Stop! Please! Nic tried to fight her, to stop her, but he was too weak. Hed lost so much blood that Lucia didnt know if she had enough magic to fix him. But still she tried. Her hood slipped back from her head, revealing her hair and face, but she didnt bother to fix it. She drained her own energy and strength in an attempt to save this boy.

At least, until someone yanked her away from him. She spun around, furious, to come face to face with an ugly man whose lips were curled back from his teeth in a snarl.

Look what Ive found! he announced, dragging her away from Nic until she lost sight of him. The sorceress herself preying upon another one of us! Her hands are covered in Paelsian blood!

Lucia tried to summon fire or air magic to blast him away from her, but nothing happened. She flexed her hand, desperate now to get away from her assailant.

Look at me, witch, the man said.

She cast a glare at him, only to be met with the back of his hand striking her across her face so hard that her ears rung.

String her up! someone called out. Burn the witch like she burned our villages!

Disoriented, she was dragged across the dry ground, stumbling over her own feet until her attacker flung her away from him. She fell hard to her knees in the center of a circle of angry faces. Someone hurled a rock at her, and it hit her right cheek hard enough to make her cry out in pain. She touched her face and felt her warm blood.

Im not who you think I am, she managed, She raised her hands up before her. You need to let me go.

No, witch, today you die for your evil crimes. Are we all in agreement?

The mob that surrounded her loudly voiced their approval. There was no mercy in any of their gazes. Someone handed her original assailant a thick loop of rope.

Get her on her feet, he barked.

Someone behind Lucia hauled her up to her feet and pinned her wrists tightly together.

Greetings, princess, an oddly familiar voice said in her ear. Causing more trouble in Paelsia, I see.

Jonas Agallon. She strained to turn enough to meet his hate-filled gaze.

Jonas, she managed, please, you have to help me!

Help you? What? The great and powerful sorceress cant help herself? He made a clucking sound with his tongue. Such a tragedy. These people seem to want you dead. Burned alive, I believe I heard, yes? Seems like a fitting end for a witch like you.

Her mind reeled. Wheres my father? My brother? Do you know?

Thats the last thing you should be worried about, princess. Truly. He turned her around, and his hand brushed against her stomach.

His brows drew together.

Thats right, she said, grabbing onto any chance at seeking help"even from someone like him. Will you be so quick to celebrate my execution now that you know an innocent child will die with me?

Innocent? Jonass glare hadnt softened by a fraction. Nothing someone like you could bring into this world would be innocent.

I didnt kill that girl. It was Kyan. He . . . I couldnt control him. I wanted him to stop. I mourn your loss, and I regret what happened that day. I wish I could change it, but I cant.

That girls name was Lysandra. Jonass jaw tightened, and he didnt speak for a moment while the other men urged him to follow them to a good place for a witch burning. Where is Kyan?

I . . . I dont know, she said truthfully.

He met her gaze. The child within you drains your magic, doesnt it?

How do you know that?

His frown deepened. You would have leveled this place by now if you had access to your elementia. Right?

All she could do was nod.

Jonas swore under his breath. They need you. Theyre depend-ing on you. And here you are, stupidly about to get yourself killed.

If this were anywhere else, any other time, she would have resented him calling her stupid. Then do something about it. Please.

After another hesitation, Jonas drew his sword and pointed it at the man with the rope. Slight change of plans. Im taking the sorceress with me.

Not a chance, the man growled.

This isnt up for debate. I see that none of you are armed right now. He swept his gaze around the group. Stupid move in a crowd like this not to carry a weapon, but it makes this somewhat easier for me. Follow us and youre dead. He glared at Lucia. Lets go, princess.

He gripped her arm and pulled her along with him.

Where are you taking me? she demanded.

To your beloved father and brother. May you all rot in the darklands together.

CHAPTER 21.

CLEO.

PAELSIA.

When Cleo realized that Nic, Jonas, and Olivia had left without saying a word to her about their plans, she wasnt hurt. She was furious.

My goodness, dear girl, youre going to wear a groove into the floor with all of this pacing.

Cleo turned to see that Selia Damora regarded her. The woman made her nervous, but shed thankfully had little to do with her since theyd arrived. Hard to believe it had only been three days ago. It seemed more like three years.

My friends left without saying farewell, Cleo replied tightly, forcing herself to stop chewing her right thumbnail all the way to the quick. I find that unforgivably rude and disrespectful behavior. Especially from Nic.

Yes, Nic. The boy with the fiery red hair. Selia smiled. Im sure he meant no harm. He seemed very fond of you.

Hes like a brother to me.

Brothers are known for keeping secrets from sisters.

Not Nic. Cleo twisted her hands. We tell each other everything. Well, almost everything.

Come and sit with me for a moment. Selia took a seat on a lounge chair and patted the seat next to her. I want to get to know my grandsons new wife better.

It was the last thing Cleo wanted, but she had to pretend to be amiable. It would be wise to make friends with a woman whod soon be filled with magic now that Cleos magic had been stolen away"even if that woman was a Damora.

