Heartless Heirs

by MarcyKate Connolly

  CHAPTER 34

  NOW THAT ZANDRIA AND REMY ARE GONE, I’ve freed Leon from his cell. I never thought it was necessary to hold him, and the only people who objected are no longer here. For the last few days, he has been coming and going at will and helping us strategize. Tonight, we’ve been solidifying our plan.

  That plan is twofold: build an alliance with Technocrat allies in the city and shore up the city’s defenses—magically. The walls won’t stand if the Magi yank the earth out from under them, no matter how strong the barriers are physically. But my magic can help them withstand the onslaught of whatever the Magi may try.

  There’s only one catch: If the Magi cast their spell, strengthened a hundredfold with all those spellcasters joining their power together, and the city still stands, Isaiah and the rest of the Magi will know immediately magic is involved.

  Impossible magic. My magic.

  It will mean exposing the secret I’ve guarded closely ever since I was a child, to the people I was ordered to keep it from. And the only one who could undo my magic is Zandria. If she casts a counterspell, she’ll be outing both of us to Isaiah and risking his wrath and retribution. If she doesn’t, Isaiah’s plan will fail. It’s a risky bet, but I have to believe her loyalty to her family will ultimately win out over vengeance.

  I only hope my faith is not misplaced.

  “I’ll bolster the defenses at each section of the walls,” I say, indicating on the large diagram of the city we’ve rendered on the table. “Then I’ll use the drainage tunnels to shore up the underside of the city as well. I’ll have to work at night to avoid suspicion. I’ll only be able to cover so much ground each night too. A spell this large will take time and a lot of energy to cast.”

  Not to mention this will be the first time I’ve cast this spell. It was one I found in the Sanctuary, a semipermanent incantation that the user doesn’t need to continuously cast in order to maintain, like our shield spells require. But it takes more out of a Magi in exchange. I lean into Aro, who stands behind me. His presence is steadying but can never make up for my sister’s absence and betrayal. “I need to make it strong enough to withstand the magic of a hundred casters. That’s no small task.”

  “There are people in the city who could help,” Vivienne says. “Between the money the Alliance gave back to the people and the rumors I’ve been spreading, there are many who only need a little push to join us.”

  “It’s true,” Leon agrees. “Ever since you and your sister made a staircase appear in the center of the city, there have been rumors of the old legends coming back to life. There are those who are sympathetic to your cause, who don’t necessarily agree the magic users should’ve been hunted down, and still more who wouldn’t mind seeing the king and queen overthrown.”

  “We can rally them when needed,” Vivienne says.

  “We’ll choose those we think would be most interested in joining a new Alchemist Alliance. We can test them to ensure loyalty,” Leon says.

  “That will be your assignment then. But whatever you do, be sure not to let on what the Magi numbers are and where our hideout is located. Always take precautions when coming here,” I say.

  “What can I do?” Aro asks.

  He has asked me this many times since Isaiah returned to Palinor and is never satisfied with the answer. The truth is, I’m terrified for him. Being in the same city as Darian made me nervous before, but I saw the wisdom in occasionally bringing Aro on a mission. Now that Isaiah’s back . . . two powerful Magi who want to kill Aro roaming the city is too many.

  “You need to stay here out of sight and focus on deciphering the Heartsong. If we can complete it, that would be huge,” I insist as he opens his mouth to argue once again. “You’re my biggest weakness. If Isaiah captures and kills you, I’ll die too. The city will sink, and everyone in it will be crushed to death. The stakes are too high. I know you don’t like it, but it’s too risky right now.”

  Frustration is clear in Aro’s tense posture. “My parents tried to keep me under lock and key. It didn’t work. Yes, of course, I’ll keep working on the Heartsong. But this is as much my fight—more, even—and I won’t stand by and let everyone else take all the risks.”

  I place a hand on his arm, but this time it doesn’t calm him. “You must. I know it chafes, but it’s for the best. When it comes time to confront your parents, we’ll need you most. That will come after we stop Isaiah’s plan.”

