Thorns Entwine the Blade (Trinity Torn, 2)

By Alexa Grave

A witch hunter refuses to embrace his magick, threatening to consume him from the inside out...

Bastian shuns his witchblood – he’s a witch hunter, after all, and to prove it he hunts down the treacherous witch who betrayed her own kind. But denying his powers is a grave mistake, one which awakens a monster inside him. And when he finally loses control, he commits an act that he dreads Tessa will never forgive him for.

Tessa battles with the memories and emotions her ex-lover Thane funneled into her, to the point where she’s unsure if all of her thoughts are truly her own. Her sudden rise to High Priestess, a new witch on the Council, and two conspiratorial Council members only add to her burden. She fears her mind will snap. And when events force her hand, unhinging her sanity even more, she risks losing herself completely.

But a new menace on the horizon promises to strain both Bastian’s and Tessa’s fights with their internal and external demons – a prophecy from a tattooed apparition threatens to destroy all of Leera...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alexa Grave
• Release date: Nov 13, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463320082

Alexa Grave

Alexa Grave loves to tell stories -- it just so happens her characters occasionally take her on an unexpected ride. Most of what she writes is dark fantasy, but she also likes to weave humor and romance into her fantasy as well.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Bastian yearned to hunt down Arian. His hands twitched with anticipation, the muscles eager to swing a sword and lop off her head. Treacherous witch.

The beast he’d kept at bay inside for too long snarled.

Instead of following his desire, though, he sat in the stuffy Council room with a bunch of witches. He’d never imagined himself in this situation a month ago, but some of his views had changed, mostly due to Tessa.

How’d he fallen so hard for a witch? And grown to trust her. Their connection had been undeniable, the fingers of fate tapping on his heart. Magick could have messed with his brain, but his instinctual gift of knowledge, what Tessa called his innate talent, insisted there’d been no treachery behind his love for her.

It helped that she’d summoned a destructive ball of magick to save his life, an act she’d refused to execute before due to her desire to harm none. His life in the balance had been enough for her to break her oath.

But Tessa was High Priestess of Witch’s Haven now, and though she wanted Arian dead as much as he did – probably more, since the woman had killed Tessa’s father, the former High Priest – she’d demanded they determine a course of action with the Council before running off with emotions fueling their direction. So prudent.

Bastian would have rather allowed his anger to drive his hunt. Forget prudent.

He’d begrudgingly agreed to her request. Love made matters complicated – he couldn’t trot off into the night, leaving Tessa behind, without guilt gnawing at his insides. The Ravager’s curse on love. He should have been smart enough to avoid such entanglements.

At least he had his sword this time. If he had to sit off to the side again in this room and watch the figurative daggers being thrown across the table, it was wise to have his blade. It reminded him he was still a witch hunter.

Even if he had used magick to heal Tessa. He shivered. Never again.

Though if he hadn’t, Tessa would be dead. His throat tightened, recalling her dying in his arms, her blood coating his hands. On the edge of drawing a shuddering breath, he pushed the memory away.

Seven witches circled the table, two seats empty. One waited for a High Priest and the other for a Watcher – Marrius’s and Arian’s old seats, respectively.

Thane had been right. Arian had fled Haven before Tessa and Bastian returned from the Forgotten Kingdom. Cowardly, treacherous witch.

I don’t trust the Watchers. Tessa gripped the edge of the table. Her wavy brown hair tumbled out of a loose bun, and her heart-shaped face flushed. She’d gathered the Council immediately once they’d returned, but she could have used a good night’s sleep to chase away the dark smudges under her eyes.

We’ve never excluded a sect from the Council. It wouldn’t be right. Lark pursed her thin lips, stood, then paced, lean fingers gripping her opposite arm. The Listener still seemed a nervous bundle to Bastian, which had had him considering her as the traitor before they'd discovered Thane had fled Haven.

Just because Arian was a rotten glowra doesn’t mean the rest are foul. Sinda appeared out of place here – better suited behind her desk as Head Provider. She rubbed at an ink stain on her hand. I hope.

Are you thinking of removing me as well? Loron, the youngest witch at this table aside from Tessa, was responsible for all the other Seekers. Thane had been a Seeker.

Thane, a witch as treacherous as Arian. He’d almost taken Tessa’s life, and unfortunately Bastian couldn’t kill him again for that. Tessa had struck the final blow that slew Thane. Though Bastian had taken his head from his lifeless body, it was little solace that he hadn’t removed it when he was still alive.

