Page 74 of A Vow of Wrath and Ruin

“Well? What did Ursula want?” She tapped her toe on the cold stone.

I blew out a breath.

“She wanted what Conrad wanted. The siren’s song.”

Baylis and Amolie just blinked at me.

“That’s peculiar,” Baylis said, wrapping her wool shawl tighter around herself.

“Nothing surprises me anymore,” I said. “I am the only person immune to their song. I can block it out. Queen Calliope has been waiting for me to need a favor. I may have stolen her pearl, but the song is worth more than my weight in pearls.”

“So, what are you going to do?” Amolie swallowed nervously.

“I made a bargain with Ursula and intend to keep it.”

“But what about Conrad?”

“Don’t worry about it. I’ve got it under control. Let’s just focus on getting the song. Then we can deal with who to give it to.” I shot Amolie a look that saiddon’t push it.I was still wary of Baylis’s allegiance and didn’t want to give out too much information in front of her.

“When are you going?” Amolie asked.

“In two days. And apparently, Ursula will be there to chaperone. How lovely.”

“Well, at least you’ll have company.” Amolie grabbed a piece of willow bark from her satchel and placed it between her teeth.

“Since when do you chew willow bark?”

“Since we started saving the world.” She giggled.

“Fair enough. Speaking of… could you mix up a little of that valerian root? You never know when you’re going to have to sedate someone.”

“Of course.” She yawned. “I’ll get started on it in the morning. Do you want me to stay with you tonight, or are you alright to sleep alone? I heard Ursula leave in a huff.”

A breath slipped between my lips.

“I’m fine, but the bed is big enough for all three of us.” My chest twisted a little. With Baylis and Amolie in my bed, I couldn’t use my whisper stone. I hoped Tharan would understand. I sent a silent prayer up to Ammena to watch over him and keep him safe. I had to find time tomorrow to slip away and speak with him.

We all climbed into the plush bed and stared at the star-covered ceiling.

“Just like when we were kids,” Baylis whispered softly.

“Yep. Only this time, no one can get us here.” I threaded my fingers through hers. “This is the safest I’ve felt in a long time.”

“Me too.” She rested her head against my arm, and Amolie did the same on the other.

I thought of Tharan—his warm smile, the way he always twisted his feet with mine when we slept. If I had to sleep without him, at least it was between my sister and my best friend. Amolie was no doubt missing Roderick.

“Amolie?”

“Yes?”

“Tell me about your wedding.”

“Caiden’s father, Tonin, married us in the afternoon at their townhome in Vantris. The sunset, just as we said our vows, forged the unbreakable bond.”

“What did it feel like?” Baylis asked.

“It felt like losing and gaining part of your soul.” She gave a little chuckle. “I don’t know any other way of describing it beyond that.”

---