  His hands clench at his sides. “Stop acting as if I’m weak. I’m perfectly capable of protecting myself. We’ve trained together; you know full well I can fight.”

  I take a deep breath, trying to keep myself from getting angry with him. “All I’m saying is that there are people out there actively hunting you to kill you. Multiple people on both sides of this war. You’re too recognizable.”

  “Then change my face like you change your own! Palinor is my kingdom too.”

  The blood drains from my face. I’ve considered changing his appearance before. But what makes him a risk is also one of the few things that might offer him protection if he were brought back to the Palace. The truth is, I’d be scared either way. And that would be a distraction. I’d be more likely to make a fatal mistake. “Aro . . . that’s not . . . Look, can we talk about this later? I’m sorry, I didn’t realize what this was doing to you.”

  He deflates when he sees the others staring at us. “Fine. I’ll just go to sleep. You clearly don’t need me for this.”

  “Aro, I—” He leaves the room before I can finish the sentence. The others give me pitying looks, and I clear my throat. Appearing weak is the last thing I need to do in front of the other Alliance members.

  But before I can get back on track, I’m stunned to hear the magic-infused marble door to our hideout sliding open. I automatically put my hand in my pocket to make sure I still have the key.

  “What in the forges . . .” I hurry into the main hall, and my heart leaps when I see a familiar cloaked form standing in front of the closing door. “Catoria!” I exclaim.

  She lowers the hood of her cloak and glances around. “I see you’ve made good use of what the Alliance left behind. You’ve certainly made yourselves at home.” I detect a tiny hint of disapproval at what we’ve done with the place, but I’m so relieved to see her that I don’t care.

  “Catoria, what brings you here? It’s good to see you.” I clasp her hands in greeting and lead her into the war room where the others peek out curiously. Owen recognizes her immediately, but Vivienne and Leon regard her warily. She’s clearly not a Technocrat, and despite their recent commitment to the Alliance, they’ve long been told magic users are terrifying.

  Her eyes skim over the newcomers like she’s opening them up and peering at their insides. Then she breaks into a smile. “I see you’ve enlisted some Technocrats. Good, good. That’s what the Alliance was aiming for. Bringing us all together.”

  “Catoria, this is Vivienne and Leon. We rescued Vivienne from the dungeons, and Leon is a friend of Aro’s.” The two greet Catoria and she tilts her head back.

  “I’m heartened to see this,” she says. “Now, where is your sister? And Remy?” She glances at the diagram of the city on the table.

  “They’re gone,” I say quietly.

  “Are they returning soon?”

  I shake my head.

  Concern flits across her face. “Aissa, where are they? We need them if we are to succeed and renew the Alchemist Alliance.”

  “I know. Isaiah . . . he persuaded them to join him in his plans. His negotiations with the Technocrats to ransom the prisoners he collected aren’t going well. When they finally fail, he plans to use all the remaining Magi he’s brought together to cast a spell to sink the city.”

  Catoria frowns deeply. “What would possess him to do that?”

  “Hate,” I say simply. “He hates the Technocrats with every fiber of his being. Just like Zandy and I used to.”

  “That’s a fool’s errand. He’d be destroyin
g the very city he wishes to take over!”

  “I tried reasoning with him; he won’t listen. But the others listened to what he said. They’ve left to join him.”

  “Well, we must get them back.” She bustles over to the table to examine the map we’ve been working with. “Good, good. I’m glad we still have you, Aissa. I’m afraid the protection of this entire city and its occupants now rests on your shoulders.”

  I glance down, and my chest constricts. As if I needed any more pressure than what I’ve already put on myself . . .

  My eyes snap back up. “Why exactly are you here now, Catoria?”

  “I’m ancient. I’ve lived much longer than any one person has a right to. My role was to teach you when you appeared. Now, you’re here. I’m not needed at the Sanctuary anymore. It’s safe underground.”

  “All right,” I say, still not quite understanding.

  She stands up straighter, taking a deep breath in. “I’ve been in hiding for decades. I want to live what’s left of my life well. I need to taste the sun and feel the breeze, maybe die for my cause if it becomes necessary. Standing side by side with the new Alliance while we face our foes and bridge these divides is the only thing I wish to be doing.”

