Page 140 of A Touch of Stars and Stones
“Perhaps. But his time is coming to an end. We all knew that the moment he didn’t Advocate for you. He can’t hold on to his seat as his power begins to drain. Or had you forgotten that?”
No. I fucking hadn’t. It was a curse in some ways. Even if you kept your magic and didn’t pass on your powers, they’d still wither over time. Aslendrix didn’t grant us magic forever. The Maker has never disclosed why, only referring to the balance that is always sought.
“So, what is his plan? Why did he play that hand? And why is he so frightened?” she asks, but her questions sound like taunts. Like she already knows the answer, and she’s testing me.
“He’s not,” I lie and hope that I can keep that hidden. “He’s just as manipulative as you.”
“Really. And why the concern over dear Ever? Hmmm.”
“What about Ever?” My feet shift position, a defensive stance that I curse myself for falling into.
“Oh, Ten. It’s a little late to play the indifferent party when it comes to our newest Fifth. You two have quite the connection, as you’ve already shown me. Does your father know that?” Her eyes narrow, and I sense that she’s trying to read me again. Get inside my head. At least I know she hasn’t shared our last meeting with him. It’s the smallest win because nothing else has gone the way I wanted.
Well, fuck it, then. “Why don’t the Orders want Ever to learn what she’s capable of?”
“Are you sure about that?” She smiles.
She’s toying with me. Playing. Making me question everything. I take a step back, wanting as much distance between us as possible.
“The stage has been set for over twenty years, Aten. You have no influence on that. But maybe you might play a part in how it unfolds.”
What? What is she talking about? What happened twenty years ago? That’s something to focus on, at least. I intend to read any history book and find out what happened twenty years ago.
She loses interest in me then, back to pacing, and I move to the door.
“Your trials begin in a matter of days. I think these sessions are over.”
I nod and leave, more than eager to be out of that room.
But my mind is still running over every page I’ve studied, sorting and sifting through information with ease, looking for the right answer, the next step. It’s comforting to know my new magic isn’t just about manipulating and twisting minds, and it can be used for good.
Twenty years.
I’m twenty.
We’re all twenty, or thereabouts.
The trainees.
Ever.
This is about Ever. Twenty years ago, she was born.
thirty-five
. . .
Ever
Rowan has us back in the classroom in the morning, the familiar tables pushed to the sides and the centre beckoning to me. I guess we don’t have time to practice in secret, after all. Because the room like this means one thing, and well, screw him. If he wants to play this game again, he can deal with the consequences.
Walking across the classroom, I stop in the centre because it’s a sure bet he’ll start with me.
After the gathering in the dining hall last night, I hoped that Ten would pay me a visit. Or at least that’s what IthinkI wanted. My feelings towards him are confusing, like there are too many paths for my feelings to go down. And I’m not sure I trust myownfeelings at the moment—or my sense of good judgment.
But I can do this. I can train.
The knowledge that I have friends, people looking out for me, is the only thing holding my feet to the floor and my spine straight as I stand and wait.