And then Tessa had insisted Bastian help with a proper witch’s funeral for the Ravager’s spawn, burning his body in a pyre and celebrating his life. Should have left him to rot in the crumbling throne room.

No, Loron, Tessa said. You had no knowledge of Thane’s corruption, I’m sure of that. He was good at keeping his thoughts and emotions to himself. It’s not your fault.

Then it would stand to reason that you also shouldn’t think the other Watchers knew of Arian’s plotting. Though young, Loron delivered his opinion with a firm and sure tone. No wonder one his age had found a seat on the Council – he had plenty of confidence for that and more. She kept to herself, too. It wouldn’t surprise me if she’d used her power of compulsion to make them vote her onto the Council.

Arian had used that power on Bastian. He remembered the drugged feeling, the need to have her, and then longingly following her to her bed. He never would have touched her if it hadn’t been for the compulsion, the innate talent she had kept secret from everyone in Haven, except perhaps from Thane.

He’d never forgive himself for being so weak.

Enough of this bickering over Council seats, Bastian said. Arian needs to be hunted. Their priorities were amiss, as if some of Arian’s persuasion magick still clung to Haven.

Tessa stood and smoothed out her skirt. Yes, of course. We should pursue her.

We? Corinne asked. You’re not going anywhere this time. Haven needs its High Priestess here.

No doubt the Revealer also wanted to keep Tessa safe – she’d appropriated the mother role when Tessa’s real mother had died, and now might be intent on filling in as father, too. There was an echo of Marrius’s voice in her words.

Tessa opened her mouth, likely to protest against Corinne’s edict, but Sinda slipped into the pause. The Forgotten Kingdom should be explored as well. If Thane chose that place for his final confrontation, we may uncover reasons for his and Arian’s actions. All this talk about witches ruling Leera–

Martin grunted, the first sound the sour old Gardener had made since they’d all entered the room.

You have something to add, Martin? Sinda leveled her gaze at him.

He sneered and slapped his work-worn hands on the table. As a matter of fact, I do. Though his disposition rankled anyone in earshot, he labored over Haven’s crops and tended to the livestock with true determination. What about the threats to Haven that were missed? Shouldn’t we be worried about safety in our town before we go gallivanting off after a rogue witch and digging through a useless, crumbling kingdom?

Jermaine shifted in his seat. Today, the Keeper’s shock of white hair made him look older, wearier than usual, his skin drained of color. I’ve been investigating while Bastian and Tessa were gone, you know that. I’ve seen no evidence that there are any other mischief-makers.

Mischief-makers. What a load of horse shit. These weren’t juveniles intent on heckling their elders, but two mature witches vying for power. And Jermaine had missed it – it was his job to protect and police Haven. He’d failed.

Bastian couldn’t help but feel some satisfaction after the rotten man had had him tied to a tree.

Enough! Bastian stood and moved his hand to his hilt, then stopped himself before he drew his sword. The longer we argue and wait, the colder Arian’s trail gets.

Tessa nodded. Jermaine, I’d appreciate your thoughts on the Arian situation.

You sure? He raised a bushy eyebrow and motioned to Martin. Clearly not everyone is confident in my abilities.

Oh, get over it. Tessa placed her fists on her slim, smooth hips – she looked as good in riding breeches as she did in her simple cotton dresses. Everyone makes mistakes. None of us saw their treachery. You’re a Keeper. Forget about the past and think of the future. Do your job.

Jermaine shook his head and laughed, life seeping back into his pallid skin. Do you enjoy channeling your mother, girl? He sighed. Hate to say it, but the witch hunter is right. Arian’s got quite a lead on us already, and the longer we wait, the harder it’ll be to find her. And my Keepers aren’t prepared to mete justice outside of Haven – they’d be marked and killed as witches before they picked up her scent. He turned to Bastian, dark eyes hard. The witch hunter should be the one to go after Arian.

Finally, someone who saw wisdom. But Bastian knew it was also Jermaine’s way of getting him out of Haven. It grated to agree with the Keeper, but no denying his calling just to pick a fight with this horse’s ass. "Arian is my problem."

Tessa looked down at the table then back up at him, wrinkles creasing her brow.

He’d have to leave her behind. Corinne was right, Haven needed their High Priestess. It didn’t hurt any less, though, to know he’d no longer feel Tessa’s touch or see her smile.

And I’ll go with, Corinne said.

Bastian balked. She was the last person he expected to volunteer. Jermaine, perhaps, just to make his life miserable, but Corinne?

