Page 8 of Where Darkness Falls

While most Malvorians with the ability to read emotions can also alter them, Cara can’t, making her less valuable to the king’s soldiers. The king only chooses the strongest amongst each of the abilities to join his ranks. She tried for years to master her ability beyond just reading someone’s emotions, but to no avail. Still, Cara’s ability is distinctive and lovely, just like her heart.

So, what does that say about me?

She is at least someone with a family and an ability.

I have no one.

At least that’s the narrative I have told myself for the last ten years.

My hand instinctively clutches my golden pendant necklace that lies on my chest. It is circular, roughly the size of two silver coins, with a small eight-pointed star in the center. The four central points are larger and positioned in the four cardinal directions, while the four smaller points are thin and are positioned within the four quadrants.

Each quadrant has a stunning and intricate design. The top left quadrant is detailed with a horse mid-gallop, while the top right quadrant consists of rolling ocean waves. The lower left quadrant is a designof a rustic mountain top that appears to have details of snow at its peak. The final quadrant is unique, as it does not show any breathtaking landscape or mountain range. Instead, it holds the design of a resplendent dragon as its smoke curls around it.

I rub my thumb over the raised detailing. It’s been on my person since the day that I was found wandering Aurelius. It was tucked beneath the fabric of my dress, so I hadn’t noticed it until Amelia and Cara were helping bathe me that first night. It’s the only clue I have to where I came from. Of course, nothing about it has brought any memories to the surface, though I find immense comfort in its nearness.

A soft hand brushes against my shoulder.

I do not look at Cara, but I find her small gesture reassuring.

“I cannot change what happened in your life before you came to stay with us. Just because you are a Null does not make you any less valuable or worthy of love. You still have a week before your birthday, and your signet tattoo might appear by then,” she says hopefully.

I tilt my gaze up to hers, allowing for the briefest of vulnerabilities to pass between us. She carefully wipes the falling tears from my cheeks, offering a reassuring smile.

“You’ve always been special,” she continues. “Just because your family never came for you doesn’t mean you are unwanted. I’ve never been more proud to call you my sister and friend. Perhaps it is time for you to start seeing yourself that way, too. The only way for others to see what an exquisite gem you are is to let them see how brightly you shine… even without an ability.”

I sigh.

She is right.

Cara will always help me pick up the pieces of my heart. No matter what transpires, I know I will always have her. Siorai may not have given me an ability, but I can only thank him for the gift of Cara as my friend.

“Okay,” I say softly. “I will allow you to organize an outing for my birthday, butonlyif you keep the list of attendees small.”

Cara squeals in delight as she wraps me in a hug so tight that I fear I’ll pass out. It thrills my heart to see her so excited. I know she would never force me to celebrate, but she has a way of making it impossible for me to decline her kind gestures.

“We shall have the most diverting evening of your life,” she says, pulling away. “I promise you won’t regret this.”

I laugh because knowing Cara, the whole affair will be extravagant—at least as extravagant as it gets in Aurelius.

I offer my sister a kind smile.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

It is wellpast four in the afternoon before Cara and I decide to call it a day and lock up The Violet Lily Shop.

“Uhh, my feet are aching,” Cara groans while closing down the shop. “I request access to the washroom first tonight.”

“That’s for the best,” I say, pinching my nose. “I can smell your feet from here.”

Cara cuts a scathing look in my direction. “My feet might have a stench, but at least I don’t have the morning breath of an ogre,” she quips.

“I do not!” I retort.

“Oh, you do, but it’s okay. I still love you, even if your breath could cause ten grown men to drop dead,” she replies mockingly.

I toss her cloak at her head.

“There is no way it is truly that bad. Especially not in comparison to your feet,” I sayincredulously.