Page 149 of Lady of Shadows

“As I am sure you are aware, the Avonleyans gave the Fae their magic in exchange for being a source of power to them,” Hazel began.

“Yes, Sorin told me that much. He also told me that the Night Children are descended from the Avonleyans,” Scarlett conceded.

“That they are. The Night Children may not have magic, but they are as strong as an Avonleyan and Fae in every other way, and become even stronger when they drink from either, which is why many sided with Deimas and Esmeray in the war. But, before the Great War broke out, the Avonleyans worried about their Fae kin on this continent as the Night Children grew restless, so they provided guardians for them.”

Scarlett’s head tilted to the side in question.

“The Witches and Shifters were created after a powerful Sorceress was captured and stripped of her magic as penance for her crimes. Her magic was gifted to the Witches and Shifters. The Witches were bonded to Queen Eliné, and the Shifters were bonded to Queen Henna. To maintain their dominance, however, the Avonleyans also granted such gifts to the Fae Queens, respectively.”

Sorin’s eyes snapped up to the High Witch. “Are you saying Scarlett possesses the powers of the Witches?”

“Can Queen Talwyn not shift and transform energy and physical matter?”

“My mother was a renowned Healer in the mortal lands,” Scarlett whispered, studying the text before her.

“Eliné was very skilled in the craft,” Hazel replied.

“You knew?” she asked, lifting her eyes back to the Witch’s.

“We kept in touch. When she left here with you, two others went with her.”

Scarlett’s head cocked slightly to the side. “One has returned?”

“Yes. She is his cousin.”

A look passed between the queen and the High Witch that Sorin could not read, and he had no idea who was being referenced.

“Here’s what I do not understand,” Scarlett mused after a moment. “Why did the Avonleyans give others their power at all? How did they even do that?”

“An excellent question, your Majesty,” Hazel answered. “And one you would do well to figure out.”

“You don’t know, or you won’t tell me?” When her question was met by silence, Scarlett asked another. “Do you know what Deimas and Esmeray sought so greatly across the sea?”

“What does anyone seek that could cause such a war? That could change the course of an entire world?” Hazel countered. “Power, of course.”

“But the Avonleyans had dispersed much of their power by that point,” Scarlett argued.

“Much, yes, but not all.”

“You’re as helpful as the Oracle,” Sorin heard Scarlett mutter under her breath.

Silence fell in the alchemy room. The High Witch turned to her wall of ingredients and began pulling more bottles and pouches from it. Sorin’s eyes were on Scarlett, though. Her head still down, studying the book.

Are you all right?

She lifted her eyes to his when she felt him and gave a subdued smile.Yes? No? I don’t know.She sighed.I’m just trying to figure some things out.

Sorin moved closer to her and pulled her to him, kissing the top of her head. She settled into his side, and he breathed in her scent.

Thank you,drifted down the connection.

For what?

For insisting on coming with me.

Sorin flicked her nose playfully as he stared into those beautiful eyes of hers, getting lost in the ever-changing blues and golds.I will cross the realms for you, my Love.

There was a tinkling of vials. He had forgotten where they were, who they were with. Scarlett smiled sheepishly, a slight flush tinging her cheeks, and returned her attention to the High Witch. Hazel was studying them, a look of curiosity on her face. “I have only seen a true twin flame bond a handful of times,” she said when they strode towards her. “Who sanctified your marriage?”

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