Page 153 of Lady of Ashes

“No thanks to you,” he replied bitterly.

“Correct,” she agreed. “I can take no credit for anything you are, other than for your immense gifts.”

“Because that is what the Witches place value on, right?”

Hazel was quiet for several long moments. “Yes. Witches value power above all else, like most magic-wielders of this world.”

“That is how you were able to justify abandoning a baby to the mortal kingdoms?”

“I will not apologize for saving your life.”

“Will you apologize for anything?”

Scarlett was about to intervene, but Sorin noticed because he spoke down their bond.

Let this play out, Scarlett.

I did not anticipate Cassius reacting this way. He’s always so … calm and collected. With you maybe,Sorin replied.He can be just as big of a prick as any of us, and his feelings on this are valid.

I’m not saying they aren’t, but—

“Do I wish things could have been different? I do,” Hazel was saying.

“You are the High Witch. You could have decreed such a thing,” Cassius retorted.

“Things are never that simple, Cassius,” Hazel replied. “Your own queen can attest to that.”

“You didn’t even try,” Cassius spat.

“What do you think I did while I carried you in my womb?” Hazel demanded.

Cassius fell silent, his tongue pressing into his cheek, and a thick tension settled over the room.

“So … Hazel needs to check some of your injuries,” Scarlett said when things started to become far too awkward.

Cassius nodded, and Hazel came to his side.

“The one on your leg. How is it feeling?” she asked, pulling the blankets back.

“Like there is still a dagger in it,” Cassius grunted.

“I was afraid of that.” Her hand hovered over the spot he’d been stabbed by both Veda and Alaric. Faint white light began emanating, and Cassius started at the magic.

“Can I do that?” he asked after another bout of silence.

“More than likely, yes,” Hazel answered. “When Avonleyan bloodlines cross with another magical bloodline, the offspring will have gifts from both. However, the more dominant power will be stronger.”

“You were more powerful than my father?”

Hazel glanced at him brie?y before focusing back on her magic. “It depends on what kind of power you value. In terms of healing and spell-weaving, yes.”

“What are the other gifts of the Avoneleyans?” Scarlett asked. She’d climbed onto the bed, sitting beside Cassius, Sorin having taken a seat in his chair.

“We are unable to speak of them,” she replied. “To speak of what we know.”

“Convenient,” Cassius muttered.

“It sounds similar to how we are unable to speak of the Fae Royals in the mortal kingdoms,” Sorin chimed in.

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