Just the thought of what Ashur had done made her tremble with outrage. How had he stolen the obsidian orb without her noticing? That Kindred had represented power to her, and a future filled with choice and opportunity. Now, because shed allowed herself to become lazy and unobservant, it had been taken right from beneath her own nose.

And there wasnt a damn thing she could do about it.

Forcing a smile to her lips, Cleo took a tentative seat next to the older woman.

Selia didnt speak for a very long moment, but she studied Cleos face carefully.

What is it? Cleo finally asked, even more uncomfortable than shed been to start with.

I wasnt sure before . . . but now I am. I see your father in you. Your eyes are the same color Corvins were.

The mention of her beloved father made her tense up. You had doubts about my parentage?

When it came to my son and his"she hesitated"difficulties with your mother, yes, of course Ive had many doubts over the years. I thought there might be a chance that Gaius was your father.

The horror at the very idea of such a possibility made sudden nausea swell within her.

My . . . my father? She covered her mouth. I think Im going to be sick.

Hes not your father. Im certain of that now that I see you.

Cleo tried to remain calm, but the womans unexpected insinuation had blindsided her. My"my mother would never have . . . not ever . . .

Im very sorry to have troubled you with this. But wouldnt you rather be certain that you and Magnus are related only by vows and not by blood? She frowned. Goodness, youve become very pale, Cleiona.

I dont even know why youd suggest such a thing, she managed.

I didnt think Gaius had been granted an audience with Elena after their falling out, which I know was well before her marriage to Corvin. But a mother isnt always told everything when it comes to matters of the heart, even by the most attentive and loving son.

The way the king had used what were supposed to have been his last words, his dying breath, to say her mothers name . . . Im sorry, Elena.

I didnt even know they knew each other until very recently, Cleo said, her voice tight.

They met one summer twenty-five years ago on the Isle of Lukas, when Gaius was seventeen and Elena was fifteen. By the time he returned home, Gaius had become obsessed with her, proclaiming that they would be married with or without his fathers blessing.

Cleo struggled for breath. It hardly seemed possible, this story. It was like one from a storybook full of fantasy and imagination. My father never mentioned anything about . . . She frowned hard. Did he know?

I have no idea what Elena may have shared with Corvin about her previous romances. I would assume that he did learn the truth eventually, if only so that he would be better able to protect Elena.

Protect her? What do you mean?

Selias expression grew grave. Elena became disinterested in Gaius once she returned home. I dont know why. I suppose it had only been a passing fancy for her, a way to spend her summer, stringing along the affections of a smitten boy. Nothing more. When Gaius learned of her change of heart, he . . . took it poorly. I confess, I love my son dearly, but he has always had a vicious violent streak. He went to her, demanding his love to be returned, and when she refused him he beat her nearly to death.

Another wave of nausea hit Cleo. Her poor mother, subject to the evil Gaius Damora at his very worst.

Shed never hated the king more.

I only hope that my grandson isnt overly cruel to you behind closed doors, my dear, Selia said softly. Powerful men, full of strength and anger . . . they are prone to violent outbursts. Wives and mothers can only hope to endure it.

Endure it? You cant be serious! If Magnus ever raised a hand to me, Id"

What? You barely come to his shoulder in height, and he must nearly be twice your weight. The best thing you can do in your position, Cleiona, is to be as pleasant and agreeable as possible at all times"as all women must.

Cleo straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin. I didnt have the great privilege of knowing my mother, but if shes anything like me, anything like my sister, then I know she wouldnt have been as pleasant and agreeable as possible in the face of abuse, not by anyone at any time. And neither would I! Id kill anyone who attempted to beat me!

A slow smile crept across Selias face. My grandson has chosen to love a girl with both courage and strength, just as his father did. I was testing you, of course.

Testing me?

Look at me, dear. Do I look like a woman who would let a man raise a hand to her?

No, Cleo answered honestly.

Quite right. Im very glad we had a chance to talk today, my dear. I know everything I need to know now.

She reached out and gave Cleos hand a squeeze, then left the room.

That had been the most bizarre conversation of Cleos entire life.

Perhaps Ill make a visit to the tavern today myself, she muttered. Why should Magnus be the only one around here who gets to drink wine in a foolish attempt to escape his problems?

As she stood, something caught her eye out the window at the back of the inn. She stepped closer. Olivia stood in the courtyard. Oddly, the girl wore nothing but a white sheet wrapped around her body, one that Cleo recognized from the innkeepers wifes daily washing.

Whatever manner of attire, the sight of the girl came as a great relief. Cleo rose and went outside to join her, glancing around curiously.

Olivia! Are Nic and Jonas with you? Where did the three of you go?

Olivias expression held deep uncertainty. I need to leave again immediately, but I wanted to return here first to see you.

What? Where are you going?

Its time for me to go back to my home. Jonass path has successfully intersected with his destiny, and my time with him is at an end.

Apologies. Cleo shook her head, utterly confused. Jonass destiny? What in the world are you talking about?

Its not my place to explain such things. All I know is that I cant watch over him any longer, since I might be tempted to interfere. She frowned. This must sound ludicrous to you. I know you dont know who I really am.

You mean that youre a Watcher?

Olivias gaze snapped to Cleos. How do you know that?