Page 128 of To Scale the Emerald Mountain

Pinching an end of the ribbon, I pull it loose and let it flutter to the ground. Holding the staff up, my breath clogs in my throat when I notice the end that was resting on the ground. I turn it around, putting the spear against the floor and lean the staff forward, putting the blunt end at eye level.

The shiny metal is twisted and pulled to resemble a thorny nest. Cradled in the center is a large, uncut emerald.

The emerald.

I drop it immediately, the staff clattering loudly against the stone floor, not sure what to think.

Did Alec retrieve the emerald after that night in the library?

How did he find it? And why has he gifted it to me in this spectacular weapon? I question if it was him at all, and not maybe Nana, but the massive silk bow after our argument is a glaring indicator that the gift came from him.

Inspecting it closer, I circle my palm around the center and glide it up. The etchings give a tiny bit of friction; the perfect amount to make for a firm grip. A beaming smile graces my face at the intricacy and the thought that went into making this weapon. It was clearly designed and created just for me. I weigh it in my hand, amazed at its perfect balance despite the gem on one end.

Studying the emerald again, light refracts through its depths and sends glimmering beams of green across the floor. Though obviously precious, I’m surprised by how unassuming it is. Upon closer inspection, it appears no different from any other ordinary emerald. The thought crosses my mind that perhaps it is.

My eyes wander to my vanity where another flicker of green catches my attention.

Propping the staff back against the wall, I walk to it. On the surface lies a black leather-bound book, wrapped with a green bow. I slowly pick it up, plucking the fabric loose and letting it fall. The book flops open to the first page, and I let out a soft, “Oh,” of surprise.

On the page is a picture with black lines and sepia tones of Alec holding me as a child while I look through brass opera glasses and smile at the miniscule decorations in Winter Solstice faerie baubles in Crane Hills.

Flipping to a random page, I find another picture of us, Captured from behind as we walk through a garden at Rhydelle Castle, both of us laughing. I continue flipping through the picture book. One picture portrays me asleep, while Alec sits by my bed reading. One shows Alec smiling fondly at me as I smell a large peony. Another shows me tucked tightly under Alec’s arm after I killed the woman in the square.

I snort a laugh at the precious memory—and how he clearly encouraged me to kill her.

Throughout the book is a montage of mine and Alec’s memories together, witnessed by Kraeston who must have used his gift to create these pictures. A visual history of our friendship and eventual courtship, with me at varying ages and Alec’s appearance always the same as it is now.

A physical reminder of all the things I have been made to forget.

I know I should put it down. I know that I should stop looking through these portraits of a girl who no longer exists. But I consume every last one, taking in the great details despite myself. Emotion coats my throat as I finish perusing the picture book and gingerly place it back where I found it.

My shaking hand angrily dashes away a tear as a sea of mourning flows within me. A grief I can’t fully grasp as I have no recollection of these memories, of this carefully built relationship. I angrily try to quell the cresting wave that is steadily threatening to pull me under.

It’s then I notice hanging off the end of my exposed wardrobe is a vest of sorts with leather straps and I dive headfirst into the distraction. It has a small rolling clip that is meant to be worn on the back. I slide the straps over my shoulders, and reach back to secure the staff, relieved to have a distraction from the book. My staff slides into place easily with a light click. I shake hard, trying to dislodge the weapon from its holster. It doesn’t slide an inch.

My eyes scan myself in the floor length mirror.

The gift is undeniably beautiful, and I’m eager to use it, to see what the power of a god can do. I remove the holster and place it on my unmade bed while I run to shower. After I bathe, I dry quickly and change into one of my new outfits: form fitting, high waisted,leather pants and a gray low cut sleeveless shirt. I apply my makeup the way Makhoi taught me, dark kohl lining my eyes and mouth painted wine red.

My lips tilt smugly at my appearance, my new weapon making a perfect accessory. Lacing up my magicked boots, I pause, grinning with an idea.

I twist my hair up into a tight bun and secure it before wrapping it with the large section of black, silk ribbon—tying it into a large bow.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

ELLYA

Running down to the kitchen to eat a quick breakfast before the long trek to the training pitch, I’m hoping to run into Kraeston or Nana on the way and ask them to change our training time for today. I have no such luck.

The palace is almost too quiet today.

By the time I nearly make it there without meeting another soul, I’ve decided to practice my motions alone when I finally run into a guard.

“Excuse me.” I stop the guard.

“Yes, Princess?”

“I need someone to train with.” Indicating my head towards the door to the pitch, he follows as I walk through the second story door that I always do. I’ve noticed different exits throughout the pitch during training but haven’t yet explored where they go.