Page 33 of The Raven Queen

The quote was attributed to Becca, the Patron of Oracles. She was Jake’s sister and one of the first people to develop the Ability to foresee snippets of the future after surviving the virus that caused the Turn. My focus caught and lingered on her name: Rebecca Marie Vaughn.

RMV

“Patrons preserve me,” I breathed.

Turning, I rushed into the bedroom and fetched the small, leather-bound book I had taken from Mother’s study from atop the nightstand, then returned to the sitting room. I opened the book as I hurried back to the painting, flipping past the blank page at the beginning to see the first encoded list.

RMV - 25AE - 177

DIF - 178AE - 23

SHF - 236AE - 79

“They’re the initials of Oracles,” I whispered to myself.

Which meant the dates likely marked when the relevant prophecy had been recorded, and the other number probably referred to a specific prophecy listed in that particular Oracle’s book of foretellings.

“It’s an index,” I muttered.

I tore my focus away from the book and stared up at the sprawling painting once more, at the depiction of a battle that had claimed so many lives. It had changed the world, setting my ancestors on a course that led to me facing this decision right now.

Stand and fight.

Or run and hide.

There was a prophecy in play right now, driving King Eduart’s actions. And it was likely behind Alastor’s sneaking around, as well. Was there a chance I could use Mother’s index of prophecies to my advantage? Could I beat Eduart at his own game? CouldIuse his prized prophecy to find some way to win this war—to rid ourselves of the threat posed by the Sierra Kingdom—that didn’t include fightingat all?

“Del?” Garath asked, his quiet footsteps marking his approach behind me. “What is it?”

I snapped the book shut, my heart suddenly racing. “I have an idea,” I said, glancing at him over my shoulder. “I need to go to Mother’s study.”

He shook his head. “You need to rest. You haven’t slept in days.”

But the adrenaline surging through my veins wouldn’t allow for sleep. “In a bit,” I told him, offering him a quick, closed-mouth smile. “I just have to check on something first.”

13

Fin

“Fin,” Callon said, stepping into my room at the tavern. “I know you’ve got a lot on your mind, and with good reason, but if you’re not going to sleep or eat, will you at least drink? You’ve been sitting at that table, spinning that same gold piece so much, you’ve worn a hole in the wood.” Callon widened his stance and crossed his arms over his broad chest. “We’ll have to pay for that, you know. Same as the line you’ve worn into the rug.” He shrugged and waved that one away. “Maybe not the rug. It was threadbare anyway.”

I spun the coin again, staring blankly at it revolving round and round as my thoughts swirled with it.

“Fin.” Callon stepped closer and squeezed my shoulder.

Finally, I looked at him. “I shouldn’t have left,” I said. I hadn’t realized how hard it would be to wait, wondering what the hell happened after. I knew Del had her inner circle, and they’d kept her safe this long. Still, not knowing if she was okay after everything that had happened—not knowing ifLiamwas okay—was almost more than I could bear.

“You had no other choice,” Callon said. “You’d be no good to any of us if you got caught. I’m sure you’re wanted for one thing or another in these parts, aside from the latest Alastor mishap.” He glanced out the dirt-stained window toward the castle. “Besides, it’s what Del wanted you to do. You can’t argue with a princess and win.”

I almost smirked. “True.”

“Look—” Callon braced his fists on the table in front of me. “All I’m saying is you should drink or dosomethingto take the edge off. You’re wound so tight, Lyra’s senses are going haywire around you. Evenshe’sdownstairs drinking.”

I leaned my forearms on the table and spun the gold coin again. “I need a clear head.”

“Fine then, I’ll go drink for the both of us. Maybe bring you some stew or braised lamb. Maybe some fresh bread with just alittle bitof butter spread over the top.” He groaned, and I looked at him, my eyebrow raised.

“Yeah, yeah. I’m going.” Callon shoved my shoulder playfully, but his hand lingered. “Tell me if you need anything?”

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