Page 38 of Where Darkness Falls

“I do not care for your frivolous hobby, Miss Cale,” he replies, taking another step. “No, I have it on good authority that you incinerated one of my men to ash, but not with a fire ability. No, my soldier described a rare ability that hasn’t been seen in nearly ten years. Yet, you possess it.”

My heart flutters rapidly.

“You must be mistaken,” I scoff. “I’ve never heard of such a ridicu?—”

Then the bell chimes once more, drawing my attention. Slow steps navigate behind the captain. Then, the companion soldier that I allowed to escape last night stands beside his superior.

All color drains from my face, as cool numbness overtakes me.

“Oh, good,” he jeers. “You DO recognize Antony.”

I smile weakly.

“I believe I’ve recently seen him patrol the square, Captain,” I lie. “Forgive my manners, I’m uncomfortable having the two of you in my shop alone. It isn’t proper.”

A feather ticks in Antony’s jaw.

“Odd. I am afraid you couldn’t have seen me patrolling the square,” Antony sneers. “My brother and I only arrived in town yesterday afternoon. We were supposed to receive our assignments this morning—that is, until his untimely death.”

Brother?

My blood runs cold.

The other soldier.

You should torch that sniveling coward where he stands,the voice growls.

Now is not the time,I say.

It could be,the voice croons.Malvoria would be better off without those wretches.

“Shall we try this again, Miss Cale?” asks the Captain, reverting my attention. “This time, I expect your honesty. How long have you been hiding your starlight ability?”

I open my mouth, but no words come because I don’t know how to respond. I’m not even sure I have a starlight ability, as I’ve never seen one before. If I did, I never would’ve hidden it. I would’ve come forward...

The captain’s helmet clangs against the floor.

“Well?” the captain inquires.

“I didn’t intentionally hide an ability from the king’s soldiers. It’s foolish to do such a thing,” I reply.

Unsatisfied with my answer, he flips the nearest table, toppling the bouquets to the ground. Their vases shatter into thousands of tiny fragments, the water seeping toward the door.

He tsks. “You must think you’re clever, Miss Cale. Not only did you hide your starlight, but you killed my soldier like you were familiar with how your ability works. What is fascinating is that you don’t have a signet tattoo,” he says, contemplative.

My body trembles as he stands a few steps away from me.

“Whatever Antony believes he saw?—”

With a sickening thwack, the back of his hand connects with my face. My hand flies up to meet my stinging cheek. “Before you finish your statement, I have information that might intrigue you,” he growls. He doesn’t move away from me as he beckons Antony closer. “Show your signet to Miss Cale.”

Taking one finger, Antony slowly folds back the tight tunic collar underneath his black armor to reveal the red Malvorian flame.

“Are you familiar with the abilities of Malvoria, Miss Cale?” the captain asks.

I nod slowly. “Yes, Captain,” I say.

He smirks. “Antony, here, is quite skilled, as his ability is delightfully helpful. You’re a clever woman, Miss Cale. Enlighten me. What is Antony’s ability?”