Page 12 of Tangled Power
Carter’s gaze was mysteriously focused on the books on the wall now. This was off to a good start.
Juliette tapped her fingernails on the large wooden table as she finally took the eastern seat. “We knew that, Luc,” she said. “Though I guess we didn’t know that’s what Rose was when you brought her back. You played your relationship a little too well.” Her gaze lingered between them.
“Yes.” His eyes met Juliette’s. “That’s not really what we are discussing.”
Juliette’s lips set into a thin line. She looked like she would say something, prying further into the alliance created between the Norden and Suden Points through Rose and Luc’s not-so-fake romance.
“We’re getting off track,” Rose said. She did not doubt that the Osten and Vesten Points would worry about such an alliance, especially given the depth of power the Suden Point possessed.
Power was coveted in the fae courts. While those at the table now didn’t seem like they would burn the world for more of it, she would never underestimate a Compass Point. It was no accident by which they came to their positions, and she was sure they would do whatever was necessary to maintain them.
“The mist came for the village of Bury the same afternoon that Luc found me. We realized my blades could stop it. They can’t reverse the damage already done, but they can be used to fight the mist-born beasts and prevent wielders from succumbing to the mist plague.”
“That’s the only way I got her to return with me,” Luc commented. “When she realized she held the key to averting more loss by the mist, she couldn’t ignore my request to return to Compass Lake.”
Rose rolled her eyes at Luc. “I’m glad we’re calling that a request,” she commented before she could think better of it.
Carter looked up from the calming movements of his fingers. His wide eyes indicated that sassing the Suden Point wasn’t a regular occurrence.
“We’re getting off-topic again,” Luc said.
Rose liked seeing him flustered. He was always so annoyingly self-assured.
“So that’s how you stopped the mist from entering the Compass Lake Village? With your weapons?” Juliette asked. Her cat-like grin told Rose she would return to the couple’s first meeting at a more appropriate time.
“Yes. Though, there’s something else you should know,” Rose said, looking at the Osten Point. She glanced briefly at Carter too. She was really doubling down on honesty—hopefully, it wouldn’t backfire. They didn’t have time to worry about secrets among them. They needed to unite against the mist and Aterra. Leading by example was her only move, sharing her secrets and asking for nothing in return. “I also have Osten fae in my lineage.”
Juliette assessed her in a new light, her head tilted to the side in contemplation.
“So, I wield both wind and water magic. It’s important for this next part.”
Juliette gestured for her to continue.
“Aterra is at least partially controlling Aiden. When his eyes are gray, Aterra is in control.”
Juliette and Carter looked between Rose and Luc to determine whether this was a joke.
“If you don’t mind me asking, how could you know that?” Carter gently questioned.
“Well, first, Aterra told me when we were in the sandstorm on the beach yesterday. And second”—she eyed Arie—“my friend over there”—she gestured to the bird, still on Luc’s shoulder—“is Arctos, Lord of Fire.”
Juliette laughed. “Luc? He may think highly of himself, but he’s no god.”
Rose was right to suspect the Vesten Point’s attention on the black bird. Carter stared, though not at Luc.
“Not Luc,” Carter said. “The bird.” He bowed his head slightly.
Juliette reappraised the animal perched on Luc’s shoulder.
“Arie has been with me for years, but only recently revealed some critical information about his identity. There is more at stake here than the imbalance of the Compass Points. Having the incorrect Norden Point was a problem, but it was not the only problem. We’ve been in the middle of a power struggle between the gods for years, and we haven’t known it.”
Arie nodded on Luc’s shoulder.
“After the Covenant, the gods were forbidden from interfering with the Compass Points. Aterra has done the opposite. While there is likely more to that story”—Rose gave Arie a sharp glare—“we must prioritize tracking down Aiden and ensuring that Aterra is banished from his person. We don’t know the extent of what Aterra has done, just that Aterra’s interference has led to the mist plague on the continent.”
“How do you know the mist is related to Aterra’s interference?” Juliette asked. “I understand your point that Aterra broke the rules, but he’s a god. Who is punishing him if not us? Our positions were created because no one else could hold a god accountable.”
“Well, that’s where it gets interesting,” Rose said. “Have you been around the mist, Juliette?”
