Page 49 of Ringmaster (The Kingdom of Shadow & Bone #1)

Mercy

Azrael suggested I try to take a nap before my lessons with Zora later this afternoon.

We were up late last night, and early this morning.

He knows more than anyone how exhausting practicing magic can be.

I drank a cup of sleepy tea, and now I’m curled up in my bed, eyes squeezed shut, willing my dreams to sweep me away.

I’m not sure how long it takes for me to finally succumb.

Eventually, I find myself walking along a trail through a beautiful meadow filled with all of my favorite flowers.

As I walk, the skies overhead darken and a storm starts to churn.

I search for shelter, but there’s nothing—only flowers as far as I can see.

A crack of lightning splits the sky, ripping it to shreds, giving way to three black, shadowy figures.

They swoop from a gray storm cloud, swirling to the ground like a tornado touching down.

My stomach drops, dread creeping over me.

Magic tingles rippling across my skin, rising in response to the threat.

A boom of thunder shakes the earth beneath my feet as the three figures land before me, blocking my path.

Unfortunately, I remember exactly who they are and the last time they hijacked one of my dreams with a message.

The Fates float before me, cloaked in all black—Past, Present, Future. The sight of them is just as harrowing as the last time we met under similar circumstances.

“Your Majesty,” they hiss, eyes dropping to the tattoo on my hand.

Each dips her head in a solemn bow. I curtsey in return, unsure of the proper way to greet beings as old and powerful as they are.

“We bring a warning,” says the Fate of the Past. “The Divine are hunting you. They’re closing in. Stay by the Dark Lord’s side—he can protect you.”

“Your destiny remains unchanged,” the Fate of the Present rasps. “Today is the day.”

I shake my head. No. I’m not ready to fulfill my destiny. I thought we had more time together. My heart aches. Our story is barely written—how cruel to steal the ending before the beginning.

“Do not defy destiny!” the Fate of the Future screeches.

“No. I’m not ready. Please—we deserve more time together,” I beg.

The Future speaks again: “You’ll have an eternity to rule together, my child. Do you not remember? Azrael made you an immortal. You can’t actually die.”

Relief floods through me, but only briefly. “Then how am I supposed to die in order to complete my destiny?”

She answers, “Only your mortal body will die. And even then, it will be returned to you… Once you serve your purpose and fulfill the prophecy.”

“You must make the ultimate sacrifice,” the Present adds, “ to break the curse and free the memories.”

“Today, you will die, Mercy. But you must willingly make the choice. Seek out the one called Madam Zora and ask her for three red spider lilies. You must eat all of them. One for the past, one for the present, and one for the future.” She lowers her voice to a whisper, and then the Fate of the Future bursts into flame and vanishes, leaving her two sisters behind.

“Marblas will guide you. Call for him after you’ve eaten the flowers. He will come, and he will know what must be done. Trust Marblas. You’ll be safe with him. And Mercy—stay close to the Prince.” The Present is swallowed by fire, vanishing as the Future did, leaving me alone with the Past.

“You’re strong. You’re enough. And you’re loved.

Make the right choice, Mercy. Everything depends on you.

If you’re captured, he’ll come for you. Do not ever stop believing in love.

Even death bows to love like yours. He’ll tear the realms apart to find you again.

Believe in that kind of love, for it can conquer all.

” The Past bursts into a fiery inferno of flames, disappearing with her sisters.

The flowers fade as I bolt upright in my bed, a scream tearing from my throat. Sweat clings to my skin while wave after wave of emotion slams into me—dread, panic, grief, anger.

Azrael is at my side in a heartbeat, worry etched on his face. “My angel, what is it? Are you hurt?”

His concern is suffocating. His emotions slam through the bond, and I shove back. A barrier rises in my mind, and the relief is instant.

“How are you keeping me out?” Azrael shouts, panic crackling like static.

“I imagined a barrier. Your emotions were overwhelming me,” I explain, guilt pricking at me for shutting him out.

“I can’t feel you anymore, my love—please, let me back in,” he pleads, voice raw and desperate.

I imagine a door forming and open it, but only for him. I like the idea of keeping others out. Magic tingles through my nerves, and I’m almost certain I’ve sealed my mind from the entire universe—everyone except Azrael. Needing him, I whisper, “Mate.”

