Page 40 of Omen of ice
Now… Now, we’re darker. The shadow of Aphelian’s act of kindness hangs over us. We have edges where soft corners once were, and vicious bites.
My breath quickens. I pivot and swing violently. The sound the blade makes as it slices through the wintry night air is sharp yet comforting in a way I should find disturbing. My wound throbs despite the sigil, but it’s good. A reminder of the path I walk.
Sword pointed down, I brace the tip against the soft earth and use it to propel myself up and sideways. A powerful move, yet graceful enough as to not send the blade plunging into the earth. When I land, I tighten my hold and bring the weapon up. An intricate circular motion above my head, ending with a vicious swipe. I picture Orbik’s face cleaved in half. Next, the Fae from the village, Wanlo, hewn from nose to navel.
“Good evening, Aphelian.” Kopic approaches from the far end of the courtyard. He’s dressed as he was the first time we met, in a mix of leather and Fae mesh atop a tunic of silver and blue. “I trust you’re having a good evening?”
I holster my sword and adjust my jacket, which is not nearly warm enough for the chill in the air but is thin enough that I can move mostly unhindered. It’s Fae leather—thinned wolf hide pressed in a way humans don’t have the machinery for. Like the rest of the clothing left for me, it’s of the finest quality, buttery smooth and supple. “As well as can be expected, I suppose.”
“Where is Valen tonight?”
“He’s gone to bed early. Long day.” Of almost getting killed, of having our life forces fused together. Just the usual activities.
“If you’ve nothing left to tend to for him, then Lady Liani requests your presence in the main hall.”
I nod and follow Kopic down the now silent corridors of the estate. When I came through the first time, it’d been bustling with sounds of the party. There was no real opportunity to take in my surroundings. Then, as time passed, I was always rushing here or there. Now, at a slower pace, I’m able to get a good look around.
The wide hallways are lined with flowering bushes. Blue and white roses and ivy with scattered wisps of white and pink baby’s breath. The foliage isn’t anchored in dirt but seems to spring from the marble floor. Thriving despite being deprived of its nutrients and the life-giving power of sunlight. Above us, the ceiling also teems with life. Thick bushels of white and silver wisteria hang, some so low they brush the top of Kopic’s head.
He notices me looking at the flowers and says, “Amazing what the latent power in the ground can do, isn’t it?”
“This is all from residual magic?” I still can’t wrap my head around it.
“The tear was powerful. It helped us win the war, after all. I don’t think Aphelian knew just how much of an advantage it would give us.”
We turn the last corner, and I see her—the lady of the house. She sits alone at the front of the large room and flashes a feline grin I suspect hides a vicious bite. “Aphelian.” She stands and steps down from the dais. Her brows furrow. “I trust that your wound is nothing serious?”
For a moment, my heart stutters. Did Valen tell her we were attacked?
When I don’t answer, she nods to my tunic. The blood from my wound is seeping through. I should know better. There’s no way to tell how my body will react to the sigils now that it’s tied to a Fae. The sigil sufficiently numbed it, but the skin is still thin and easily torn.
“Oh.” I breathe out, relieved. “This is nothing. A scratch. Several of the villagers were unhappy about their situation.”
About the fact that your court refuses to help them.
She offers a knowing tilt of her delicate head. “Our encounter was so brief the night of the party, and things have been hectic the last few weeks. I simply wanted to see how you were doing. Inquire if there was anything you might need.”
“The hospitality has been adequate.”
“Is that so?” She laughs so hard it borders on unladylike. “You are truly bold for a human. Fair warning that Orbik won’t find you quite as amusing as I do.”
The room grows abruptly warmer. The clothing that only moments ago fit as if made specifically for my body now smothers me as sweat begins to bead. I tug at my sleeves and roll them up, allowing my skin to breathe. “If I’ve disrespected you in some way, then you have my apologies.”
“Not at all.” She settles back in her chair and folds her long, slender fingers in her lap. “I find you to be a breath of fresh air in this court, Aphelian. One that’s long overdue.”
I slip a finger beneath my tunic collar and tug it away from my skin. The reprieve is brief but magnificent, and I have to bite down on my tongue to keep from giggling. “That’s kind of you to say, Lady.”
She leans back and watches me for a moment. “Yes… I think you’ll be good for my Valen. If nothing else, having a pretty thing like you around all the time will keep him on his toes. Maybe we can avoid another incident like Kitara…”
Pretty thing?I grind my teeth to keep from saying something I’ll regret later, and I smile. “I’m sure the relationship will benefit us both, Lady.”
“I’d like to discuss my nephew’s security situation. Obviously, my biggest concern is keeping him safe from any who would do him harm. After what happened at the market…”
“Of course.” I shift from foot to foot, trying to tug at my leathers without making a fuss. With each moment that passes, the material becomes heavier and heavier. Suffocating. An odd taste fills my mouth. Bordering on sickeningly sweet, it’s cool and has the slightest hint of berry. I swallow, feeling the phantom liquid slide down my throat. A second later, an insane giggle slips past my lips.
“Aphelian?”
My fingers curl into fists, nails gouging my palms. Goddess. Valen must be drinking. If I’m feeling it, this is so much worse than I feared. “So sorry, Lady. I, um, had a tickle in my throat.”
