Page 129 of The Last One
The war that’s coming.
“Is Emperor Wake the One?” I ask.
Sybel curls her lip. “The one who calls himself Supreme? He is only a consequence of the One, but he is a force working against you. The One is far more powerful.”
“How will I know the One? I can’t stop something I don’t know.”
“Had you met Wake’s men before they invaded Maford?”
“No.”
“Did you stop them? Permanently?”
I say, “Yes,” but then sigh. “If you can’t tell me who the One is, can you at least help me find my amulet? Anything will help, even if it seems unimportant. It’s more than what I know.”
Sybel takes my hands. “Just as forces of evil are out to get you, forces of good will help reunite you with what is yours. The realm speaks to you, Kai, and its creatures will guide you.”
I squeeze her hands and offer her a clumsy smile. “The only creatures I’ve met have wanted to eat me or rip me apart. Wait.”Moths.
My amulet is in the shape of a moth.
I gape at Sybel, blood thrumming. “Moths have been batting against the windows of Veril’s cottage, even during the daylight, which struck me as odd.”
“Then your amulet is nearby,” Sybel says, releasing my hands.
I take in the forest around me. “I was right. My amulet is not here in these woods.”
It wasn’t that I failed to pay attention as I searched the forest floor or that I didn’t sense what belonged to me because of my cynicism. It was because my amulet wasn’t in the woods at all—and my senses were telling me that. The moths are swarming back at Veril’s cottage. My amulet is there.
And I think I know where it is. And I think I know who has it.
“Thank you, Sybel.” I feel stronger, like I’m already holding my amulet against my skin.
“Kai,” she says, watching me carefully.
My prickly shoulder blades are back. My hands may not burn, but my heart does. And by the way Sybel’s eyes widen, I can tell that my eyes are gold. Yes, I’m angry, and I don’t care if Sybel sees that. I want my eyes to burn the brightest, hottest gold right now.
“Mercy, Kai. Choose mercy,” she whispers, her voice fading like the last star at dawn.
“Mercy,” I repeat, assuring her, assuring myself, standing tall amid the wreckage of my doubts. For the realm, for Jadon, for myself.
“This is the last time we’ll meet.” Sybel grips both of my shoulders. “At least here in Vallendor. That was the agreement I made with the Council of High Orders. Lyra was my dearest friend, and I asked to make one last appeal because I loved her, and by extension, I lovedyou. But you are to keep your own counsel now.”
She releases my shoulders. “Always,alwayschoose mercy, Kai. You are Eserime. You choose peace and caring. And you are also Mera, and Mera destroy only that which is sanctioned by Supreme. Even with their swords and strength, Mera show restraint.” She touches my cheek one last time and steps away. “And that, in itself, is choosing mercy.”
I nod as she turns away. “Wait!” I shout.
She stops in her step but doesn’t look back.
“Veril told me they call you the Lady of Dawn and Dusk,” I say.
She nods. “Yes.”
“Was my mother the Lady of the Verdant Realm?”
Sybel looks over her shoulder, her eyes twinkling. “No, Kai.Youare the Lady of the Verdant Realm.”
39
