Page 262 of The Sins of Silas

“You know it’s a boy?”

“I have seen him in my visions.” She smiled softly.

“Is he…is he mine?”

Her smile faded, her eyes falling to her lap as tears spilled down her cheeks. “No.”

It was almost as if this next vision didn't work; it was a jumbled flash, so many I couldn't decipher. Chills raced through my body as our surroundings finally settled. We were in the mountains, somewhere I didn't recognize.

The wind whipped around Ryia as she held the hood pulled over her head. Her rounded belly was prominent.

Stepping outside of the mountains in dark leather were Warlocks—hundreds of them.

“My name is Kayin Natarion,” she announced. “And I need a favor.”

The Warlocks studied her with distrust. “Why should we help a Mage?”

“Because,” Igon advised, walking up beside her, “Ravaiana demands it.”

In the blink of an eye, we were back in Castle La'Rune. Once again, the memories flashed quickly, and the picture was unclear.

Why aren't we seeing everything?

“That boy is something else,” Quill laughed, he and Kayin watching Silas play with a wooden sword. He was so little…absolutely adorable. But that meant there was a four-year gap in memory.

“I am pregnant again, Quill,” she whispered.

His eyes shot to her.

“And I know she has magic. I feel it. I know this time that she is yours.” Her eyes met his, and he swallowed. Ryia began to cry, clasping her palm over her mouth to quiet herself. I could tell Quill wanted to comfort her, but there were too many eyes around that would see. It seemed that Quill had become Ryia's aide, no longer just a member of the Royal Guard.

“What does this mean, Ryia?”

“It means…you will have to leave." She ran her hand down her belly. "And you will need to take her with you.”

“What?” he hissed.

“Not only is she in danger because she’s a Mage, but you…if Ulric finds out—”

“He won’t.” Quill's grey eyes were pinned on her. “We’ve kept it a secret this long.”

“She will need you.” She sniffed. “She will need her father to raise her.”

Quill choked on an incredulous scoff. “And what of Silas? Whether he is my blood or not, he is my son.”

She clenched her jaw. “I wish you could take him, too,” she said quietly. “But he must stay with me.”

The vision changed. Ryia was kissing baby Aria on the cheek. The baby's appearance had been glamoured to hide her pointed ears.

She placed her in a basket, then kissed Quill softly. “Get to Daranois. Ask for Enid. She will get you to Oquerene.” She pulled him into a tight hug. “I will miss you forever,” she breathed.

“You act as if you’ll never see me again.” His smile fell at her silence. “You…won’t?”

She shook her head, tears falling as she cried harder.

“No…no, do not say that.” He held her close. “Don’t lose hope, Kay,” he whispered, stroking her head. “The future can always change.”

Memories flickered: Quill escaping with Aria; the panic that ensued when Aria's dead body—which we now knew was a false copy—was found in the Northern Woods. We heard the talking amongst the royals, of how Silas would be held in the castle to ensure his safety.

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