Page 23 of Songs of Retribution

"That feels a bit hypocritical," Lennox spat.

My magic flared, and shadows swept around my feet. "Do explain to me how, Prince."

"Your magic is acceptable, Lira's is acceptable, but Shaan's isn't? The goddess you worship gave him these powers."

I stepped in closer to him. "Stop bringing Kali into this. I do not mean to question her judgment, but you have no right. Shaan was gifted magic that may be necessary, however I worry about how he will live with it. Are you thinking of him at all? Have you ever? You certainly weren't around to see how shattered he was after your betrayal. So do not stand here and tell me what to say to my brother. He is too humane for this magic, which is why he is the only one worthy of holding it, because he won't abuse it. That is Kali's wisdom. Do not ask me to have bastards like us pressure him into using his powers beyond what he believes is right.

“You act like you have some great purpose in all this, but your sister is marked for the Seelie magic now, and I’m beginning to wonder what role you actually have.” His angry expression washed away at the mention of Carrington marking Lira. “You have shown yourself to be a man of impulsive decisions. Perhaps take a moment to reflect on what you are asking me to do. I’m not going to hurt my brother the way you have.”

Lennox breathed through his teeth, his eyes pale with magic. I didn't wait to see if he'd have a response. I turned and clipped out the room, my shadows trailing me.

CHAPTERTEN

LIRA

The room had changedfrom a comforting suite when Lennox had been next door to the cruelest prison. I lay splayed out on the bed, my hair a tangle around me, listening to the freezing rain that had started outside. There was a chill that seeped through walls and settled into my bones despite the fire crackling in the corner.

I hummed weakly, trying to tap into my magic and break the cuffs again. My powers scarcely came to the surface—a distant murmur of magic that barely sparkled through me. It was a struggle to stand on my trembling legs and my thoughts muddled together.

The blurriness of my thoughts had begun the night before, and Sai's voice in my mind had grown deadly.

Just give me more time,I'd replied weakly despite attempting to exude strength.

No.

Sai.

No,he yelled. His voice had turned sharp and violent, a monstrous thing ready to swallow the entire Seelie palace.Enough of this, Lira. You may be willing to play the martyr, but I am not willing to let you. I'm on my way.

I might get free,I lied. It was hopeless trying to break the cuffs, and I'd weakened so much I wasn't sure how I'd escape even if I freed myself from the magic-draining metal.

Then I'll meet you when you get free,he'd said with finality.

He'd checked in on me every hour since then, his anxiety rippling through me like the sail of a ship caught in a torrent. His reaction to my mind worried me. Perhaps I was worse than I realized. I didn't have the energy to move anymore, to rise and accept the trays the worried serfs brought me. Instead, I lay on the bed, my legs hanging over the side, letting the realization slowly sink in that I was about to die. That Sai would come here enraged and vengeful and he too would die.

If I had the strength, I might have cried.

The sparkle of magic glittered in my mind. I hesitated to answer it. I wanted to hear from Sai, but it also fueled my fears and misery. With a sigh of resignation, I brushed my finger down a crease in the cover beneath me and opened my mind to the magic.

Lira? This is Lennox. My true name is Reid.

I sat up and braced myself with the bedpost, my sweaty palms sliding down the polished surface as I tapped into the magic.Lennox?

Relief washed through the connection.How are you? Shaan tells me Sai has left to head into the Seelie territory. He should have taken me with him. I could have delayed my trip.

Tension puckered the connection, but I understood Sai leaving Lennox behind. Even if Lennox grasped the court and the country better, we couldn't put both the heirs to the Seelie magic at risk. This was about more than any of us as individuals anymore.

It's okay,I said.

A beat of silence passed where I could feel Lennox's emotions rush through the connection. It was interesting how different they were from Sai's. Where Sai's feelings were bursts of power, Lennox's were a low buzz. I could imagine his face based on the tingle of them, the downturn of his lips, the way his brows would push together.How long have you worn the cuffs, Lira?

I swallowed.I don't know. A few days at least.

Shit.The tone of Lennox's worries intensified, like an orchestra warming up before a show, the hum and clatter of dozens of feelings blending together.Sai should have taken me with him.

There was a needle-like sharpness to the edge of his words. I rested my head on the bedpost and watched the sluicing storm outside.Are you mad at Sai?

Lennox crackled with emotion but seemed to shake it off.Focus on getting free for now. You can trust Aila. Eldrick tells me he has men loyal to our cause within the palace as well. Some guards may be on your side.

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