Page 29 of Invocation

“A Second High Priestess is concerned with liars and heretics and turncoats, especially when they lurk within her own family, but she is never concerned with the health of her blessed immortal goddess.”

Kashava had gone quiet while they argued. Her sword was back in its sheath, her expression troubled. “What if it’s true, Avan?”

“I believe he thinks he’s telling the truth,” Avan said. “But what he’s telling us is impossible.”

Aruna caught Novikke’s eye and gave a soft sigh.

This was why he’d wanted to bring help. He’d known it wouldn’t be this simple. They were going to have to take things into their own hands.

There was a knock at the door. Aruna pulled up his hood and stood out of sight of the doorway as Avan answered it. Her shoulders slumped when she saw whoever was on the other side. Peering over her shoulder, Novikke saw silver armor.

“Can I help you, watchman?” she said, loud enough for them all to hear. Aruna turned and silently rushed to Novikke’s side. No one stopped him. His shadow spell enveloped him.

“Forgive the intrusion, Second Priestess…” said the man at the door as Aruna pulled Novikke toward the back door. She felt his spell creeping over her skin.

“Wait,” Zara whispered. She rushed inside the kitchen and came back with something in her hand. She pressed it into Novikke’s palm. A paring knife. Small enough to hide, but sharp enough to harm. The girl’s eyes flicked nervously in the direction of the shadow that was Aruna, but she gave Novikke a small nod.

Novikke nodded back in thanks. Shrouded in shadow, she and Aruna left out the back door.