Chapter 24

Evangeline

THE FOLLOWING DAY, Evangeline went about the house reading, stopping for cooked beans and rice Xilo had set out for her. She insisted she could cook for herself, that she wasn’t a pampered pet, despite what everyone called her, but Xilo continued to make her meals. She later realized it was to ensure she was eating at Ceven’s request, and that upset her more. If he had been there, she would’ve eagerly given him a piece of her mind. As it was, she was riddled with thoughts of the king and Sehn finding out the truth and beheading Ceven, or locking him up in the dungeons. Gods, she wished he had never gone back, especially now that she knew about Petri and the others. That there was another solution to all this.

Last night, after leaving the tavern, she had put up a couple posters before returning to the house, but she still had eight more. She made a plan to leave again tonight and the following nights leading up to their next meeting, to make sure she had planted the papers as far and wide as she was able. She had also given Lani Kel’s potion, murmuring “this will help” and “I hope you’re feeling better,” though she knew they were empty words. Still, Lani smiled, squeezing Evangeline’s hand despite their previous conversation. Evangeline turned away as tears gathered. Shortly after, Lani had fallen into a deep sleep, her face more relaxed than Evangeline had seen in a long time.

After finishing the afternoon meal that Xilo had prepared and insisted she eat, Evangeline washed her bowl and others in the sink. It was odd, doing things like washing up after herself, let alone other Nytes—willingly. Last time, she didn’t have a choice. Whilst drying her hands on the embroidered cloth, a thought came to her, one that had been at the back of her mind, but she hadn’t had the chance to ask.

She found Xilo with his purple wings furled at his sides, his eyes narrowed on the twin needles in his hands, weaving a green thread into the half-started blanket.

“I didn’t know you . . . knitted.” She kept her tone neutral. It wasn’t every day she saw a Royal Guard doing something so . . . mundane.

He nodded and kept silent.

Evangeline bit her lip but decided to just blurt out the words. “Where is your son?” She’d assumed he would be here, or at least have returned by now. But he hadn’t, and Xilo hadn’t mentioned anything about him.

Xilo paused for a moment, as if feeling for the right words. “Eyvan is in Sundise Mouche at the moment.”

Her brows rose. “Wow, for what? I didn’t think any Peredian would want to go there.” Not that it was illegal or anything now, but with all the distrust and tension existing between the two countries still, it seemed dangerous. Treaty or not.

Xilo continued to weave the needle and thread with an adept speed. She searched for the smallest tic in his jaw or a crease of his brow, but she found nothing that would imply she was annoying him. Or maybe nothing fazed him anymore. The old Aerian, like Tarry, had always possessed an eerie calm. She envied that about them.

“Their modern technology and magic have always fascinated him,” he said. “Ever since he met a Caster at one of the Peredian balls. Like him, she also practiced medicine. From then on it was hard to dissuade him.” His lips puckered briefly.

“You didn’t want him to go?”

He set down the needles and looked at her. It was odd, having his full attention, and it reminded her of Ryker. “It’s not that at all. I’m glad he’s found something he’s passionate about.” But there wasn’t any sway to his words.

Evangeline wondered if the mother was still around, but since Xilo didn’t mention her name, she felt as if she had her answer.

For the rest of the evening, she curled up in the leather chair by the fire downstairs and read the book on Caster magic she had found, hoping to find a cure within its worn binding. It reminded her when she would sit in her chair in the castle’s library and read for hours, the only time she could escape being a human living within a Nyte’s world and could be someone other than “Ryker’s Pet.”

Although she found nothing that could cure Lani, a slip of paper shoved towards the back of the book piqued her interest. The handwriting was crisp but hastily written. Saliver: a small green plant, found near riverbeds in warmer climates, highly poisonous if taken in large quantities. Easily mistaken for Vetiver, or swamp weeds, and . . . She skimmed, a little disappointed that it wasn’t something more important, until . . . a common practice amongst Atiacans. In small amounts, over a prolonged period, it can counteract the magical properties in Caster blood, making the user immune to direct magical influences on their person.

Immune to Caster magic . . . Evangeline smiled. She imagined Avana’s shocked look if, when she had blasted Evangeline with her sleep powder back at Ryker’s suite, instead of sleeping, Evangeline had decked her in the face instead. It would be what she deserved.

When the only light in the house came from the fire and an oil lamp overhanging the table in the kitchen, Evangeline stretched from her spot, her limbs aching from staying the same position for a while. She covered her mouth as she yawned. Maybe some sleep would help before she left again tonight.