  I surprise everyone by throwing my arms around Catoria’s neck. I didn’t even expect to do it, but I’m so upset by the loss of Zandria and Remy that having Catoria as an ally is exactly what I needed. Even with all she’s taught us, her knowledge of magic far exceeds ours. She’s a formidable foe.

  And I can’t wait to fight by her side.

  After making introductions, I show Catoria more of what we have planned. We’ve fashioned a makeshift workshop out of one section of the empty library. Leon and I have been working to construct Trojan horses that we will plant right under the Technocrats’ noses. We were inspired by the Technocrats’ cunning machine in the storehouse that nearly killed Remy, Vivienne, and me.

  We learned many spells during our time at the Sanctuary. They’ve proved useful, but until recently I didn’t know how I’d use one type in particular: bottling spells to deploy at a later date, when the bottle is broken to release what’s inside. This was one of the long-lost spells, the kind the ancient Magi used when they could cast their magic on all things. The Technocrats—and Darian—will never see it coming.

  “Here’s where we’ve been working on,” I tell Catoria, followed by Leon and Vivienne. I’m fairly certain Leon only accompanies us to be sure Catoria doesn’t touch his work and break it. I doubt she would, but he’s as overbearing and protective of his work as ever. Now, I understand why.

  The worktable is strewn with all sorts of nuts and bolts and gears and parts Leon has secreted in here with him. He can’t be seen working on this project in his own shop. I pluck one small machine off the table. It’s not much bigger than the mechanical hearts Leon had me making back when I still maintained my cover as his apprentice. I hold it up for Catoria to see, and Leon grunts. He doesn’t say anything out loud, but the look he gives me says quite clearly, Be careful with that or I’m going to get angry.

  The little machine is small and flat and has six tiny retractable legs similar to the seekers.

  Catoria peers at it. “Fascinating. And what does this do?”

  I pick up a sword lying nearby on the table. “I can attach these little machines to swords and just about anything else with a touch of a button.” I press one of two small buttons on the underside of the machine. Its legs shoot out and clamp around the blade. Setting the sword down on the table again, I pry open a chamber of the small machine to show her the inside. There’s a tiny vial made of thin glass. “I’ll bottle a spell inside the glass. Then when the machine is in place—such as affixed to a weapon—I’ll press this button.”

  I press the second button on the open lid to demonstrate. At first nothing happens, but the second I move the sword, a tiny hammer smashes the air.

  “If it had been closed, it would have broken the vial to pieces and released the spell. I’m planning to put freezing spells, dizzy spells, sleeping spells, and more in these and sneak them into their weapon stores around the city.”

  “Could you do a fire spell?” Owen suggests.

  “We could,” I say slowly. “But the point of these is to delay and prevent them from attacking. If we want to bring Technocrats to our side, we’re better off using spells that won’t kill them.”

  Owen considers. “Maybe we should have some prepared just in case?”

  Leon huffs. “If you’re going to start killing people with these, I won’t make any more of them.” He folds his arms across his chest and stares down Owen. Owen makes a valiant effort to meet the Master Mechanic’s gaze but soon looks away.

  Leon Salter is still not a man to be trifled with.

  “Don’t worry, Leon.” I say. “Our goal is not to kill. The Alliance’s mission is to heal.”

  “Well said,” Catoria interjects. “May I see?” She points to the little machine. I remove it from the sword and pass it to her so she can examine it more closely. “Brilliant idea.”

  She gives it back and I place it on the table. “We thought so. But if Isaiah and the others are planning to sink the city, then we won’t have much reason to use them. We’ll be too busy fighting our own kind instead.”

  “Couldn’t we use them on the Magi too, if we need to slow them without killing them?” Vivienne says.

  “We can. They’ll be able to cancel the spells and overcome them more easily than a Technocrat, but it would slow them down. Good idea, Viv.” Then I frown. “We’ll just need a better understanding of where they’ll be gathering to cast the sinking spell—then we could set a bunch of these as a trap, maybe in the trees.” I turn to Leon. “You can make trip wires, can’t you?”

