Page 77 of A Blightress of Wrath
Nodding, he stepped out of my grasp to set himself against the wet rock.
Karusslipped her fingers through mine and we turned our backs on the portal to behold the cave together.Itwas just as she had described—a vast underground cove of damp rock, and a crimson pulsing heart, wide as the dining hall, which hung from what looked like a dozen arteries at the top of the cave.Inoted the staircase that led upward to a small opening.Ithad to be the oneKarushad climbed to get out of this place and wander through theBlightress’slands just months ago.
“It’sgrown,”Karussaid, gazing out into the open cave, watching the pulse of the heart which she could find in herself any time she wanted to.
“Itgrows?”Philiusmumbled in disgust.
Liahovered behind him. “Itwas once the size of a human heart.She’sbeen feeding it for a century.”
Philius’sface scrunched. “Feedingit with what?”
Lia’stired gray eyes shifted toKarus.
Karusdidn’t return her gaze, instead replying, “Fear.Shefeeds this heart with fear.”Shelet go of my hand and stood at the outcropping of rock that led down to the cavern floor. “Herwrath is fed by what she fears most.”
Astale breeze sifted through the air, pulling at her white hair and bringing a sharp trill as it drifted over the hole above.
Philiusasked in a whisper, “Whatis it she fears most,Karus?”
Shedidn’t turn, didn’t drop her shoulders at her answer, she only looked on at the crimson heart, sharing a beat with hers. “Beingalone…forever.”
* * *
“So,”Philiusstarted, breaking the silence. “Whatwas your favorite century?”
Liahuffed in a chuckle, andKarusrolled her eyes.
Thefour of us sat, our backs to the rock wall at the portal’s exit whileTalonstood, still staring into the swirling surface.
“Manyof them blur together,”Liabegan in answer, “butIdo remember certain times, certain people who were special in my life.”
“Didyou ever have a family?” thePrinceasked next.Ituned in to listen, also curious aboutLia’scenturies on the isle.
“Children?No.”Sheheld up her left wrist, displaying the curvedlstill inked on her skin. “Inever wanted children, and when theliberummark was created,Iwas first in line.”
Philiusnodded, glancing at his own mark left on the stub of his wrist. “Hasit been lonely, then?Neveraging, everyone you love around you growing old and dying?”
Anumbness crept over my skin.Islid my arm aroundKarus, pulling her tighter to my side so she could lay her head on my shoulder.
Liathought for a moment. “Atfirst it was difficult to endure.Iloved,Ilost, and thenI’dlove again only to lose once more.So,Istarted leaving before the end.”
Inarrowed my eyes. “Youjust left the people you loved?”
“Itwas easier on all of us.”
“Orwas it easier for you?”Karusmurmured.
“Youdo not know the pain of watching someone you love wither in body and mind,BaronKarus.”Hervoice came sharp, a lesion meant to dig deep. “Though, maybe someday you will.”
Karussat up at that. “Whatdo you mean?”
“Onlywhat you yourself already suspect.TheBlightressgave some of herself directly to you.Itmay be long life she gave as well.”
Karusfroze and her face paled.
“WhataboutBarons?”Philiusquestioned. “Karustold me aBaron’spower comes from the firstBaronwho got it from theBlightress.Wouldn’taBaronlive forever then, too?”
Ishook my head, having already asked myself the same question. “Adaynthwas able to find a way to pass on his power,BarontoBaron.Hedoescontinue to live”—Itapped my temple—“in here.Baronshave unnaturally long lives, but the power does not allow them to live forever.”