Shadows sweep through the reopened bond like cool silk threading through my soul. Then Azrael follows—warm, anchoring, mine. His presence fills the emptiness.

“Mate,” he whispers.

I smile, my heart full.

“Thank you,” Azrael breathes, kissing my cheek. “What upset you? Talk to me.”

“It was just a bad dream. Really, I’m okay.” I lie, locking down every trace of emotion.

“Do you want to tell me about it?”

“No. It’s already fading.” Another lie.

“Alright. Let me know when you’re ready to leave.

I laid an outfit on the table over there.

You’ll want the maneuverability when you’re wielding magic.

” He nods toward a neat pile of clothing beside a vase of marigolds.

The thoughtfulness reminds me how deeply Azrael loves me.

Even in chaos, he thinks of me. Even in silence, he shows me love.

The outfit is perfect—soft leather pants hug my skin, a corset I’m not eager to lace but I have him help me with it anyway, and sturdy boots. I’m ready for my first magic lesson with Zora.

Azrael stares at me, a look somewhere between endearment and hunger. I bat my eyelashes. “I take it you like it?”

He smirks, unabashed to being caught. “It feels like something’s missing.”

Azrael looks around as if he’s misplaced something, and I steal a glance in the mirror. The girl staring back is not who I was yesterday. My skin glows flawlessly. All signs of my age erased.

The tattoo on my hand tingles as Azrael steps into view behind me.

We stare at our reflection. Everything about him compliments me.

His dark hair and my light, his height to my lack of it, his strength to my slender frame.

A faint glow of angelic light surrounds me, he’s framed by shadow. I’m truly the light to his dark.

He leans in, turning my face toward his. Azrael’s lips are soft, the bond carrying his message: You’re perfect for me, angel.

“Here—these are for you. The corset’s designed so they can slip inside.” He kneels, showing me two dark-metal daggers, their hilts even darker. He slides the first into the corset’s sheath. Runes flare, then fade.

“Let me see your arm,” he says.

I hesitate, and his face falls. “Do not be afraid, my love. I could never harm you.”

Still not convinced, I offer my arm. He grips it tightly and swipes the glowing dagger across my skin. I scream, bracing for the sharp burn or the rush of blood—but nothing comes.

“Why did you do that? How?

“They’re imbued. They belong to you. Touch it.” I make no moves to take the dagger from him. “Darling, trust me.”

I hesitantly accept the dagger, and it buzzes in my hand—jolts of magic crackle over my skin as the runes and inscription glow. Mine to shield, always.

“Azrael,” I breathe, “I hope I never have to use these.”

“Me too, but I can’t help being a little overprotective when it comes to you.” He slides the second blade into my corset.

Azrael stands, and my hands fall against his chest as I step closer. He wraps me in a tight hug, and I inhale his scent, relaxing into the embrace.

“Come on, angel. I’ll walk you to Zora’s, then I have some things to take care of. I’ll meet you back there in a few hours,” he whispers against my ear, making no move to release me.

“Okay,” I sigh.

“What is it?” he asks.

“Nothing. I just would rather spend time with you.” I’m being selfish, trying to buy more time with him before my impending death.

A foolish thought curls in my mind: if I don’t go to Zora, maybe death won’t find me. Stop! I argue with myself. The Fates were clear—I can’t meddle with destiny without sentencing us both to death.

I sigh again, “I’m sorry. I just—“ I make my best attempt to steady my voice. “I’m just going to miss this,” I say, inhaling deeply and memorizing his smell.

Azrael kisses me gently. “I’m going to miss you too, angel. But it’s only a few hours. It will be over before you know it.”

I smile up at him, hoping he’s right. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

He steps away from me, tugging my hand gently and I follow after him. We walk in silence all the way to Zora’s. I’m too busy thinking about death, each step we take bringing me closer to it.

When we arrive, it takes every bit of control to mask my emotions.

I wish I could tell him a thousand goodbyes, spending each one of my last seconds with him.

But I’ve come to understand that the Fates are cruel.

They’ve sentenced me to this torture of being forced to say goodbye without actually saying anything at all.

They’ve taken everything from me. My freedom, my mate, and my life.