Page 138 of Heat of the Everflame

Taran followed next, then me, then Alixe. I wasn’t sure Zalaric would—if for no other reason than to avoid soiling his silk robes—but he came as promised, sealing off the small opening behind us and casting us into total darkness.

“You’re late,” a woman’s voice called from the shadows.

My heart leapt into my throat.

“Apologies,” Zalaric said. “I took a longer route to avoid being followed.”

Sparks rose from his palms and formed a fluffy, twinkling cloud above our heads that illuminated the woman standing before us. She was short and stout, clad in full-body leathers and laden with blades. Her cropped cherry-red hair, styled into rows of spikes, matched her crimson eyes—a Fortos Descended.

“This is the Cardinal,” Zalaric said. “She’ll be getting you home. Cardinal, this is—”

“Don’t wanna know,” she said brusquely. “Don’t wanna hear your names, why you’re here, or what you’re up to. I know where you’re going. Keep the rest to yourself.” She harrumphed and spun on her heel. “Follow me.”

Questions spun in my mind as we descended a set of rough-hewn stairs. How long had she been in Umbros? Had she been in the army when my mother was there? Had they known each other? Is that how she and Zalaric met? I cursed myself for being too afraid of blowing our cover to ask Zalaric about my mother when I had the chance.

The bottom of the stairs opened up to an enormous flooded cave. A stone landing ran along its edge, while a pontoon boat carrying a large wooden crate rocked gently in the water. Zalaric snuffed out his magic, leaving us in the sole light of a torch affixed to the ship’s bow.

The Cardinal climbed onto the boat and opened the end of the crate. Inside, I spied a handful of bedrolls and a bucket. “Get comfortable,” she said as we all shared uneasy glances. “It’s a long trip.”

Alixe gave Zalaric a shallow bow, and Luther stepped forward to clasp his wrist. “I believe our work together has come to an end. Her Majesty is repealing the progeny laws, so there will be no need for you to take in any more half-mortals.”

“I’m grateful for what you’ve done all these years.” Zalaric cleared his throat, his gaze skimming the ground. “So many of us owe you our lives.”

“You owe me nothing,” Luther said. “Those lives never should have been at risk to begin with.”

“Indeed,” Zalaric murmured.

“But should you wish to repay me...” Luther paused until Zalaric met his stare. “If Her Majesty needs you, answer her call. She is a Queen worth fighting for. Give her a chance, and she will earn your loyalty as surely as she has earned ours.”

A more rational, more adult part of me melted at his sweet show of devotion. But the rest of me belonged to my temper, and it—and I—were still simmering in hurt from his earlier words.

If I’m worth fighting for, then why aren’t you fighting for me?I wondered.

Luther’s gaze snapped to me. I let out a quiet huff and looked away.

Zalaric stepped back and fidgeted with the fabric along his collar. “Be well, Phoenix.”

Luther nodded stiffly. He gave me a long, lingering look, then he and Alixe set off for the boat.

Taran rubbed the back of his neck as he walked past Zalaric. “Thanks,” he mumbled. “It was, uh... interesting.”

Zalaric finally cracked a smile. “You were quite an unexpected surprise.”

Taran grunted and started to shuffle away, then stopped and looked back. “You know, if you ever come to Lumnos... and if you ever learn to say my name correctly... maybe you could teach me some of your tricks.” Zalaric’s grin widened, and Taran’s cheeks turned pink. “With yourmagic.”

“I’d love to, but I’m afraid I can’t visit a realm with no hairstylists.”

Taran frowned at Zalaric’s short, tight curls. “Lumnos has hairstylists.”

“Really?” Zalaric took a strand of Taran’s messy dark blonde waves and twirled it in his fingers. “Are they just too expensive for you, then? I can loan you some gold if—”

Taran scowled and snatched his hair away. “Nevermind. Forget I offered.” He stormed off toward the boat.

“Goodbye, Taran Corbois,” Zalaric called out. Taran looked back in surprise. “Whatever else fate has in store for us... I’m glad I met you.”

Taran shook his head and continued on, muttering under his breath, “What’s wrong with my hair?”

Zalaric watched him go with a wistful smile. He turned to face me, his back to the others.

---