Page 67 of Unraveling Fate

Drostan tilted his head. “How did you call it? Earthsong?”

Cadenza hugged her knees to her chest, tucking her chin. “I’ve called it that since I was little.”

Drostan’s expression grew pained. “It must have been hard, Caddie, carrying this on your own all these years. I’m sorry.”

Taran opened his arms to her, and she snuggled into his side. “Ilaria told me I was crazy.”

“You’re not crazy,” Drostan said softly. “And earthsong is a fine name for it. Shall we try again?”

She nodded, reaching out again to the song. Her control slipped faster, and a boulder exploded to grit across the field. The third time a tree branch crashed to the ground.

The earthsong rushed in, an earthquake of music, and rushed out, a tide of destruction. Two hours later, it was still refusing to be controlled, and Cadenza’s hands ached from digging her fingernails into the dirt, as she’d searched for something to grip.

She broke off, gasping and nauseated.

“It’s alright, Caddie,” Drostan said softly. “Let’s leave it there for tonight. No pressure. You’ll get it, we’ve got time.”

Time. Italy was a sure thing now; Canon had fixed that. But what if she didn’t learn to control this before she left? A vision filled her. The chandelier and stage lights of Il Teatro Fenice bursting, slicing performers and patrons alike into ribbons, the rose-colored velvet seats shredding, and balconies collapsing.

She dragged herself to her feet, legs stiff. Taran slipped an arm around her waist, holding her up. “Sure,” she said weakly. “No pressure.”

Sixteen

13 Sep 2019

3 Days. Canon paid in advance. I’m actually going

The golden hills sped by Cadenza’s window and flattened into the Central Valley. After another session of fruitless Spinning practice Sunday evening, Drostan was playing chauffeur and guard for her Monday morning rehearsal with Thomas. Her gratitude for Drostan’s help was marred by frustration at needing help in the first place, and she had promised to help him in the office that afternoon in exchange.

Exchange.I can’t believe I just thought that word.She rubbed her eyes. She’d called Canon that morning to confirm what Reyna had said about his fundraiser. Five thousand dollars was far more than standard payment for someone of her status, but Canon had insisted he considered it a fair exchange and wanted to help her get to Venice. He’d even sounded like the version of Canon that she liked over the phone. After rehearsal, they’d wire the bribe money to Ilaria, and Drostan would help her book her ticket online, since her credit card was still maxed out. She’d reimburse him after.

She took a deep breath. It was happening. She was going. Somewhere Else and a spotlight in the bargain too.All I have to do is not blow it up.

Her phone buzzed.

“Giulia’s texting me?” She stared at the phone. She hadn’t heard from her oldest sister in months. Her other sister, Chiara, had been the one to tell her that Giulia, not Ilaria, recommended her for the part in the festival.

“What’s that?” Drostan stopped humming along with the radio.

“Oh, just a text from my sister. You know, not a daily occurrence.”

Drostan grunted. “You girls should mend that. Family is family.”

“Maybe for the Norroways. Pretty sure if I got cursed, none of the still-living Cavalieri would stay with me.” She swiped open the text.

Ciao, Sorellina Mia!

“Hmm.” That was it? Just hello? She shot off a reply.

What’s wrong?

Giulia’s answer came after a few seconds.What, I can’t text my sibling? Maybe I need some sister time.

Cadenza arched an eyebrow at the screen.Where’s Chiara?

Giulia sent a sheepish face emoji.She’s busy. New boyfriend.

So I’m last choice?She snorted, not surprised.