When I get to Ignis, I hope Clio will be of some help.
Chapter Seventeen
Reaching Out
I WAKE UP in the morning to Tarj prodding me in the ribs with jabs much harder than necessary. His tawny eyes stare at me in concern, and I frown, uncomfortable for the proximity—and the wakeup—as I sit up, gathering my blankets around myself as I observe him through eyes glazed over in sleep.
“Is something the matter?” I ask, raising a hand to nervously chew on my nails.
“It’s morning,” Tarj announces, taking a step back from the bed. “And you’ve had nightmares the entire night.”
I blink and upon closer inspection of his face, I notice the creases and bags—he hasn’t slept a wink. I swallow deeply, reaching up to ruffle my already messy hair.
“I did? I’m sorry.”
“Don’t worry about it,” he replies, turning away. “I’m going to get breakfast. You should get up and get dressed to join us before you go today.”
I hear the click of the door close and I toss the blanket off, swinging my feet over the edge of the bed. I yawn and test my weak leg as I stand to my feet, gripping the bed post before I creep to the door lying opposite the one that leads outside. I go into the bathroom, noticing the pile of clothes on the sink along with a note.
Lilith,
Here’s an outfit from The Sage.
Tarj.
I look at the clothes gratefully before I peel off the nightclothes, setting them to the counter before I pick up the shirt first. It’s a thin material, more common in Ignis than any other Coven. I pull it on before I pick up the black capris made of almost the same fabric. I run my fingers through my knotted black hair to straighten it as I stare at my reflection. I feel better today than I did the day before—despite the night of nightmares I don’t remember.
My stomach growls suddenly, and I think of breakfast. I push away the thought of another uncomfortable meal as I follow my baser instincts for food and leave the bathroom. I cross through the garden into the grand archway, and when I get to the dining room, I sit beside Tarj as I catch sight of another unfamiliar face, a male, seated beside the blonde girl, but like the day before, I’m sure to avoid eye contact as I scarf down a few bites, glad to see Rayna nowhere around.
By the time Crowe comes to join us, I’m already full and itching to be on my way back to Ignis. I pass him without a word, my shoulder bumping his as I reach the opening of the corridor.
“Where are you off to in such a rush?” his voice calls from behind.
I turn around, looking at him through defeated blue eyes, wondering if he’s really that clueless or if he’s trying to get on my nerves. “Home.” Either way, I don’t wait for his reply before I slip out of the building, across the garden, and begin to walk through the trees. Even though it’s early in the day, the sun feels hot on my skin, and I’m glad for the clothing The Sage had lent me.
She owes you something.
I can’t argue with that thought as I reach the edge of the Grove. When the grass underfoot becomes rough and barren, I let out a sigh of relief at the sensation of being in home territory. I breathe in the heavy air, enjoying the sensation of familiarity so much that the dull ache in my leg doesn’t exist.
I hear footsteps suddenly, and before I have the chance to move, I’m pulled into someone’s arms. I let out a squeak as the air is pushed from my lungs.
“Thank God, Lilith, I thought for sure they were going to kill you!”
I realize it’s Clio hugging me, and I manage to look up at him, pressing my cheek to his chest in an awkward attempt to hug him back since my arms are still pinned at my sides. He lets go of me and pulls back, swiping a lock of hair from my face to see into my eyes as his hands clutch my elbows.
“They didn’t hurt you, did they?” Helena asks from her place beside Clio and sets a hand to my shoulder.
I can see the same question is on Clio’s mind as my gaze darts between the two of them.
I shake my head. “No, I-I’m okay,” I manage to say, licking my lips nervously. I can’t tell if my response is a lie or the truth as I struggle to push the words from my throat.
“What happened to you yesterday?” Clio asks. “I waited for news but you didn’t come back. I even reached out to Fern but she wasn’t much help.”
“They marked me.” I show off my colorful earring.
