Page 67 of Terragnata and the Heir of the Earth

Jana smiled, resting the tips of her fingers on her clavicle. Her smile disappeared when they did not meet the wooden necklace she usually wore. “Every Witch of generational power has a unique object that can amplify their magic. Mine is the ancient bur oak that is normally tied around my neck. Upon coming of age, a Witch will start his or her search for such an object. There is a draw between Witch and Siphon, an unmistakable pull. It is an honor to find your Siphon quickly, though some search for decades.”

“Do I have a Siphon?” I asked.

“You do. Someday soon, it will be crucial for you to seek it out. I know you’ll find it quickly, just like your mother did hers.”

I paused, wondering if it would be something of the Earth, like Jana’s. When I said nothing, she continued with her story.

“When Neferti met your father, Viturius, well, I had never seen such an instant pair. She was wild, and he reveled in it. Part of the reason she was so free was that she did not grow up with the burden of a future crown.”

“You were supposed to be Queen of Nebbiolo,” I breathed.

She nodded. “I am the eldest. I had seen what happened to the Queens of Nebbiolo, our mother included. They were all… changed after being crowned. I grew up knowing that one day, I would be the one changed, stone-cold, and unrecognizable atop a throne. So I shut everyone out, swearing to only breed after I assumed the role.

“But the universe’s plans are rarely of our own making, and fate is full of surprises. My surprise was Reece. My chambermaid. I thought nothing of her; she was simply a servant. But she showed me unconditional kindness and shouldered the pain of my burden, though I never asked her to. It happened without me realizing… one day, I just knew I couldn’t live without her. But a Nebbiolon Queen marries only for breeding. And Reece couldn’t give me a babe. So I left a letter abdicating the future throne to your mother. It was a few years after you’d been born.

“Our mother died shortly after I left. Neferti took the crown and sent you and your father to Viribrum. She was always stronger than me; she did what she had to without a second thought. And as they all do, she changed. She is not the same, not even close. So, it’s my fault your mother is gone, Terra. My fault your father is dead. My fault the Rexi so coldly cast you out to the human realm. If you are looking for someone to blame, blame me.”

Any resentment I’d held for the Witch before me evaporated. I suppose I could have been angry with her, for she caused my family’s separation. But she did what she did because of love. And I was no stranger to resenting one’s birthright.

“What did she mean when she said she wasprotectingNebbiolo from me?” I asked, chewing my lip. “She thinks I can’t control my power? Am I truly so dangerous?”

“I honestly don’t know what she meant, Terra. I don’t think it would be a fear of control—control can always be taught. And you have already come a long way; you are no danger unless you want to be. Ever since she accepted the crown, she has spoken in riddles. I have long stopped trying to decipher them. But I had to find you, Terra. Thousands of innocents would have died if she allowed you to remain hidden, blaming Drakkar for your disappearance. I already have so much guilt to carry, I couldn’tbear more. And Cas had figured out you lived, anyhow; he wouldn’t have rested until you returned.”

I met her gaze. “Speaking of Cas, why did you never tell me about him? You left memories of my mother, of my title, caged in my head—when you’d unlocked my memories of Viribrum and my sire. Why?”

Jana sighed once more. “I thought the knowledge of your title would confuse and frighten you. I worried you’d think we were ransoming you or using you for your position or something twisted like that. And I couldn’t conceal the memories of your title without concealing Cas too, for he is the prince and you two betrothed. As for your mother, I didn’t conceal your memory of her; you simply didn’t have any. I swear on Reece’s grave, I never planted a fake memory in your mind. Terra, I am truly sorry. I thought I would have time to explain; I didn’t think your memories would erupt upon seeing Cas, and I certainly didn’t think Neferti would be here upon our arrival, ready to order me away in chains.”

The four weeks since Fayzien first set foot in Argention had been filled with confusion after confusion, horror after horror. I scarcely knew what or who to believe anymore. But sitting there, in front of my aunt, an overwhelming feeling of reassurance flooded over me.

Cas trusted her. He’d trusted her to find me.

And I knew I trusted her too. I only prayed I wouldn’t regret it.

I held my aunt’s gaze. “I believe you.”

Her mouth wobbled, a glint in her eye. “That is enough for me, niece. I only hope I can one day also earn your forgiveness.”

I swallowed, preparing for the final question I felt compelled to ask. “Did the Rexi order the death of my family in Argention?” My voice croaked out of me.

“I don’t know, my dear. I wouldn’t think her so cruel, but I scarcely know any longer.”

I squeezed my eyes shut, forcing back tears, and exhaled. “Jana, I need to leave this place. I can’t be around Fayzien without wanting to kill him, even if he doesn’t hold the ultimate blame. I don’t trust a word thatqueensays. And Cas, while he may care about me, he wants me to compete in this ridiculous contest for his hand. I’m a pawn here—I’ve always been a pawn. Can you help me get out of the castle, out of Valfalla?”

She looked at me, her eyebrows pinched. “And where will you go, dear?”

“Anywhere. I don’t know. I’ll go back to Argention to return Gia to her family. And then, perhaps, I can search for Leiya and Leuffen, to see if they survived Fayzien…”

“And then? What will you do? Live on the run? If you learn anything from my story, it should be that one cannot outrun their duty without consequences. I suppose you know what will happen if you refuse to participate in the Skøl. Hundreds will compete, and many will die. Are you prepared to live your life with that knowledge, that burden?”

“That’s their choice to compete,” I murmured, but it sounded like a weak excuse, even to my own ears.

“True,” she admitted. “And I thought the same thing of my younger sister. She made the choice to serve, to not abdicate. But I will tell you this: the guilt and the pain come anyway. She would still be the loving and wild Witch I knew, if I hadn’t left. You can’t deny who you are, Terra. It always catches up to you.”

“So what am I to do? Just marry Cas? Become some bred mare to unite the Fae kingdom and Witch queendom? Forget about all that Fayzien has done, never to think of Leiya, Leuffen, and Sanah again?”

She sighed. “No, that isnotwhat I’m saying. Fayzien is not worth your time—he is the Rexi’s dog. And Ezren went to searchfor any survivors of the Casmerre with Dane. As for competing in the Skøl—it will simply save the king and Cas embarrassment and prevent the unnecessary loss of life. You won’t be married right away; there’s a victory period between the Skøl and the wedding. It will give you time to figure out what to do next.” Jana paused. “Have they found a way to unbind you two yet?”

I swallowed, the tightness in my chest loosening a little when I heard someone was looking for the twins and Sanah.“No, but Cas says he’s working on it. I suppose it will be harder for him now, though, since I let Ezren go.”

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