Page 51 of A Vow of Wrath and Ruin

“I think it has something to do with the painting upstairs,” he said, trying to catch his breath.

Ora arched a brow. “Which one? You’re going to have to be more specific. This is a gallery as well as a library.”

“The one on the ceiling. All the constellations have one illuminated star.”

“Hmmm… Okay, grab the book, and let’s go look.”

Caiden lifted the massive tome from the desk and carried it up the stairs after Ora.

She gazed at the ceiling, and Caiden’s pulse quickened as her silken hair fell over one shoulder, revealing her long, delicate neck.

“These must have been done by the same artist. Or at least someone who studied under him,” she said, pointing to the arrow of the Huntress.

Caiden sat the book on the table, and she hurriedly flipped through the pages.

“Ah-ha!” she proclaimed to the sound of multiple shushes.

Caiden moved in closer to get a better look. The smell of honeysuckle on her hair made him think of summer days lying in the grass in his youth. “What is it?”

“See here, the artist left his signature.” She pointed to what looked like a scribble at the corner of the painting.

Caiden spread a piece of tracing paper over it and traced the symbol. It looked awfully familiar. Had he seen it before or were his eyes playing tricks on him? He wracked his brain trying toremember where he’d seen the twisted symbol before. Was it at his parents’ house? He’d have to look.

“Have you seen this before?” he asked.

“No, but art history is not my specialty. Let’s see if we can find something similar on the ceiling. If we can match the signatures, perhaps they’re connected.”

The two spread out. Heads to the sky, looking for the infamous mark. Caiden squinted and nearly ran into an elderly scholar with a long white beard.

“Watch where you’re going,” he mumbled under his breath and pushed past Caiden.

Another bell chimed. “Shit,” Caiden whispered. He couldn’t stay much longer, or he’d be late for Amolie and Roderick’s ceremony. His eyes frantically searched the night sky for anything resembling the signature. Eventually, Caiden and Ora’s paths led them back together.

“Find anything?” Caiden asked.

“No. It’s too high up. I’ll have to find an art historian to help us.” She closed the book on the desk. “I’ll let you know when I have more information.”

The two parted ways, and Caiden headed for his parent’s house across the city. As he walked, he replayed the image of the map in his mind over and over again. There had to be something more to it. What was he missing?

Before he realized it, he was on his parents’ doorstep, red ribbons tangled in the breeze—a blessing of fertility for the couple.

The music of a small string band floated through the house. Caiden made his way to the conservatory, where Lucius waited in his finest doublet adorned with golden accents.

“Glad to see you delayed your mission to be here.”

“How could I miss my best friend’s binding ceremony? I’m cold, not heartless.”

Caiden shot his friend a knowing glance. “I always knew you were a romantic at heart.”

“Let’s not go that far.” He smoothed his perfectly quaffed long hair before tugging at his doublet. Caiden wondered whether Lucius kept lovers in secret. With his striking features and toned body, he would be attractive to anyone, man or woman. But Caiden also knew not to ask him about it. What Lucius did on his own time was his business.

“Are you going to change before the ceremony?” he asked, looking Caiden up and down.

“What’s wrong with this?” Caiden examined his simple vest and breeches.

“Well, it’s your friend’s binding ceremony. I hope you’d want to celebrate the occasion.”

Caiden sighed and headed to his room, where he quickly changed into a navy velvet doublet with lightning embroidered on it. As he glanced at himself in the mirror, he caught a glimpse of a bookshelf behind him. Inscribed on one of the book’s spines was none other than the same signature he’d seen at the library. Grabbing the book, he raced down to meet his father. Tonin looked ever the king with his short, clipped beard and crown of silver lightning.

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