Bryce crosses his arms. “I thought we agreed he was not our problem.”
“That man killed my sister-in-law and almost killed my wife. I will have blood for blood,” I say. “Beyond that, Harrick’s death creates a vacuum. If we don’t put someone else in that place, Rafe will step in, and it will be much worse.” I pause to let the reality set in for them. “You canall judge me if you want, but things are going to get messy today, and if you don’t have the stomach for it, leave now.”
I tighten the short swords at my hips, giving them a chance to all make eyes at each other.
“I didn’t come this far to not find out who Rochelli is,” Carter says quietly.
Bryce shrugs. “I’m not one to walk away from a fight.”
Naima laughs. “I’ve healed you up enough to know that’s right.” She looks at me. “I’m in, but a word of warning. Make sure that you’re not deciding something for Harlow that robs her of a chance to have his blood for herself. It’s okay to want to protect her, but only if she wants protecting. That’s something you Deathless struggle with, but if you want forgiveness, you need to humble yourself.”
“I hate to break this up, but we have to get out there and take our places,” Carter says.
He ushers us back through the bar and out into the street. We’re only two blocks from the center of town, and the frenetic energy of celebration is everywhere.
The streets are lined with luminary jars, candles burning brightly inside. They’re meant to light the way to truth, and that feels very appropriate for this final day of the festival.
Starred garlands hang between buildings and every house and business is adorned with the sigil of Stellaria—some made of vibrant florals, some heavy iron work, and some rudimentary children’s drawings—but all welcome the Divine of Stars and Darkness into their homes.
I’m overwhelmed by the colors of the world as the crowd is already building up ahead of us. The women wear dresses and bright floral crowns, marigolds and sunflowers interspersed with white Stellarium Blossoms.
Our plan is a smooth transition of power to prevent violence toward those without magic. Given that the original plan was to assassinate Harrick and Liza and temporarily leave Rafe in place, killing him is going to create an even larger power vacuum. I’m not sure who else would try to step into it, but I’m trusting that the part of the plan I don’t know—the part my father assured me would be seamless—will go off without any issues.
Part of our job is simple: ensure that Rafe is held accountable for hisalleged sins against Mountain Haven and subdue him until he stands trial. I have no intention of letting him ever see a trial, but no one here needs to know that.
The more complicated assignment is to neutralize any resistance from the Carrenwell siblings or other magical houses. Thanks to Harlow’s admission last night, I know what all of their blessings are.
Then, all that’s left is to throw our support behind Rochelli when he or she shows.
As soon as I step into the central square, I spot Harlow standing off to the side of the Blood Well stage. I wasn’t expecting her, or at least I wasn’t expecting her to be waiting there alone. I suddenly wish I hadn’t killed Gaven. Even though I know she can handle herself, she should never be alone to do it. Maybe if I hadn’t killed him—maybe if I had just let him tell her that he sensed my blessing from Polm, I wouldn’t be in this mess now.
Harlow’s violet eyes lock on mine through the crowd. Maybe it’s something about the Divine blessing we’ve received, or maybe it’s just a general awareness of each other’s bodies and the way they move, but I’ve never felt so connected to someone. She’s wearing another silver shimmering gown beneath a black cloak and a headband that looks like it’s made of silvery stars. I’d almost forgotten that today she has to play the role of Stellaria one last time.
I cut through the bustling crowd to stand beside her. She doesn’t welcome me, but she doesn’t tell me to leave, so that’s something.
I can’t stop myself from looking at her. Harlow’s dark hair is pulled back from her face. Her cheeks are rosy from the cold and her lips are bright red. She shifts, and the collar of her cloak reveals the faint hint of pink stubble burn on her neck.
Possessive pleasure surges through me. I love seeing her skin marked by passion. It’s only spoiled by the reality that last night will be the last time she lets me do it.
I don’t have time to dwell on it. Rafe ambles up on the other side of the stage. It takes a lot of self-control to not immediately launch myself at him and rip out his throat. Just seeing him sends fury burning through my blood.
Bryce and Carter are already waiting for him. Bryce waves his flask around with an exaggerated drunkenness that I worry might be toomuch. People in the crowd start to notice the mayor and begin whispering and casting angry glances his way.
Bryce pats Rafe on the shoulder, and the mayor laughs. This is Bryce’s gift—putting everyone at ease. He hands the flask to Rafe, and the mayor’s eyebrows shoot up. No doubt Bryce said something about what an expensive, rare whiskey is in there. It’s all about the story. I could tell the moment I stepped into the North Hold sitting room and saw the sheer volume of opulence that Rafe is a man who wants things simply because they are rare and expensive.
Whatever Bryce says must be enough—either that or Rafe has noticed the murmurs of the crowd and is nervous. The mayor knocks back a long swig. He takes a moment, then nods in approval before taking two more generous pulls from the flask. That’s all it will take.
He walks onto the stage with confidence. I hope this is the last time he ever feels sure of himself. He catches sight of Harlow and a slow smile spreads over his face.
Harlow steps closer to me. It’s not until I feel the distinct prickle of familiar magic in the air that I realize he’s taunting her.
Polm’s blessings are complicated. When you’re strong, you can usually compel anyone who fears you, and most people fear you when they realize you have a blessing from the Divine of Malice. Fear is a hook, an entry point to find a way into someone. But what only those who have this blessing know is that you’re most vulnerable to manipulation attacks with the same magic when you’re using Polm’s blessing. In order to understand what will manipulate a person, you, yourself, have to be open.
I throw my magic out to him. Instead of gently coaxing my way in like I would normally have to, I stab the power directly into his chest.
A jolt goes through Rafe’s body as I take hold of him. Most people can’t tell who is manipulating them when they’re hit with Polm’s power, but those of us with this blessing can follow the connective lines of it back to the source. I’m not surprised when Rafe’s panicked gaze meets mine.
I step by Harlow and walk up onto the stage.
