Page 140 of Scourged

When she did, her leg brushed his, and it took every ounce of self-control she possessed to keep from gasping. Sparks danced across her skin, igniting the magic in her blood. She hurriedly gathered up a few grapes and slices of cheese before settling back, shrinking just slightly into herself.

It was wishful thinking that the other night would dull their bond. The sharp edge was relieved, but it was a momentary reprieve. The thrumming, magnetic energy was back now, stronger than ever, set alight by the graze of her skin against his.

Mariah popped a few grapes into her mouth, sweetness bursting across her tongue. Taking a swig of wine, she cleared her throat. The chatter around the table fell away, eyes turning to her expectantly.

“Thank you for coming?—”

Sebastian chuckled. “You do that every time. Thank us.” His face turned serious. “You need to stop. I don’t think any of us would rather be anywhere else.” Murmurs of agreement swept across the group, nods and smirks and giggles with them. Even Andrian’s mouth twitched, his eyes shining with something too bright, too real.

She looked away quickly.

“I know I don’t have to, but I want to,” Mariah muttered and took a bite of cheese. It was creamy and delicate, almost like butter.

“Anyways,” she said after swallowing, “as I’m sure you all remember, I went into the city a few days ago to inspect the location that received a strange call on the night of the Solstice. And we … found something. Something I only wanted to sharewith my court, and not the rest of the captains and commanders currently in service of the crown. At least, not yet.”

Mariah glanced around the table, being sure to hold every set of eyes that met hers.

“The building was an abandoned apartment, long since put out of use. It looked innocuous enough from the street, but inside …” Mariah drew a deep breath, flexing her fingers beneath the table.

Andrian shifted beside her, surely feeling the rage and fear thrumming through her at the thought of what she’d seen, what she’d felt. What the goddesses had said to her after.

“Inside, something truly terrible happened. Violence. Trauma. Pain. So much pain.” Mariah shuddered. “There was blood everywhere. In pools on the floor, splattered on the walls. And at the front of the room, on a pedestal, was a piece of stone.”

She cut a quick glance to Andrian, meeting his stare, and he nodded. Reassurance. Her anger was justified, and so was her fear. She could—needed to—share this with the rest of this table.

“It wasaberrant.I’m told it’s used as a conduit to Enfara. And it, too, was drenched in blood, so thick I could hardly see the substance beneath. And when I touched it … I collapsed.”

“Wait, wait.” Drystan leaned forward, holding a hand in the air. “What do you mean, youtouchedit?”

“Just that. I put my hand on it. And then I passed out.”

Drystan’s bright gold gaze bore into Mariah for several seconds before darting between Andrian and Sebastian. “And you two justlether?”

“I honestly didn’t even realize what it was?—”

“I tried to stop her, but that never works well?—”

“Excuseme? No oneletsme do anything?—”

Sebastian, Andrian, and Mariah all spoke, their voices running together before all halting.

They shot glances at each other, Mariah glaring at everyone. Andrian cut the tension with a chuckle and leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table. His leg again brushed against Mariah’s, and her sharp inhale earned her another quick glance and grin.

“I think we all agree that she shouldn’t have touched it.” Andrian’s voice was soft, yet commanding. Mariah suppressed an urge to roll her eyes. “However, she did, and she’s fine.” He turned to her, black hair falling messily across his forehead. “Isn’t that right, princess?”

“Yes,” she grumbled, crossing her arms. “I’m perfectly fine. Can I get back to what I need to tell you all now?”

“Wait, there’s more?” Feran leaned forward in his seat. “You have more to tell us than finding a crime scene andaberrantin the city?”

“How did everyone know what that shit was but me?” Mariah rubbed her eyes. “Yes, there’s more.”

Silence fell around the table again, eyes once more turned expectantly her way.

Mariah twirled the stem of her wineglass between her fingers. She felt the weight of her court’s gazes, but Andrian’s scorched her the most. His brow was twisted slightly as if unsure about what she was about to say next.

About how much she might be about to share.

“Early the next morning, I received a visit. From … the goddesses.” She held Andrian’s stare as she said it, watched first his confusion, then his realization, and then … more puzzlement.

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