Page 81 of Blackheart

If I didn’t know from Payn that Xavian hated Sapphires, I would think it was blood magic. Murals of haunting battles sprawled across high vaulted ceilings, the array of colors bleeding the stories together. Open windows sat between beautiful spiral grey columns, allowing salty air to flow through the hall.

There were shining stone floors, and carved archways revealing a dining hall, a stunning library, and even a room where women in dresses were having tea. From the outside, this seemed like a place of punishment. Yet the more I discovered, the more it felt like a campus. Riven walked confidently, not surprised in the slightest at anything.

“Have you been here before?” I asked as he turned down another hallway.

“Yes.”

He’d never told me.

I swallowed, nervously gripping my bag again as we faced a large black door with silver handles. There were faint sounds of men laughing and swords clashing beyond the door.

“He’s in there,” Riven said, unenthusiastically.

My heart skipped a beat. “I’m ready.”

Chapter 26

The Deed

“No man lies cleaner than a Blademan with orders to keep.”

—Lord Draven Wrenavia

Riven pulled the door open,and the room fell silent.

In front of a silver throne stood three men standing on grey and white marble floors, all wielding swords like they’d been training, only pausing at our interruption.

I stepped forward, face falling as I met eyes eerily similar to my own.

There was no doubt in my mind, from the curly black hair to the dark-brown eyes staring back at me. He was unquestionably my twin.

I also recognized the other two men immediately, butfrom my dreams.Xavian and the redhead wore black leathers, while the one with long, dark hair wore a fancy purple tunic with silver embellishments. In my dreams, their names were Avan and Draven.

A stale silence fell between the five of us as Xavian and I stared at one another. After everything, I had made it toCastivian. I was here and could deliver the deed. I had a twin, and he was right in front of me, and?—

“In one piece?” my twin asked, astonished and sheathing his sword. I blinked. He was not like Clarke at all. No bags under his eyes. No soft voice or weakened body. He was built like a warrior, as were his men.

I didn't know what to say.

Riven’s lips remained in a flat line.

“Are you Xavian Steele?” I asked, words coming out quieter than I would have preferred. I knew, but needed confirmation.

“Does my reputation precede me?” He stepped forward, eyes flashing with pain as he took in the sight of me, exhausted and half his size.

I had imagined this moment, as he likely had too. It was nothing I could have prepared for. Both of our faces shifted with confusion.

“I have a letter from the king,” I said, straightening my posture and rolling up my sleeve to display the glittering gold mark on my forearm.

“I’m aware of the letter, and we will have much to discuss later. You can hand it to Avan or Draven.” He gestured to the men behind him.

So thoseweretheir names. Did the Warlock leave some bizarre magic in me?

I pulled my bag off, walking towards Avan. He seemed more approachable than Draven.

Xavian's thundering voice halted Riven's attempt to follow.

“Youdon’t move,” Xavian warned him. I was already beside Avan, just beginning to open my bag, but paused at Xavian’s order. Riven was my friend, and he needed to know that. I opened my mouth, but a hand was placed on my shoulder.