Page 143 of Dissection of Immortal Hearts

“Same difference. Next time, it won’t be so easy.”

“Next time, we’ll meet them with an army. But until we gather it, we’ll need to change locations.” Presiyan opened the car door and gestured for Mikhail to get in, then settled into the back seat next to Jasmina. “By the way, any idea what the Oracle was using to strike down the harpies?”

“It was exceptional!” Jasmina exclaimed.

Mikhail glanced at the creature behind the wheel. Despite their best efforts to hide it, Amelia’s secret had been revealed. “Her power,” he said, looking out the window at the car Amelia and Callan were in. His muscles felt heavy with exhaustion. “Are we still following the original plan?”

Presiyan nodded. “We’ll stay near Nova Zagora and attackthe Hospital at the first opportunity.”

***

The Queen took a sip of raspberry juice. “How many?”

“Sixty-two first-generation harpies. Twelve from the second,” Sevar said. “It would be fitting to say we were torn to feathers and fluff.”

“Fitting, indeed.”

Sevar unfastened the top button of his shirt, crossing his legs on the sofa. “Forgive my curiosity, Mother, but I expected you to go there in person. Or at least havemedismiss that ridiculous little group of Mikhail Korovin from their ill-conceived venture.”

The Queen grasped the glass with her gloved fingers. “If I had sent you, Sevar, I would be organising your funeral right now.”

He almost choked on his spit. “Are you implying that I’m weak?”

“I’m implying that the enemy is stronger.” She tapped on the table. “Mikhail Korovin was in that cabin. And didn’t he already defeat you in combat once?”

Sevar snorted. “Because I wasn’t informed he was in love, and…”

“There was Amelia, who got hold of Renenutet’s Necklace, and it must have enhanced her physical abilities, because according to our informants, she alone neutralised quite a few harpies. I suppose it gave her other gifts as well…”

“Whatever they are, that girl is far too inexperienced to use them…”

“My brother was there, too. His is a strength you cannot match, even after a hundred lifetimes.”

Sevar’s upper lip curled. “You’re underestimating me. I’ve been expecting his appearance since the moment I was born.”

“The former leader of the Tribunal was also present, the onewho allegedly placed a price on your head.”

Sevar gritted his teeth. “That braggart…”

The Queen’s eyes locked onto his in a way that suggested the unpleasant bit was yet to come. “Your fiancée was there too, Kathrine, whom you assured me was dead.”

Sevar stiffened. “We have no evidence it was her. According to the informants, there was a woman who resembled her…”

“You’re lucky I didn’t send you there because every one of those creatures has enough bite to turn you into…feathers and fluff, was it?”

His face flushed. He hated it when the Queen doubted his abilities. “Are you implying that you’re worried because of the enemy, Mother?” He wanted to say ‘scared’, but didn’t dare use the word.

“I only fight battles I’m sure to win, Sevar.”

“Are you implying those fools stand a chance?”

“Oh, not in the slightest.” The Queen lowered her gaze to her hands. “Ten days ago, I would have gone to that cabin regardless of the risk, but thanks to the gloves, I gained a better perception of the situation. Consider what happened in the cabin as reconnaissance. Thanks to that, we’re aware of who’s fighting on the enemy’s side and what powers they possess.”

She took a sip from her glass and frowned, as if the drink tasted bitter. “We also learned that our harpies are useless and need better training. And last but not least, we’ll find out how capable the healers in the Hospital are. Gather the survivors and transport them there.”

53

Amelia