The memory of Laelia only brought back unpleasant memories. Ive seen her before, and theres no time for meals. I want to see my family.

Fine. He frowned. You didnt tell me you already met Laelia.

How do you think I learned who I am?

I dont know . . . magically?

Elementia cant solve every problem, unfortunately. No, I went in search of the truth, and that search led me to Laelia. When she learned who I was, she asked for money"a great deal of coin to help her now that her father is dead and shes afraid someone might recognize her as the daughter of the defeated chief. Ill be fine if I never see her again.

Basilius was your father too.

I will never claim the chief as my father.

Yet youre happy to claim the King of Blood as family.

Despite what you might think, Gaius Damora has been good to me in my life. He kept me safe and protected until I was stupid enough to run off on my own, thinking I was in love with a boy Id known no more than a handful of days. Gaius had me taken from my cradle because of my prophecy. He could have kept me locked away. Instead, he raised me as a princess, as his daughter. I was given an education and a wonderful life in a home I adored.

Jonas shook his head. Huh, well, I guess Ive been wrong about him all this time. King Gaius is a truly kind and wonderful person.

Very well, Ill save my breath for a more useful conversation"like speaking with my father.

Fine. Let me deliver you to your perfect, loving family, and I can be done with this. I need to go back to the empresss compound and search for my idiotic friends, who attract trouble to their lives like dirt to their shoes.

Lucia followed Jonas down the street. She felt a pang in her gut for her sharp words. Jonas had helped her a great deal.

I want you to know that I appreciate this. What youve done, bringing me here. I will ensure that no harm comes to you, despite all your horrible crimes.

Oh, goody. Thank you, princess. Youre a peach.

Her back stiffened. Or perhaps I wont. Just when she was beginning to soften toward the rebel, he had to make her angry again. She was about to dismiss him completely, when a wave of pain buckled her knees.

Jonas caught her arm. Princess?

Im fine, she said, her teeth clenched. Unhand me.

No. When he lifted her up into his arms, she was too weak to try to stop him. You are definitely a lot of trouble, arent you?

Just point me toward my family.

No thank you for not letting you drop like a sack of potatoes in the middle of the street? Fine then, theyre at the inn on the corner. Ill take you the rest of the way. Now, how about you save both your energy and my ears by not talking?

Lucia couldnt speak anyway. The pain was too intense. She squeezed her eyes shut, taking deep, shaking breaths. She could bear it"she had to. As long as her child was safe, she could bear anything.

Jonas moved very quickly for someone carrying a pregnant woman. Lucia had to clutch his shoulders for safety when he entered the inn.

Ten paces from the front door, a woman was on her hands and knees scrubbing the floor. She must have only just started, since there was blood everywhere.

Let me down, Lucia told Jonas, alarmed by the unexpected sight.

He did as she asked.

What happened here? she demanded.

The woman looked up, her eyes red and weary. Were not taking any guests today. Apologies, but you can go down the street. There are plenty of inns around here.

Whose blood is that?

The woman just shook her head and concentrated on her task.

Maria, Jonas said, crouching down beside her. She looked up at him, recognition dawning in her eyes.

Jonas, youve returned. She smiled weakly. I think you were the only one who bothered to learn my name.

How could I not learn the name of the woman who makes the best fig fritters Ive ever had in my entire life?

Tears spilled onto Marias cheeks. It was horrible.

What happened? Lucia demanded, her fists clenched. Tell us, or Ill"

Jonas glared up at her. Youll do nothing to this woman. Do not come a single step closer.

Is this your wife, Jonas? Maria asked warily.

My . . . ? Jonas let out a low chuckle. No, she is most certainly not my wife.

How dare this peasant woman think that she would become romantically entangled with someone like this cruel, rough rebel? I am Lucia Eva Damora, and I swear on the goddess that if you do not tell me what happened here and where my family is, you will deeply regret it. As soon as she said the words, she regretted them, and Jonas turned a look of pure fury on her.

Lucia Damora, Maria whispered, dropping her bloody cloth. The sorceress. Youre here. Spare my husband, please, I beg of you.

Ignore Lucia, Jonas growled. Tell me what happened, Maria. I wont let the princess harm you or your family in any way, I swear it.

Kraeshian soldiers . . . they came here, more than Ive seen since they arrived in Basilia. There was a fight"a brief one. The king, the prince . . . She shook her head. Its all too much.

Jonas nodded at the floor. Was anyone killed?

A young man with dark hair. He didnt have much to do with me while you all stayed here. He tried to defend the Limerians but was slayed quickly. I believe his name was Milo.

And my father . . . my brother? Lucias rage had been replaced by fear. She placed a trembling hand on her belly.

