Page 39 of Where Darkness Falls

I swallow the lump rising in my throat, as there are only two Malvorian abilities that might be helpful in this moment: emotions and mind-warping.

“Emotions?” I ask.

If Antony can only use emotions, then the worst he could do is torture me with crying fits or even tell the captain that I’m afraid. If he’s a mind-warper, he could leave my mind in a fragmented state, rendering me insane.

He tilts his head to the side, amused.

“Incorrect. His ability is mind-warping,” he replies.

Everything in me is numb, as I remember one more facet to a mind-warping ability.

It can not only project an image into the mind of their target, altering the world around them, but they can also project their memories into another’s mind. So if Antony came back and watched the events of that night, he’d be able to show the captain every detail.

I’m frozen.

Honestly, I’m not even sure that I’m breathing.

“Oh, where are my manners? Antony, why don’t you demonstrate your ability for Miss Cale? Perhaps it will provide her with… inspiration,” the captain sneers.

Antony is in front of me in two long strides, placing his hands on either side of my face. Suddenly, a buzz surges through my mind. I’m seeing that night through his eyes. He’s detaining me, but I’m fighting against him as I scream for Cara to be released. I murmur my prayer to Siorai as I wrench my arm free of his grasp. He attempts to reinforce his hold on me, but my pendant faintly glows.

Then, the ground trembles, and a bright, pale light seeps from my skin. The intensity grows brighter with each second. There’s a wicked gleam in my eyes. I don’t even recognize myself. I feel his fear as he runs away. I’m watching him until I no longer see him, but he’s still there—peeking out from the building around the corner, out of my direct line of sight. I challenge his brother, and eventually subdue him. My lightdissipates as I look down at my still glowing pendant. “Maeva, what did you do?”Cara cries.

Breathless, I stagger back into a nearby table.

Antony saweverything…

Stupid!

Through his perspective, I see why Cara’s afraid of me. I look feral, like a caged creature being released from its bonds at last. My moves appear calculated and practiced. I appear exactly as the captain described: someone familiar with their ability. In this moment, it’s like a piece of me that has been stagnant for so long, reawakened at last. It felt like a natural reaction. To those around me, I looked like death incarnate.

What baffles me the most is my pendant and its capabilities.

In ten years, I’ve never removed it.

I’ve never felt the need to.

It’s always been there.

Does it have something to do with my ability manifestinglate?

But why did someone feel the need for me to hide it?

It’s meant to keep you safe until the appointed time for you to awaken,the voice says.

I don’t understand any of this,I reply.

I’m sorry, my dear,the voice apologizes.

For what?I ask.

Suddenly, a hand is gripping my throat. “Now, tell me the truth. No more games. No more lies, Miss Cale,” the captain spits.

“I… didn’t… know,” I choke out.

“Didn’t know what? Be specific here,” he retorts.

My vision blurs as his hold tightens.