Page 94 of The Court of Truth

That’s probably Cassian grumbling about it to himself instead of to me, but I don’t hear the footsteps like I did moments ago with Brody.

A shiver runs down my spine as the door creaks open, the noise vibrating in my ears as it widens to reveal no one on the other side.

What the fuck?

My eyebrows furrow as I shake my head, turning back to the mirror with a sigh. My body stiffens, my words lodged in my throat as I spy the presence behind me.

“You,” I croak, my body locked in place, and not of my own accord. No. This is dark magic at play again. I don’t manage to say as much before the overwhelming sensation of choking starts at my throat, consuming me with every breath I try to take.

My discomfort only brings her joy, an eerie smile taking over her face.

“Ah, little Adrianna. I would say it’s a pleasure, but alas, it is not. I’m sure you have many questions, but none of them deserve an answer after your little charade of calling me out like that. I knew biding my time would work in my favor, and now here we are. You’re… unavailable, and what better person to take your place than me?”

Her name is on the tip of my tongue, but nothing comes out. My arms are solid at my sides, my feet pressed together as I stand ramrod straight. Completely helpless.

She inches closer, so close her chin rests on my shoulder as she stares at me in the mirror.

“Lucky for you, for my dark magic to work, I need you alive. Unluckily for you, they’re never going to know the difference.”

She holds out a black stone, murmuring words under her breath, making the gem glow bright before she slams it between my shoulders at the base of my neck. It’s the exact same spot as the amethyst, only this time it’s not to mute my powers.

No.

I drop to my knees, weak, as she produces an identical gem, murmuring the same words under her breath before she presses it against her skin at the top of her back.

Before my eyes, the world blurs as I watch in silent horror as she transforms before me.

Piece by piece.

Any sign of her is gone and in her place stands…

Me.

“It’s a shame you won’t get a front row seat to watch me tear down this kingdom disguised as you, but I promise you this: they will never speak your name again by the time I’m through.”

52

NORA

If I stick to the wall, hovering close without overstepping, no one will notice I’m coming.

Well, Raiden will. He’s already looked my way, but if I have a chance of anyone being lenient, it’s him.

My favorite.

It felt weird for him to champion me like he did, in a way only Addi ever has, yet somehow it’s completely different.

He sees a strength in me I don’t even see in myself. Either that or he wants me dead without the blood on his hands. I’d lean more toward the latter if I didn’t know how important my sister is to him.

“Where’s Addi?” Cassian asks as Brody rushes downstairs two steps at a time.

The mage, who I’m learning is way too cheesy and almost soulful all at once, waves a dismissive hand as he reaches the foyer. “She just wanted a minute. She’ll be here any second.”

“What’s wrong with her?” Raiden grunts, moving toward the steps, but the dragon who changed my life catches his arm before he can reach for the handrail.

“If she says she needs a minute, then she needs a minute.” His words are soft but firm.

I expect Raiden to laugh in his face, but to my surprise, he jerks his head once, sharply, before taking a step back.

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