Something inside Maeve fractured.
He’d known.
He’d known all along.
All this time, Casimir knew she would be the one to kill him. She could see it in his eyes, the depth of understanding. Of knowledge. There was a deep sadness there, a lingering exhaustion like that of a dim flame ready to be snuffed out completely. Sun and sky, he’d eventoldher. When she’dfadedfor the first time out of anger and found herself on the banks of the Black Lake in the Autumn Court, Casimir had been the one to find her.
His words replayed in her mind. Not a farewell, but a warning.
“I’ll see you again, Maeve. When the stars align.”
When the stars align.
He continued to watch her with pained eyes, this weary warrior she had known for the whole of her life.
A blur of silver appeared on the outskirts of Maeve’s vision, and Saoirse came into view. She was decked all in black, thesheen of her leather armor glinting like polished onyx. There was a sword sheathed at her waist, and two daggers strapped to each thigh. Her braid of moonlight was twisted back, and tiny wisps fell from the plait, framing her face. Tucked behind her ear was a blossom of lilac.
“If you can’t do it,” she said, her voice soft and even, “I will.”
It was a burden no one should have to bear, to kill a friend. Even if Casimir had betrayed Maeve, he’d made every effort to redeem himself since, and she’d forgiven him. She couldn’t hold his transgressions against him, not when he’d mistakenly thought he was doing what was right.
Maeve shook her head, running her finger along the Strand of black stars marring her skin. “It has to be me.”
This was her bargain.
Her obligation to uphold.
She looked to Tiernan, to her rock, to the one who held her up and kept her steady when the world crumbled beneath her feet. He moved toward her slowly, anchoring her, willing to take all of her pain, all of her heartbreak.
“Whatever you need from me.” The deep blue of his eyes shone with fervent affection, the gold flecks a gentle reminder he would catch her when she fell. “I’m here.”
Maeve blew out a harsh breath.
Shadows loomed before her, and for a split second she thought it was Rowan, but it was Balor. His ethereal form glided over to her, never quite touching the ground. Power emanated from him, a ruthless darkness that diminished the light like a void.
“My queen.” Balor bowed before her.
Maeve locked her spine into place. “Balor.”
“I believe this belongs to you.” He opened his skeletal hand, and hovering over above his palm was the Aurastone.
It shimmered with otherworldly brilliance, reflecting the hues of the dawn. Blush, lavender, pale blue, and gold.
Maeve’s eyes widened as she reached for it. “How did you…”
“She cannot keep what was never hers.”
Her hand closed around the hilt of the Aurastone, comfortable and familiar. Like an extension of herself. But it was heavier than usual, a dead weight in her hands. She’d ended many a life with this dagger, and it was likely many more would feel the cold slice of its wrath upon their flesh. Not once, though, had she ever been forced to use it against someone she cared about. Until now.
Maeve’s gaze slid to the will ó wisp. She didn’t look delighted, nor did she appear angry. Instead, her countenance was one of despondency. As though she was fully aware of the price Maeve was about to pay, and though it must be done, it would bring her no joy. It was simply a matter of being. Of existing in this world of magical covenants.
“Maeve.”
Casimir’s hushed voice cut through her thoughts, and when she turned back to face him, terror rooted her in place.
Carefully, he lowered himself to the ground, kneeling before her. “It’s time.”
“Cas.” His name sounded strangled, and her stomach twisted into unforgiving knots. Her palms grew clammy, dampened by fear.