Clio reaches out with shaking fingers to stroke the gem, green eyes hardening. “Did you consent to this?” he demands, eyes boring into mine as if he’s staring into my very soul for the answer.
I shake my head. “The Sage requested me personally. The Council was under orders to Dedicate me to the Grove. I didn’t know about it until it was too late, and well, you saw them drag me out of there.”
Clio presses his lips tight but doesn’t reply to that.
“The Sage?” Helena inquires, her wonder breaking through the tension. The awe is apparent on both Helena’s and Clio’s faces at the mention of the elderly witch.
I chew my lip for a moment and consider what to say about her. So far, the interactions I’ve had with her have been odd, uncomfortably so. I think of the knowledge I’ve picked up during my day in the Grove and compare it to the naivety I had before—the same sense of misinformation that both Helena and Clio still possess.
“She says she’s impressed with me for saving Tarj at the Arcane Ceremony,” I state finally, voice stiff to stave off my emotions.
“She bring up anything about Iris while you were there?” Clio asks.
I shake my head though I know that like me, he suspects that’s the true motive behind her actions. “I almost got Tarj to bring up Willow though.”
“Who’s Willow?” Helena scrunches up her face.
“A witch who was like Lilith a long time ago. She was executed by The Council,” Clio replies.
Helena’s eyes widen. “Why?”
Clio shrugs. “No one seems to know for sure. It’s a lot of speculation.” He runs his finger along his chin for a moment before his gaze returns to me. “What’d he say?”
“He seemed surprised I knew about her at all. He went to tell me about her when Rayna made me meet The Sage. Last night, I tried to bring it up again, and he told me it’s against the rules to talk about her.”
“Hmm,” Clio grunts, crossing his arms.
I raise an eyebrow. “You think it’s odd too?”
“Of course!” he exclaims. “It seems like he was punished for almost mentioning it.”
“That doesn’t make me feel much better if what I’m thinking is the truth,” I admit, clearing my throat as I turn my attention to Helena. She’s silent, eyes darting between both of us, but by the gleam shining in them, I know she’s thinking of something.
“What’s she like…in person?” Helena asks, and I realize her thoughts are still focused on The Sage.
“Reserved,” I reply carefully. “She’s calm.” And also a manipulative liar.
“And she requested you personally,” Helena murmurs and takes a step backward as if she suddenly can’t breathe.
Clio and I watch her, catching the odd mixture of emotions in her voice. She doesn’t say another word, but instead, whisks on her heels to run into the distance, her long orange hair streaming in the wind behind her.
I take a step toward her. “Helena, wait!” I call, intent to follow in my every step when Clio places his hand on my shoulder, bringing me back to focus.
“Let her go,” he murmurs.
Wistfully, I stare after her for another long moment before my gaze shifts to him, eyes wide. “Everything’s changing,” I say with a flutter of despair in my heart as I think of The Sage’s words once again.
“I’ve noticed.” His eyes fall to my earring again. “So, you’re a member of The Council now, is that it? No longer one of us desert rats?”
I scoff. “Do you know a way out?”
Clio clicks his tongue. “No, I don’t. I wish I did though.”
> “Yeah…I wish for things too,” I admit, staring down at the hardened ground beneath my feet. “Like I wish I hadn’t been forced into my Dedication. According to The Sage, I’m just a typical case. These people, the ones serving The Council now, none of them wanted to be there. From what I understand, there’s no way out.” Besides death, of course.
“Whatever you do, make sure you’re careful,” he advises, drawing his eyebrows together.
“Thoughts of Willow haven’t left my mind,” I assure him. “Just because Tarj is reluctant to answer my questions doesn’t mean I’ll give up on it anytime soon.”
“Good.”
I glance at him, and my eyes lock on his red earring, catching his attention.
“They promoted me already,” he says, “to the top of our clan. They want me to train the others.”
I smile at him, the reaction feeling odd after the day of frowning I’ve endured. “That’s great news!”
