Page 67 of An Empress of Air & Chaos

Her heartbeat hammered in her chest.

How could she feel such peace and uncertainty all at once? It was like she was supposed to be here at this time, but she wasn’t. She looked back at the painting of her grandmother in her hierarchy. A peculiar feeling drifted through her, like her grandmother’s eyes almost invited her back over to steal a few more glances.

Trusting the instinct, she walked over to the painting and ran a hand over her grandmother’s face. She took a moment to realise it was the only way she was able to say goodbye.

After a few moments of silent tears and staring at the painting, she tilted her head to the side. Engraved on the inside of her grandmother’s hand, in the tiniest of writing, was words. So faint, her eyes almost missed it.

“Find me, like you found the other behind the sunset trees.”

Emara blinked. What a strange thing to have written on her hand. She stood back and looked over the painting.

She placed a hand to her chin. “‘Find me, like you found the other behind the sunset trees.’”

Why in the Gods above did she have that written on her hand?

And then a vivid thought punched into her gut. Emara dove forward and shoved her hand in behind the back of the painting. She ran her hand up and down and side to side.

Her hand hit something softer than brass.

Pulling it down, she held an envelope. Quickly, she opened it, trying her hardest not to tear it in the poor lighting. Squinting at the paper, she read it to herself.

Twice over.

A sob left her throat as she held the letter tight to her chest. Tight to her heart.

In that moment of solitude, she knew she would always remember the words that were written by her grandmother for as long as she lived. But for now, she had to follow her grandmother’s instructions.

Before leaving, she placed a hand to her grandmother’s portrait. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice cracking, “for making me who I am. For everything you have sacrificed for me,” she croaked. “May you find peace on the other side. I know you will be watching over me. I will do you proud, I promise.”

She wouldn’t be able to walk out the front door after what she was about to do.

Pulling the match—which had been waxed onto the letter—she headed for the back door. She scratched the match against the rough wood of the door, and it lit, the orange flame feeling pleasant against her cold fingers. She took one look up at the gallery and dropped it. Closing the door behind her, she ran into the back alley behind the gallery. Just like her grandmother had instructed, she’d left the letter and the evidence of her grandmother’s secret life to turn to ash.

My Dearest Emara,

Given that you have had the curiosity to find this letter, I fear that I am no longer with you and you have learned about the magic that runs in your blood. I want you to know that I have tried to keep you from this world, but only in the efforts to protect you from it. It is not safe for you. Should you find yourself in this position, trust no one. I want you to leave Caledorna and not look back. But not before you burn this place to the ground. Wipe the memory of us from this village, dear child.

Please know that you are more than you ever thought possible, and that I loved you more than I thought it possible to love someone.

Forgive me,

Theodora Clearwater.

“Emara,” Marcus’ voice sounded from the front door of the foyer. “I didn’t know you had gone out.” His face showed signs of apprehension. “I thought you would have let one of us know that you had gone out. We could have sent someone with you. That’s what we are here for.”

“I just had to get a few girl things,” she lied.

Marcus didn’t question her on what girl things might be. “I see. You didn’t happen to witness a fire on your travels?” he asked.

She shot him a look, hoping her face gave nothing away, and shook her head.

“We received word that an old gallery has been burned to the ground in Mossgrave. You didn’t happen to travel to Mossgrave, did you?”

Word travelled to the hunters that quickly? How is that possible? Magic?

“I went into the city for supplies that only girls require.” She put a hand on her stomach and screwed up her face. “It’s not like there are many women who take a monthly cycle around here, Marcus.” She gave a small smile. “If you want, you can take me for more supplies tomorrow?” She held up a brown paper bag. He didn’t question what was inside.

Marcus cleared his throat, shifting uncomfortably. “That’s quite alright.” He nodded. “I will see to it that the maids have more female supplies. We didn’t think.” He coughed. “Dinner will be served in ten minutes,” he announced, avoiding any more uncomfortable conversations for himself.

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