Page 130 of Heir of Illusion

“Back to my secret, little one,” she continues. “Thealmanovais dangerous in the hands of both mortals and fae. It whispers to them, warps their minds and bends their will. But did you know that in the hands of God, it becomes divinely lethal?”

Chills race over my skin. “What are you saying?”

“In the hands of God, thealmanovabecomes a God Slayer.”

Her words echo what was written in the book.

“That’s why Baylor wants Thorne to use the sword for him,” I whisper to myself. “He plans to kill you.”

She nods.

“But why?” I ask. “What would he gain from that if you’re already trapped down here?”

Sadness creeps into her eyes. “Once I’m gone, my Heir will ascend.”

“And he plans to kill them next?”

Her gaze falls. “You’d have to ask him about his plans. They stopped making sense to me a long time ago.”

“Did you know Baylor?” I ask. “Before all of this?”

She shakes her head, her eyes turning distant. “I knewofhim, but I hadn’t seen him since he was a boy. His mother once served in my court, a very long time ago.”

Baylor has never mentioned his parents. I tried to ask once, but he shut me down. “What happened to her?”

“I expect he ended her life shortly after taking the throne.”

“Why?” I gasp. I knew Baylor was capable of anything, but killing his own mother is a new level of evil.

“Because in this world, those who love us the most are usually the ones who destroy us. I pray he at least gave her a swift end,” she says. “Not the slow death he’s giving me.”

“You aren’t going to die,” I promise. “I’ll find a way to get you out of here.”

“You should worry about getting yourself out.” Her eyes harden. “I’m far too wise to lie to myself. I will die here in this cell. It’s only a matter of when.”

I yank at the bars, but they won’t budge. I pull again and again until my arms are shaking and sweat is dripping from my brow.

“It won’t work. I’ve tried many times. Only thealmanovacan cut through these bars.. Ironic that the weapon that brings my freedom also brings my death.”

“No,” I argue. “I can’t leave you here.”

“There’s strength in acceptance, little one.” A wistful smile pulls at her lips. “I welcome the next world. May it bring me the peace I never found in this one.”

Her words echo something the Goddess of Divination said to me at the ball.The truth cannot be fought, child. Only accepted.

I shake my head. “No. I won’t accept this.” Memories flood my mind, haunting images of Leona’s pale face, frozen in death. “He doesn’t get to do this. Not again.”

Her gaze falls to the collar around my throat. “How long have you been chained?”

“Fifteen years,” I admit. “Since I was a child.”

“Terrible things happen to those who meddle with fate.” She reaches her frail arm through the bars. The sight of her bony wrist makes my eyes burn. Her fingers are cold as they brush across my cheek, wiping away an escaped tear. “But remember, fate can only be delayed, never changed.”

Her eyes are sharper now than they were before. For a moment, I catch a glimpse of the cunningIllusionistshe once was.

“Some Heirs were fated to rise, others to fall. But your destiny, is yours to claim, Iverson.”

I open my mouth to ask her what that means, but she pulls her hand back.

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