Page 43 of Lucifer's Mirror

She grins.

“Del Aurion, as in the ruling family of Valandria,” I tell her. It’s believed that they are descended from my father’s line, hence the name. I’m surprised they haven’t changed it, considering how much they hate us.

“I’m directly descended from Caspar Del Aurion, the last king to actually sit on the throne of Valandria,” Thanouq says.

“Wow.”

Amber sounds impressed. But it’s not that impressive. And I wonder if my father is aware that there is a living heir to the Valandrian throne. “You’re all supposed to be dead,” I say with more than a hint of regret.

Thanouq raises a brow. “I’m afraid the tales of my family’s demise were greatly exaggerated.”

Amber sighs. “So can you tell us the way to this crone?”

I can almost see her holding her breath, waiting for an answer. So am I. This is a dead end if Thanouq can’t help us.

“No,” he replies. “I will do better than that. I’ll take you myself. That way, I can decide on the journey if you—or your friends—are a danger to her.”

I really don’t like this idea.

“And then what?” she asks.

“Then I won’t take you any farther.”

I suspect there’s more to it than that.

“How can we trust you?” I ask.

Thanouq casts me a look of acute dislike—it’s mutual—and shrugs. “Like me, you’re going to have to decide for yourself.”

There’s silence while we all take this in.

Therion takes a step closer to his boss. He talks quietly, and I have to strain to hear the words. “This isn’t a good idea,” he says. “The shadowguard are at large. We can’t risk you.”

“They are?” I ask. “Have they been seen?”

It’s Thanouq who answers. “We’ve had word they’ve been sighted at various locations. They might even be on your trail. Though at the moment, their movements look random, as though they are searching for something… or someone,” he adds, casting Amber a look.

“How are they getting here?” I ask. “I closed the mirror at Abossmere.”

Thanouq shrugs. “I'm not sure how the shadowguard get here from Hell, but they don't use the mirrors. Maybe they were already here." He turns back to Therion. “I must do this. It’s a matter of honor.”

“Then take your guard,” Therion answers.

“I’ve considered it, but we’ll be better off with just a small group. We’ll be able to travel faster and with less likelihood of being seen.”

“I’m not letting you go alone.”

“I wouldn’t try to leave you behind.” He turns back to us. “We ride at dawn. Now, I must say goodnight. There’s much to be done to safeguard my people before I go. My steward will show you to your rooms once you have eaten.”

None of us moves as he leaves the room, Therion close behind.

“Is one of you going to tell me what’s going on?” Zayne asks.

Amber quickly recaps the conversation.

“Well, this is going to be interesting,” he says when she falls silent.

I’m not sure “interesting” is the right word, but no doubt we’ll find out. I turn to Amber. “Don’t trust him.”