Page 69 of Heir of Illusion

The reminder of Baylor’s words only fuels my anger more. That cursed night was when my whole world shifted on its axis for the second time.

“You keep your secrets but demand to know all of mine,” I tell him, hating the emotion leaking into my voice. “This isn’t a partnership. I don’t owe you anything. Go back to wherever youraccommodationsare, and I’m sure someone will find you if you’re needed.”

He watches me with that all-seeing gaze, but I have no idea what he’s thinking. Emotion flickers behind his eyes as he opens his mouth to speak. I hold my breath, desperate for whatever he’s going to tell me. But a noise from behind me steals his attention, and the mask slides into place once more. For a moment, I think I spot a trace of regret in his eyes, but it’s gone too quickly to be sure.

The sound of ripping fabric comes a second before his wings break free. A gasp slips out of me at the sight of the magnificent onyx feathers. Without another word, Thorne leaps into the air. Rain splashes into my eyes as I watch him disappear into the sky, wondering what he might have said if we hadn’t been interrupted. Why were those unspoken words so important to me? Forcing myself to let it go, I turn to find Darrow peeking through the slightly cracked door.

Seeing he’s been spotted, he yelps and quickly slams it shut.

I stomp across the wet ground, silently cursing the way my damp clothes awkwardly cling to my body. I only have to bang my fist against the hard steel once before the handle twists and Darrow cracks it open, peeping through the tiny gap with one eye.

“Enjoy the show?” I ask.

He frowns, having the nerve to look chastised.

“Ask me a question,” he mutters.

“What?” I lean forward, sure that I’ve misheard him.

“Ask me one question,” he clarifies. “And Imightanswer. If I can.”

My mouth hangs open. Is this his way of apologizing?

“Quickly, Iverson. I don’t have all day,” he snaps.

Fates, even his apologies are petulant. I shake my head, trying to focus on what I want to ask. Half of my most pressing questions are things I’m sure he won’t tell me. But there’s one small thing that’s been bothering me.

Meeting his gaze through the cracked door, I take a deep breath. “Why did you panic when I mentioned falling stars earlier?”

He bristles. “I didn’t panic.”

“Darrow,” I say flatly.

“Fine.” His eyes grow sad, and for a moment, I think he won’t tell me.

Annoyance flares as I turn around, letting an illusion settle over my skin. I’m already walking away when he finally speaks.

“Do you know whatalmanovameans in the old language?”

I turn around, shaking my head even though he can’t see it.

“Soul of the star,” he says softly. “It means ‘soul of the star.’”

With my backpressed against the hard marble of the clawfoot tub, I keep my head angled toward the door and a blade resting along the edge. When I returned from my outing, Alva thought a bath would help me to unwind from my stressful week. She always fills the water with scented oils and healing salts, telling me they are great for relaxation. Tonight she choose jasmine, hoping it would help me be more at ease.

Unfortunately, every time I try to close my eyes, they immediately snap open as phantom footsteps creep across the stone tiles. I do my best to ignore the imaginary hands brushing over my scalp, threatening to push my head under the water. Somehow, I am even more on edge than when I got in.

Three exhausting days have passed since I went to MASQ.

Each has been spent helping Remy in his search of the city. There’s been no sign of Darby or the sword, but I’ve sensed the beginnings of the chaos Darrow predicted. There’s a layer of hostility in the air, pushing everyone closer to their breaking point. I’ve seen customers snap at vendors over the most minor inconveniences.

Earlier today, I witnessed a man destroy a booth at the fish market because the owner was sold out of oysters. Remy’s soldiers arrested him, but he was far from the only one behaving aggressively. And if Darrow was right, it will only get worse.

We’ve searched all of Darby’s usual haunts and interviewed his known associates, but no one has seen him. And none of the healers admitted to aiding him with his wounds. Starting tomorrow, Baylor has given orders for every home and business in the city to be searched, even the ones in Highgrove and Midgarden. The king must truly be panicking if he’s willing to risk angering the aristocracy.

Darrow’s words from the other morning linger in the back of my mind.Soul of the star. Such a strange thing to name a sword. Could it be a coincidence that the old woman was singing about falling stars?

A knock on the door pulls me from my thoughts, sending a wave of dread sweeping through my veins. There’s only one reason for someone to knock this late.

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