Page 75 of Lucifer's Mirror

“It was within his powers. He chose not to.”

Is she telling the truth? I don’t know.

“Many of them were not entirely happy with this, something Lucifer became aware of. He offered them an alternative—change their allegiance and he would grant them immortality. And so the shadowguard came into being.”

My mind is reeling in shock. “I don’t believe you.”

“Why would I lie?”

“Maybe you believe it, but it can’t be true.”

“Lucifer perverted the old magic of Vortex, creating dark magic that drew them to Hell and twisted their souls. They lost their ability to shift, but now they live forever. Though I’m sure they regret that decision.”

“How do you know this?”

She looks away for a moment. “I have lived a long time. I’ve learned many things.”

Not really an answer, but I suspect it’s all I’m going to get. “Did Khendril believe this?”

“Of course.”

“If that’s true, then my father must be told.”

She laughs in genuine amusement. “You think he doesn’t know?”

That stops me. Would he keep something so huge a secret? Not only from me but from everyone?

I glance at her, and it occurs to me that we are alone out here in the night. I have my orders. I’m supposed to take her back to my father. The girl is secondary. I could knock Hecate out and head for the nearest mirror. There are others. But why does he want her so badly? What other secrets is he keeping?

“How do you know my father?” I ask.

“We go way back, your father and I. He’s the one who called me the Crone.”

“That doesn’t answer my question.”

“No, it doesn’t.” She considers me for a moment. “Maybe one day I’ll tell you. But not tonight.”

I sense that I’ll get no more from her, and my mind is still in shock from her revelations about the shadowguard. I think I’ll put off taking her for a little while. I clearly have a better chance of finding the truth here than back at my father’s palace. He’ll have to wait for his crone. Just one more question.

“Why do the shadowguard want Amber?”

“Stick around, Prince, and maybe you’ll find out.”

Chapter 36

When I Get a Makeover and a Sword

Iwakethenextmorningfeeling refreshed. I hadn’t thought I’d be able to sleep—too many thoughts swirling around in my head. But as promised, we’d been fed—by the same boy who had dealt with the horses. Khaos had been absent, but I’m guessing he needed some space. He must be devastated to discover his brother is dead.

Afterward, we were shown to our rooms. Mine had its own little bathroom, and I’d showered quickly, admiring my scar-free side, then pulled on my grubby t-shirt and panties. I was really looking forward to those clean clothes; I’m starting to smell. As soon as my head hit the pillow, I was asleep.

I sit up and blink at the bright sunshine filtering through the thin curtains. It’s mid-morning. I get up and pull on my jeans, socks, and boots, then comb my fingers through my tangled hair. And that’s as good as it’s going to get.

Once out of my room, I head back to the kitchen. It’s empty, and the house is quiet. Maybe everyone is still sleeping. My stomach rumbles. Is it rude to help myself? I’m looking around, wondering where to start when there’s a cough from the doorway. It’s Hecate. I stare at her; she looks different this morning. She appears…younger, some of the lines on her face smoothed out. Perhaps she had a good night’s sleep as well. Her hair is no longer in a messy bun but is in a long plait down her back, and the gray is streaked with auburn. She’s also dressed differently, in brown pants and a blue shirt that matches her eyes. In the black dress, she appeared bulky and shapeless. In this outfit, she looks slim, and she moves easily.

“You look well,” I say.

“Thank you. I’ve been in mourning these last years—it drains the energy from you—and now I feel revitalized.”