Page 86 of The Sins of Silas

“Nothing you claim will ever get us to trust a La’Rune. Or to join whatever cause you’re against,” Evander replied.

“Surely you know there is a necromancer in Tovagoth, considering the tragedy that occurred last night,” I redirected.

Keir shot his gaze to me. “We aren't fools.” His voice was grave as he tapped his fingers along the tabletop. “We are aware of the threat now.”

“It seems the Undead are just now making their way south on the continent. The necromancer must be residing somewhere up north,” I insisted. “Defeating Ulric La’Rune is just a small part of this alliance. What we are up against…if we fail…it would cost everything.”

Keir's jaw flexed. “According to Leroy, you have not seen Undead quite like the ones from last night, correct?”

“We have not,” Silas confirmed grimly. “It has always been the erratic ones, the ones that travel in groups. It appeared like the necromancer was speaking through one of them. He must be evolving, or his power must be growing.”

Merrick spoke next. “And now that he can raise animals from the dead and command them the same, who knows how powerful he is?”

Merrick’s eyes widened the moment the last of his words came out. I swore.

“Those were not animals you saw,” Leroy gritted out. “We have had handfuls of our kind go missing over the past few months. Only magical beings can become Undead. Fuck.”

I should’ve guessed that. Those weren’t animals turned Undead that attacked on our way to Mount Rozavar, but Warlocks.

“Mages and Warlocks having to hide who they are makes it nearly impossible to band together to take on this threat. And it’s the only thing that will be able to stop whoever this monster is,” I expressed.

Evander scoffed, crossing his arms as he leaned back in his chair. His eyes slid to Silas. “Why haven’t you gone to your father about this revelation? This grand idea of recruiting the kinds you have slaughtered?”

“Because,” I answered for him, “no Mage would ever join forces with Ulric. Not after all the people he has killed.”

“And the Prince hasn’t killed our people?” Harumi retorted.

I inhaled sharply, and just as I was about to say,'fuck it,'Silas spoke.

“I regret what I have done.”

My eyes shifted to his golden ones, pain shining in his gaze as he looked at each member of the council.

“But it was never a choice. Ineverhad a choice.” He glanced at Elowen, then at me, where his eyes stayed. “If it weren’t for their kindness, Edmund would be dead. I owe a debt for that alone.” His eyes trailed to Harumi, whose scowl lessened. “But it was that kindness, in spite of us killing their people—their families—that made me realize I was wrong.

“I do not wish to be High King. I do not wish to eradicate your people—not anymore. I only wish to rid my kingdom of my father and get rid of the necromancer plaguing our continent.”

The council was silent for many moments, absorbing all of what the Prince had said. “What is your plan?” Aspen asked lowly.

“Ally with the southern kingdoms, the ones wishing to remain independent.” His gaze shifted to me as if questioning whether or not he should mention my own plan. So, I spoke for him.

“We had a powerful seer in our village. He told me to find Oquerene. I don’t know where it is, but his brother told me of Nereida, told me that more Mages should reside there and that if there is any hope of finding Oquerene, it is there we must go.”

“Oquerene…a mere whisper among campfires growing up,” Aspen muttered. “So, you wish to rally your people to join forces with the Prince?”

“Yes.”

“And what of your kill order?” Odelia pressed.

“It will be lifted the moment I am in power,” Silas promised. “And Mages will be able to live freely in our lands, should they wish. Your kind, too.”

Odelia blinked as if she couldn’t believe what she heard.

“And what if you get the throne and change your mind?" Harumi asked. "What keeps you to your word?”

“I have thrown away everything for this. Is that not enough proof?”

“You could always change your mind. Play the part that you did all this to gain information. Play it off.”

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