“Going to bed?” Xilo said from the kitchen. She hadn’t even noticed him sitting at the table until now. She nodded, about to head up the stairs, when her eyes shot to the stack of papers beside him. Her heart sank.

Xilo unfolded the rolled parchment, reading the cursive ink, dotted with different hues of red and blue, to make it stand out more on the creamed paper. Evangeline had to admit the penmanship was remarkably done, especially for so many posters having been made.

She folded her arms. “When did you find out?” He hadn’t given her the slightest inkling that he knew anything about her nightly excursion from their earlier conversation.

“The moment you left.” His eyes flicked to her folded arms. Beneath the long-sleeved sweater were cuts and scrapes from where she had fallen from the tree last night.

Evangeline couldn’t even muster the strength to be upset. Had she really expected to fool Xilo? An Aerian who had been with the Royal Guard for decades and had equal time to hone his instincts and skills? “Does Quan know too?”

Xilo nodded, his eyes still perusing the paper’s contents. Whether he agreed or disagreed with the cause, he didn’t show it. “If it hadn’t been for him, you would have had a far rougher night.” He glanced up at her. “A single human girl out in the city in the middle of the night. You should know better.”

She frowned. Quan had protected her? But of course, she thought, he needs to present me to his empress, and it would help if I’m in one piece. “I’ve been out plenty on my own. Day and night.”

“On castle grounds, not here.”

She neglected to tell him the many times she had snuck into the city on her own at night. Well, maybe not many, and it wasn’t always at night, but enough to where she didn’t need to be scolded by him. Was this what Ceven felt like with these two older Aerians growing up?

“It’s dangerous day or night for a human living in Peredia.” She dared him to argue with that statement. He didn’t. “Why didn’t you stop me, then?”

Xilo rolled the paper back up and gently set it on the table. “Information.”

Her skin broke out in bumps, her heart racing. Was he going to rat them out? Get the Royal Guard involved in this? She shook her head. Get a grip, Eve. He’s currently committing treason by hiding me and Lani here. He doesn’t have time to deal with a rebellion, let alone care what happens.

Xilo handed back her stack of rolled paper, and she took it. “Get some sleep, Evangeline, and please try to stay inside for the remainder of our time here.”

 

 

For the next couple of days, Evangeline had tried her hardest not to stay inside. And every attempt she made to leave the house, her Nyte guards caught her in a heartbeat. Whether it was from her window, or the window in the other bedroom, day or night, Quan or Xilo were always there to greet her. The former Nyte a lot more disgruntled and aggravated than the latter. She even tried to sleep in the basement, pretending she had already gone upstairs for the night before attempting to leave out the back door. Xilo had stopped her before she even turned the knob.

Her patience was running as thin as the two Nytes that watched her, but whenever she confronted them on the matter of going outside, even suggesting that they come along and watch from afar, the answer was no. She was not to leave the house until further orders. And the fact she couldn’t do anything about it irked her. Who knew how long Kel’s potion would last? Would Petri and the others still be at the same location if she didn’t show up on the third day? What if they decided she’d betrayed them and told the king about her treason, or her whereabouts?

She wanted to scream in frustration.

Yanking open the bathing room door, she glared at herself in the mirror. She felt for Raiythlen’s mark on her neck and pressed down. I don’t know if this works, but I swear to the Gods you better be alive, you puss-filled Caster. As much as I hate your previous uninvited visits, I could sure use one of those right about now. I hate to admit it, but I need your help.

No response.

“Stupid, blasted, puss-filled Caster. What good is your mark if you can’t even communicate?” She refused to think he had perished in the west wing. There was no way. “Fine, if you don’t want to answer, I’m removing your blasted thing. See how you like that!”

She knew she was being ridiculous as she dug her hand into the bag of salt she’d dragged upstairs from the kitchen. She slapped and rubbed the side of her neck, staring at her own scowl in the mirror. Avana had said salt would remove it, and Evangeline hoped the woman hadn’t also been lying about that.

Her neck tingled, and a moment later, she couldn’t see any marking.

It was the dead of night when Evangeline rolled over, the thick comforter wrapped around her feet. Tree branches rustled outside the window, chipping away at the glass at alternating intervals, but that wasn’t what woke her. It was the sound of nails scratching over something.

And it was at the end of their bed.

Her eyes shot open. Slivers of moonlight scattered across the dark floorboards and threaded rug to the violet wallpaper—outlining the shadow in the room’s corner.

