Page 158

There was shock in his eyes as the words passed my lips, yes. But no denial. No disbelief. Only rapid acceptance.

Draven believed me. He would always believe me.

“And what does she say will happen to you if you do this?” he asked, looking at me carefully.

I forced myself to meet his gaze steadily. “She’s not sure. But the process will take something from both of us.”

Draven exhaled.

“But that’s nothing I didn’t already know, Draven.” I clenched my jaw. “I already expected to die in this place. Don’t deny you’ve had the same thought. And if that’s what it takes, we’re here willingly, aren’t we?”

He shook his head, but said nothing.

“Anyhow,” I said, suddenly weary, “I’m going to do it. I’m going to help her. Especially if it rids Aercanum of this cursed thing once and for all.” The grail pulsed with light in my hand, and I stared at it. “Besides, I think it wants us to.”

“To destroy it?”

“Yes. It never asked for any of this. It’s been used for terrible things, but ultimately, it’s part of her, Draven. Part of her that was wrenched from her without her consent. Some aspect of her being. Call it a soul. Call it her heart. The taking of it left her like this. We can’t even begin to imagine what she must have been before or what she’s been through since.”

“You know she’s your aunt, but you can’t remember that? What she was... before?” Draven’s voice was very soft.

I shook my head. “No. Only small parts of... my history.”

He nodded. “Very well. I’m here. I’ll help however I can.”

“I don’t think there’s much you can do for this part. But thank you.”

I shot him a grateful look, then lowered the grail to the bridge, setting it in the center of the path.

Then I slowly unsheathed Excalibur.

The curved blade gleamed bright as if recognizing the other object of power. Did the sword know what I had to do?

With a quick intake of breath, I raised the blade to my palm and slashed before Draven could stop me.

Drops of blood welled up from the cut.

I slid my hand along the sickle, coating the blade in red.

Then I looked up at Zorya. She stood, waiting, trembling in flames.

“Ready?”

I lifted Excalibur in both hands, ignoring the sting of pain from the cut.

The air hissed with energy. Heat radiated from Zorya’s form, turning my skin hot and burning.

I stood firm, holding the sword upwards as the corrupted goddess of the dawn moved towards me across the abyss like a restless spirit.

Lifting her blazing hands, she held them over my head.

A glow of light erupted, and I cried out, closing my eyes tightly from the intensity of the heat.

Now. Do it now.

Her voice in my head was urgent.

I forced open my eyes and swept Excalibur downwards, hardly taking in the flames dancing all along the blade as the sword suffused with elemental power, steel bursting with more magic than I had ever seen.