Page 50 of The Master and the Marionette

He knows. We haven’t told these people about the infamous Patient Thirteen. We haven’t disclosed what goes on in Kane’s mind.

“How is it you know to even ask me that question?” His voice is bordering on a threat.

Asena answers this. “Our prophecies have described your unique traits.”

The alter scoffs, turning to me. “Skylenna might be able to tell you who I am. That is, if she knows me well enough.” A challenge. A game.

“This is Dessin,” I reply tightly. “The one who will enjoy this gift a little too much.”

I realize now that the belt of weapons likely triggered him to come to the front. Just like sexual encounters will trigger Greystone to surface.

“Indeed. It, at the very least, will help me ignore how annoying it is that your prophecies know this much about my life.” But there is a bright glint of pride in his gaze. I passed his little test. I knew who he was without being told.

“It is a pleasure to meet ya, Dessin.” Garanthian nods, slipping his hand back in the satchel to hand a folded piece of parchment to us. “And I do apologize. I wish I could tell ya more, but there’s ancient magic at play. It won’t allow us to tell ya details.”

Dessin takes it from him, holding it out for both of us to see.

“All we can tell ya about this gift is that time is not on ya side. Act quickly,” Asena says.

The top reads: One name to turn the tides.

We exchange a look before unfolding it.

One word. One name. Calligraphy. Thick strokes of black ink. A cold shower of ice water floods my veins.

Judas.

15. Wolf Among Sheep

“Tell me what you’re thinking.”

Dessin has been silent on the hike down the mountain from the Stormsages Keep. Garanthian said he didn’t know what the name meant, only that those who wrote the prophecy knew it would be of great importance to us. A name to turn the tides. I could see the wheels spinning in Dessin’s mind the moment he processed what was on the note. It wasn’t sitting well with him, whatever he was thinking.

“I’d rather not tell you. It’s mad, even for me.” Dessin’s boots crunch through the snow. A wave of echoes through the quiet winter forest.

“I take it you don’t know why Judas’s name would be of any importance to us,” I prompt.

“He’s always been on my radar,” Dessin says absently. “Do you remember the day you were called to the asylum because I had a breakdown?”

I nod.

“And when you stopped my treatment, I told you someone came to visit me, warning me of what Masten had planned for you?”

“What of it?”

“It was Judas. He’s the one that warned me. Said he overheard Masten talking about it in a gentlemen’s club. His plan to show you discipline under his own roof without Aurick’s prying eyes.” A flash of wicked fury in his expression.

What? I suppose it is possible that Judas could have learned of this information that way, but… “Why would he tell you that? Of all people? A patient locked away in an asylum?”

Dessin shakes his head, clearly asking himself the same question.

A memory tugs at me urgently.

“Remember when we escaped for the night to see the stars? Judas is the one that gave me the key! He’s the one that suggested I make a grand gesture to you.” He wanted me to show Dessin that he could trust me. And now that I think on it, he also asked me if I would stay with Dessin no matter the outcome of events.

He turns to me now, stopping in his tracks. “My idea is out of the question, but I’m going to share it with you anyway.”

I unhook my pack from around my shoulders, flinging it to the ground.

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