Working in tandem, they fought until the last disciple fell.
The door of Cadmus’s office opened and Fran, the Head Guardian, stepped out. Mara almost dropped her dagger in shock. She and Mikkal sank into a defensive position, but Alex had frozen. Fran stared at him a long moment, seeming to communicate with him silently. His grip flexed on his swords. Fran nodded at him and, without a word, stepped to the side. Mara watched her out of the corner of her eye, expecting a trap, but the Guardian didn’t stay. She turned and marched down the hallway and out of sight.
Mara reached for the doorknob and hesitated.
On the other side of that door was the man who had made her life a nightmare. He served only himself and cared nothing for the suffering of others. She wouldn’t let him destroy her.
She took a deep breath and opened the door.
34
Cadmus stood at his window, his hands clasped behind his back as he watched the battle. His silver robes were spotless while the disciples outside were stained in blood. At his side stood a young girl with dark skin and curly black hair. Her resemblance to Arianna was uncanny. This must be Lucinda. The girl’s lips trembled. Mara’s eyes caught on the Deleos around her wrists.
Without turning around, Cadmus said, “Hello, Mara. How nice of you to come and see me. I would offer you some refreshments, but as you can see, I’m terribly busy at the moment. Please see yourselves out.”
“It’s over, Cadmus. Surrender, and we’ll let you live.” Expecting a trap, Mara stepped cautiously, scanning the room for danger. Mikkal and Alex took positions just inside the doorway.
“Oh, I think not.” He shook his head and chuckled like she had told him a joke. “Why give you the satisfaction?”
“You’re outnumbered,” she shot back.
“I’m impressed by your ability to count.” He turned around and his gaze bored into Alex. “I must say I’m disappointed by your recent choices. You showed so much promise. Had you stayed, you would have just been made my Head Guardian.”
“And been forced to do your bidding for the rest of my life?” Alex’s face twisted in disgust. “I’d rather die.”
“Funny how many people say that very thing until death is staring them in the face.”
She ground her teeth in frustration. “You have the power to end this. Why let your people die?”
“Their lives aren’t important. Neither are yours for that matter.” He sighed wistfully It’s such a shame. I had so hoped we could work together. Just imagine what we could have become.”
“Never.”
“As is your prerogative. It turned out for the best, I suppose, considering you foolishly wasted your Gift while I found an Impriga even stronger than you were.” Her eyes dipped to the Augeo around his throat and he smiled cruelly. “It appears that children are far easier to control. Did you find him as impressive as I do?”
“You’ve created a monster.”
“We’re all monsters in our own way, my dear. Speaking of children, have you met Princess Lucinda of Crystalmoor? She was quite eager to meet a friend of her brother.” He gripped Lucinda’s arm and wrenched her close, wrapping a bony arm around her chest. He reached into his silver robes and pulled out a ceremonial dagger, much like the one Magi Samuel used to carry in Stonehollow. He held it dangerously close to her throat. “It’s unfortunate that you must meet under the circumstances.”
Mara took a step forward, gripping the hilt of her dagger. “Let her go, Cadmus.”
“Oh, I think not. I’ve gotten to know you well enough to know that you wouldn’t dare risk the life of a child. Isn’t that right?”
Mikkal shook his head. “You won’t kill her. If you did, you’d have nothing to stop us from ripping you apart.”
“Would you care to test your theory?” His grip tightened on Lucinda and the tip of the dagger bit into her neck. She sucked in a breath and pressed her lips together to keep from crying out. A thin rivulet of blood dripped down her throat.
Slowly, she released her dagger and raised her hands before her. “Okay. You win. We’ll do what you want, just don’t hurt the girl.”
“Always so predictable. How utterly disappointing,” He tsk-tsked. “Here’s what’s going to happen. You will stand down and leave this office. Don’t stop until you’ve rejoined the battle. I’ll watch from the window to be sure you’ve followed my instructions. If any of you attempt to come closer, I will slit her throat.”
Mara stalled. “How will we know if she’s safe?”
