Page 94 of Cursed By the Dawn

He brought his lips to my ear. “I love you.”

It was so quiet that the wind and sea would have muffled it for anyone listening.

“I love you, too,” I whispered back, eyes welling with unshed tears.

He smiled softly, just for me. As if he’d never heard such a moving phrase. “One day, we will see all this kingdom has to offer. Then we’ll go beyond it—see everything in the world.”

Maker, my heart is breaking.

Corrupt girls didn’t go on adventures. They didn’t watch the moon and stars flit between their fingertips. Didn’t relish the salty tang of the sea. They didn’t get to have lovers or family or friends. They were alone, and they were cursed, and they would die before they ever had the chance to live again.

But I didn’t say any of this.

I merely smiled through unshed tears, indulging in this final fantasy.

When at last we entered the citadel, creeping through its labyrinthine halls with careful footsteps, we were expecting the worst. Light Legionnaires, wandering nobles, or even Mithras himself. It felt wrong to be inside a place that held equal parts glory and rot. But the halls were silent, void of life.

Somnus shuddered. I’d never seen him so disturbed.

“You look like you’ve seen death,” I said quietly, lingering by his side. “Are you okay?”

Somnus’s lips paled. I thought he might be sick. “I keep thinking the walls will descend on us. That stone and pillar will become arm and leg, and Raelion will embody Firstlight as he did with Evernight.” He eyed the old paintings that hung from the walls, acting as though he wanted to either observe them or rip them apart with his bony fingers. They depicted royalty, often featuring a man, woman, and boy with hair like spun gold. “I never had reason to fear this place before; but what was once a haven has become a grave.”

“I still remember the retinue that followed each of you Weavers,” Erebus said, joining us. “You were never without at least two dozen guards.”

“King Gabriel did everything in his power to ensure we were safe. A pity we are no longer revered in such a way.” Somnus’s lip curled. “I believe this is the first time I have walked these halls without accompaniment.”

When we reached our room, we froze at the door.

Someone was pacing inside.

Erebus and Fenrir nodded at each other, some unspoken sign passing between them as they raised their swords. The door slid open under their careful touch. We followed closely behind, ready for anything.

“You came back,” Silas said, letting loose a heavy breath. It sounded as though he’d been holding on to it for hours. “Welcome, Weavers. Please, come in. Quickly now.”

Before us was a feast: meats, cheeses, breads, fruits, and plenty of wine.

My mouth watered at the sight. How long had it been since we’d last eaten?

Against the farthest wall glimmered a mountain of gold-and-white clothes, likely for us to wear at the Revel. But the clothing wasn’t justfor Erebus and me. The feast wasn’t scant, either. It had surely been prepared with usallin mind. But how?

Soon all became clear.

Theia stepped from behind one of the partitions. Her silver hair was neatly brushed and adorned with jewels that resembled stars, and her white dressing robe was covered in gold embroidery.

“Theia?” Ceres gasped, covering her mouth.

Xander and Fenrir spun on Silas, pointing their blades at his chest. Silas backpedaled, tripping over a plush rug and nearly falling into the fireplace.

“Don’t move even a single finger,” Xander bit out. “You have much to answer for.”

“Did this man seize you?” Fenrir demanded, glancing over his shoulder at Theia. “Are you hurt?”

Theia blanched. “Calm yourselves, Weavers. No. While Raelion was torturing us, the Maker sent me a vision.”

Xander frowned. “A vision? We haven’t had Maker-crafted visions since before Corruption.”

“It showed a brave man holding nine swords.” She gestured at Silas, giving him a meaningful look. “That man was he. Silas, commander of the Light Legion.” At Theia’s encouragement, Xander and Fenrir begrudgingly lowered their blades. “In the dream, Silas threw all nine swords at Raelion’s body, severing his limbs and rendering him useless. Each sword glowed in accordance with our colors, so it was clear they represented each of us. After this dream, I woke up in my tomb. I tried to reach you all, but…” She trailed off, eyes pained. “The doors would not open for me. So I hid myself as best I could and searched the citadel for the man in my vision. When I finally found him, he welcomed me with open arms.”