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So he didn’t tell Caelum he loved me. Of course he didn’t. Why would he?

“He is a human.”

“So?”

“So?” I cocked my head to the side, incredulous.

Caelum simply looked at me, waiting.

“You, of all Elydorians, should know the implications of partnering with a human.” No more needed to be said. Though it happened many, many years ago, when Caelum’s father took his own life, the grief of living without his mother too great, it was a shock to all.

Except Caelum.

His father was never the same, and in some ways, Caelum once admitted to me, it was a blessing not to see his father suffer any longer.

“My father had scars that ran deeper than most, many unrelated to my mother,” he said quietly. “Heartbreak is both tragic and inevitable, but avoiding love for the sake of protecting yourself is not the answer. Though I do not disagree; partnering with a human, for an immortal, is not an easy path. Especially if that immortal is destined to become queen.”

Biting back tears, I blurted, “But why a human?Whydo I have to love a human?”

“The question itself assumes love is logical, and you know it is not. Why Rowan?” He shrugged. “He is an honorable man with the same beliefs as you. He embodies qualities you admire: adaptability, optimism. And I do not believe it hurts that he is charming and pleasing to the eye,” Caelum teased. “You could have chosen a worse man to love. Like Marek.”

“Goddess forbid such a thing.”

But he was right. Rowan was all of those things, and more. It had been as easy to fall in love with him as it had been, when I finally got out of my own way, to decide to challenge Lirael. Unfortunately, the consequences of both were far-reaching.

“Come,” he said as we continued toward the canal. “If I cannot convince you to remain in the safety of Aneri’s home, at least let us be done with this quest.”

Changing topics, I asked Caelum about the Tidal Veil Marek had used on Aneri’s house. “Do you believe Marek’s Veil will work, if needed? I’ll admit I thought him being overly cautious to perform it, but after that horrific attack…” I let my voice trail.

“I’ve no reason to believe it will not work. With luck, it is an unnecessary precaution.”

Few knew of the Tidal Veil, and even fewer could perform it. I’d never even come across the protection in my studies in the Deep Archives. When Marek suggested it, both Caelum and I were taken aback. Where had he learned such a skill? Why was it not well known?

There were parts of Marek’s life he didn’t reveal, even to me. And this particular ability to transform the nearly invisible mist into a raging torrent, trapping potential intruders in a sphere of water until they retreat, was apparently one of those hidden talents.

We spoke of Marek and his sometimes-mysterious nature, and of what the coming days might bring, as Caelum and I traveled by canal toward Ventara. Finally, as we stood at the massive, intricately carved door serving as the Archive’s entrance, its runes glowing faintly, I wondered how Marek and Rowan planned to enter this place. Few knew the magic required to open this door, and it was only after years of studying here that I was entrusted with such knowledge.

Summing a small stream of water from a nearby fountain and watching as it spiraled on my open palm, I allowed it to stream gently into the door’s runes, watching as each glowed bright blue. It had always reminded me of the runes on the Gate, when someone was entering through from the human realm, as if the same magic was used to create both.

It was not the first time Caelum had seen me perform this ritual, but his eyes widened nonetheless. It was a tricky bit of magic, and one I was proud to have mastered knowing only those who worked in the Deep Archives, along with a few others including myself and Thalon, had been granted such knowledge.

Finally, the door clicked.

Caelum pushed it open.

29

ROWAN

“It feels as if we are descending into the pits of hell.”

“Humans,” Marek muttered on the steps below him. “I’d have been down there by now if not for those feet of yours.”

“I’ll have you remember, you have feet too.”

“True. But I also have the ability to summon enough water to ride down these steps. And up, too. Although that takes more skill.” Marek turned to look up to me. Grinning, he added, “Skill I have, of course.”

“Of course,” I said with an eye roll for his benefit. “I’m guessing I have to walk back up?”