Cleo laughed uneasily at Olivias look of shock. Jonas told me. He trusts me, and so should you. I promise to keep your rather incredible secret, but please . . . tell me whats wrong. Are you upset only about leaving Jonas?

No, thats not the only reason. I . . . I went with Nic and Jonas to the compound where the empress is residing.

Cleos eyes went wide. Thats where you were? Whose foolish plan was this?

Prince Magnus threatened Nic, Olivia explained. He threatened your life as well if Nic didnt pursue Ashur and retrieve the Kindred orbs.

Cleo frowned. That cant be right. Magnus wouldnt do something like that.

I assure you, he did. Nic never would have left your side otherwise. Olivias emerald-green eyes flashed with anger. Its the princes fault this happened. I lost Nic in the crowd during the assassination attempt on Amara. I saw him for only a moment as he fell under the blade. I . . . I believe it was over quickly.

Cleo shook her head as her palms began to prickle with sweat. What? I dont understand. He fell under a blade? What blade? What do you mean?

Olivias expression held only sorrow. Nic is dead. He is one of many who were killed during the aftermath of a rebel assassination attempt. I must leave Mytica now, and I strongly urge you to do the same. Youre not safe here with someone like Magnus, who would send a boy like Nic off to his death. Its not right, princess, none of this is. The world is spiraling out of control, and I fear that it may already be too late to save it. Im so sorry I had to tell you this, but I thought you deserved to know.

Olivia let go of Cleos hand and took a few steps backward, her expression pained.

Be well, princess, she said. With that, her dark, flawless skin transformed into golden feathers, her form shifting into that of a hawk, and she took flight.

Cleo watched her, far too stunned by what shed been told to appreciate the sight of true and undeniable magic unfolding before her very eyes.

She wasnt sure how long it was that she stood in silence in the courtyard, staring up at the bright sky, before she turned and stumbled back into the inn. Her knees gave out under her before she reached a chair.

Every inch of her trembled, but she didnt cry. It was too much to process. Too unbelievable. It couldnt be true. If it was, if Nic was dead, then she wanted to die too.

Are you all right? Whats wrong?

Before she realized what was happening, Cleo found herself swept up off the floor and into a pair of strong arms.

Are you hurt? Magnus stroked the hair off her forehead, cupping her face in his hands. Damn it, Cleo. Answer me!

Foggily, she registered the concern in his deep brown eyes and the deep crease between his brows from his frown.

Magnus . . . she began, drawing in deep, shuddery breaths.

Yes, my love. Talk to me. Please.

Tell me the truth . . .

Of course. What? What do you need to know?

Did you threaten to kill me if Nic didnt go after Ashur?

His pained expression, utterly fixed on her, slowly gave way to the coolness of the mask he once wore to cover his emotions with her. Did he tell you that? Has he returned?

Answer me. Did you or did you not threaten me to him?

He held her furious gaze steadily. Cassian required the right motivation.

Thats a yes.

I told him only what he needed to hear to fix this. To"

Cleo slapped him so hard that her hand stung from it. He pressed his hand to his left cheek and stared at her, stunned.

His eyes narrowed. You dare"

Hes dead! she screamed before he could say another word. Because of what you said! My last friend in the entire world is dead because of you!

Confusion now crossed his face. That cant be.

Cant it? Dont people die when they come anywhere near you and your monstrous family? She raked her hands through her hair, wanting to yank it all out by its roots, wanting to feel physical pain so she could concentrate on something other than her shattered heart.

Who told you this? Magnus demanded.

Olivia came back. Shes gone now, so you cant try to bully her into doing what you say too.

Olivia. Yes, well, I dont know Olivia from a lump on the ground. Neither do you. All we know about her is that shes an ally of Jonas"someone who hated me enough to want me dead until very recently. For all I know, that goal never changed.

Why would she lie about something like this? her voice broke.

Because people lie to get what they want.

I suppose you should know.

Yes. The feeling is entirely mutual, princess, he said. Between the two of us, I believe youve racked up far more lies than I have. Also, may I remind you that you saw Ashur die with your own eyes, yet he still lives. You have no proof that Nic is dead"only someone elses words. Words are not to be trusted, not from anyone.

Thats your answer? Cleo stared at him, realizing she barely knew this person before her. I tell you a boy who was like my brother has been killed because of you, and you simply tell me Ive been lied to?

Seems that way, doesnt it?

You take no responsibility for all the damage youve done. None at all! She tried with all her might to stay composed, to not lose herself in the grief and rage battling within her. Ive tried to see the good in you, but then you do something unforgiveable like this. Go on, she snarled. Try to defend yourself. Say that Nic hated you, so why wouldnt you wish him dead? Go on, do it!

I wont deny it. Life would be much easier for me if that jagged pebble in my shoe was discarded once and for all. But I would never truly wish him dead, because I know that you care for him.

