Page 171 of Death of the Glass Angel
Heras spoke the truth. Of all the lies his mother had spun in the past months, this statement was not among them.
“You could have talked to me,” Felsin said, stepping back. “Or was there no future in which I ever listened?”
Heras said nothing, providing the answer.
The clockwork soldiers, the attacks on the alliance, Brand’s mention of sitting a throne. . . Felsin had an idea where their plans led.
To war. A war Altanbern would win with ease.
Shouldering his bag, Felsin stalked toward the door, but paused in its frame. “Tell me this at least. Who murdered Father?”
“I wish I knew.” Heras’ face fractured with sorrow. “Know this. Even as your memories fail you and your mind deteriorates, I will always hold Veren’s memory close. This world shall not forget him.”
Felsin wanted to say something more. He stewed in the doorway, trying to voice his thoughts. Gritting his teeth, he turned from his Mother and walked away.
Keeping his head down, he fled through the castle, avoiding errant gazes. Sors raced down the stairs after him, chasing closely behind his feet. Cold air greeted him as he departed the gates and left his home behind.
Silence blanketed the streets as fresh snow fell. A woman in black stood alone in the middle of the road, waiting for him. She pushed back her hood as he approached, releasing a stream of red locks.
“Lady Mela,” Felsin said, surprised. “Or was it Valkyrie?”
“The latter.” She looked him up and down. “Need an escort?”
“Is that worthy of a songbird’s time?” Felsin stepped around her, walking at a slower pace.
Valkyrie strolled alongside him. “The way I see it, you’re wanted dead. So it’s in my best interest to keep you alive.” Her scarlet eyes trailed across his collarbone, focusing on the crystal necklace.
Without his clan’s maevruthan, the crystal would lose its power. His memories would fade. Alfaris, Father, Janus. . . soon he would forget their names.
How ironic. Felsin had struggled to grasp Alfaris’ magic because he clung to his memories and the teachings of his ancestors. But without them, his mind would become a hollow shell, unable to understand what lay ahead.
How did Alfaris do it? How did he keep hold of his past while letting go his regrets?
Felsin sighed. “It’s a long journey out of Altanbern. And if I’m not out of the city by tonight, they’ll throw me out.”
“I know.” Valkyrie glanced at the manor to their left. “Did you want to say goodbye?”
Felsin paused, staring at the suite where Janus stayed.
‘She’s harmless, without you.’ Mother had said.
“No.” Felsin shook his head. The best way to keep Janus safe was to stay away from her.
Even if it meant not saying goodbye.
“But, give me a moment,” Felsin said, approaching the suite.
Kalid stood guard outside the doors, glaive held tightly, steel pointed skywards. The wariness he’d once regarded Felsin with was absent.
Pulling a folded-up letter from his pocket, Felsin offered it to Kalid. “Would you deliver this to the princess?”
Kalid accepted the letter. “She would prefer you deliver it yourself.”
“I know. But it’s better this way.”
Nodding in understanding, Kalid bowed his head. “I’ll see that she gets it.”
“Thank you.” Felsin returned the bow and rejoined Valkyrie.
