Page 70 of Essence of the Throne

“Clearly not long.” Ariella’s fingers drum against her thigh. “We leave for Valoria tonight.”

Bastian nods, eager to be rid of us, before herding our group upstairs. He doesn’t escort us out, and I’m glad for it. The urge to punch his stupid fucking mouth remains strong.

The streets of Meridian seem different now, darker somehow despite the bright afternoon sun. Or perhaps it’s just my perceptionthat’s changed, polluted by images and thoughts of what my father is capable of.

Ariella walks a foot ahead of me and Gavriel, lost in thought. She may be silent as a wraith, but I can practically hear her mind working through possibilities. Even distracted, she travels with lethal grace, drawing looks from citizens that she ignores as if she’s oblivious to them. But I know the truth—she’s aware of every soul in the vicinity and would have a blade in the throat of the first person that eventhoughtabout harming her.

I bite my cheek to dampen the smile, barely succeeding. She’s fucking incredible.

We’re halfway back to the inn when we encounter them; a group of people huddled around a wild-eyed man shouting from atop a crate.

“The end approaches!” His desperate cries raise the hairs along my arms. “The realms bleed into each other! Our essence fails us! Who among you hasn’t felt the change?” The crowd murmurs, though I cannot tell if they agree with the sentiment or not.

The man continues. “The Angel abandoned us long ago. The coming is the price of our arrogance. The realms demand payment!”

Ariella halts, causing me to almost collide with her. Her head tilts as she listens to this nonsense. I am curious about where he found this information, though. After a few moments of the man repeating himself, she mutters something under her breath and stalks away.

The sounds of the crowd fade as we put distance between us, but the words linger in my mind.The realms demand payment.

It’s nonsense—just the ravings of someone desperate to find meaning in the current predicament of our realm. Yet, something about it gnaws at the edges of my thoughts, as if some part of me recognizes a truth hidden within the madness. I can’t shake the uneasiness within my gut, especially after hearing the same thing from Rael.

I want to ask Ariella, but her posture screamsleave me aloneas she practically jogs through the streets. I’ve learned when to give her space, even if every cell of my being wants to pull her close and promise we’ll figure this out together.

“We should rest before heading back,” Gavriel suggests as we near the city center. “It’s a long ride, and we all need time to process today.”

I expect Ariella to argue, but she glares at my guard, a dangerous glimmer shifting through her eyes. They stare at one another, seeming to have an unspoken argument, though of what this time, I’m unsure. They should really speak to someone about their issues—it’s become far more irritating than amusing at this point.

Gavriel clears his throat, gesturing ahead. “We can rest at the inn near the marketplace. It will be quieter there.”

I nod, though Ariella’s already wandering away. My muscles ache from riding, but there’s a tension thrumming through me that won’t let me rest just yet. Too many questions plague my mind.

The streets of Meridian bustle with activity despite the heat. Vendors call out their wares while dock workers hurry past with crates and supplies. The salty breeze carries hints of fish and spices from nearby food stalls.

Ariella pauses, her attention caught by something in a shop window. I follow her gaze to an elegant dress displayed behind the glass. The deep orange fabric reminds me of a sunset over the Elysaran Mountains, flowing like water that has been frozen in time. Tiny crystals are woven throughout, catching the light in an intentional pattern. It’s breathtaking—and unlike anything I’d expect to capture her interest.

She stares for several long moments before shaking her head and continuing down the street. I suppress the urge to offer to buy it for her. She’d slice off my dick just for suggesting it.

“Wraith!” a merchant calls out with notable excitement, waving from his stall. “You look troubled! I have exactly what you need—straight from Auroria’s finest inventors!”

Ariella raises an eyebrow but approaches his table. The merchant grins, pulling out an odd cylindrical object that tapers at one end, made of soft, polished metal. It’s about the length of my hand, with strange ridges and curves along its surface.

“What is it?” she asks, her curiosity evident as she picks it up.

“A revolutionary device that integrates with essence!” the merchant exclaims. “Simply channel your energy into it and—”

The object lurches to life in her hand, emitting a low humming as it vibrates intensely. Ariella’s eyes widen and she grimaces, turning it over to examine it.

“What the fuck is this even supposed to do?” she demands, holding it away from her body. “It’s just making noise.”

I lean in to study it, equally baffled. “Perhaps it’s meant to…mix liquid concoctions?” Even as I say it, I know that can’t be right. The merchant’s knowing smirk only deepens my confusion.

“You’ll figure it out,” he says with a wink. “Just remember to draw the essence back out when you’re finished. And wash it thoroughly, of course.”

Ariella tries to hand it back, but he waves her off. “Consider it a gift! The Silver Wraith herself, using my wares? Priceless advertising.”

She scowls but stuffs the strange device into her pocket, clearly done with this interaction—as am I. “Whatever.” As we leave, I catch a hint of a conversation between two women who are giggling over the same object Ariella was just given. Interesting.

We continue toward the docks, the crowds thinning as we near the water, though the atmosphere seems far more erratic. The ocean stretches before us, waves lapping at the wooden piers. The setting sun tints the water in brilliant golds and crimsons.

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