He nods, appearing proud of himself. “I’ll have proper communication with HQ this way as well. Since you’re gonna be the Ignis representative, it all works out.”
I remember The Sage saying the same thing to me, and I grit my teeth in response. “I wish things were going so well for Helena.” I cast another glance in the direction she had disappeared.
“These past few days have been hard,” he agrees. “Everything’s changing for her as well. She’s been…out of touch.”
I push my lips into a pencil straight line. She has no idea just how difficult it is to be Equipped; I’d give anything to be like her. If I had the ability, I’d switch lives with her in a heartbeat…if only for a little while.
“How’s Fern?” I ask, hating the feeling of tears welling in the corner of my eyes.
He shrugs. “Hard to say. She was reluctant to come out when I visited.”
That’s because she knows you aren’t a fan of hers, I think, remembering his previous suspicion of her true intentions. I wipe my face with my sleeves, hoping Clio didn’t notice the moment of emotion as I say, “I want to visit her—before I have to go back.”
“What about your parents?”
I close my eyes and shake my head sadly, thinking the last words said to them had been in anger. “I burned that bridge, remember?”
Clio bobs his head in understanding. “Just thought I’d ask. When’s the next time you’ll be back?”
I shrug, digging my nails into my palm. “I wish I knew. The only thing that’s been made clear to me, multiple times I might add, is that I’m not allowed to leave the Grove without permission from The Sage.”
“Really?” he asks, running a finger along his chin again as if he’s in thought.
“Yeah,” I reply, watching as he takes a step closer to me.
My heart flutters in my chest and I study his eyes, feeling my breathing hitch. His gaze is strong and unrelenting as he looks back at me with determination on his face. His fingertips touch beneath my chin gently, and I feel rooted to the spot as I watch him, wondering what will come next.
“I guess this is the last chance for me to do this then,” he whispers with his face an inch from mine before he leans forward to press a kiss to my lips.
My eyes stretch wide in surprise as his other hand comes to rest on my hip. The gesture is sweet and soft—the complete opposite of what I would guess judging by his hardened appearance.
The shock wears off quickly, and I lean into the kiss, wrapping my arms around his neck. He breaks the gesture and buries his face into the crook of my neck, letting out a breath of air in my ear before he sets his forehead to mine. Clio closes his eyes at the contact, and I can tell he’s reveling in the moment. I try to do the same, but it’s hard to get over my surprise.
For all the time I’ve known him, I never guessed he’d feel this way for me—it’s hard to believe anyone can feel this way for me.
I blink, and when I open my eyes, he’s gone. I search for him but don’t see him anywhere in sight. I touch my finger to my lips, still feeling him there before a small smile lights up my features, and I bow my head, hoping I’ll get to see him again before I’m sent back to my prison on the Grove. I observe the position of the sun in the sky, guessing I only have a few hours left in Ignis before it starts to get dark. The thought is enough to zap my hope from me, and I watch my feet as I make my way toward Fern’s oasis. When I arrive, Fern is out and about, fluttering above the water.
When she notices me, she flaps her wings in greeting. “Lilith! Clio told me about the Ceremony! Nice earring,” she says, and by the tone of her voice it’s hard to tell if she’s sarcastic or serious.
I hope for the first one as I sigh and collapse beside the oasis, curling my knees to my chest to stare at the water. Fern’s oasis has always been the place to make me feel safest in all of Ignis, but even in my place of comfort, I can’t free my mind of stress.
“I don’t want this,” I tell her, jutting my lip out in a pout.
Fern frowns. “But it’s an honor.”
“That’s not the way you made it sound last time I was here,” I point out. “Besides, it might not be right for people who aren’t capable of handling it. Mentally…and p-physically,” I stutter, stretching out my leg to poke at the ugly scarred skin on my calf with a grimace.
