Page 17

T o my surprise and relief, the pain in my arm was merely a dull ache by morning. When Jarrett unwrapped the wound to take my daily offering, he also noted the improvement. The redness was confined to the edges of the most recent cuts—Lord Embers’ ointment helped.

“How angry will she be that I found nothing in Lord Embers’ chambers?” I asked, uncertainty filling my voice.

Jarrett glanced up. “Lucky for you, she is not here today. Maybe another opportunity will arise.”

I desperately hoped he was right, but I didn’t see how it was possible. Without being summoned, it would be too risky for me to enter and search the lord’s room.

Footsteps approached. I grabbed my scrub brush and moved away from the muddied runner before I found myself in the way of an Ashlora guest.

“Good morning, Nova.” Relief washed over me upon hearing Lord Embers’ voice.

I looked up to find him smiling down at me. “Good morning, Lord Embers.” He had told me to call him Devrix, but it didn’t seem proper.

“I was wondering if you had a moment? There is something I would like to share with you.” Another well-tailored shirt hugged his shoulders and accentuated his muscular physique, this one midnight blue.

I looked down the hall for Claire, but it was empty. “Sure. Just give me a moment to get this out of the way.”

He waited patiently while I tucked the scrub brush and bucket into an unused room.

I followed him through the winding halls to the main stairwell. But we didn’t go up or down, instead Lord Embers turned left into an unfamiliar hallway, its only feature was a set of black, double doors on the far end.

The doors were taller than any of the others on the floor, with white crystal handles that contrasted the charcoal colored wood, making them seem to jump forward.

I wasn’t sure if I wanted to know what was on the other side.

“There was so much longing in your eyes when I saw you at the window the other day.” He placed his palm on the crystal knob—which I thought I saw flash blue for an instant—before he turned it and pulled the door open.

Sunlight and fresh air flooded my senses.

“The courtyard,” he announced, stepping aside and guiding me forward. His outstretched hand grazed the small of my back.

For reasons I didn’t examine too closely, I didn’t pull away. Smart or not, I realized I no longer feared the Ashlora male. I wanted to trust my instincts about him, but my past had taught me I was not the best at determining a person’s loyalties—even those I thought myself closest to.

Remain cautious.

Squinting against the light, I stepped forward and pulled in a deep breath.

“Lady Jesmine may not allow her servants to leave the fortress, but there is this spot where you can enjoy the smell of fresh air and a touch of sunshine.”

I looked around, speechless.

We were in the center of the fortress, standing in a large, circular courtyard.

Thick ivy clung to the high brick walls, reaching toward the open sky.

Cobblestone walkways spiraled throughout.

The areas between the stone paths were filled with plants, hedges, and brightly colored flowers.

The air smelled so sweet I could taste it, and I felt myself smiling as I took it in.

“Walk with me?” Lord Embers held out his arm.

Deep inside, I wanted nothing more than to wrap my arm around his.

But even after I scanned the area, not seeing anyone, I decided against it.

I stepped beside him, ignoring the offer.

“I don’t think Lady Jesmine would approve of me being here,” I said.

Jesmine would rather I were rifling through his belongings—which is exactly where I should be if I want to avoid her punishment.

“If questions arise, I will tell her I brought you here.”

“And what purpose would you have to bring me out here?” I squinted up at him.

“To educate me about the plants, of course.” A grin played at the corners of his mouth. “You are a human, after all, and everyone knows humans are the most knowledgeable when it comes to flora and horticulture.”

I chuckled. The excuse probably wouldn’t pass Jesmine’s scrutiny, but she was gone for the day and I wasn’t about to let worry ruin the moment.

Our steps started on the closest path.

“I didn’t think I would say this about anything in the Obsidian Fortress, but … it is lovely.” My cheeks felt pinched from smiling.

The fresh air and sunshine had already begun to ease the constant tension rooted across my shoulders.

Lord Embers let me lead on the trail. He casually observed as I investigated various paths and flower beds. I bent to smell the coneflowers, daisies, and lilacs, then watched the bees dance from one bloom to the next.

Eyes closed, I stood facing the sun, basking in the warmth for several minutes. “It’s a certain kind of torture to be kept inside stone walls, day after day. This is lovely,” I confessed.

Opening my eyes, I was greeted with the most dazzling smile. “I’m glad you are enjoying it,” he replied.

I forced my attention back in front of me. Benches and tables edged the path. And, as was common throughout the fortress, rough cut stones were displayed atop waist high pillars. All of them different colors and opacities.

Lord Embers followed my lead until we ended up at the center of the courtyard.

I stopped before a set of stairs that connected to a lower tier. In the middle of the space, a pile of stones had been erected in a circle, then topped with thick slabs of obsidian. “What is that?” I asked.

“Hmm.” Lord Embers’ expression dimmed. “That is the Spirit Well.” He looked over at me.

