Page 29 of The Eye of the Fifth
‘Just as the prophecy said they would: “Rage will blind and tear down what is known, for her power to come forth to take its throne.”As I understand it, there was a brawl. Kyraena was enraged and through her anger her powers finally emerged,’ Win said. Her lip curled with derision. ‘Her human friend approached the estate in the middle of the night to tell me of the news. Kyraena has been imprisoned for the death of six men, and accused of stealing magic. I assume there will be a trial at some point. Release her before that happens.’
‘Why was Kyraena so far from the estate in the first place?’ Naal said sharply. ‘Has she not been living here?’
‘She took it upon herself to desert her family seven years ago.’
‘But she was protected here,’ Naal said, struggling to remain un-accusing. ‘Why would she put herself in danger?’ When Win did not respond, a realisation dawned on her. ‘You never told her, did you?’
‘I was going to,’ Win said, furious eyes finally snapping up. ‘She left before I could.’
‘So she has been left unprotected in the city for seven years?’ It was a miracle that Empress Azar hadn’t caught wind of it.
Win said venomously, ‘Do you truly think me so careless?’
‘How, then?’ Naal probed. ‘How is she protected?’
‘That isnoneof your business and I’ll hear no more of it.’ Win paused, as if waiting for Naal to argue. ‘You should know that the fae have their magic back. I felt it surge in my body. I knew then that Kyraena had found her power, before that human pet of hers came running.’
Naal raised her eyebrows. ‘She broke Azar’s curse? That is quite a feat. One I do not think the Empress would have anticipated.’
‘I doubt Kyraena knows what she has done. She was never a very self-aware child.’
Naal absent-mindedly chewed the inside of her lip. With magic thriving in their veins once more, the earthling fae had quite suddenly become a separate, yet equally imposing threat. ‘Will they continue the peace, do you think? Or will they see this as a sign for vengeance?’
Win glowered at her. ‘How should I know?’ She was right, of course. It had been a thoughtless question. ‘Are we done?’
‘I…’ Naal began, then frowned. ‘I suppose we are.’
‘Good,’ Win said shortly as she picked up her quill, dipped it in black ink and continued in her writing. ‘You can see yourself out.’
Naal did not move. ‘You knew this day would come. Kyraena will have questions. Do you not think she deserves to hear the answers from you?’
Winvara’s eyes flashed. ‘Do not presume to know my relationship with my own blood.’
‘Kyraena’s fate is changed forever. She deserves to know why you decided to keep her identity a secret.’
Win slammed the quill on the desk and stood, stalking to the door. ‘Kyraena abandoned this family, just as her brother did. You would know all about abandonment so I’m sure your friendship will blossom through that mutual understanding.’ She wrenched the door open. ‘Please go.’
Naal stayed right where she was. Softly, she said, ‘Win, there is not a day that goes by that I do not regret leaving you.’
‘Regret does not change what happened.’
‘Nor does harbouring such hatred for me and yet you hold steadfast to that rope,’ Naal said blandly. She stood to face her. ‘I did hope that perhaps the years had softened your resentment. I see now that it has not. But know this, Winvara. No matter how much time passes, no matter how much your hatred for me grows, no matter if all that’s left of your family leaves you alone in this manor… I will still be here. I willalwaysbe here. All you have to do is ask.’
Win’s gaze met hers, and there was not an ounce of affection to be found. ‘Leave.’
Stepping back a little to study every tiny subtlety of her face, Naal adopted her Air Warden mask and said directly, ‘I will find and free Kyraena, and I will ensure that she remains safe. You have my word.’
Win acknowledged the sentiment with a curt nod. As Naal exited the room, she felt a swish of air as the door was instantly slammed behind her, and she suddenly found herself mourning the reunion she had frequently conjured in her dreams.
Chapter Nine
To Be Hanged Until Dead
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Avaldale, Vrethian
Kyra