“I suppose you’ll have to take my word for it, won’t you?” His tone brokered no argument.
Lucinda’s eyes filled with betrayal as Mara nodded and motioned for Alex and Mikkal to leave the room. As much as it killed her, Mara couldn’t risk it. They would have to think of something else.
A blast shook the foundation of the Magi building. Cadmus’s focus broke for a moment and pulled the knife away as he glanced over his shoulder.
Mara seized her chance. Lucinda dove out of the way as Mara hurtled across the room toward Cadmus. She skirted the desk and barreled into the Head Magi, giving him a vicious shove. Glass shattered as he went through the window and plummeted to the ground. His scream cut off abruptly.
Mara leaned out the window and peered down. Cadmus’s broken body lay on the ground below as a puddle of red formed beneath him.
She sagged as relief coursed through her veins. Hands pulled her back before she could fall out the window, too. Alex and Mikkal sandwiched her between them. Tears ran down her face and she laughed. “It’s over. It’s finally over.”
Then she remembered Lucinda. Mara approached the girl slowly, not wanting to scare her. “Are you hurt?”
Lucinda pressed her fingers to her throat. “I want my brother.”
“We’ll take you to find him.” Mara offered her an encouraging smile while she silently hoped he was still alive.
35
The battlefield stank of sweat and blood and death.
Mara pressed a hand to her nose as she picked her way across the battlefield. The sight made her grateful that Mikkal had taken Lucinda away from the carnage. She’d known it would be terrible, but that was worse than she expected.
Bodies littered the field and carrion birds flew overhead, zeroing in on their next meal. The wounded had been left where they fell as Healers worked their way through, helping where they could. Wounded Gifted cried for their mothers while others begged for the mercy of a quick death. Alex did his best to honor their last wish.
Word of Cadmus’s death had spread quickly. A few disciples had continued to fight, but their own forces had turned on them. Those who’d thrown down their weapons were taken captive until they could figure out what to do with them. She spotted a row of prisoners being led toward the hill. The pavilion was singed in some places but was otherwise intact. Was Ethan okay?
A blackened circle spread across the field. The dirt and grass crunched beneath her feet as she made her way to the edge of the circle where the Impriga laid, his head resting on his tiny hand. She knelt by his side and brushed his shaggy hair back from his face.
So young.
It didn’t seem fair.
From the direction of the hill she heard cheering. She imagined her army would celebrate long into the night now that Cadmus’s reign of terror was over.
Maybe she should have been happy too, but she couldn’t get past the bleakness of it all. So many lives lost, all for the greed of one man.
She stood scanned the battlefield, and her eyes caught on a familiar face lying on the ground. Ice flooded her veins and her heart stopped.
“Wynn!” Mara raced over to the Warlord’s side and dropped to her knees. It looked like her ribcage had been crushed. She went numb. “What happened?”
“Stupid horse fell on me. Can ya believe it?” Her voice came out in a pained rasp and she struggled for each word. “I told ya these beasts would be the death of me. Someone better track down the bloody thing and make him War
lord.”
“Shh . . . don’t say that. You’re going to be okay.” Mara reached out—to do what? She didn’t know—she couldn’t touch her for fear of hurting her more. Her hands fluttered uselessly over her body. They needed help. She jumped to her feet and searched the field for a Healer. Oliver was all the way across the field tending to the wounded. Mara waved her arms at him and screamed, “Help! We need help over here!”
He didn’t see her.
Maybe she could carry her to the pavilion? Mara rushed back to Wynn’s side. “We’ll get you some help. You’ll be all right, just hang on.”
“Don’t be stupid, love.” Wynn coughed violently, and the air rattled in her chest. Blood-tinged spittle stained her mouth. Her face contorted, and she dug her fingers into the dirt as a whine escaped her lips. “It’s too late for all that.”
Mara choked back a sob and her vision blurred.
“Stop yer blubbering.” Wynn’s eyes closed. She swallowed, and the tension drained from her body. “It doesn’t even hurt anymore.”