Care for him? I love him! she cried out. And if hes really dead, I"

What? Will you lose that last sliver of hope youve been clinging to? Will you curl up into a ball and die? Please. You have far too much riding on staying alive, fighting, lying, and continuing to shamelessly use me for what I can get you.

She stared at him, aghast. Use you?

Magnuss expression hardened. You want power, you want magic. Staying here with me and tolerating my fathers continued existence"you knew that would lead you to what you want. When the Kindred were stolen, especially knowing what we now know about them, what was I to think? That youd continue to stay here indefinitely? I did what I did for you, to help return your chance for power. Ashur seems to value Nic for reasons I dont personally understand. If anyone could get through to that crazy Kraeshian, I knew it would be your dearest friend. The same friend who urged Taran to slit my throat, might I remind you.

He spoke to her like a hateful stranger, not like someone she had come to deeply value in her life. And now youre blaming me for this. How dare you!

He let out a deep breath. Its impossible to reason with you.

Then dont even try. You cant fix this, Magnus. You cant even start.

If Nic is still alive"

It wont matter. Tears spilled down her cheeks. This has proven how vastly different we are. You are unrelentingly cruel and manipulative, and I see now that will never change.

Quite honestly, princess? I could say the exact same about you. Perhaps youd prefer I deal with conflict by picking daisies and singing songs, but thats not me. And youre damn right: I wont ever change. And neither will you. One moment you say you love me, but youd prefer to cut out your own tongue rather than share that dirty little secret, even with your closest friend. Goddess forbid that Nic might have thought youd sully yourself with the likes of me. Would he hate you for that?

She pushed her tears off her face, angry at herself for showing such weakness. Very likely he would.

So this proves that youd choose him over me.

In a heartbeat, she said immediately. But hes dead.

A muscle in his cheek twitched. Perhaps. And what about Jonas? I couldnt help but notice you were practically sitting on his lap yesterday, cooing words of romantic encouragement to him.

Is that what you"? Her face flushed. Jonas is twice the man youll ever be. Id rather share his bed than yours"any day, any time. And no curse could stop me.

Damn you, Cleo. Fury flashed though eyes that had turned to ice. He raised his fist, his teeth clenched in a grimace.

Go on, she snarled. Hit me, just like your father hit my mother. You know you want to.

What? He frowned then and looked at his own fist with surprise before lowering it to his side. I . . . would never hit you.

Ive had enough, she said, her voice now only a whisper. Im done here. I need to think. She turned toward the stairs that led up to the bedrooms.

Cleo . . . Magnus rasped out. Well find the truth about Nic. I promise you.

I already know the truth.

I know I can be horrible sometimes. I know it. But . . . I love you. That hasnt changed.

Her shoulders tensed. Love isnt enough to fix this.

Without looking back, Cleo walked as calmly and slowly as possible to her room before locking the door behind her.

CHAPTER 22.

JONAS.

PAELSIA.

Jonas had to leave the compound before finding Nic. Theyd been separated after the rebel uprising. The empresss audience had panicked and began fighting against each other as well as the swarm of Kraeshian guards His view of the stage was blocked and hed been faced with angry Paelsians and the sorceress they wanted dead.

You can look at me with as much hatred as you want, Lucia said to him as they swiftly left the riots.

I appreciate your permission.

You hate me. And yet you saved my life.

Likely I saved the lives of a dozen Paelsian men who under-estimated your ability to kill each one of them where they stood.

And you dont underestimate me?

No, I dont.

Then I strongly suggest you tell me where my father and brother are so that you wont have to risk your own life for a moment longer in my company.

Jonas knew she could make good on this threat if she wanted to. He couldnt help but shiver at the thought of how powerful this girl was and how much damage and death she was rumored to be responsible for.

Where is the fire god? he whispered.

She raised her eyebrows. Jonas could tell she was shocked that he knew who"or rather what"Kyan really was. I already told you that dont know.

Is he the father of your child?

Lucia let out a sharp, nervous laugh. Certainly not.

I dont find anything funny about this.

Make no mistake, rebel, neither do I.

Keep walking, he said when her pace began to slow. By the looks of you, youre far too heavy for me to carry.

Lucias rebuttal to this insult was to stop walking completely. Theyd entered a thatch of forest on their way to the nearest town, where Jonas planned to find transport west.

Answer my question: Where are my father and brother? I know theyre still alive. They have to be.

If I answer your question, what certainty do I have that you wont end my life? he asked.

None at all.

Exactly. Therefore, I will take you to them myself.

She gasped. So they are alive!

Perhaps, he allowed.

And how am I to believe that you want to help me?

He spun around and jabbed his index finger at her. Make no mistake, Princess Lucia, Im not doing this to help you. Im doing this to help Mytica.

She rolled her eyes. So noble.