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Chapter Four

Annora

The hem of my cotehardie whirls around my legs as I pace back and forth in my bedchamber, the book about crimson magic clutched tightly to my chest. I pause and frantically flip through the book, scanning for any hint of how to summon the Phoenix, but page after frustrating page reveals nothing but basic fire manipulation techniques I already know.

A sigh escapes me as I close my eyes and try to picture the majestic creature. “I need your help.”

Harder and harder, my heart pounds, but nothing happens. No flash of crimson light. No surge of warmth. Not even a spark of the power I know lurks inside me.

I slam the useless book shut and hurl it onto my bed.

Why is this happening to me?

I just want to be with Jasce.

The truth settles over me as I clench my jaw. The only way I’m going to return to him is if I refuse to let Aleksander win. But I cannot—will not—allow him to hurt my sister. So, if summoning the Phoenix is the only way to protect her, then so be it.

I retrieve the book and flip to the sketch of the Phoenix, then trace my fingers over the lines. The image flutters, as if yearning to break free from the page.

“What am I doing wrong? Why won’t you answer me?”

I try again, this time focusing all my energy on the sketch, but nothing happens again.

You can do this.

Determined, I run my finger against the sketch again. “I know you’re here. I need your help. Will you help me? Please. ”

A soft, golden light emits from the sketch.

I gasp as the light intensifies, filling the room as the Phoenix emerges from the pages.

The creature stands smaller than a horse, its feathers shimmering in a dazzling blend of crimson and gold.

As its eyes catch the light, they reveal the most beautiful amber hue I have ever seen.

She spreads her wings and regards me with a steady gaze. “You called for me.”

Relief floods through me, happiness at finally having figured it out. “I need your help.”

“What do you need me to do?”

That’s a fantastic question. Aleksander is the one who wanted me to summon the Phoenix, and he didn’t share his reason with me.

“What should I call you?” I ask instead.

“I am Emberdione.”

“How do I summon you when I need you again?”

The Phoenix tilts her fiery head to the side. “I am here to stay until you dismiss me.”

Well, I’ll make sure not to dismiss her. That would only anger Aleksander.

“Stay in here for now,” I say, gesturing to my bedchamber. “And when I need you, I will call for you.”

Emberdione blinks, then folds her wings and settles against the marble floor, her talons scraping against the stone as she makes herself comfortable.

With one last wary glance over my shoulder, I slip out of the room and shut the door behind me.

My pulse pounds as I hurry toward the study Aleksander frequents. It doesn’t matter that I loathe him. All that matters is that Emerin is safe and fed.

I find Aleksander in the study, poring over a map of Hematite territory. For a moment, I stare down at that map, taking in House of Crimson territory above the Giiana Desert and House of Silver territory below it.

Did the gods know we would fight like this when they created our land? That Tarrobane would be divided into six tribes? Or that Hematites would wage war against each other?

Probably not.

Aleksander looks up as I step closer, his dark eyes full of shadows. He blinks, and they disappear.

“I summoned the Phoenix,” I say. “Now, you need to make sure Emerin has food.”

Instead of answering me, he stares, his expression unreadable.

I clench my hands into fists and speak again. “Did you hear me? I said I summoned the Phoenix. You need to go and make sure Emerin has food.”

Aleksander’s chair scrapes against the marble as he stands and walks around his desk. “I need to see the Phoenix.”

“Fine,” I say, my voice clipped. “Follow me.”

As we walk through the corridor, I think about grabbing one of the torches and setting Aleksander’s hair on fire. A smile crosses my face at the thought of the barbarian going up in flames, but when he glances back at me, I quickly drop my gaze to the floor.

Soon, this will all be over.

It has to be.

I’ll find a way to break this damn bond, then I’ll leave this city with Tahira and Emerin. I’ll return to Jasce. I’ll fight to bring peace to our people.

Outside my bedchamber, I pause for a beat before shoving the door open. Aleksander follows me into the room and stops when he spots the Phoenix.

“Impressive.” He turns to me. “You’ve done well, Annora. I will make sure your sister is fed.” Relief washes over me, but it’s short-lived when Aleksander speaks again. “But don’t think this means you can defy me. The Phoenix may be at your command, but you are still at mine.”

My stomach churns as I slip my fingers into my sleeves.

He nods at me again, then leaves the room.

Summoning the Phoenix wasn’t enough—not when Aleksander is still in control.

I need to break free and live the life I want to live.