Page 67 of Of Withering Dreams
Hestia Larkin.
Mama.
I could do this. I could figure out how to change Midst Fall for the better. Why should it be someone else and not me? Why should other people take risks while I drowned in my own worries, doing breathing exercises to avoid crippling panic? The good thing about breathing … I could do it anywhere, even while snooping, scheming, stabbing—or whatever one did to topple unjust tyrants.
My eyelids snapped open, eyes like impenetrable ice, focusing on Melina. Her hand fell to her side, a false smile hanging off the tips of her incisors. “In a fortnight, the celebration ball will take place. After this, the final two trials—the Wilting and the Winnowing—are sure to entertain us all.” She lifted a sharp chin, tossing her sleek hair behind her. “You’ll be notified of the opportunity to choose formal regalia in the Great Hall—the only requirement is that you choose something in the same color as your current attire. Elder Law decrees such identification. Dismissed!”
She departed, accompanied by enthusiastic applause—without mentioning or offering condolences to the fallen competitors. My mouth pressed into a grim line, unsurprised.
With any luck, the Elders and their unjust rule would be ancient history one day soon. Maybe the Fates had already written it in the stars. If not, thenfeck ‘em,as Breena would say.
My ember purred under my skin and through my sinew. Yesterday’s hesitations were whisked away—the soggy heft of them expelled. I bounced softly on the balls of my feet. Perhaps I could stomach a little rebellion after all.
“It’s a shame, it is.”Derya nonchalantly hung some fresh clothes in my pewter armoire, peeking at me from the side of her vision. Waiting for me to take the bait.
My eyes glinted, one eyebrow lifting. “Whatever do you mean?”
Her lips quivered as she struggled to hold back a smile. She spun around and made her way to the window where I stood, trailing her fingertips along the end of my bed. “Well … if someonehadsecured themselves even a morsel of the Mirage Orchid, they’d be fortunate indeed.” Her words were measured, lacking their usual brisk melody, as she fiddled with the buttons of her cobalt dress. “So, what a shame that no one did, is all.”
Glancing at her, my mouth scrunched to the side, suppressing a chuckle. I didn’t know how, but the woman often knew more than she let on. As I turned to the window, one hand reached across my chest, resting on my upper arm, while the other cupped my chin in mock contemplation. The sea was particularly calm this morning.
“Hmmm, thatisa travesty.”
Derya made an impatient chuffing sound, dropping the button she’d been so focused on. “Yes, well. If someone were to have such a prize, I’m sure they’d be tickled to know how to use it.”
My eyes widened, giving away my interest. Derya clucked her tongue, wiggling her eyebrows, wrinkles creasing around her bright eyes. “Ah, yes. That would be a useful tidbit. Wouldn’t you say?”
I sighed, “It certainly would. Let’s say, hypothetically, of course, that it was found. How would one use it?”
She clapped her hands together loudly, making me flinch. “Oh! Aren’t we the curious cat? Well, I’ll have you know, I am quite a skilled alchemist, I am. Been working at the craft for as long as I remember, especially once I learned I could influence liquids and what’s in them.”
I blinked several times, my mouth gaping open. “Derya, how did I not know this about you?”
She sniffed, “I suppose you never asked. It brings me joy to have some secrets, my dear.” She waved her hand dismissively. “Anyway, now hush and listen. Hypothetically, of course, spells that reverse ember are rightfully quite rare. They often require a blood offering to activate them. So, I would think the best course of action would be to muddle the petal into a powder, add a few drops of blood, dead nettle, and mugwort.” She eyed me, one eyebrow raised. “Quite convenient that the ingredients can be found hereandin the mortal plane.”
“Quite.”
“I’d guess that one petal could provide a tonic for two. Then, wait until the full moon and bottoms up!”
I cringed, my heart beating a tattoo against my chest. “My, my, Derya. That was very … informative. Thank you.”
“Always happy to help,” she murmured, brushing her palm along my arm and squeezing my hand. Her brows shot up along with the volume of her voice. “By the by! Are you looking forward to the ball? The trials? To returning home?”
I laughed, “Not really. Not at all. And yes. What about you?”
“I enjoy the Winnowing festivities as much as anybody. They really shake things up around here, but they also sadden me. I have to say farewell to those I’ve come to care about. It can be quite boring during the summer months until you all return.”
My brows furrowed, my mouth twisting in confusion. “What do you mean? You don’t return home to Haadra?”
She tittered, cuffing me on the arm she had just rubbed, “Haadra? Oh, my Ancients! I haven’t been there in nearly a century.”
“I don’t mean to be daft, but I … I don’t understand. Where do you go home to then?”
“My dear child. I amhome. My astral body has been here since I passed on. I’ve worked in the palace for decades. I even knew your mother!”
“What the void!” I cried.
“No need to shout, dear. I’m standing right next to you.”