Mara grabbed Wynn’s hand. Her lips pinched together, and she looked away. Her voice cracked as she said, “I don’t know how I can do this without you.”
“Ya will, girly.” Wynn rolled her head to the side and looked up, her eyes filled with the words she couldn’t say. “I’ll probably . . . kill ya . . . tomorrow.”
She took her last breath and the light faded from her eyes.
Mara collapsed to the ground as sobs wracked her body. Alex knelt by Wynn’s side and closed her eyes for the last time. Blinking back tears of his own, he rested a hand on Mara’s back. “We’ll take her back with us.”
Mara nodded. Alex helped her stand. Then he gathered Wynn’s body in his arms and carried her up the hill. Mara followed at a distance, her feet dragging. Where her heart had been, there was now a gaping hole.
Ethan intercepted them before they reached the pavilion. He glanced at Wynn, then pulled Mara into an embrace. “I’m so sorry.”
Her hands fisted in his robe. “It’s not fair.”
Cheers and laughter rose from their camp and Mara burned. She hated them all. How could they celebrate now?
“I know.” He rubbed her back in soothing circles. “We’ll honor her sacrifice.”
Mara looked up at him. “Don’t give her to the clan. She wouldn’t want to be burned in a pyre.” She stared at Alex’s back as he carried Wynn to her tent. “We’ll take her home. Tomorrow.”
“Our job isn’t done here. The army won’t be ready to leave for another week.”
“I don’t care. Haven’t we done enough? Let’s just go and let the others handle it for once.” She held her breath, hoping he would agree. She couldn’t be around the others now, but maybe distance and time would start to heal what had been broken.
“Okay.”
They walked up the hill together. Mara leaned on his arm, grateful for the support. She doubted she could manage on her own. As they passed the pavilion, Mara spotted a row of prisoners sitting in a line. She tried to summon the familiar bitterness or resentment, but all she felt was numb.
Ethan paused. Mara looked up at him, and her brows furrowed. He opened his mouth to say something, then closed it. Something in his expression changed, and he said, “I know it seems impossible for you now, but I hope that one day you’ll look back on this and remember the good you accomplished.” She began to shake her head and he pointed to the prisoners. “Look.”
Mara wiped her eyes. At the end of the line, Steel stood with Lucinda wrapped in his arms as tears streamed down his face. Mikkal stood at a distance, watching impassively.
She crept closer.
Steel set Lucinda on her feet and reached his hand out toward Mikkal. “I’m so sorry, my friend. How can you ever forgive me?”
Mikkal’s face twisted with restrained emotion. He closed the distance between them and clasped Steel’s hand, yanking him into a hug before thumping him on the back. “There’s nothing to forgive.”
Mara leaned back against Ethan. “Where’s Arianna?”
“Gone, along with most of her rebels.”
“I can’t say I’m sorry to hear it. I guess Steel won’t have to worry about keeping his place as Miestryri now, will he?”
“I wouldn’t say that.” Ethan’s gaze traveled to where Lucinda stood, demanding that someone release her brother immediately.
Mara frowned. “What else can you See?”
Ethan smiled softly and tapped on the Augeo. “I see myself destroying this as soon as possible.”
***
The old homestead looked better than it had the last time she was here. Lush grass covered the yard and birds chirped in the trees which were laden with blossoms. It was the perfect resting place for Wynn.
Mara shoveled dirt in the grave she dug with her own hands. Ethan had offered to help, but Mara refused. She wanted to do this to honor her friend one last time.
Clan Myriel had been surprisingly supportive when they heard Mara’s plans. Two of the older Lingatians had washed Wynn before preserving her body with salts and perfumes. Then they’d wrapped her in a clean, white cloth. Mara idly wondered what they’d done with Cadmus’s body. She comforted herself with the idea of the clan chucking it in the moat of lava.
She knelt down and smoothed the dirt with her hands. Soon, the creeping myrtle would spread and blanket Wynn’s grave, too. She reached out and touched a purple flower on Daniel’s grave, grateful that she was able to lay her to rest beside her loved ones. It’s what Wynn would have wanted.
