Page 133 of The Crown of the Dark Prince
His answer came quietly, but it hit me like a hammer. “In the dungeons. I’ve done what I can to delay their executions.”
The word executions sent ice down my spine. My knees buckled, but I caught myself on the back of a chair.
“No.” The word escaped in a whisper, barely audible.
I lunged toward the door, intent on doing something—anything—but Caldrius stepped in my way, his arm like a steel bar blocking my path.
“Those guards outside have orders to keep you here,” he said evenly.
“Let them try.” The defiance in my voice sounded hollow, even to me.
He didn’t flinch. Instead, his expression softened, his blue eyes dark with something I couldn’t place. Concern? Regret? It didn’t matter.
“Thea,” he said carefully, his words deliberate, “can you use your powers?”
The question stopped me cold. My hands twitched, instinctively reaching inward, searching for the familiar warmth of my magic. It was always there, just beneath the surface.
But now… nothing.
“My powers…” I trailed off, panic bubbling under the surface. “Why can’t I feel my magic?”
Caldrius sighed, his shoulders sagging. “Pasnia’s spell forced you far beyond your limits. You’ve drained yourself completely. Hyrax believes its normal for someone as young as you. Your powers haven’t fully matured.”
He hesitated, his voice softening as he added, “I didn’t know if you were going to wake up.”
His words were a slap. My legs gave out, and I sank onto the couch, my body heavy and numb.
“What does that mean?” I asked weakly, though dread was already coiling in my gut.
“It means we don’t know if your magic will return.” His voice was steady but edged with pity. “Maybe with time. Maybe not.”
The finality of his words settled over me like a shroud. My magic—everything that made me more than just a frightened girl—was gone. I had nothing left.
Mortal. Weak.
Powerless.
And trapped in this room. Just as I’d been before. But this time, the stakes were so much higher.
My friends.
My enemies had won, and my friends would pay the price.
Caldrius let the silence stretch, giving me space to absorb the crushing weight of reality. I stared blankly at the floor, too overwhelmed to meet his gaze.
Finally, I forced myself to speak, though my voice was brittle. “Why are you here?”
“I’d like to help you get your friends out of here,” he said simply.
I turned to him sharply, narrowing my eyes. “Why?”
He hesitated, rubbing his jaw. “Because I’m the only one who can, Thea. You act like I’m some monster.”
“Youarea monster,” I spat, standing abruptly. The room felt too small, his presence too close. “You lied to me. My face—my entire body—it isn’t even mine. It’s hers.”
Caldrius flinched, but his voice remained steady. “I may be a monster, Thea, but I’ve never been one to you. I’ve been nothing but kind.”
“Kind?” I let out a bitter laugh. “You manipulated me into trusting you. Into thinking I mattered. You wanted me to love you because I look like her.”