My brow creased, not understanding his explanation.

“This fortress was built by the Shadorites. They chose this location because there is a natural crevice that runs deep underground. It’s a sacred place for them, one where they believe their souls travel to after death to find peace.

” He turned, motioning me away from the stairs.

“When the Ashlora took over the fortress after the war, the entrance was covered and warded, so nothing can go in … or come out.”

“Like Slips?” I asked.

He gave a sharp nod.

I took one last look at the mass of black stones, wondering what lurked in the depths of its darker side.

When I looked up, Lord Embers had moved away, and I scurried to catch up. “I’ve never heard of the Spirit Well. Do the Ashlora have one as well? Or something similar—a place for resting souls?”

“No, not like that. The Well is special to the Shadorites. We Ashlora believe in cremation and take our deceased to be burned, so the soul is released from the body and free to be born anew.”

Of course, fire spirits return to fire.

“Interesting,” I said. “When my mother passed, we buried her in the ground so her soul could return to the earth. The same is done for all the departed in Fernton.”

“Yes, I am familiar with the human tradition.”

I looked up to see that we had made our way back to the entry. Despite the disappointment filling my chest, I smiled. “Thank you. This was nice. But I really should get back.”

If I hurry, would I be able to beat him to his room and have time to search for the notes? As the thought crossed my mind, I ignored the stab of guilt in my stomach and casually asked, “Should I expect to see you in the library this afternoon?”

“Unfortunately, I will be returning to my chambers,” he replied. “I’m afraid this was as much a respite for me as it was for you. There is always much work to be done.” Butterflies fluttered in my stomach when my eyes caught with his.

So what, he is handsome and polite … and treats me with kindness. I may like him for all those things, but it is silly to entertain senseless emotions. I am here as a sacrifice. Just because he is civil, it doesn’t mean I should fawn over him like some foolish teenager.

I snubbed out the sensation and reminded myself that Jesmine was the one in control of my destiny. And Jesmine had given me the task of finding Lord Embers’ secrets. I needed another opportunity to find the documents she was after.

I put on a smile that I did not feel, and we re-entered the dark halls of the fortress.

The next morning, Jarrett couldn’t take my blood fast enough. I wanted to skip out of the lab before Jesmine saw me. Again—empty handed.

Upon exiting the double doors carved with flames, I heard a ridiculous cackle. Simultaneously, Jesmine and Lord Embers rounded the corner. Her hand wrapped around his elbow. She leaned close, talking in a hushed voice.

Irritation flared, and I clenched my teeth. I stepped aside, making room for them to pass. My shoulders tensed, expecting Jesmine to stop in her tracks and reprimand me for being such a disappointment—but then I realized she couldn’t with Lord Embers present.

She continued to titter about on his arm. Unusually playful. He had said he wasn’t here to earn her affections, but it appeared that she desired his.

Once they had moved by, I spared a look out of the corner of my eye—Jesmine winked at me. It was a very intentional wink.

Why? … Why is she acting so peculiar? ...

My mind turned as I headed for the stairs. I reached the landing and stopped.

This is part of her plan.

The wink was a signal. Or at least that is what I interpreted from the uncharacteristic gesture. Flirting was not her general demeanor. She was diverting Lord Embers’ attention and keeping him away from his room. Documents were left unattended.

I pulled out a cleaning rag; it was a poor excuse for my presence, but it would work if needed. I hurried across the third floor and slipped into Lord Embers’ chambers.

Other than a half empty tea service, everything was in order.

My attention caught on a book I’d not previously noticed. It rested at the corner of the large desk.

Motionless, I listened for footsteps.

Satisfied that no one was coming, I crossed the room and approached.

A Journey at Sea sat on the top of the pile.

I moved it to reveal the book of interest, Methods of Study .

The title gave me promise, and I opened it.

Several pages had been marked with folded corners.

The first section appeared to be about filtering water contaminates.

Hmm . Assuming that was not the information Jesmine was after, I flipped to the next folded page.

A handwritten note fluttered to the ground.

Reaching for it, the words, containment, termination, and Slips jumped from the page. The notes contained detailed assessments of experiments, many of them gruesome and unthinkable. It was unclear if they were describing Jesmine’s work, or something Lord Embers was part of.

My hands shook. Lord Embers had to have contributed, or at the very least, known of the horrors documented.

I felt ill, couldn’t stomach reading more. I snapped the book closed.

Lord Embers was just like the other Ashlora, looking to take advantage of those weaker. All along, his behavior toward me must have been nothing but a facade.

Had I really thought him any different because of one trivial meal and a few friendly gestures?

I would have laughed at my gullibility if the lump in my throat wasn’t getting in the way. Anger simmered, and I leaned into my outrage, letting it burn out my feelings of disappointment. I tucked the note back between the pages and slid the book into my apron.

My emotions whirred as I collected the empty tea service and bustled out of the room.