What? Tessa plopped down on her chair. You’re insane. You’re not even a Keeper.

Corinne raised her chin. This is still a Haven matter. We can’t send Bastian off by himself, and if Arian uses magick, it’s best to have a witch along to do the same. And I’m a better choice than any Keeper here. I’ve been outside Haven’s walls, albeit many years ago.

Jermaine scoffed, but didn’t contest her.

Magick. Tessa had talked to Corinne in furtive whispers before the Council meeting, and she must have told her the details of the fight with Thane. And how Bastian had vehemently refused to learn how to control his magick during their long trip back. Not using it was controlling it.

Bastian coughed. Aren’t you a little old to act as an apprentice witch hunter? That was the only way to travel with him – they’d both be killed, no questions asked, if they knew she was a witch.

Teela Mahron was around my age, if I recall. And this might help. Corinne teased her long, curly hair with her fingers. The gray faded and changed to match the little bit of blond that was left, framing her ever-smiling round face. It will be nice to use my innate talent for once. Glamoury doesn’t usually have much benefit.

Not a talent Bastian had expected from the Revealer, but for all the trust he had built up because of Tessa, he still didn’t believe each witch only had one innate ability.

Arian had proved how secretive a witch could be. Everyone had secrets.

And Corinne had spoken words to him once that sounded awfully like a foretelling, encouraging him to hold onto a rediscovered book of prophecies. She’d suggested he’d be able to make sense of the riddles one day. Watchers, not Revealers, were supposed to be the future seers.

Tessa smoothed her skirt again under the table – only Bastian saw it from where he sat. I’ll consider it, Corinne.

Even with Jermaine’s thorough investigations the last few days, you need to choose someone you trust, Lark said. Who do you trust, Tessa?

Tessa’s full lips parted for a moment, and then she pursed them, her eyes blinking in rapid succession. There’s no other witch I trust more than Corinne.

Then it’s settled. Corinne slapped her hands on her lap and grinned. When do we leave?

Damn these witches for making decisions for me. I’d rather go alone. That was how he worked best. Tessa was a distraction, no doubt, following him to the Forgotten Kingdom, but for her he'd made the exception. And just because Corinne seemed nice, didn’t mean he’d travel with her easily. He was meant to hunt alone.

It’s not your choice. If a stare could bore a hole to his soul, Tessa’s would have. How much time do you need to prepare?

Bastian preferred to say now, but logic kept his internal hunter at bay. He’d just returned from a long journey and needed to rest. Plus he needed to pick through Arian’s quarters, perhaps even Thane’s, and ensure Corinne readied herself properly. For all he didn’t want Arian’s trail to go cold, he knew he’d catch her scent no matter where she ran. Some of Tessa’s prudence had rubbed off on him.

And no harm if he found time for a few other things with Tessa, as long as she didn’t keep cornering him and forcing him to do her will. He’d been making decisions for himself since Kajur had set him loose, and he was no longer an apprentice witch hunter taking orders. A quiet growl rumbled in his chest. Two days.

Tessa snapped her gaze away. Is there anyone opposed to this?

The other Council members shook their heads or responded with a no.

Bastian would see how long Corinne lasted. He’d likely send her back to Haven with her tail between her legs.

Bastian sat against the Rockwood tree – the one he’d been tied to a couple weeks ago. It seemed like so much longer. A lot had happened in the past month.

He rubbed the bark and grinned. Oh, how he’d still enjoy tying Jermaine to the tree if given the chance.

After the pursuit of Arian had been decided, Tessa had sent Bastian out of the Council room. Now, he waited. Mostly for her, but he also required the Council members to gain access to Thane’s and Arian’s quarters. What had his life become? He never used to wait around for anyone, much less a witch.

But this witch – it was hard for him to imagine life without her, now.

Bastian pulled out the book of prophecies and paged through it, then settled on a section to study. Unraveling prophecies was proving more difficult than hunting down a witch. He’d only figured out one verse so far, and only after the event had already happened.

However, Thane had claimed the words in this book would be Arian’s downfall. If he’d been right, it would make Bastian’s hunt much easier – he just had to untangle all the knotted phrases.

The pretty riddles caused the back of his neck to itch, though. So passive. He yearned to take action. Now.

Sadly, even witch hunting took patience at times.

And it helped that paging through the book distracted him from other thoughts. Like his returned memories.

