Page 85 of Glow of the Everflame

“Blessed Mother Lumnos chose you for a reason. She saw who you are and what you can be. Prove to all of them what she and I already know—you are capable of this, andso muchmore.”

Though his voice was a whisper, the strength in it bonded to my bones like living armor.

“Unleash, my Queen. Show this world what it means to Challenge Diem Bellator.”

His use of my name—myrealname—was its own kind of spark on a pyre of dry kindling. A fiery rush of emotion blazed through my body. Pride mixed with fear, hope wound with determination.

Luther’s face illuminated in a soft glow. It took me a moment to realize the effect had come from me—from my own skin, which had taken on a shimmering, pearlescent luminance. I looked down at the black fabric of my dress, realizing that it had transformed into a moving shadow of smoky black tendrils. Murmurs rippled through the crowd.

Luther thumped his fist to his chest in salute.

“Unleash,” he hissed.

He held my stare as he backed away, until finally he bowed low, then departed for the stairs where Remis and Garath now waited.

I swallowed and turned to face the pyre. I listened for thevoiceI had surrendered to each time my magic had exploded from within me. I couldn’t hear it, but I couldfeelit, stirring low in my chest.

I extended my hands in front of me, willing the power to manifest in my palms in the same way I had seen Luther wield it. The eager, watchful eyes of the crowd hovered around me like a fog. I wasn’t sure which they wanted more—a scandalous failure or a spectacular success.

A tingling sparked in the hollow of my ribcage. It swelled and spread until it filled my chest, then my stomach, then bled out into my limbs and trickled through to my hands and feet. The familiar sensation of icy heat began to grow at the heart of my palms.

Luther’s words rang in my ear.

Unleash, my Queen.

My skin glowed brighter with silvery light, forming a halo along the sandy ground where I stood. That night in the dungeon, I had been so terrified to face the reality of being Descended that I hadn’t let myself admit just how good it had felt to let go. Howrightit seemed that I should wield this power that was my birthright.

The shadows at my dress spilled into a living pool at my feet writhing with furious energy. The tingling was growing stronger. It pulsed over and over as the sensation in my palms intensified.

My eyes lifted to Luther. Despite our very public surroundings, he had dropped his mask, revealing that same genuine, wholly unguarded smile he had given me after I released my magic for the first time. My heart sang at its sight.

Unleash, my Queen.

Sparks swirled around my hand, my excitement rising as I dragged my gaze back toward the pyre.

I could do this. I could show them how strong I was—how dangerous I could be, if pushed. I could be the fearsome Queen that Luther saw in me.

I could deliver a blow the Descended would never forget.

Then my eyes caught on something in the crowd.

A splash of black in the highest rows, tucked behind the royal box. The mortal guests, shoved into a corner to keep them out of sight—and right in Sorae’s direct line of fire, if they dared to make a scene.

My good sense warned me not to look closer. I knew I would see faces I recognized, wearing the same disgust I’d seen on Henri when he’d first found me in the palace.

But restraint was never my strong suit.

Almost instantly, my eyes landed on Maura, seated front and center.

Of course. She was the official palace healer. She had tended to the King for months. If any mortal would be invited to his funeral, it would be her.

Her eyes bulged, her face drained of all color. Her hands wrung fretfully in her lap. She stared at me as if she didn’t know me at all—as if I were some beast about to devour her whole.

My power flickered and dimmed as I grappled to maintain control.Focus, I thought.I’ll find her later and explain. I’ll make her see I’m the same Diem she’s always known.

Again I tried to pull my attention away, but Maura turned, and I followed her line of sight.

Straight to the eyes of my father.

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