Page 33 of A War of Embers

“Why don’t you tell me about the map instead?”

An immediate scoff leaves my mouth. “How about you tell me what it is you’re doing with a horrific depiction of Tellus before I continue?” When he seals his lips shut, I shake my head with a quick glance around the room. “Can we not just end this here and now?”

Rowan takes a moment to collect his thoughts as his face slowly bleeds emotion until there’s nothing left but a blank slate. “I’ll need to consult some sources, which can be done when I return from the Haze. Although you are desperately attempting to convey to me the true desire you have to have your life ended, I don’t see it. There is always something else out there, something shiny and new, to bewitch you to change your mind. Perhaps you’re too dull-sighted to see that right now. What’s the difference between living here in Aïdes or living in the Cliff of Embers when you’ve managed to escape Tellus entirely?”

He’ll never understand my reasoning, it’s easy to see now. “Why would I want to live here?” I sigh. “What reason do I have for wanting to stay?”

“Keres,” a chill sweeps over my skin as he says my name, “I don’t need to give you a reason. You are the one to provide that. You have no reason not to indulge me. You wanted an escape, you have one. You’re asking for more than you’re due. And if I’m going to entertain your offer, I need to do more research. I do not know unequivocally that my magic will fully remove the souls you house, thus ending you.” He flicks a dark eyebrow upwards. “Wouldn’t you like your life to be ended for good instead of a sliver of a chance because you were too impatient to heed me?”

Part of me wants to scream. Take my sword I left behind in the guest bedroom and slash through every artifact I can find in this room like a newly hormonal woman in a fit of rage. The way Rowan tracks the small tic of my cheek, the only outward movement to show my ire, tells me he’s enjoying this game he goaded me into playing.

“The Haze is a small blip in the grand scheme of your lifespan. I understand the impatience you’re facing, but do get out and enjoy the Blood City while you’re here,” he lazily smirks. “Perhaps you’ll find something worthwhile to indulge in. Maybe like the women warriors you trained with the other day? The ones currently raving about your skills and mirth.”

“Because I’m fucking amazing in combat,” I spit. I doubt what he's saying is even true. He's powerful, it's evident in the way he moves and speaks, he doesn't need to reference documents to kill me.

Rowan flashes his teeth at me. “Are you? Seems as though you already have something to pass the time while I’m away.”

My eyes shutter at his tone. “I’m not joining your army.”

“No one is asking you to.” He turns slightly to gesture with his chin towards the door. A not so subtle hint for me to find my way out of his study. “When I return, we’ll set up an appointment to discuss what I’ve found after I’ve had time to go through my collection of knowledge. Until then, do try to stay out of trouble, hmm?”

Stalking away from the desk with the Tellus map, I brush my shoulder into his and ignore the tightening and sparks shooting throughout my body at the contact. Twisting to glare at him, I promise, “You’re going to regret meeting me.”

Instead of engaging back, he simply tilts his head back, long inky hair flowing, and roars a laugh worthy of war.

Sitting cross legged on the bed, I unfold the parchment I snuck out of Rowan’s study yesterday. The lines in charcoal are smeared even more now that the paper folded on itself. Crude outlines of forests to the west of Blood City stretch to the range of mountains along the northwestern shores. The Bone City is nestled right on the edge where the forest and mountains meet. Just east of the moutains lays a mysterious arch all alone. But beyond the sharp, jagged lines of the terrain lays the Blood Sea. It seems Sereia doesn’t mind Aïdes butting up against the waters edge.

Due north of the mountains, the long length of the Wraithlands expands far greater than anything on Tellus. It’s as if this side of Aïdes is slashed in half where the cities full of people lie on one side and death on the other. Beyond the Wraithlands lays a blurry, dark abyss colored almost entirely black in charcoal, the elusive Cliff of Embers.

A physical place as much as a spiritual one, the Cliff of Embers is rumored to be where the world stops and the afterlife begins. No one knows if it’s a veil of magic, a deep crater, or something else unfathomable where the souls swirl together, living amongst their families and friends. Some claim an original High Lord stands guard on the outer edge, but I don’t know how true I find that information. If he is supposedly there, surely he wouldn’t allow souls to be plucked out and placed into immortals during the Province Wars.

Turning my attention back towards where the Blood City and the Wraithlands are situated, I note the thick forest separating the two. It seems just beyond the gardens outside the estate lays a massive entryway to the forest. However, a smooth crisp line indicating a trail abruptly stops and disappears not far into the woods.

There’s nothing but a smear of gray running across the map where the Wraithlands sit. No landmarks or scenery to depict what lies within the realm of monsters. I guess since very few venture there, not a lot is known to be documented.

Folding the parchment back up, I place it behind the wardrobe against the wall so it can’t be accidentally found and ruin my plans. Once I’m sure the paper won’t fall out and expose me, I glance towards the far wall where a clock sits. Running through the list of things I know Lady Cirilla does throughout her day, I figure she’s about to sit down in one of the ornate dining areas for a late lunch. At least that's what the kitchen maids were whispering about earlier.

Unlike the rest of us who stand around the kitchen to eat or grab some food to go because of the constant workings inside the estate. Alyvia should be in the kitchen right now as well, giving me the perfect opportunity to sleuth some more without being found.

Opening the door, I spy Nox glaring at me from across the hall. Looking around the rest of the area, there’s no one else here. Seems he came to find me all on his own.

Sighing, I gesture with my hand for him to get on with it and say whatever is on his mind. I don’t really have the time to debate with him on whatever is eating away at him, but this seems unavoidable. When he still says nothing, I roll my eyes. “I’m about to go to the kitchen if you want to join me. Otherwise, say you piece and move along with your day.”

“You’re plotting something.”

Not the words I was expecting to hear. “Excuse me?”

“You went from arguing loudly about wanting to die, to suffering in silence. You’re plotting something and I demand to know what it is.”

I flick my eyebrow up. Like he’s in any position to demand something from me. “Rowan and I came to an understanding. I don’t like it, but I’m not an idiot to completely disregard what he says.” Needing to understand that removing the souls from me wouldn’t require anything extra simply because of the godlike status is understandable. I just don’t view it as my problem. Rowan can kill me and figure it out later.

“Lord Rowan.”

Not this again. I give Nox a bland look. “He’s not my Lord. If you want to take my insubordination of his title up with him, go for it. He’ll tell you not to bother.” Probably.

“I still don’t buy this act you’re putting on.”

“Can’t say I particularly care.” I step forward and shut the bedroom door behind me. “Your suspicions are your own. You came to the conclusion I must be hiding something, so keep digging if you’re so determined. But,” I lower my voice, “you don’t want to make an enemy of me, Nox. I am not one of your women warriors who aren’t trained properly in combat. I can make you beg for mercy. You may be an immortal, but you’re not infallible. Remember that the next time you decide to confront me. Now,” I adjust my stance and swing my arm towards the kitchen, “care to join me for a meal?”

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