Page 75 of The Vanishing Throne

‘No,’ Daniel says. ‘I don’t have visions. I just hear whispers– aboutyou. First more than three years ago, and then in the cave they started up again.’ He studies me closely. ‘Whenever I look at you, they don’t stop. They just grow louder.’

Death is her burden. Wherever she goes, it follows.

I’m the girl whose gift is chaos.

‘When exactly did they start?’ I ask him, though I already know.

‘Before the fae destroyed everything.’ He hesitates before asking, ‘I take it you were there that first night.’

I understand what he’s really saying.You were supposed to prevent it.

No wonder Daniel didn’t want me in his city, why he’s spoken to me with hostility ever since my arrival. He knew exactly who I was. I’m the girl who let the cities fall. I’m the girl who ended the world.

I’m the girl who will bring death and destruction with me. Always.Always.

‘I was,’I say. My breath shakes as I exhale. ‘So you want me to leave.’

Daniel is quiet, as if he’s considering his next words carefully. ‘I’ve treated you unfairly. You didn’t have to save my life, and I won’t forget what you did for me. I’m in your debt. But I can’t put the people I love in danger by letting you stay.’

I don’t want to do that, either. The people he loves are the same ones I love. I’ve already done enough damage to their lives. Lonnrach is looking for me, and he won’t stop until he finds me, takes my powers, and kills me.

‘That’s why you didn’t want Catherine listening?’

‘No. I didn’t want her to hear my premonition about you. She’d tell me it doesn’t matter.’ He pushes his dark hair back in frustration. ‘I had to convinceyouthat it does, because you can get her to see reason.’

I think I see where this is going. ‘Don’t tell me you want me to lie to Catherine.’

‘That’s not what I’m asking,’ he says. ‘I’d never lie to her. But she would handle it better if you told her why you have to leave.’ Daniel smiles. ‘She’s stubborn where you’re concerned, in case youhadn’t noticed.’

I nod, trying to consider what I’ll say to her. I already sent her away once because I feared for her life. I’m responsible for Catherine being on that road when the fae attacked, and Daniel was there to save her, not me.

Death is her burden. Wherever she goes it follows.

It’ll follow me here. Lonnrach will find me and kill them all. And I may not have the power I need to protect her—

Kiaran’s words flash in my mind.They say a crystal from the palace is still here, hidden somewhere. Full of old magic.

‘You should know,’ I say quickly, before I stop myself. I decide to trust him, to risk the little I know. After all, he saved Catherine’s life. I still grateful for that. ‘They’re not just looking for me. The fae want something else, too.’

‘Do you know what it is?’

‘A crystal that’s hidden somewhere on the island. Have you heard anything about it?’ He shakes his head and I say, ‘I have to find it before the fae do, but Derrick will insist on coming with me. He won’t be here to hold the wards if they attack.’

‘What are you proposing?’ he asks.

‘Give Derrick time to strengthen them before we go.’ He hesitates and I add, ‘A few days. That’s all I’m asking.’

‘Fine.’ He sounds reluctant. ‘A few days. And then—’

‘And then I’ll leave.’

Chapter 26

The next day, I stand at my window watching the snow fall outside in the fake Edinburgh again. Only a few days. I’m not certain where I’ll go or find shelter. The pixie city hasn’t been much of a home at all, but the illusion of my old bedroom – my old house – makes me regret leaving.

Just for a few hours, I’m tempted to pretend it’s real, that I’m backthereagain. That I’m in my old life before the battle, when everything seemed so much simpler.

Derrick flies to my shoulder, startling me with his sudden presence. ‘Listen to me,’ he says sternly. ‘This ismyhome. You’re not leaving. Say the word and I’ll toss the Cyclops out on his arse.’

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