Page 29 of Blood of Two Crowns

“So, how do we get to Vassileo?”

Nakoa’s father’s expression, somehow, managed to turn even more grim. “There were once portals. A handful of them are located across Bellorum, but only one person can open them other than Azrael.”

I wasn’t surprised to hear Zurie’s name spill from Nakoa’s father’s lips. Dread sank low in my gut, like an anvil sinking to the bottom of a turbulent sea.

“Zurie?Why the fuck would Azrael—Nevermind. There has to be another way. Where’s Miroslav?”

“Probably with my mother.”

I flick my gaze to Rumiel. “Can you fold?”

“Only the gods and demiurges themselves, and their descendants, have that power.”

Gods and demiurges blood?

I’d never heard of or read such a thing… I had seen Zuriefoldcountless times.

Not that it fucking mattered now.

My magic began to seep out of me as my control slipped. Flames licked up my feet, legs, and hands, charring the rug beneath my feet as I chanted the orisha’s name.

“Miroslav… Miroslav. Miroslav. Miroslav. Miroslav. Miroslav. Miroslav. Miroslav.”

Thick, heavy silence weighed down on us as we waited, hearts pounding, for Miroslav to appear.Anythingcould be happening to Mareina right now. The idea had me ready to burst from my skin with panic. With ever-increasing volume and ferocity, my voice became an otherworldly roar.

“Miroslav. Miroslav. MIROSLAV. MIROSLAAAAV! MIRO-FUCKING-SLAV! ANSWER ME YOU CONNIVING, DUPLICITOUS FUCKING CUNT!”

Chest heaving, a wave of power washed over me like a tidal wave.

“I told you this timeline you have chosen wouldn’t end well.”

I spun to face the stoic, imperturbable bastard I’d beckoned with both anger and relief.

“Can you get us to Vassileo? Do you know how to open the portals?”

An almost imperceptible frown tilted his lips, something like resignation making his voice soft. My panic rose to new, throat-closing, chest-crushing heights.

“Zurie is your only hope.”

Chapter

Fifteen

NAKOA

“Zurie is your only hope.”Of all the heinous words uttered in the history of time, that had to be among the worst of them. As soon as Mareina had left with Azrael, I could feel it deep in my bones that he wouldn’t bring her back. My Knowingness was only confirmation. Fear and determination fisted my heart as Miroslavfoldedus to my mother’s home instead of to the palace. To Zurie. “Why are we here?”

“Because Zurie is gone.”

My hands shook as the priceless relics around us began to tremble, along with the mountain housing the cave. To keep my magic leashed stole every ounce of my energy. And if the flames igniting and guttering around Malekai were anything to go by, he was feeling very much the same.

“What do you meangone?”

Wearing a blank expression, Miroslavwilleda roll of parchment into his hand and passed it to me. Without entirely meaning to, I snatched it away.

Nakoa,

I realize I haven’t earned the right to call you my son, and I wouldn’t blame you if you never allow me to. While I don’t deserve such an opportunity to be given freely, I do hope you’ll understand why I must take things into my own hands. That, and I found a favorable alternative to living in a dungeon. Perhaps even a kindred spirit to share life with.

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