Page 130 of The Stolen Throne
54
Revulsion
Reven swallowed that thing.
Another form of Eidolon—a ghost that has already lived life as a man—is inside Reven now, joining all the Shadows.
I can’t move. Can’t speak. It’s like I’m one of Tyndra’s icebergs right here in the desert. Like every bit of warmth just got sucked out of me the way that ghost was sucked out of Tabra.
Horus releases Achlys and strides over to me. I’m vaguely aware of the way he’s watching me closely.
I swallow, staring at Reven. Unable to look away.
I’d thought… Goddess, I’d thought he’d pull the shadow out like he did with Trysolde. But of course it makes sense that he’d swallow it, since he’s already a vessel for evil. What’s one more? I know that’s what he was thinking.
What a self-sacrificing, really-bloody-stupid thing to do. “Reven,” I whisper.
“Don’t worry, princess. I’m okay.”
Breath punches from me at the stupid nickname. Thank the goddesses. Every one of them. Well, maybe not Wildernyss or Tyndra.
“Meren?” Tabra’s voice is barely audible.
She’s cradled in Achlys’s arms, too weak to even lift her head, but her amber eyes like mine seem to hold more color already. Horus lights the brazier, and in the glow, I can see how the color of her skin seems healthier, too, pinker. But unlike with Trysolde, she doesn’t change beyond that. She is still pale, the bruises under her eyes still shocking, her frame still skeletal.
But she’s herself.
I drop to my knees in front of her. A sob wells up from within me, and I can’t hold it back. Surging forward, I wrap my arms around her, though I’m still careful to be gentle. It’s like holding a broken baby bird. “Thank the goddess,” I whisper into her hair.
My sister isn’t going to die. I haven’t lost her.
I look at Reven, who I’m still mad at for swallowing that thing, but… “Thank you.”
After a second, his gaze softens, and he gives a small nod before standing.
“What happened?” Tabra’s voice is still thready.
I sit back, brushing the limp strands of hair out of her face. “You were possessed, sissy. By a ghost. But you’ll be okay now.”
Tabra stares at me, then slides her gaze slowly to Achlys. Tears silently streak down our friend’s face. “Don’t cry,” Tabra whispers. “If Meren says I will be okay, then I will.”
To hold back another sob, I bite down on the inside of my cheek so hard I draw blood, the taste of it metallic in my mouth. Together, after we unchain her, Achlys and I explain everything. Then we sit, the three of us, for the longest time. Quietly.
Eventually, Reven moves to stand behind me. I think maybe he even touches my hair, though he doesn’t say a word. He doesn’t have to.
Closing my eyes, I gather the strength to move out from under that touch, from the silent support that is all he can allow himself to offer, and do what has to happen next.
I would stay here with Tabra for the rest of the night, but I meant what I said. She’ll be okay. I’ll have plenty of time with her. My sister is going to live. We have two amulets. We have Eidolon’s Shadows and now one of his ghosts. And we know more than we ever have, thanks in part to another of his ghosts and a Devourer.
What is my life?
Chaos aside, we’re not moving fast enough. Given the way Eidolon showed up in Remirel, it’s time for something more drastic.
And the king’s ghosts have given me an idea.
55
Unexpected Allies
