Page 46 of To Dwell in Shadows (Shadows of Aurelia #2)

T he next day, Selene asked Prickles to deliver a message to Vanthee, asking her to meet later in the library. Sam was going to tie up any loose ends he had at the Sanctum, but he still walked her to the kennels so she could spend one last day with Zetta.

Selene had ditched the gowns in favor of the pants and T-shirt she had worn when they left Aurelia. Ogrin was working in the kennels and raised an eyebrow at her unconventional appearance but didn’t comment.

She had to hold back tears when she opened Zetta’s kennel, but she managed to keep it together until they made it to the library.

After a good cry, which thoroughly perplexed Zetta, she was taking one last, bittersweet look at all the progress she had made on the library when Vanthee burst through the doors.

“I don’t have much time, but something’s happening,” she said breathlessly. “My father just cornered me ranting about how I need to beguile Prince Samael!”

“They’re planning Sam’s coronation,” Selene said quietly. “His parents decided last night that he’s the Dark Sovereign. ”

Vanthee made a choked sound. Her surprised expression shifted to heartache, and her shoulders slumped. “I guess him nominating me didn’t go so well. I knew it was too much to hope for.”

“It’s not going to happen because Sam and I are leaving tonight,” Selene said. Speaking the words gave her a tingle of excitement. But when Zetta nudged her head under Selene’s hand, her throat swelled with grief.

“You are?” Vanthee asked.

“Yes, so I need to show you this right now.” Selene grabbed Vanthee’s arm and pulled her behind a bookcase.

Vanthee looked around. “Show me what?”

“Do you know what The Sovereign’s Reckoning is?” she whispered, suddenly conscious of being overheard, even though they were alone.

“Of course, but it’s only a legend.”

“No, it’s not. I found it.”

Vanthee inhaled sharply. “Are you serious?”

“Yes, but it’s tricky to get to.” Selene called Zetta over. Grabbing a candle from a nearby table, she held it in front of Zetta’s nose. She explained to Vanthee, “You need blue fire to get to the book.”

When Selene commanded Zetta to speak, the wick lit instantly. Selene held the candle in front of the hidden panel in the bookshelf. Vanthee gasped with understanding when she saw the sigil in the wood glow. Selene slid the panel aside and retrieved the book nestled within.

Balancing the ancient book in one hand, Selene explained, “The legend is that Baphomet destroyed the prophecy that put King Asmodeus on the throne. But it’s not true—someone hid it. Look.”

Carefully, she hovered the candle near the book’s lock until it popped open. Inside, she showed Vanthee the prophecies of Baphomet and Asmodeus. By the light of the blue flame, Vanthee’s red eyes glowed purple as she studied the portraits.

“How did you find these?”

“Pure luck. It took me a while to figure out the lock, though.” Selene ran a finger over the jagged edge where the book’s remaining pages had been torn out.

“I thought this would show us who the next Dark Sovereign is, but someone ripped out the pages.” She set the book down on a nearby table. “Then I found this.”

She pried back the book binding to reveal the hidden portrait. Carefully, she held it out. First, Vanthee squinted at it, leaning in for a closer look. Making a startled noise, she reached out to touch it, then quickly pulled her hand back. “Is this real?”

“It’s real. And it’s definitely you.”

“How is this possible?” she asked breathlessly.

Selene shrugged. “I’ve learned to stop asking that question.”

Vanthee swallowed as she gaped at the portrait. “But what does it mean? How am I supposed to take the throne?”

“I don’t know. Read the prophecy.” Selene flipped to the portrait over and held it close to the candle to illuminate the words.

“Oh my.” Vanthee touched her horns nervously then rubbed her tattoo. “It was one thing when Prince Samael suggested I compete in the next trial, but this is a lot.”

“I know. But Sam and I believe you’ll make a wonderful queen.”

“Will I?”

Outside the library, a distant voice screeching “Vanthee!” made them both jump.

“It’s my father. We can’t let him see this,” Vanthee said, stuffing the book back into the hole with shaking hands.

“But you saw how I opened it, right?” Selene closed the panel and stuffed several books in front of it. “You’ll have to get over your fear of Zetta.”

“Yes,” Vanthee replied. “I have to go. I don’t want Father to know I’m here and it’s nearly time for the Hailing of Souls.”

“Can I come with?” Selene asked. “I promised I’d help all the souls Sam killed pass over before we leave.”

“All right, but we have to hurry.”