Page 95 of To Dwell in Shadows
“Okay, so we have a little time.”
“Yes, but why does it matter? Let’s leave tonight. Right now, even.”
“Honey, I don’t have the strength to use the stone tonight,” she said quietly.
A prickle of shame coursed down Sam’s spine. “No. Of course not.”
“But also, there’s something I need to do before we leave. In the maze, I promised the spirits I would help them cross over.”
“Did you tell them when? I can help you.” He swallowed. “Seeing them home should be my burden to bear.”
“No. You can’t communicate with them and it would raise too many suspicions. I’ll ask Vanthee if I can take them tomorrow.”
“If you’re certain that’s best.”
“I want to show her the prophecy, too. She needs to know about it.”
“I agree,” Sam said. “Once we’re gone, she may have to fight for her rightful place.”
They were both silent for a moment until Sam tapped the notebook in her pocket. “And when we get home, I’ll deliver these messages to the families myself.”
“That would be nice. Oh, I just realized something… ” He watched Selene’s eyes suddenly fill with tears. She looked upward, trying to blink them away, but failed. “I’ll need to say goodbye to Zetta.” Her voice hitched.
Sam wiped her tears away with his thumb. “Of course,” he said gently. It pained him to see her hurting, but the promise of returning to Aurelia filled some of the emptiness he had been carrying. “Take care of everything tomorrow. Then we’ll go as soon as you’re ready.”
Chapter 46
The next day, Selene asked Prickles to deliver a message to Vanthee, asking her to meet later in the library. Sam was going to tie up any loose ends he had at the Sanctum, but he still walked her to the kennels so she could spend one last day with Zetta.
Selene had ditched the gowns in favor of the pants and T-shirt she had worn when they left Aurelia. Ogrin was working in the kennels and raised an eyebrow at her unconventional appearance but didn’t comment.
She had to hold back tears when she opened Zetta’s kennel, but she managed to keep it together until they made it to the library. After a good cry, which thoroughly perplexed Zetta, she was taking one last, bittersweet look at all the progress she had made on the library when Vanthee burst through the doors.
“I don’t have much time, but something’s happening,” she said breathlessly. “My father just cornered me ranting about how I need to beguile Prince Samael!”
“They’re planning Sam’s coronation,” Selene said quietly. “His parents decided last night that he’s the Dark Sovereign.”
Vanthee made a choked sound. Her surprised expression shifted to heartache, and her shoulders slumped. “I guess him nominating me didn’t go so well. I knew it was too much to hope for.”
“It’s not going to happen because Sam and I are leaving tonight,” Selene said. Speaking the words gave her a tingle of excitement. But when Zetta nudged her head under Selene’s hand, her throat swelled with grief.
“You are?” Vanthee asked.
“Yes, so I need to show you this right now.” Selene grabbed Vanthee’s arm and pulled her behind a bookcase.
Vanthee looked around. “Show me what?”
“Do you know whatThe Sovereign’s Reckoningis?” she whispered, suddenly conscious of being overheard, even though they were alone.
“Of course, but it’s only a legend.”
“No, it’s not. I found it.”
Vanthee inhaled sharply. “Are you serious?”
“Yes, but it’s tricky to get to.” Selene called Zetta over. Grabbing a candle from a nearby table, she held it in front of Zetta’s nose. She explained to Vanthee, “You need blue fire to get to the book.”
When Selene commanded Zetta to speak, the wick lit instantly. Selene held the candle in front of the hidden panel in the bookshelf. Vanthee gasped with understanding when she saw the sigil in the wood glow. Selene slid the panel aside and retrieved the book nestled within.