  Leon unfolds his arms. “Give me two days and I can craft you an entire net of trip wires that will work with these machines.”

  “Perfect,” I say. I’m about to move on, but Catoria draws near to Leon. He raises an eyebrow at her but doesn’t move a muscle.

  “You make the machines for the king and queen, don’t you?” she asks him.

  “I’m the Master Mechanic.”

  She tilts her head. “Why would you betray them like this? I’m sure Aissa has vetted you, but I’m curious. What brought you here?”

  Leon swallows hard. “My daughter was born Heartless. She didn’t live for more than a handful of years. But she was the most precious thing in the world to me.” He gestures at me. “When I heard that she healed a Heartless, I had to know more. I came here to beg her to heal the rest of them. They’re innocent. They deserve a real chance at life.”

  Catoria bows her head. “I’m truly saddened by your loss. I must apologize on behalf of the original Alchemist Alliance. It was the work of an overeager assistant that brought on the Heartless curse. I wish we could take it back.”

  Leon regards her with surprise. An apology from a Magi is probably one of the last things he ever expected he’d get.

  Catoria reaches for his hand—the mechanical one. To my great surprise, Leon doesn’t bite off her head. “What happened here? Did this also lead you to the Alliance?”

  This time Leon’s jaw clenches. “It was long ago.”

  But Catoria’s inquisitive gaze manages to loosen his lips. Is this some tricky spell she’s casting, or is he really feeling talkative tonight? I hardly know, but I’m glad to hear his story at last.

  “I was a fool. I was a gifted mechanic, apprenticed to the best in the city. But I was not rich, and neither was my family. My daughter had been born earlier that year, and while we had managed to afford the mechanical heart that kept her alive, in only one month’s time, she’d need another surgery to replace it. That was expensive enough to be out of reach. One day, an impressive order came into the shop. It was for an extravagant mechanimal for the Victory Parade. An elephant, enormous and studded with jewels. The then-Master Mechanic and I worked on it for two solid weeks before it was done. We brought it
before the newly crowned king and queen, and they were delighted with the machine. The queen in particular examined it thoroughly. Then we brought it to the storage house on the palace grounds. My master only left me alone with it for a minute, but it was enough for temptation to take hold. I quickly pried off one, single diamond and slipped it into my pocket.”

  Leon clears his throat, breaking the spell for a moment.

  “That diamond was more than enough to pay for the operation my daughter needed. I thought I had gotten away with it—why would they miss such a tiny little jewel on such a large machine? It could have easily fallen off. But the queen noticed. And she called the Master Mechanic before her to answer for it. At first, he was flabbergasted. His work was always done with care. It was not likely a jewel would merely fall out of one of his settings. Then he remembered those few fleeting moments I had been alone, polishing the mechanimal in the storage shed. He wasn’t about to lose his best customer, or his head, for me. I was brought before the king and queen.” Leon scoffs. “It was terrifying. I thought I’d gotten away with it and there I was, caught red-handed. I confessed, begging for leniency because of my daughter. Stealing from the royals is a capital crime, and the punishment is death. But the queen is merciful.”

  A sense of dread at his words shivers over me. My eyes meet Vivienne’s. The pulse at the base of her throat visibly throbs.

  We both know exactly how merciful Queen Cyrene actually is.

  “The queen allowed me to keep my life, but she took my hand and foot as payment of the debt I owed.” Leon stares at his mechanical hand and shrugs. “My Master Mechanic did the best he could crafting these for me, under orders he was not to use anything finer than plain steel. He forged and fitted them on me, and I’ve had them ever since.”

  Before anyone else can say a word, Catoria puts her hands on either side of Leon’s face and kisses his forehead, despite his deep scowl. “You have suffered greatly. But it is not for nothing.”

  “I’m so sorry, Leon. I had no idea,” I say. Then something else occurs to me. “Wait a moment. When . . . when did your daughter die, exactly?” When he first told me about her, I had assumed her death was because she could not take the repeated surgeries, but now . . .