Page 48 of King of Fire and Flames

“Vyprin wants everyone to believe the petals are dangerous. If their true value was common knowledge, there would be thousands more fae bones piled up in his den.”

“I imagine he’d enjoy that.”

“No, he is lazy and prefers to spend his time sleeping. Tell me, Zali, do you love Arrowyn Ramiel still?”

My fingers curled into my palms until my knuckles cracked. “No,” I replied, raising my chin.

Sparks exploded in the moat, blinding me as three creatures formed from the lava, flames flickering over their long limbs as they rose up. Their jaws snapped near my face, and they emitted strange crackling purrs before their bodies sank back into the river of fire, disappearing.

Ruhh cackled and flew over the moat, spinning somersaults before hovering in front of me, her bare toes inches above the rocks I stood upon.

“What in the fae realms were they?” I asked, my jaw hanging open.

“The khareek—lie seekers. They’re quite greedy for them and enjoyed yours very much.”

Oh. Embarrassment scalded my cheeks. Had my answer to Ruhh’s question summoned them to the surface of the moat? Because somewhere deep down, a foolish part of me still loved Arrow—almost as much as I hated him.

“How long does a petal’s magic last for?” I asked.

“One petal… hm, not very long. Approximately half an hour, but it depends on how you apply it and on your individual body’s reaction. Is one petal all you have?”

No way would I answer that question. Instead, I’d ask my own as a distraction. “Why should I trust you, Ruhh?”

“Because I know what you hope to achieve here in Taln. They’ve told you Arrow ordered your arrest, and ever since then, the thought of killing him consumes you.”

I swallowed hard, but said nothing.

She leaned close and whispered against my ear. “My thoughts are similarly occupied. You could finish Arrowyn Ramiel off before he recovers from his battle wounds. We wouldn’t be the only ones rejoicing in his death.”

“Why bring me here? You could have told me that on the ride back from the arena.”

“Because the khareek reveal lies, and I need to know if you still want to kill Arrowyn. Do you, human?”

Gritting my teeth, I focused on the memory of my arrest. On Melaya’s words when he greeted me in the Light Realm desert: Zali Omala of the Hidden City of Mydorian, by order of Arrowyn Ramiel, the King of Storms and Feathers, you are under arrest.

“Yes, I still wish to kill the Storm King,” I replied as we spun and faced the river of fire. It flowed calmly, only tiny sparks floating on its surface.

“You speak the truth,” said Ruhh.

“And if I’d lied?”

“I would’ve pushed you in the moat.”

“Ruthless,” I said, begrudgingly impressed. “If I rub the petal on my skin, will it harm me in any way?”

“Not unless you swallow it.”

I checked the moat, finding its surface still calm. “Good. Thank you for being honest,” I said.

“Don’t waste your breath thanking me. Instead, make yourself invisible and pay Arrowyn a visit.”

“Why don’t you kill him yourself?” I asked.

“Would if I could, but I can’t wield a knife very well in my current state.”

“Fair enough. Where might I find him?”

“Where do royal guests usually stay in a palace?” she said sweetly.

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