Though most of his childhood still remained blocked, the snatches he’d unlocked after healing Tessa haunted him. My mother’s laughter... along with her blood. So much blood. His old mentor, Kajur, had beheaded her. Bastard.

He hadn’t told Tessa about the memories yet, not even the one of her mother, Jilza, begging Kajur to spare Bastian. Their entire journey back from the Forgotten Kingdom, he hadn't found the right time to reveal what he’d seen. Ravager take me, I can’t even reconcile it in my own mind. How can I share with her until I do?

Tessa climbed the hill toward him, looking so much like the image of her mother in his head, the crimson sun bringing out auburn highlights in her hair. She stepped slowly, exhaustion evident in her limbs, but she still appeared radiant. Sinda asked about that book again.

She can’t have it. It’s going with me.

You can tell her that. I’ve had enough of Council members for the day. She sat close to him and wrapped her arm around his waist.

Tension eased from Bastian’s back. ‘Split hairs crushed by split hooves.’ What do you think that means?

You’re the one who figured out the last passage. I wasn’t even sure how the words revealed my father’s death and my rise to High Priestess after you pointed out that they did. She squeezed him. I don’t have an ounce of Watcher in me.

Bastian grunted. She clearly thought he did, likely due to his ability to see the truth and facts in things that he had no logical way of knowing. He wouldn’t blindly hunt down every witch who crossed his path like he had in the past, but he’d never join a sect. Magick was her business, not his. Learning the meaning of these riddles after they happen doesn’t help either of us. He slammed the book shut, his head aching.

Tessa leaned her head on his shoulder. I want to go with you.

And since you can’t, Corinne is really the next best choice? He reached around her and rubbed her arm. No one should go with me. But it would be hard without her by his side, no matter how many times she pushed him in a direction he didn’t want to go.

Someone should watch over you. Especially if you–

I’m not going to use magick. Not this lecture again. Please, not this. He pulled his arm back, but couldn’t bring himself to move away from her warmth.

She lifted her head, and her eyes glittered. If you don’t embrace your magick–

What? It’ll consume me? He growled and finally inched away, though not far. Enough.

I was going to say, if you don’t accept yourself as a witch, you can’t become my High Priest. Tessa gazed at Lyre Cat Lake in the distance.

A retort froze in Bastian’s throat, not expecting this response. He’d never even considered the possibility. But yes, it made sense. She was High Priestess now. No matter if she was only eighteen and unprepared for the position, she wouldn’t walk away from it – her stubbornness rivaled his.

And he couldn’t do as she wished. His distrust for most of the other witches remained ingrained in him, no matter how much he tried to shake it off.

Bastian loved Tessa – more than he’d ever thought possible. If he spent the rest of his life with her, though, he’d be bound to Haven. And he’d rule alongside her.

How had he ever imagined that what they had could last? A witch and a witch hunter? Love wasn’t enough. Tessa, I’m sorry. I can’t be High Priest.

Tessa’s brow crinkled and her bottom lip quivered slightly.

The pain in her features made him want to take his words back, but they were true, and she deserved that truth.

Then I’ll have to marry another. She stood and glided down the hill without glancing back.

Marry. When he thought of Tessa in someone else’s arms, he pictured Thane. Though the man was dead, jealousy still seethed through Bastian. She’d never lie in that witch’s bed again, but there could be another.

He wanted to be the only one in her arms. For that to even be possible, he’d have to accept the hidden magick that coursed through his veins. Was he willing to make that sacrifice for her?

That answer was as elusive as the riddles in the book in his hand.

He’d lose her in two days anyhow. At least until he brought back Arian’s head. And only the prophecies knew what other complications might arise on his journey.

CHAPTER TWO

Tessa closed the stall door, twined her fingers into Auralaine’s mane, and rested her cheek against the horse’s smooth gray coat. A bit of solace.

Aura nickered, probably happy to be in her stall instead of on that grand road to the Forgotten Kingdom, and also likely hoping for a sugar lump after soothing her mistress’s sorrows.

Not that Tessa’s sorrows were so easily assuaged nowadays. Pressure squeezed in on her from all sides; it was a wonder she didn’t burst.

Bastian, I don’t want to marry anyone else. She should have told him that – not that it would have made a difference. He’d made himself clear. He didn’t want to marry her.

There she went, jumping to the thoughts of a lovesick initiate witch. She was High Priestess now, and she needed to act it, in everything. Clearly Bastian refused to accept the vast magick inside himself. No other witch she knew had such strong healing ability.

