Page 80

She nods but breaks into a violent cough. Blood flies from her lips, splattering the table as her hand presses against her stomach again. She doubles over, a crimson flood spilling from her lips, splashing across the floor with a sickening echo that eclipses the sound of my heart shattering.

I leap from my seat as she crumples from the chair into the spreading pool of blood. It pours from her mouth, nose, and ears, each ragged breath more labored than the last.

Oh, gods, what have I done?

Tears spill down my face as I pull her into my lap, smearing blood across the floor and all over me as I begin to cradle her. “Don’t cry for me child. I knew and accepted this. I know.” She begins to cough up more blood. “I know what’s in your heart.”

“I’m so sorry,” I sob, unable to stop the tears spilling down my face. “What’s your name?”

Her breathing grows shallow, a wet gurgling accompanying every inhale and exhale.

“Sage—It’s Sage,” she chokes out. “Don’t tell them that you know. Don’t tell anyone you know the truth. Promise me…”

I can’t form words, so I nod.

“Remember… when seeking vengeance in the name of justice,” she draws a sharp breath, “one risks crossing the line into darkness.” Her eyes bore into mine as if she sees everything—my past, my future, every secret I’ve tried to bury. It’s unsettling.

“I know…” Blood spills from her eyes, trickling down her cheeks in crimson rivers. The sight burns itself into my memory—a everlasting scar etched into my soul. A permanently haunting reminder of this tragic moment. “I know what you truly are.”

“What do you mean?” My voice cracks. Her gaze shifts, glazing over with lifeless clarity. Her eyes remain open, but they will never see again.

A sob tears from my throat, shaking my entire frame. I cradle her body, pressing her limp form to me as if I could keep her soul tethered to this continent. A heart-wrenching scream claws its way from my chest, raw and broken. The weight of what I’ve done crushes me, smothering me under its enormity. Guilt wraps around me like a noose, squeezing tighter with every breath. Rocking her in my arms, I’m suffocating. I can’t breathe, the air is stifling with guilt and lies.

A touch on my shoulder jolts me. I twist around to see Lukene crouching beside me, his eyes scanning the blood wielder’s lifeless form. His hand moves gently along my back in soothing strokes, but I can’t tell if his touch brings comfort or burns with the knowledge he might have known all along. Did he know she was innocent? I want to ask, but the promise I made to her binds my tongue. A fresh wave of tears breaks free. I don’t know what to believe—don’t know who to trust.

“Reign,” Lukene whispers gently. I look into his green eyes, full of worry. “She is gone, Reign. We need to leave…” His hand brushes my arm, a soft but insistent pull. I loosen my grip, but my hands refuse to let go.

I clutch her tighter, rocking her lifeless body as I shake my head.

“Would you like to say the prayer? We can burn her... send her to the next life.”

Why would he offer kindness now? I nod, though my voice abandons me. It’s the least we can do. Lukene shifts, lifting her fragile, lifeless body into his arms and carrying her outside.

He lays her gently in the garden out back, where the flowers have already withered under the weight of autumn’s chill. His expectant gaze meets mine, waiting for me to speak and recite the prayer, but the words stick in my throat. I can’t find my voice, not even to send her to the next life.

“May the Mother of gods and goddesses cradle you, comfort you, and welcome you home to the eternal land of milk and honey when you are veiled in the shadows.” Lukene’s voice is flat, his expression unchanging.

“May the Mother…” My voice cracks as I summon my power into my palm, the magic heating my hand before it ignites her body. Flames spread quickly, consuming her in a bright blaze.

Neighbors gather, drawn by the fire, murmuring in shock.

“This woman was a blood wielder. She summoned a herd of Necrums to attack the Drifts. Do not shed tears on a traitor to the crown.” His authoritative voice booms over the sniffles, chattering, and the crackling fire.

I grit my teeth, swallowing the truth. She wasn’t guilty. She summoned no one. But I swore to her, and I can’t betray her, even now.

And with that, Lukene gently grasps my arm, pulling me to stand. He wraps his arm over my shoulders as he guides me away from the innocent woman I just murdered. She gladly gave up her life rather than work for the crown.

* * *

The carriage waitsfor us by the stone wall. The ride home passes in silence, neither of us daring to speak. Lost in thought, I sink deeper into the storm of guilt and regret swirling inside me.

Once in my room, I head straight for the washroom. The hot water scalds my skin, but I scrub harder, desperate to wash away the blood, the guilt, the lies. I slip into a nightgown and crawl into bed, hoping sleep might grant me a reprieve.

A knock sounds at the door just as I close my eyes. I sit up, calling for whoever it is to enter.

Sasha steps inside, a plum-colored robe draped over her arm. “Lilyana wants you to come with me.”

“Where are we going?” I ask, tossing the blanket aside and sliding out of bed.