Page 129 of Lady of Starfire

“I am more dark than light,” Scarlett murmured. “My stars are my light.”

“Retrieve the lock, Scarlett, and I will tell you more,” Saylah said, gracefully rising to her feet.

“Oh, Saylah. You were so close to actually being a mother,” Scarlett drawled, eyes going back to the sea.

“I have not survived this long by sharing all my knowledge at once. Secrets are the currency of the gods,” she replied, silver gaze fixing on Scarlett as the first light of dawn touched the sand. “But you already know the value of cunning secrecy. That particular trait, Scarlett, did come from me.”

Her words echoed in Scarlett’s mind long after her mother had disappeared amidst her shadows.

Chapter24

Talwyn

“She needs to eat more,” the High Witch said, her violet eyes studying Ashtine intensely.

“I am getting her to eat as much as I can,” Talwyn replied tightly. They’d had this same conversation multiple times over the past few days.

They had flown for nearly two days straight when they’d left Siofra. They’d only stopped twice, pushing their griffins to their limits, and finally arriving at the High Witch’s residence at twilight on the third day. Another Witch had taken Ashtine from atop the griffin and brought her to this room. The princess hadn’t left it since. She was curled on her side, head in Talwyn’s lap, where she gently ran her fingers through Ashtine’s silver hair. Talwyn had convinced her to wash up at one point, the princess allowing Talwyn to use a cloth and warm water, but she had refused all suggestions of a bath.

Hazel Hecate, the High Witch herself, was overseeing Ashtine’s care. In the four days they had been here, it wasn’t until the second day Talwyn had convinced Ashtine to eat anything. The princess had hardly eaten anything on the flight here. That was also the day she had sent a message to Scarlett with Nasima. Ashtine needed Briar. There was no way around it anymore. As if the stress of a Fae pregnancy coupled with all she had been through these last months hadn’t been enough, Sawyer’s sacrifice had pushed her over an edge. Talwyn didn’t know the first thing about being a decent friend, but she knew that without Briar, Sawyer’s sacrifice would be for nothing. Even if Ashtine hung on until the babes were born, if Briar did not survive this war, neither would the Wind Princess. Talwyn refused to let that be the outcome after everything the princess had forsaken.

Hazel came forward. Nasima gave a soft, warning cry from where she perched near the window. The High Witch placed her hands on Ashtine’s rounded stomach. Soft light flared, and Talwyn held her breath like she did every time Hazel did this.

“They are still fine, but she needs to eat more,” Hazel said again. “Their power drains her. She needs to keep up her strength, or these last months of carrying them will be even more difficult.”

“I know,” Talwyn gritted out, fingers stroking through Ashtine’s hair again. Ashtine didn’t acknowledge either of them. When her eyes were open, she stared at nothing, but for the most part, she slept.

“She needs to siphon off power too,” Hazel added.

“I know,” Talwyn snapped, before taking a deep breath to ease her temper.

Hazel stepped back, leveling Talwyn with a cool glare. “I have news for you as well.”

“What is it?”

“We received word that King Callan and Prince Azrael have returned to Windonelle. They have found their way to some of the rebel camps. Arantxa leaves to travel there at first light tomorrow. If you wish to go, this is your chance.”

Go.

She could go back to Azrael.

But she couldn’t leave Ashtine. Not until Briar found his way back to her.

“I will stay with her,” Talwyn said.

Hazel nodded at the same moment there was a quick knock on the door. A Witch with bright red hair entered, her pale violet eyes scanning over Talwyn and Ashtine. “The tonics, my Lady,” she said, holding out her hand. There were three vials in it.

“Are more being prepared?” Hazel asked, the glass tinkling as she swiped the vials from her hand.

“Yes, my Lady.”

“With Arantxa going to be with Juliette, I want you to take over her patrols, Jetta,” Hazel said, moving to a side table.

“Already done,” the Witch answered.

“Is there any other news from Juliette?” Talwyn asked.

“The Oracle said nothing else,” Hazel replied. “And we have not received any news from Death’s Shadow.”

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