Page 110 of Heir of Illusion

She holds out the paper, gesturing for me to take it. “Miss Della told me to give this to you.”

I inspect the folded cream parchment, finding no seal or address. Ripping it open, I quickly scan its contents.

I changed my mind.

Tonight. 8p.m. The Lowers.

Mortal male, late thirties. Red cloak. Blond hair.

-D

Ignoring the thoughts racing through my mind, I shove the paper in my pocket and return my attention to the woman in front of me. Alice watches me expectantly, her gaze flickering back and forth between my collar and my face.

“Thank you.” I nod. “Please let Della know I’ll handle it.”

“Of course.” She lowers herself into a curtsy before leaving us.

My eyes follow her as she makes her way through the crowd, keeping her head down until she disappears into a dark hallway.

“What was that?” Darrow asks, coming to stand beside me.

“A new development.” I reach into my coin purse and toss a few copper pieces onto the bar, but as I turn to go, Darrow snares my wrist.

“You should know that you were right.” Lines appear around his mouth, as if it’s physically painful to force the words out. “I lied to you when I said I didn’t have a way to remove the collar.”

My blood turns cold as I rip my arm out of his grip. “Why are you telling me this?”

“Because I heard about the king’s announcement last night.” Darrow’s chin dips, and I spot a trace of shame in his gaze. “And I’m sorry for my part in what’s happened to you.” He takes a deep breath, his eyes darting around the room before returning to me as he lowers his voice. “Thealmanovacan remove your collar.”

I grab onto the bar to keep from falling as my legs threaten to give out. Darrow continues speaking, but I barely hear him. My entire being has been chiseled down to one single sentence.

The almanova can remove your collar.

The words reverberate through my mind, bouncing against my skull as I try to understand them. For weeks, I’ve suspected the sword was connected to my collar, but I couldn’t let myself truly believe it. I couldn’t bear to carry the weight of my disappointed hopes if I was wrong.

“But you need to listen to me, Iverson.” Darrow grabs my shoulders, shaking me until my eyes focus on him again. “It’s not that simple. I know how much your freedom means to you, but it will come at a price.”

“I’ll pay it,” I mutter as I push him away and force myself toward the door.

He trails after me, his voice quietly urgent. “If you touch that sword, you’ll be trading one master for another.”

I keep walking, ignoring his warning. One way or another, I’m removing this collar.

Tonight.

Chapter

Twenty-Nine

My feet scamper silently over the broken cobblestones of the Lowers. There’s a sinister energy hanging in the air tonight. The streets are practically empty, which is unusual for the typically boisterous Dockside District. I noticed several businesses locking their doors early.

The only place that appears to be open is the pub. I peered through a window as I passed by and found a few scattered patrons silently sipping their ale, Calum, among them. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I register relief at his presence, but the feeling dissipates before I have a chance to dwell on it. Right now, I don’t have room for anything but determination.

Whatever price I have to pay, whatever I have to risk, I don’t care. The sword is mine. And the collar is coming off.

Tonight.

Streetlamps flicker overhead as they run low on the precious oil that fuels their flames, creating a pulsing darkness that beats in time with my pounding heart. Even with my heightened vison, the thick haze of fog permeating the air is making it difficult for me to navigate my path. I have to give it to Alice Darby, she picked a good night to lure someone into a trap.

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