She pressed her palm over her heart. He’d healed her completely, dragging her back from the brink of death – her life had pushed him to finally use his magick for the first time.

But now, he denied that power again... he knew offering to stand at her side while still ignoring his witchblood would have been empty.

So bittersweet, the time she’d spent with him. She knew he loved her, and she loved him. But it took more than love to move forward, no matter how drawn to each other they were.

Thane had loved her, too. His emotions and memories burrowed deep inside her, and they felt as fresh as they had when he’d first funneled them into her. His final act before he’d died.

And the secret of that act nibbled away at her. She couldn’t bring herself to tell Bastian of the new weight she carried. A bridle of guilt yanked her back every time she considered it.

The entire trip home from the Forgotten Kingdom, she’d wished for a moment of respite, to sort through and process the feelings that weren’t her own.

Also to cry over the pain Thane had experienced, and not just from the blow she had struck. When he was alive, he’d always had a wall, a corner of himself hidden from her. Now, the entirety of his emotions flooded her mind, a stark contrast.

Once she had control of it all, she was sure she’d confess to Bastian without that doubt seizing her.

But since they’d arrived in Haven earlier today, she feared her control was slipping too much. Moments of hatred bubbled up from the depths, toward Bastian and the Council members. And she knew it wasn’t her own hostility.

Though she now had a moment of solitude, a chance to regain her composure and ensure only her own emotions ruled her mind behind the mind, all she thought about was Bastian. The tumbled mess of Thane’s memories simply enhanced her misery.

Focusing on the tasks at hand helped dampen her heartache over Bastian and Thane, like hunting Arian down and gouging out her cool eyes, but now she didn’t even have that.

Stuck in Haven, unless she stepped down as High Priestess. But she couldn’t – even though Arian had manipulated her into this position for her own ends. Tessa planned to prove the rotten Watcher wrong and make both of her dead parents proud, wherever their spirits had drifted off to.

She regretted not being able to throw herself into the hunt, though, to forget how much Thane had loved her. And that she’d killed him... with magick. My friend.

Tessa buried her face into Aura’s mane. She refused to wield magick to harm another again. Refused.

Just like Bastian and using any kind of magick.

And even though she knew she couldn’t be convinced to change her own mind, she still intended to try to persuade him. Now that he’d unleashed his power, he had to learn how to control it. Or he might kill himself and those around him.

A worm of emotion wiggled its way up from inside her. She recalled the crackle of the energy ball in her hand and yearned to summon another. Power. So much power.

No, no, no. She wrapped her arms around Aura’s neck, trembling. That was Thane’s desire, not her own.

Instances like these confirmed her fear. She’d even stopped utilizing her empathy, worrying that the extra burden of others’ emotions would shatter whatever stability she had.

Aura nickered again, and Tessa offered her a sugar lump. She stroked the horse’s nose and wondered what would happen once Bastian caught Arian. Would he return, or just send Corinne back to Haven with Arian’s head?

Tessa had already killed one man who’d loved her – she didn’t want the other to abandon her.

Tears stung at the corners of her eyes.

She rubbed her forehead then shook her head. This couldn’t continue. Her duties called, the next one a meeting with the Watcher recommended to take Arian’s place on the Council. No Watcher should have had the privilege after what Arian had done. Bunch of secretive, tight-lipped, unbroken horses, the lot of them.

But she couldn’t allow her feelings about Arian to get in the way. Especially if the Watcher had expected her to fumble as High Priestess – likely why she’d organized the whole thing.

Tessa ached to feel the satisfaction of bringing Arian to her knees. She considered sneaking out of Haven to join Bastian on his hunt, but leaving would simply prove that she was only fit as a puppet High Priestess. Horse apples.

No matter now. She had another Watcher to deal with. So she gave Aura one final squeeze and splashed her face with fresh water from a bucket on her way out of the stable. The coolness barely woke her up, but she needed to have her wits about her for this meeting, so she scolded her exhaustion into a corner. Any apparent weakness she showed could easily be preyed upon.

She wove among the buildings, smiling at the other witches she passed. Forced pleasantries, but she wouldn’t let them peek inside and see her turmoil.

Once in Demoneh Sanctuary, she proceeded to the meeting room and made sure she was no longer trembling before she entered. Then she smoothed her skirt. Ravager’s curse, I need to stop that wretched habit. And now it seemed she had a new habit she’d picked up from Bastian – she’d have to mind her tongue, if not her thoughts.

Enough dallying. She stepped in, quickly straightening her back and tilting her chin up. Had her mother ever had to consciously consider how to pose and display strength and authority? She doubted it.

