Page 314 of Cursed Evermore

The Seer’s hand slipped from my cheek, the warmth of her touch fading, though the weight of her gaze did not.

"More than anything, I pray that strength keeps you safe, my boy, because your future is..." She drew in a breath and that look in her eyes amplified. Few things shook me, but seeing the Seer’s uncertainty did.

"What of my future, Lady of Sight and Memory?"

Her gaze deepened. "When I look upon you, Wolfe Nightblade, I see only darkness. That is not good, for it means your path is unclear. It appears the enemy was keeping you alive all this time because you alone could wield the power of the ring. But now... you are no longer the only one."

My scalp prickled, heat snapping down my spine. I narrowed my eyes. "Who else can?"

"Your mage."

A humorless smirk tugged at my mouth. "Impossible. How could that be?"

"On the ship, when you tore your soul to save her, you did more than spare her life. Your essence bonded with hers."

I froze, breath stalling inside my chest. "That shouldn't be possible."

"Her ancient bloodline responded to yours and her power clung to your essence as the dragons do. Her magic is always feeding, always growing. When you gave her your essence,her magic absorbed it and the soul connection magnified her bloodline's power. Through that bond, the ring will now heed her as well."

Her words cracked something within me. I thought back to the moment Elariya commanded the dragons, how they bent to her will without hesitation.

Gods. It all made sense now. It wasn't only her blood, it was my essence, bound to hers, amplifying what already burned inside her.

The Seer's gaze lingered on me, steady and unyielding, as though she loathed the truth she carried but would not spare me from it. "The enemy knew the instant she first heard the dragon song. That was when they realized they no longer needed you."

Fuck. I’d become expendable. The thought clawed through me, but I crushed it down and tried to stay focused. "So they planned to take Elariya and train her, unlock her powers and groom her to wield the ring's magic."

"They did. But I don't believe they know about her curse. I hate to think how they would have handled that and the mistreatment Elariya would have received."

I didn't want to think about that either. "All I can do now is keep her safe and find that ring as soon as possible."

"That is where your focus should lie."

My gaze sharpened, and I thought of the other key parts of this plot against me. "What about Dreynthor? I refuse to believe he has no part in this. My heart tells me he does."

"So does mine," she agreed. "But your uncle remains as much a mystery to me as your mage's father, who should have left a greater trail, given that he managed to take the ring from your father. I cannot trace either of their deeds or intentions. Your uncle, in particular, has cloaked his movements well and hidden his hand too carefully for me to see. That alone should trouble you."

My jaw locked as I ground my teeth. "They must be linked somehow. It's too much of a coincidence. Dreynthor has been focused on the political advantages of his leadership and he parades as though he's against the rebels, but something is off."

"Do not dwell on either of them now. Greater matters press upon you, my boy. For now, guard yourself." She gave me a poignant stare. "Let all your actions be done in secret, especially from your uncle. If he is linked to the enemy, he is the last connection they have to you. Be careful who you trust and who you speak to. The enemy is even more desperate now that their plans failed to take your mage."

She made a fist, then opened her palm, revealing a rune stone forged from ruby and onyx. It gleamed in the light, the Septimus Rune for protection etched into its center. "This should help you."

"A protection rune?"

"One born of the last molt of a phoenix and shadows taken from the etherplane, it carries the power to cloak your steps and protect you. Use it to amplify the wards and your Veythral bond with your circle, so the enemy cannot listen in. May it protect you when you need it most."

She handed it to me. The moment I took it the glow brightened and it melted into the palm of my hand, disappearing beneath my skin.

I bowed my head. "My Lady, my deepest thanks."

She exhaled a weary sigh and rested a delicate hand on my shoulder. "You have three days left with your mage. Make the most of them. Regroup later and focus on finding the ring."

I forced myself to nod. "Alright. That's what I'll do." Finding the ring was still the surest path. At least I had the missing piece of the puzzle: Elariya's time-touched magic.

"You will not be able to reach me as the dark forces have blocked our paths. But rest assured I will return to you wheneverI have new information that will help you." She gazed at me, as if she could see straight through to the war raging inside my soul. "May the gods guard your steps, Prince of Shadows."

The title struck like a brand, blessing and warning both.