Page 130 of Heat of the Everflame

The same words Luther had said to me at the Ascension Ball—a declaration of faith, his wholehearted certainty that I was fated to bring the people of Emarion together.

“He doesn’t just see you as our leader, Diem. He sees you as our salvation.Everyone’ssalvation.”

I stared at my wringing hands. “That’s a heavy mantle to carry. I’m not sure I’m worthy of it.”

“Tell me about it,” she teased. “I’m now supposed to lead our salvation’s personal guard into war. No pressure at all.”

My laughed was tempered by the worry sinking in my chest. “Alixe, have you noticed a difference in him these past few days? Has he seemed... perhaps... a bit sad?”

She gave me a strange look. “Doyouthink he’s sad?”

I blushed, suddenly feeling silly for asking. “Forget I said anything. You and Taran have known him so much longer. If something were wrong, I’m sure you’d know.”

“It’s true we’ve known each other a long time, but we don’t know him the way you do. I’m not sure anyone does—or ever has.”

My heart perked its ears. “What do you mean?”

“Tell me—do you know how Luther knows Zalaric?” I nodded, and she shot me a pointed look. “I don’t.”

“That’s only one story.”

“Do you know how Luther got his scar?”

“Well, yes, but—”

“I don’t. I didn’t know about the visions he was having, either. I definitely didn’t know he’s been helping the Guardians. Neither did Taran, and they’re even closer. And I’m willing to bet there are several more of his secrets you know that we don’t.”

I stared blankly, unsure how to respond.

“Luther has always made time to listen to whoever needs him, no matter how trivial the issue, but he never shares his own burdens.” Her expression turned solemn. “Except with you.”

My insides squirmed. I wrestled a burning urge to sprint back to the inn and curl up in his arms.

“Let’s head to the food market,” Zalaric called out to us, waving us over. “Tabitha here is getting peckish.”

An exasperated moan rang out behind him, and Alixe and I shared a smile as we set off to join them.

“What is this special project you’re working on?” I asked.

“Actually, I’ve been wanting to discuss it with you. It’s a tool of sorts. Something that could protect us against any enemy. But the details are... sensitive.” She glanced around. “Too sensitive to discuss so publicly.”

I nodded. “Keep working on it. We need every advantage we can get. Let’s talk more when we’re alone.”

As Zalaric led us across Umbros City toward the food markets, we approached the cavernous central hall. It was louder now than the day we’d arrived. Voices, so many voices—a deafening roar that left my thoughts grappling for space.

It made my magic restless, too. My godhood paced, awake and alert. Analyzing.Listening.

I winced and rubbed my temples. “In a hall this large, you’d think the sound wouldn’t be so intense.”

Taran grinned and threw an arm over my shoulder. “I don’t think that’s the sound,cousin. I think that’s the half-bottle of whiskey you polished off last night. You’re lucky this city has no sunlight.”

The pressure mounted with every step, a crushing weight against my skull. “It isn’t loud to you?”

“Not really. No more than any ball usually is.”

“I don’t exactly have much experience with balls,” I grumbled. Only my Ascension Ball, which hadn’t felt anything like this.

“I do. Do you need some advice? See, menreallylove it when you put them in your—”

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