The Watcher stood with her hands clasped behind her back, staring at Jilza’s portrait.

Tessa didn’t care how many times others told her she was like her mother – her mother would have handled this situation with the Watcher far better than Tessa. Even the portrait could probably do better. She at least hoped she looked as confident as Jilza did in the painting.

Uliah. Tessa strained to project that confidence in her voice, but it hitched.

Uliah turned to her and smiled. High Priestess. She bowed her head.

The warm smile gave Tessa pause. Not what she’d expected. Arian’s smiles could have chilled one’s blood, except of course the sensual grins she’d offered Bastian.

Not Arian. Right. Uliah also had raven hair, but that was where the similarities ceased, especially with the lack of gray at her temples and the strands tumbling loose to her waist. Her face was rounder and more filled out, lacking Arian’s harsh angles. And this Watcher couldn’t be more than a few years older than Tessa, though not young enough for them to have crossed paths often while pursuing their studies. Thank the Goddess she didn’t wear white. The cyan dress complemented her curves, and made her eyes shimmer, eyes that appeared as if they’d been plucked from the afternoon sky, their shade so vibrant.

Tessa forced herself forward and sat in one of the chairs. She motioned toward the other. Please, sit. No hitch this time, but her jaw muscles ached. I apologize for not meeting with you sooner.

Uliah sat, folding her hands elegantly in her lap, and the smile vanished. Ah, there, the expected Watcher chill. This one wore the emotionless mask well. No need to hide your intentions from me. I know you see the rest of the Watchers as Arian’s ilk.

Tessa’s father had warned her to never circle the truth with a Watcher. Fine, then. I don’t trust a single one of you.

Your witch hunter will be a Watcher one day. She tilted her head, unadorned lips a straight line, the smile from before seeming an impossibility. Unruffled – typical Watcher.

Tessa pressed her hands in her lap, unwilling to allow them to wander on their usual nervous path. A guess or prophecy? Who knew with the likes of her. Though Tessa couldn’t deny the truth in the declaration. Even she’d seen it in Bastian, especially with his knack for knowing facts without a sliver of proof.

"If he accepts his witchblood, that is," Uliah said.

Tessa shouldn’t entertain these notions. This wasn’t why they were meeting. Bastian will pick his own path. We’re here to speak of other things.

Of course.

The other Watchers chose you as their new Council member? Business – if she stuck to business all would be well.

She nodded. If you agree to have a Watcher on the Council again.

Arrogant little witch. You see too much.

The exact reason I was picked. I’m the strongest in the sight, and I don’t hesitate to speak what I see. Although I’m ashamed to say I didn’t see Arian’s treachery. She frowned and squeezed her hands together.

Tessa wished Uliah would have dropped the coldness surrounding her. No matter how strange the smile had seemed, she would have welcomed it back. The matter-of-factness reminded her too much of Arian. Alas, that was the disposition of most Watchers. Nature or nurture, she couldn’t be sure. Perhaps peering into the past and future broke something in their emotional cores.

I understand your struggles, Tessa, but I assure you I only desire to rectify the damage that has been done. If my word means anything.

It didn’t. What is your innate ability? Not information a witch asked another – it should have only been given freely, but Tessa wouldn’t take any chances. Thane and Arian had both hid their talents, to Haven’s detriment.

Illusions.

A power almost as bad as compulsion. Nothing like causing confusion and steering others in opposite directions by creating objects that didn’t exist.

But Tessa shouldn’t judge her simply because of her talent, or her sect. Uliah wasn’t Arian. Pity she had to keep reminding herself of that.

Uliah, please join us in the breakfast room on the morrow, then at the Council meeting following our meal. I won’t have the Council shattered because of Arian. She’s destroyed enough already. As High Priestess, she had to allow this woman her place at the table. Though Tessa would keep an eye on her – trust had to be earned.

Thank you, High Priestess. Uliah stood and bowed her head again. Oh, before I forget, I have a request.

Never simple. Ravager take the woman. Yes?

Could I try my hand at the rediscovered prophecies?

The gall of this Watcher. This wasn’t the way to gain Tessa’s trust. Really? Do you think it’s wise to ask for those? She sprang from her chair. Those are Bastian’s now, anyhow. And he’ll take that book to his grave if it’s up to him. Not as though Tessa would hand the book over to Uliah if she had it, not after Arian’s frantic grab for it.

Uliah raised an eyebrow –