Evangeline bolted upright but held back a scream when she recognized the familiar smirk. Raiythlen leaned back in the chair, hands behind his head and his black knee-high boots resting on the edge of the four-post bed. As if he had an invitation to be here—then again, wasn’t this what she wanted?

“How . . .?” She shook her head. “I shouldn’t be surprised.”

He raised his brows and removed his hands from his head. “What? Didn’t miss me?” His nail scraped along a metal pendant at his neck.

She glanced at Lani and looked pointedly at him. He curled his finger at her, commanding her to come closer. Like a dog. She snarled at him, and it didn’t improve her case.

“Unless you want me to wake up Lani, I’d suggest you come here.”

And I’d suggest taking your puss-filled self back to the blasted west wing, she didn’t say, because she cared about Lani more than her petty words. And, inconveniently, she needed his help.

Evangeline got out of bed, and heat rose in her cheeks. Her oversized t-shirt was enough to cover the essentials, but not much. She wrapped her arms around her torso as if that would restore her dignity.

To the Caster’s credit, he didn’t remark on her state of dress but reached for her hand. A silver ring sat on his finger with a serpent curling around the band, its tail ending in a sharp point. He pricked his index finger with it, and Evangeline shivered at the touch of his blood inking her skin.

The dark liquid made her mouth water as the smell of iron and fire teased her nose. Her eyes widened, and she swallowed, forcing her attention back to the symbol darkening and branding her forearm. She recognized it. It would fade away in an hour.

It’s about time you showed up. I was thinking you’d died, she said in her mind. It was still as uncomfortable as all the other times she’d done this with him.

He smirked. So, you did miss me. His eyes flicked to her neck. When you removed your mark, I lost track of you. I thought the worst may have happened, or my sister had caught you. I’m lucky it was only your foolishness and that you were still in the same place as where you removed it.

So, he hadn’t heard her through the mark; it only served as a way of tracking her. At least in the end, she got him here one way or another. You shouldn’t have marked me without my permission.

 He ignored her comment and turned to the bed. I’m glad Lani is okay. His expression was devoid of sarcasm, but she still didn’t trust it.

She’s not. We saved her, but whatever they did to her, she’s not doing well. She frowned, debating telling him, then figured he probably already knew. He always knew. I’ve met with others who want to put a stop to this. One of them gave me something to help Lani. They might be able to save her and the rest of the humans in the west wing.

Looks like you’ve been a busy girl. His lips thinned. Whatever they gave you, it’s only temporary. I can sense the magic is still draining her.

There has to be a way to stop it. She hugged herself tighter. The heat from downstairs didn’t quite make it to the second floor. Isn’t there something you can do? Some kind of magic?

He raised his brow. I’m not an all-powerful god that can heal with the tip of a finger. He wriggled said fingers for the full effect. To counteract Caster magic, it requires knowing what the original spell is, the strength of it and length, and then using a trial-and-error method of figuring out what potion or spell can cancel it.

She wasn’t liking the sound of that. So, you’re saying there isn’t anything you can do?

He held up his hands. I just don’t want you to get your hopes up. I have a few potions I use to ward against offensive spells, but it’s designed for me and my body. He narrowed his eyes at Lani. I don’t know how it will affect your friend, or if it would have any effect on this type of magic. I don’t even know the full extent of it, just what it does at the surface level. He looked up and met her eyes. Lani will die from this.

Evangeline turned around, blinking. She hated how her first reaction was to cry, even more so now because this man had to witness it. He brushed her arm, but she jerked away.

With her back still turned, she said, I want to try everything. She can’t die. I won’t forgive myself if she dies.

Why? It’s not as if you did this.

She spun around, hoping he didn’t notice the wet gleam in her eyes. Didn’t I? She wouldn’t have been a target if it hadn’t been for me.

She would’ve been a target, regardless. Life isn’t fair, Eve. Sometimes things happen out of your control.

It’s Evangeline, she reminded him. He raised an eyebrow as if to say, “Are we really going there again?” And it wasn’t random. Lani said Ryker went after her because of me.

We’ve established he’s a manipulative ass. Good thing you killed him.

Her nails bit into her palms. You made me.

No, I gave you the tools. You’re the one who pulled the trigger, so to speak.

Her lip curled. You’re no better than Ryker.

His face darkened, and she remembered his knife at her throat, the blood trickling down her neck. She hadn’t known if he was going to kill her or not. She still wasn’t sure.

