Page 114 of Storm of Secrets and Sorrow

Scarlett’s eyes narrowed. “Who trains them?”

“They are Zinta Legacy so?—”

“Zinta Legacy?” Scarlett interrupted. “And the Taika Legacy?”

“Who are the Taika Legacy?” Tessa asked. When Scarlett appeared to be debating what to say, Tessa’s gaze went to her bonded. “Theon?”

Theon rubbed at his brow with this thumb and forefinger. This was information not taught to the Fae. “There are two goddesses of witchcraft and sorcery,” he said. “They are sisters. Zinta and Taika.”

“Sister goddesses?” Tessa repeated. “Are there Taika Legacy here?”

“Yes, but a small number of them. Many were killed off when the few Sargon Legacy were killed,” Theon said.

Tessa turned to Luka. “Your parents?”

Luka shrugged. “From my understanding, this happened long before I was born. My parents were somehow an exception to the slaughter.”

Tessa swallowed thickly, turning back to Scarlett. “Why does it matter if both are here?”

“Because one goddess is loyal to Achaz, and the other is loyal to Arius,” Scarlett replied. “Balance is required in all things, and Devram seems to have…tipped the scales,” she said, silver eyes dropping to the Mark on Tessa’s hand.

Suddenly, there was a burst of fine grey and blue mist. Scarlett reached inside her suit, pulling out a chain with a pendant where the mist was coming from.

“What is that?” Theon asked, eyeing the thing.

Scarlett frowned, tucking the pendant away once more. “A reminder that my time here is almost up.”

“You’re leaving?” Tessa asked, lurching forward in her chair.

Scarlett looked sincerely apologetic when she said, “I have to, Tessa.”

“So you’re just going to show up here, tell me I am the daughter of a god, the granddaughter of a First, and then, what? Leave me to do with the information what I will?” Tessa demanded.

“I can’t do any more,” Scarlett said. “I am bound by a blood oath that was sealed in a Bargain Mark. All Icando is give you information.”

“Then why even come here? If you can’t help?—”

“I never said I can’t help,” Scarlett cut in sharply. “Just not in the way you want me to.”

Tessa went silent, and Axel wondered how Scarlett knew what Tessa wanted of her.

“We will be late if we do not leave soon,” Sorin said gently.

“Yes, yes,” she sighed, waving him off. “The Crown Prince will be most upset if we are late to his birthday party.”

Sorin smirked. “Prince Finn is turning three years. I do not think he will remember nor care. I think you will be more upset to miss Callan and Tava announcing their second pregnancy. You told Callan you’d be there, and you promised Tula we wouldn’t be late.”

“I know,” she sighed again. “The Fates forbid I have to deal with the Ash Rider for breaking a promise to Tula.”

“How will you leave the realm?” Katya asked. “I understand you are a World Walker,” she amended quickly. “But…how does that work?”

Scarlett smiled softly at her, but Axel still tensed, prepared for anything.

“You are quiet and observant,” Scarlett said. “I would be willing to bet you are quite clever as well.”

Axel expected Katya to bow her head, but she held Scarlett’s gaze, despite the flush filling her warm skin once more.

“I can walk among the realms by simply willing it.” Scarlett said. “But to bring others with me, it is easier to use the mirror gates. It is less draining on my reserves.”

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