Page 51 of Oracle of Ruin

Verosa

We arrive back at the compound late in the night, a few hours past the moon’s ascent into the twilight. The guards outside the gate bow before shouting something to the people inside. After a brief moment of stone grinding on metal, the entrance to the cave begins to open, allowing us into the warmth.

I don’t realize just how cold I am until I step inside the cave and feel heat seep into my bones for the first time in days. Emi clings close to my side, holding my cloak like it is her lifeline. I let my arm loop lazily around her shoulder as we trudge the snow in with us. Only Mavis stops to shake off her boots before continuing.

“Where are you going?” I call after her.

“To eat and take a hot bath,” she replies as if it is the most obvious thing in the world.

Neris seconds the motion, following behind her.

Emi tugs on my sleeve. “Aren’t you coming?”

I ruffle her fiery curls, much to her ire. “I’ll be there in just a moment. I want to drop my cloak off and change my socks. They got a bit wet.”

The teenager follows after the other two mercenaries, leaving me to my devices for the first time. Quickly, I allow my instincts to guide me, rushing up the hall and past my room.

Mavis’s office is not difficult to find given that it is one of the only rooms without any guards in it. I slip one of my boots off and leave it to prop the door open—just in case there is another incantation on the door and I will be unable to leave once I enter.

Pressed against the far left wall is a simple wooden desk littered with various papers. I can only tell that it is wooden by its legs, the only bit of the surface left untouched by the stationary. I knock on both drawers. Just as I suspect, the one on the right sounds hollow and is shallower than the other.

Lifting the false drawer, I spot what I am looking for. A small, leather-bound notebook with addresses scrawled across each page, along with names, some of which have been crossed out.

Mavis has been talking about these men ever since I arrived—those that use their power and wealth to oppress and have their way over others. Judging by the names marred by a red X, I suppose those are the ones she got to first.

A list like this could prove to be invaluable as queen, but not only that, to weed out those who have hurt others while this earthly form of hell still rages on. Blame it on a Kijova, a wraith.

I tear a few pages from the notebook, cautious to only take ones from the back. I pray this small action will give me time to get out of here before Mavis can realize they’re missing.

A wave of confusion slams into me. Where is this sorrow coming from, and why do I feel it at the thought of leaving? I shove it down again. There’s no good in it. Not now.

I’m cautious when I slip into my room, taking off my boots and leaving my wet socks to dry on a rack in my washing room. I pull on a fresh set with a pair of slippers, not caring how ridiculous I look wearing socks and slippers as well as my snowy winter gear. At the last minute, I change my sweater, attempting to excuse my lengthy absence. I pay no mind to which I throw over my body, just making sure it is thick and warm.

The other three are still seated when I return. No food is sitting in front of them, though a full set of silverware rests before all four seats.

Neris grins. “Nice slippers.”

“Finally.” Mavis lolls her head back with a groan. “Emi wouldn’t let us eat until you got back.”

I settle beside the young girl, smiling at her despite the weird feeling in my gut. A few days ago, she was hurling insults at me, and a month ago, she wouldn’t care if I died. Now, she isn’t allowing her idol to eat if I am not at the table. The shift feels too instantaneous to be comfortable.

A few servants step out, smiling as they lay the table with warm hunks of meat and bowls of soup. Our cups are filled with sweet wine that tastes like a watered down Tyjn. Either way, it is better than leeche.

The first spoonful of soup warms my bones, and soon enough, the bowl is empty and the servants are delivering mugs of molten chocolate and dolloping them with spoonfuls of whipping cream.

Emi has a cream mustache in moments, to which prompts Neris’s teasing. The two of them get into it while Mavis and I watch in cool bemusement.

I take a slow drag of my mug before resting it on the table. “I’m exhausted,” I admit, drawing myself up from my chair. “I’ll see you all in the morning.”

Neris lifts her mug in cheers and Emi’s arms encircle my waist in a crushing hug. I pat the top of her curls, smoothing some of the living flame.

Mavis follows me out the door and delivers me to my own. “Give me your wrist.”

I do as I am told, watching as she drags a long nail over the thin white scar on my wrist. I don’t have time to flinch or even gasp before it breaks skin and draws blood. She whispers something under her breath and the pressure beneath my skin subsides.

“The blood tether is broken. You are free to roam of your own will.”

“Thank you,” I say, adding onfor showing basic human decencysilently at the end.

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