It’s time to grow up. Take responsibility for your life and actions. You’re a smart woman, one who can make her own decisions, unless I misjudged you?

She scowled at him. He was baiting her, and she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction. I can, which is why when you threatened Lani’s life, put a dagger to my throat, and told me you could kill me and her whenever you wanted, I played my cards the best way I knew how. To save Lani and me. He still terrified her, just like the king terrified her, and Vane and the Wretched. But she couldn’t let it control her. Not when it wasn’t getting her anywhere. Don’t talk down to me.

In one graceful move, he stood. He wasn’t as tall as Ceven, her eyes level with his, but she straightened and met his gaze. He was an arm’s length away from her.

I wasn’t talking down to you. He took a step until they were a finger apart. He bent his head slightly, a black ringlet dancing across his slanted eyes.

She stepped back, not caring if he took that as a win. She hated being close to him. Seeing his cocky smile up close and personal.

He didn’t follow her, and the smirk was wiped from his face. She dared even think he looked . . . apologetic?

Look, we got off on the wrong foot, but I think we’d actually make suitable partners. Together, we can gather a lot more intel, he eventually said.

Her jaw dropped. That has to be a joke. A poor one.

You have potential. 

She held back a snort. You know partners don’t lie to each other, or trick each other into murder.

He looked at Lani, then back at Evangeline. If you hadn’t killed Ryker, I wouldn’t have been able to impersonate him and gather information on where Lani was. If we hadn’t worked together, your friend would still be missing, or worse. Do you regret that?

“There are other ways,” she mumbled under her breath.

To prove that I mean what I say, I’ll let you in on a secret. He waited, and she gave him the obligatory “well?” look. The Council sent me here.

That’s not a secret. I figured that out on my own. Evangeline hadn’t exactly figured it out, but she had made a guess after Avana told her she had worked for the Council herself. It wasn’t too far off to believe her brother also worked for them.

But not the reason they sent me here. He smiled. My original mission was to capture you.

She stared at him. What? His words tumbled in her brain, and the longer she thought on it, the more cogs clicked into place. All the times Raiythlen offered to take her and Lani back to Sundise Mouche, when he promised her safety and freedom away from Peredia. It really was all for his gain.

Before she could combat his statement, he continued, But everything’s changed, and that’s why I’m offering a genuine partnership—based on mutual gain. The Council has betrayed me, its own people. The treaty was all a ruse. Sehn was never alive to sign it to begin with—

She waved her hands. Too many things were buzzing by her. Wait, what? What are you talking about? What mutual gain? How did they betray you?

The bed creaked, and Lani moaned.

“Eve? Everything okay?” Lani whispered.

Raiythlen had disappeared, leaving Evangeline to stare at where he’d just been standing.

Evangeline turned and smiled. “Yeah, yeah, just . . . couldn’t sleep. Might get some fresh air.” Her smile wavered. Kel’s potion didn’t last long at all; maybe Lani required a stronger dose. Evangeline needed to see the glamoured boy sooner rather than later, but first she needed to figure out how the blazes she was going to leave without her “guards” noticing.

“You’re going to catch a cold like that. Come back to bed.”

Evangeline had no intention of going back to bed, not until she finished her conversation with Raiythlen—if he hadn’t already left her. But she humored Lani for a bit, sitting on the edge of the bed and looking down at her friend’s haggard face.

Lani squinted at her before her wrinkled hand rubbed Evangeline’s arm back and forth. “If you don’t get some sleep, you’ll regret it tomorrow.”

“I’ll be fine.”

Her friend made a disapproving noise. “If you don’t get up before dawn, I won’t save any sweet rolls for you.”

Evangeline frowned. “Lani, you’re not in the castle anymore. We’re at Eyvan’s house. I’ve told you this.”

Lani opened her eyes, but they were glazed over, staring past Evangeline. She didn’t respond for a bit, then closed her eyes. “Come to bed, my sweet. It will all be okay. Mama Delani was lying; I’ll save you as many sweet rolls as you like.” She then hummed a familiar lullaby Evangeline hadn’t heard since she was eleven.

My sweet. Her heart squeezed. Lani hadn’t called her that since Ryker had adopted her and the divide between the two of them had begun.

Lani’s cheek was warm when Evangeline placed a kiss on it, pulling the blankets tighter around her. It wasn’t fair. She didn’t deserve this.

Hoping Raiythlen was still nearby, she snagged on a pair of pants and threw another shirt over her baggy one for extra warmth. Her and the Caster’s conversation was far from over.