“Yes. It was the same magic he had before the gods cursed my tribe.”
I take a deep breath, trying to understand, trying to accept Hector. He accepts me and my dark magic. He even accepted me and held me after I murdered an innocent man.
Even though I don’t know his name, his face haunts me.
Needing a distraction from my thoughts, I voice another question. “What about Mildred’s relics? The ones containing spells?”
“Only she can use those.”
I stand and pace back and forth as each word he has spoken races through my thoughts. Each revelation. Luc and Cenric having magic. Hector having magic.
It’s happening. Everything I feared when I first came to Bloodstone land. The Bloodstone are regaining their powers, and soon, the other tribes will not be able to stop them.
I didn’t stop anything by coming to Bloodstone land. All I did was escalate the Bloodstone’s rise to overthrowing the other tribes.
If only I had known, I would help restore their magic. I thrust out my arm, needing to understand why the gods did this to me. Why did they brand this serpent into my flesh? Why did they give the Bloodstone back their magic?
It makes no sense. I doubt it ever will.
Needing to know where he stands, I face him and ask a question—one I should have asked a long time ago. Especially before he bedded me. “Do you want to rule Tarrobane?”
“That isn’t a fair question,” he says with a fierce frown.
“Why not?”
“Because if I don’t answer, you will know the truth, and if I do, you will never return to me. Either way, I lose you.”
“You could lie.”
Please lie.
Tell me you don’t want to destroy Tarrobane.
“I have already spoken,” he says, his tone low and agonizing. “Besides, I don’t want to lie to you anymore.”
I have already spoken.
I shiver uncontrollably, my heart drowning in icy water.
“You want to rule Tarrobane?” The question stings my tongue.
“I’m no dictator. But yes, my people will rule Tarrobane again.”
His words pierce my chest, and I am left with nothing but a bitter taste in my mouth.
“Youwill rule them, Hector. Just say that’s whatyouwant.” The realization sinks in like a heavy stone in my stomach.
He stiffens, and the lines near his mouth tighten.
I step away from him, gaining distance. “So, what? You will attack the Malachites, then the Kyanites. Then, you’ll need to keep going. Shall you declare war on the Carnelians, too?”
His brow rises as he folds his arms. “I am at peace with the Carnelians.”
“Not if you want to rule them.”
Frustration flares across his features. “Do you think me simple, Sol?”
“No.” Erratically, I stab my hand into the air. “I think you are every bit as arrogant as all of the Bloodstone chieftains before you.”
