Page 100 of Crown of Ashes and Desire

"Yes," I answered, my tone soft. "He doesn't know we're playing the game. So we have to be very careful and very good at pretending."

"Grown-up games are strange," she said with a sigh, as if this was simply one more incomprehensible adult behavior to tolerate. "But I'm good at pretending."

"Perfect," I said, and kissed her forehead. "You're so good at this game already."

After Kiraz had gone to nap—the excitement of our reunion and the strain of using her dual magic finally catching up with her—Nadine and I sat in her kitchen, speaking in low voices over tea.

"Her powers have grown stronger since you left," Nadine said quietly. "Both the light and the shadow. And Ada... she's been sensing things. Connections that I can barely understand."

"What kind of connections?"

"She knew you were coming before I received your message. She's been restless for days, saying her 'other magic' was pulling her toward something." Nadine's expression grew serious. "When the shadow lord arrived, she felt it immediately. She asked me why the shadows felt like 'family.'"

My blood ran cold. "What did you tell her?"

"That some people have natural affinities for certain magics. But Ada..." Nadine leaned forward. "I think you need to know what she might be. What the old texts say about children who carry both essences."

She told me then about the ancient prophecy, about the bridge between realms, about balance incarnate. All of it whispered carefully, away from little ears that might carry dangerous knowledge.

"There's an old prophecy," Nadine said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "One that speaks of shadow and light joining in blood, healing the ancient divide. 'When shadow and light join in blood, the ancient divide shall heal. Two courts become one throne, when enemies become lovers, when hatred turns to something deeper.'"

My breath caught. "That sounds like..."

"Like you and Hakan," she confirmed. "But there's more. 'The child of both worlds shall lead the new age, bearing the mark of twilight upon their brow.'" Nadine paused, herexpression growing thoughtful. "Ada, what if Kiraz isn't the only child of both worlds?"

"What do you mean?"

"The texts mention another—a son born centuries ago to a shadow lord and light lady during the last great war. He would be grown now, around four hundred years old." She looked toward the room where Kiraz slept. "The prophecy speaks of two children of twilight finding each other across time. When they unite, the peace will be permanent."

I stared at her. "You're saying Kiraz is destined to..."

"To find him," Nadine finished gently. "To complete what their parents began. The prophecy suggests that only when both children of shadow and light come together can the divide truly heal forever."

"The prophecy is simple," Nadine continued. "'When shadow and light join in blood, the ancient divide shall heal. Two courts become one throne, when enemies become lovers, when hatred turns to something deeper. The child of both worlds shall lead the new age, bearing the mark of twilight upon their brow.'"

I nodded, remembering fragments from old texts.

"But here's what's important, Ada," Nadine said, leaning forward. "There were two such children born across time. One during the last great war—a son. And now Kiraz. The prophecy speaks of both children of twilight finding each other. When they unite, the peace will be permanent, not just temporary."

I stared at her. "What exactly are you suggesting?"

"Nothing definitive," she replied carefully. "But the oldest texts from before the division speak of balance restored through a child of both worlds. A bridge between realms that were never meant to be separated." She looked toward the room where Kiraz slept. "Her dual nature isn't just unusual, Ada. It might be prophesied."

"If she's discovered," I said when Nadine finished, "if either court learns what she is..."

"They'll try to use her," Nadine confirmed grimly. "Or eliminate her as a threat to the established order."

"Then we keep her secret," I said fiercely. "Whatever it takes."

We were interrupted by Melo's return, her expression grim as she entered the cottage.

"I found him," she said without preamble. "Sarp. He's alive, but barely. He managed to track our scent trail to the village outskirts before collapsing."

Relief and concern warred in her voice. "I've brought him to your healing house Nadine. He needs immediate attention."

I looked toward the bedroom where Kiraz slept peacefully. "I should stay with her."

"No," Nadine said, already reaching for her healing supplies. "Iris can stay with Kiraz. If Sarp is as badly injured as Melo says, I'll need your light magic to help stabilize him."

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