Gone, Maria whispered. The soldiers took them. I dont know where. The city is in upheaval. So many men have been murdered in the streets in recent nights, their throats cut and their bodies left there to rot. Some wonder if its on the empresss orders, if weve somehow displeased her.

What about Princess Cleiona? Jonas asked. His voice held bottomless concern. Where is she?

She left early this morning. I overheard her and the king having a vicious argument. He sent her away. The prince was displeased about that.

Im sure he was, Jonas muttered.

Cleo was here? Lucia asked, stunned.

Where else would she be?

Dead by now, Id hoped.

Jonas gave her a dark look. Just when I start to think you arent quite as vicious and disgusting as I thought you were, you say something like that.

She rolled her eyes. Oh, please dont tell me youre another male Cleos managed to seduce with her pretty hair and her helpless act. That would lower you in my regard even more.

I dont give a damn what you think of me. He took her tightly by her elbow. Were leaving. Weve learned all the information we can here. Much gratitude, Maria. Stay safely inside until all this is over.

And when will that be? the woman asked.

He shook his head. I wish I knew for sure.

Outside, Jonas walked quickly, practically dragging Lucia behind him. Were going to the tavern, he gritted out. Well be able to get more information there.

And what if someone recognizes me and I get the same reaction as I did from that woman?

I suggest not stupidly introducing yourself loudly by name, and we might be able to avoid that.

She hated me.

Id think youd be used to that by now.

I am, but . . . It was suddenly difficult to breathe, the air so warm that Lucia had begun to perspire. I need to stop a moment. I think Im going to faint.

Jonas groaned with exasperation. We dont have time for more dramatics.

Im not being dramatic. Its just so hot out here.

Its not hot in the slightest today.

Do you find it hot, little sorceress? a familiar voice said in her ear. How strange. Paelsia is usually quite temperate on the western coast at this time of year.

Lucia froze in place.

Kyan, she whispered.

Jonas whipped around to look at her. Where?

I dont know"I cant see him. Can you hear him too?

Hear him? No. But you can?

Yes. The voice was the same, but it seemed to come from inside her head. He had no form that she could see or sense, other than the sensation of heat enveloping her. Was he able to turn invisible?

Is this your new traveling companion? He seems . . . lacking. So young, so inexperienced. What a pity that you and I had a falling out.

Her heart pounded. You wanted to kill me.

You promised me your help, and when the time came, you refused.

I wont be a part of your dark plan.

Where is he? Jonas turned around in a circle, his sword in hand.

The boy is rather foolish, isnt he? Does he think that little mortal weapon will have any effect on me?

Lucia could barely catch her breath. All this time, she hadnt known what had become of Kyan, despite having nightmares about him every night.

She had to calm herself. She couldnt let him know that she was now terrified of him.

What do you want? she asked.

Where is he? Jonas said again.

She glared at him. Hes no more than a voice, currently. Lower your weapon; you look ridiculous waving that around at nothing.

Jonas sheathed his sword. Is it possible youre imagining things? You could be delirious from the pain. Or are you trying to fool me?

No to both questions. She tried to ignore the rebel, but he wasnt making it easy for her.

Jonas fisted his hands as if ready to fight the air itself. Kyan, if you can hear me, if youre really here, I swear I will end you for what you did to Lysandra.

Lucia felt a waft of hot air as Kyan laughed. I almost forgot about that. Tell him that was her fault, not mine. She was far too eager for a taste of my magic that day.

You killed his friend, she snapped. I agree that he deserves to have vengeance for that.

Mortals and their silly need for vengeance. Death is a part of mortal life; nothing will change that for them. Yet I offered you immortality, little sorceress, as your reward for helping me.

Helping you to destroy the world, you mean.

This world deserves to be destroyed.

I disagree.

It doesnt matter what you think. Im so close now, little sorceress, you have no idea. I dont need your help after all; Ive made other arrangements. Everything is aligning perfectly. Its as if this was meant to be.

The thought that Kyan had found another way to carry out his mission to destroy the world sickened her. But perhaps he was only bluffing. So this is just a quick visit between old friends? she asked.

Perhaps. The voice moved around her, and she staggered in a circle to keep the sound of it in front of her. She didnt like the idea of having an invisible god of fire behind her. Youre with child. Alexiuss, is it?

Lucia said nothing to this. Shed hoped her condition had been concealed by her cloak.

Mothers are known to be fighters when it comes to protecting their children. I will give you one more chance, little sorceress. I offer immortality to both you and your child. You will survive and help to build the next world at my side.

I thought you said you could do your evil without me.

Its not evil. Its destiny.