“You know better than anyone that you’re not limited by your injury,” Fern retorts, landing next to my leg to set her fingertips to the devastated flesh.
Thoughts of the training session with Crowe fills my mind. I never felt helpless before that moment, but now that it’s happened, the doubt of my own abilities has skyrocketed through the roof. “I’m not so sure anymore. The Council…they’re strong.”
“Of course they are—they’re handpicked, the best of the best from each Coven,” she says, tilting her head to the side.
“But why me? I’m not the best, I can hardly even handle my powers.” I remember the expression on Thorn’s face.
“You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for.”
I scoff and finger a blade of grass. “You sound like The Sage.”
Her lips pull into a part. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you.”
I shake my head, feeling suddenly guilty as I pluck the blade free. “No, don’t apologize. You’re only trying to be a friend.” I pause for a minute and watch the tiny woman. “Have you ever heard of The Advisory Council of Fairies?”
Her shoulders stiffen at the question. “Why do you ask?”
“Yes or no, Fern.”
“Yes.”
My curiosity piques at her response.
“If you must know, I served them for a short time, a long, long time ago.” She fidgets with her collar for a moment, glancing toward her home in her tree and part of me wonders if she’s thinking of abandoning me to my questions.
“W-what happened?” I prompt.
“They dismissed me. Said I was too much of a troublemaker.”
“You?” I ask in disbelief, before I pause, thinking of the incident with Tarj the night Fern took me to speak with Iris.
She breathes out slowly, pursing her lips as she studies my face. “That’s how I heard the story about Willow for the first time.”
My eyebrows shoot upward as I focus on her, sitting up straight. “So you know the truth?”
Fern chews her lip, shaking her head. “No, I don’t. I wasn’t told everything just as you’re probably not. The best way The Council strings you along is by purposefully deciding what information you do and don’t know. Trust me.”
Oh, I do.
“You feel as if the decision is unfair…don’t you?” she prompts.
“Of course. Didn’t you?”
Fern flutters her wings for a moment and her chin drops. “I was proud of it before I realized how hard it was. Those other fairies are different from me. I wanted to help the humans, to blend in, but they just want power and control. They sit on their perches, looking down their noses at the rest of us…and I couldn’t do that.”
/> I nod in complete understanding.
“Can I say something that may potentially change your state of mind?” she inquires, twining her fingers together.
I look at her eagerly, my answer in my gaze.
“The Sage is the most powerful witch of all the Covens. These questions you have about your accident—about the whole incident with Iris and Willow—if anyone has the answers, it’ll be her.”
***
HOURS LATER, I step into the cool circle of stones around the altar at the center of Ignis, enjoying the beauty of my second favorite spot in the Coven as I stare at the strip of purple in the sky far above me. I breath in the air heavy with humidity, leaning against the smooth stone altar with the breeze blowing through my hair.
A pair of arms snakes around my waist, and I turn my head slightly as Clio’s scent engulfs me. “Almost time for you to go, huh?”
“Yeah.” I breathe, leaning into him.
“What’s on your mind?” he inquires, resting his chin on the top of my head.
“I have to say goodbye to Ambrossi and Angel then I have to go.”
“Still decided against talking to your parents?” He turns me around to face him.
I glance up at him, swallowing roughly to keep my emotions at bay again. “I don’t want to leave bad memories here. After I leave, could you tell them I love them? Please?”
“Of course,” he whispers, hugging me tight as he presses his cheek to mine. “Though I wish you didn’t have to go.”
“Yeah, me either,” I reply, ducking my head to bury my face in his chest. “I’ll be able to come back after I’m done with my training though.”
“I expect you to.” Clio’s bottom lip juts out and stares at me, reaching out to touch me under the chin. “Please come back to me in one piece. Has The Council mentioned anything along the way of training?”
“They said it’s going to be tough—extreme,” I say, considering what I should say. “Because we have unique gifts, they try different things…like Crowe uh…Crowe…”
The Council Page 16