Page 31 of Wicked Prince of Mirrors
Rydlin rolled up the scroll. “It is known as the Noz’Kareth, or the Shapeshifting Shadow in our tongue. There are many beliefs about it, but the truth is yet to be determined. Some believe it takes on the form of that which you are most afraid of and many believe it takes the essence of magic from its victims while others believe it draws on the soul?—”
“Rydlin,” Methrin interrupted, his voice hard, dangerous.
I closed my eyes, thinking of my mother. What were we doing in the wood that evening? Why would the monster wanther? “What of those without magic?”
“More knowledge about it is held in the halls of the Everminati,” Methrin said, drawing my attention back to him.
He stood at the entrance, fingers closed into fists, jaw working. The torches caught his profile,highlighting his pointed ears and the shades of his rich black hair. He looked uncomfortable, angry even. Why had he interrupted Rydlin so abruptly?
“We are going to the Everminati to find the weapon to defeat it,” I clarified.
Methrin did not look at me, and a sinking sensation went through me. That was why we were going through the portal, to his home. Wasn’t it?
“We should prepare to leave. Tomorrow,” Methrin said with finality.
“Did you tell her about the mirror?” Lyra asked.
Methrin crossed his arms. “Not after she declined my marriage proposal.”
My face went hot and I wanted to sink into the stone. He spoke so flippantly.
Lyra squeezed my arm. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know he’d ask you.”
“Is it tradition?” I snapped, my temper fraying at the edges again.
Rydlin interrupted. “Are you sure your magic is strong enough?”
I didn’t realize he was speaking to me until I felt all eyes on me. I blanched. “Strong enough for what?”
“To open the portal in the mirror,” Rydlin explained. “They have long been closed but Prince Methrin has persuaded me that you have powerful Mirror Magic, strong enough to open portals into lands.”
“I . . .” Words failed me because what could I say? Methrin hadn’t taught me how to use Mirror Magic, just how to recognize it within myself.
“It will work,” Methrin said. “We leave in the morning.”
Rydlin frowned. “It’s on the other side of the Boundary, don’t you need longer to prepare?”
“I’ve waited long enough,” Methrin said, the edges of a snarl in his tone.
My mouth went dry, and dimly I heard Rydlin’s next words.
“Then Lyra and I will escort you to the mirror.”
“Wait,” I protested. “We are to cross the Boundary?”
11
ESMIRA
“These are the smuggler tunnels,” Lyra explained, walking beside me as we navigated the curved passageway.
The air was dry and still, and I couldn’t help the suffocating feeling that we were somewhere deep underground, a place where none but the buried should tread. Dressed in traveler’s clothes, a cloak, a sack on my back, and a walking stick, the princess of earlier this year had all but vanished.
I’d expected that we’d leave by the front door and walk through the ruins and mist toward the Boundary, instead we continued deeper into the castle passageways, through locked doors, into tunnels.
Rydlin and Methrin walked ahead, Methrin carrying a torch to light the way while Rydlin leaned on his staff. Beside me, Lyra carried a smaller torch.
“Smuggler tunnels?” I asked. “I thought this placewas built by Seer Isoule? What did she need to smuggle?”