Ethan approached with a bucket and ladle. Mara took a scoop of water and drank deeply. He sat next to her and crossed his legs. “It’s so peaceful here.”
A gentle breeze teased the strands of her hair free from its tie. Ethan reached over and tucked it behind her ear. Mara hummed in her throat. “It seems odd, doesn’t it? Someone could live their whole life out here and no one would know what happened with the Order.”
“Even if they don’t know, they’ll feel the effects for long after we’re gone.”
“Still, there’s an appeal to that ignorance, isn’t there? To be able to be born, live, and die without worrying about the outside world.” Mara twisted the flower between her fingers until it came free from the stem. “But there’s a sadness, too, that they will never understand the cost of that peace.”
“If you could go back and do it all over again, would you want that?” he asked.
“No. I have to believe that the sacrifices we’ve made were worth it in the end. Now the world has a chance to start fresh.” She tilted her hand and let the flower tumble to the ground. “I just wish this pain would go away.”
“Give it time. It might never stop hurting, but little by little, it will start to feel better.”
Mara sat back and leaned against Ethan. He wrapped an arm around her shoulder. “What happens next?”
Ethan smiled and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips. “The rest of our lives.”
Epilogue
Six months later
Ethan walked down the path leading to the cottage Mara shared with Ruby. After burying Wynn, they had returned to Stonehollow with the intention of rebuilding the town. Slowly, the survivors had returned to help, and buildings were popping up all over. Mara’s father, Eli, had refused. Ethan couldn’t blame him considering the bad memories tied to the village, but he had hope that he’d come home one day.
Ethan walked up the stairs of the cottage. They’d built it together with the intention of one day getting married. One of the first things Mara had done was start a garden in the back and plant mint in honor of her mother. She killed more plants than she grew, but Ethan was able to persuade a Cultor to keep it alive.
It was the little things that gave him hope she would finally heal. Occasionally, she would go quiet and stare off into space with tears in her eyes, but those moments were growing fewer and far between. If anything could brighten her day, it was the letter her carried in his pocket.
Smiling, he pushed open the door and stepped inside. The interior was filled with treasures they’d salvaged from the wreckage. By the fireplace was a bookshelf with dozens of wooden animals that Tobias had carved.
Mara stood by the sink, chopping carrots for their evening meal. Ethan walked up behind her and kissed her neck. “Better watch out or the carrot might attack,” he said, remembering the time she’d cut herself slicing vegetables for her family’s dinner.
She squeaked and elbowed him in the stomach. “It will if you scare me like that!”
He laughed.
She set down the knife and dried her hands on her apron. “Well, where is it?” she gave him an expectant look.
“Where is what?” he said innocently.
“Don’t give me that.” She put her hands on her hips. “You know I’ve been waiting for weeks now.”
Ethan pulled an envelope from his pocket. “You mean this?”
She snatched it out of his hand and tore it open before reading. “’Yes!” she shouted, then she covered her mouth, eyes going wide. “Oops, Ruby’s sleeping.”
“Well, are you going to keep me in suspense?”
Her face broke out in a wide grin and she waved the card in the air. “We are officially invited to the royal wedding. Oh, Oona must be out of her mind, crowing around like she’s already empress.”
“When will it be held?”
Mara’s eyes scanned the card. “Not until the spring. I wonder why they’re waiting?”
“They probably want to hold it on the anniversary of Isaac’s coronation.”
“More likely they’re still stuffed from Isaac’s coronation and they need a full year to recover from the gluttony. I thought Ella was going to explode.”
“At least she convinced them to save the leftovers, so she could give it out to families in the outer ring.” With the financial support of the crown, Ella had become a force to be reckoned with. She’d expanded her efforts to improve the lives of people in the outer ring. There were even plans to tear down the wall that separated the middle and inner rings. “She’s probably plotting to do the same with the wedding feast.”
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