Page 108 of Alchemy of Souls

This wielder’s might resides within,

A noble spirit, pure and keen.

Their heart, the wellspring of their power,

In love and truth, they build their tower.

Part II—The Master of Magic

Elemental forces at their command,

Illusions woven by their hand.

Botany’s secrets they also know,

Alchemy’s wonders they do sew.

Balance

Through balance of these souls combined,

The key to magic they shall find.

For strength of heart must tame the force,

That magic brings with fierce discourse.

When these two join, the Key is found,

Uniting power on common ground.

“The Master of Magic,” I say. “Is someone who’s good at all four magics?” I glance at Grayson.

“It’s more than being good at them,” Sage says. “At least it was for me and Liam. I had to summon all four magicsat the same timefor my part in calling the Key.”

Grayson shakes his head. “And you didn’t think to mention this when we talked?”

“I did think to say it, I just chose not to,” Sage says, matching him beat for beat. “You didn’t want to let me anywhere near Eloise. And I knew I needed to talk to her myself, because you were gonna cock it up.” She gestures at him likecase in point. “I certainly couldn’t risk the Chancellor getting that Key.”

Grayson gives her a hard look and she gives it right back.

If I didn’t know better, I’d guess they were siblings.

“I never saw the first half of this poem,” Sage says, breaking the staring contest. “The Heart of Courage describes Liam perfectly.”

“What did Liam do for his part in calling the Key?” I ask quickly.

Sage sighs and I think she even blushes a little. “He used to hold my hand while he called his magic. He said there was a feeling he’d get when we were together. Something… special. He couldn’t really put it into words.”

I know exactly what she’s talking about. It’s the pull when Grayson first kissed me, or the rush I felt when Grayson led me away from the edge of that tower. Something ephemeral and magnetic, like eye contact or a gut instinct.

Grayson frowns. “Then how did Liam call it when he wasn’t with you? How did he call the Key the night he died?”

“We had only just learned how to call the Key,” she says, and I swear I can hear her regret. “But I’m guessing he called it that night because you’re a Master of Magic, too—the other half of the equation. And, well”—she pauses—“he loved you more than anyone in the world. You two had an unbreakable connection. His heart was always open with you.”

The reality of what she’s saying hits Grayson with enough force to make him step backward.

“I believe it was an accident,” Sage says softly. “Just two brothers practicing magic, not knowing what they could do.”