Page 36 of Queen of Serpents and Shadows

“You know what they say is hidden on that island,” the scribe pressed. “So many have attempted to find it, none have succeeded.”

“Everyone knows the stories,” I cut in. “They will have to let us know if they are true when they return.”

“Very well.” The scribe walked to a shelf and removed a few rolled scrolls. He passed them to Laera. “This is everything we have on the island. Nobody has ever charted it. Just sailed nearby, but nothing too close. Anyone who gets too close doesn’t return.”

She lifted the scrolls. “Thank you. We’ll return them if we can.”

He nodded. “Good luck.”

I walked out of the room with them andas soon as the door was closed I turned to face them. “You really think you can do this?”

“We’ll get it done,” Vanth said.

“Just the two of you?” I asked.

“Ryvin and Vanth will go. I’m staying here,” Laera said.

Vanth growled. I took a step back, startled by the sound. I knew he was a shifter, but I hadn’t ever heard a sound so animistic coming from someone who appeared human.

“We didn’t want Ara to know,” Vanth added. “We don’t want her to worry while she’s with Nyx.”

“I understand. I won’t tell her,” I agreed.

Laera lifted a brow. “You’d lie to your own sister?”

“She’s not going to ask me and I’m not going to offer the information,” I clarified.

“Maybe you and I aren’t so different,” Laera said.

I wasn’t sure I liked that thought.

“When will you leave?” I asked.

“As soon as Ara’s ship is out of sight,” Laera said.

“What about the city? What can I do to prepare if they don’t return before the fae arrive?” I asked, surprised at myself for saying my concerns out loud. But Ara trusted them, and we needed the help.

“That’s what you have me for,” Laera said. “Worst case, I can help you get everyone out.”

“Lagina!” Cora was sprinting toward me and my heart stopped.

“I just sent it. Should I see if I call it back?” I should have waited, I should have known she’d change her mind.

She was panting when she stopped in front of me. “No, not the letter. The letter is fine. I found something.” She looked over at Laera and Vanth. “Maybe one of you can help. I think I found something big.”

She held a book up for us to see. Laera and Vanth moved closer, and I moved enough so we could all see. As I skimmed the ancient writing, the pounding in my chest accelerated. Not from fear, but from hope. I glanced over at Laera. “Is this possible? Is this real?”

“It might be.” She grabbed the book and studied it, her eyes darting back and forth across the page. We all watched, waiting. Finally, she handed the book back to Cora. “If this is true, and you used to have a magical barrier, you might be able to repair it. It won’t be enough to keep the fae out forever, but it could buy you some time.”

“How do we find out?” I asked.

“Where is the oldest building in your city? The first thing they ever built?” Laera asked.

“The temple to Athena,” Cora and I said in unison.

“Take me there,” Laera said.

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