I dared anyone to stand against my magic at this point. I was so powerful, drunk on the feeling, dark magic pulsing through my blood. I needed more and more black magic to fill the high, which wasn’t a concern of mine. Annelise might have been right…my humanity was slipping away little by little, but I delighted in it.

Soon I wouldn’t be hurt any longer.

I would be hardened to it.

Emotions were too fickle, anyway. If I wanted to rule the kingdom, they would only get in the way. I needed to stay focused on the bigger picture. Stay focused on my magic.

As I traveled past the docks of Prins and toward The Shadow I sensed I was being followed. I could feel eyes on me…it was a sensation I couldn’t quite explain. The sun was setting and I would have to make camp on the other side of The Shadow. Or find an Inn to stay at for the night to rest. I needed to lose this tail, whoever was stupid enough to be following me.

As I descended the steps into The Shadow and passed through the empty streets, whoever it was gained on me. Closing the distance between us. They were drawing closer and closer, not wanting to lose sight of me in the narrow alleys and twisting streets here, but not close enough to be seen.

I increased my pace.

I wasn’t necessarily worried about who it was that was following me, only that I wasn’t in the mood for a confrontation at the moment.

I was tired. Tired from the journey. Tired of my parents. Tired ofeverything.

By the time I had reached the top of The Shadow steps I was beyond annoyed. I picked up my pace through Prins, vowing to stop for the night once I had made it into Akra.

I picked up a brisk walk toward the plains that led to The Stone City when I sensed whoever it was following me draw even closer. Close enough that I could scent their magic. Feel their darkness. I stopped short, turning. I hadn’t realized exactly how close they were, and the figure reached out quickly and grasped my pack. I flew back with it. To avoid being dragged to the dirt, I let the pack slip from my shoulders.

“What the hell?”

When my gaze settled on the figure clutching the pack to their chest, a spark of recognition shocked my core.

“Persephone?”

I hadn’t seen the woman before me inyears. Since Cirilla and I had traveled to her worn down house in Prins with the Grishina grimoire…and resurrected Emil with necromancy. Turning him into a Noctani, a blood drinking monster.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.

I cocked my head to the side as I watched her. She didn’t move. Her black, endless eyes were trained on me. The pack was pressed tightly to her chest. Her hair was unkempt, falling out of the messy braid that fell down her back.

She didn’t answer.

“Persephone?” I took a step closer, and as if she were a frightened animal she took a step back.

“Stay away from me,” she hissed.

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