Page 179 of Heir of Broken Souls

“Why was it banned?”

“The courts ruled memories sacred, but if you ask anyone outside of that meeting, it’s because they were fearful of commoners stealing their memories and hoarding them for trading.” He swallows thickly. “It became a capital offence, punishable by death.”

My brows flick high, mirroring Elysia’s as she gasps. “People used to trade memories?”

Harlow nods. “Secrets, in court politics, was and still is all about leverage. What better way to make your enemy suffer than to sell their weakness to the highest bidder?”

I hum, my eyes lowering to the words scribbled on the page, the ball hovering above them. “Does anyone know the language this is written in?”

“What are you talking about?” Knox asks, suddenly alert.

I lean forward, pointing. “The words here—” The moment my finger touches the paper I’m transported back to the prophecy. To the moment my body was lying within the water, the seven archangels standing above me and talking in their native tongue. Except, this time, it changes on the fifth archangel, and I find myself speaking without intending to, repeating the archangel’s words.

“For the clues of your truth shall arise,

With the history of the seven comes a surprise.

What you once thought was born was instead created,

Not of love and tender touches but of gentle curses.”

My body slumps backward, the translated prophecy stopping abruptly on my tongue. Knox catches me as the book seems to spit my hand off it.

“More bloody gibberish,” Harlow huffs.

“It translated it for her,” Elysia says, her eyes wide as she clings to Axel’s hand.

“How can the book do such a thing?” he asks.

Harlow moves to my side, but looks at Knox. “Do you know how to watch the memory?”

“Yes, but someone who can’t mind read shouldn’t watch it. I’ll have to share it to your minds.”

“Is it dangerous?” The words are small and husky, as if whatever spoke through me used up all of my energy.

Knox rubs his hand up and down my back. “It shouldn’t be, but it could also be a trap.”

“I’ll hold onto you along the bridge,” I say resolutely. “You shouldn’t go in alone.”

“Do you think you can?—”

I cut him off. “I’m watching it with you.”

Harlow’s eyes slide to me, there and gone in a blink. “Are we sure that’s wise?”

“I’m the only link that can keep him tethered in case something within it tries to keep him there.” Searching Knox’s face, I note the apprehension deepening his frown lines. “What is it?”

“I’m more worried aboutwhosememory it is.”

“We don’t have a choice,” Axel says solemnly.

I dip my head. “That part of the prophecy isn’t going to make sense unless we watch it.”

“Are you sure you want to?—”

“I’m coming,” I say sternly, allowing him to see the conviction in my gaze.

Knox groans before straightening. “We will all go.”