Page 57 of Above
This would make a pretty coin at Artie’s, there was no doubt about that. In fact, there were a plethora of wealthy eadi who would jump at the chance to wear core family sigils. Would Talon even miss it? I had never seen him so much as pull it out to look at it.
I was considering my reading, thinking of how, with the right supplies, I could potentially crystallize my elixir and will magic into it. Maybe that could work. But I would need a lot of coin to produce three.
No, he wouldn’t miss it enough to pass up the opportunity. I tucked the pin away, checking the time on the always ticking clock. I would easily have the time to stop at Artie’s and the other shops needed for the supplies before breakfast. Plus, there would be no guilt from spending this coin, because my family wasn’t counting on it like my elite pay.
As the tick-tock continued, I tugged on my other sock and shoved my feet into my worn black boots, lacing them up to the top where they reached my calf. Using two clips, I wrestled my hair into a sort of bun. Then I pulled my bag onto my back, willed the nearly endless charm on it, and pushed through the door. And there, right in front of me, was another once in alifetime chance. Altair was gone, searching for Talon somewhere on the island, and his room was without a doubt empty. I had been working hard to hone my warding magic, and I was fairly certain I could break his if I had the time. Maybe if I skipped breakfast.
Was an hour and a half enough time to do it all? If I waited until tonight, then I wouldn’t be able to get the ingredients until tomorrow morning, and who knew if everything would align correctly? If this moment was my only chance, then I needed to take it.
So, like the evil, vile akhata I was, I crossed the hall and began dismantling Altair’s wards. It wasn’t easy magic. It took an intense, almost out of body focus. It meant nothing else could wander into your mind. As much as Talon thought determined intention wasn’t necessary, I knew this particular instance required it.
Lifting my hands, I flattened my palms against his door and scrunched my eyes shut.
Let me in. Let me in. Let me in. Let me in.
A hum began from deep in my chest, the vibration rattling my ribs as I continued.
Let me in. Shatter. Break. Fall.
My head shook, knowing those words were too vague. The door could listen instead. Or the wall. Or the entire building.
Open. Let me enter. Welcome me in. Open. Open. Open.
Another clock ticked from the far wall of the hallway near the stairwell entrance, the sound making me grind my teeth.
Ten minutes passed.
Open.
Twenty gone what felt like seconds later.
Open.
At thirty I began to sweat so profusely I was slipping.
Open.
Thirty-five. I was going to faint.
Open.
Forty. Yes, definitely wouldn’t make it much longer.
Open.
Forty-two. Talon could show up looking for me at any moment.
Please.
Then, after forty-four minutes, I felt the ward fall. The press of it against my skin faded, my palms no longer burning at the feel.
My fingers flew to the knob, turning it so fast my sweaty skin lost the grip and my forehead flew forward, banging against the wood.
“Az?” Otarn. She must have been given the room that shared a wall with Altair’s.
I pressed my way in, quietly closing the door behind me and dashing into the room. I had only been in here once, but I remembered enough to not be lost in the odd darkness that consumed the space. As quickly as I could, I found his enormous bed and dove underneath, not having to crawl as low as I did with Talon’s. I was under just in time for the knock at the door to sound.
“Az, are you okay?” she asked, concern making her voice sound heavy. I had heard rumors that they were engaged, even saw a ring on her finger, but it seemed like perhaps they truly were in love. Because that was the voice of someone who cared beyond forced bonds. “I’m coming in!”
