Page 104 of Ruin of Revenants

Maris grunted as she sprinkled herbs into her fire, watching the smoke’s colors change. “Not if the prince fulfills his prophecy and kills her first.”

“That’s why I’m here,” Solea said. “If Vithenna is determined to go behind my back and harm my phoenixes, then I am going to intercede. You are going to form a blood bond between Isoria Gildmere and the so-called crown prince.”

This time, the hag whirled on the goddess, her wrinkled face scrunched up in fury. “Oh, no. I’m done with being a tool used by the gods. These are matters too mighty for me.”

“It will not cause you harm, not like crossing a goddess would,” Solea said, the threat clear in her tone. “I’m not strong enough to take on a mortal form in this world anymore, and as you well know, only someone who has touched both individuals can forge a bond between them. Something you already did when giving each their futures. I can grace you with a measure of my strength before I leave. Enough that it won’t cost more of your sanity or youth.”

Maris laughed aloud. As a hag, she was likely quite ancient, and her beauty had probably forsaken her long ago. “Very well. I’ve made a comfortable life for myself here, so I’ll forge the bond if it means you won’t curse me.” She sniffed. “Funny that Vithenna can meddle from on high, yet you must use me.”

“Are you implying I am weak?” Solea demanded. “A blood bond is an intimate, unique thing. Even Vithenna could not form a mortal body to create one now. The days of the gods forming those between the occupants of earth are over.”

“Of course.” Maris dipped her head. “And it’s my honor to serve you.” Her voice didn’t sound particularly honored, but Solea did not push the matter.

The goddess vanished as Maris began gathering new ingredients to toss into the fire, muttering to herself. Or perhaps she had been muttering an enchantment, sealing the blood bond between Archer and me—I couldn’t tell, and the vision ended too soon.

I blinked and I was back in that misty place, kneeling before Vithenna. “You—you took our magic,” I choked out. “Mama, the gentlest person I know, is dying because of you.”

“Your kind has been as guilty of the death plaguing Emberglade as the usurper family is,” Vithenna said crossly, without a hint of remorse or tenderness.

Not Mama, my mind screamed, but arguing wasn’t why I was here, and I needed Vithenna to agree to help me. “Can you restore our magic? Can you save them? Spare all of us?” I blinked, tears burning my eyes. “Please. I can’t lose Mama or Brook or Aunt Aurora…or any of them. Please.”

“Yes, I can return the phoenix magic I retracted. I’ll speak to Sanvo—he will do whatever I ask—and have him return his portion of your magic also.” She smirked, as if the idea of a god adhering to her every whim and command was amusing. As if the idea of the phoenixes suffering because of her choice was nothing but a game to her. “But to restore your magic and undo the suffering…it will come at a price.”

The urge to leap at her offer was tempting, but I knew better than to strike a bargain with a god without at least having some idea of the terms. “What price?” I breathed.

“You’ll never again return home.”

“You mean…I can never visit Everhaven again?”

Vithenna shook her head and waved a careless hand. “You’ll visit Everhaven. But you won’t return home.”

I tried to puzzle out her words, looking for some hidden meaning that would cost me far too much, but to never stay home, to never live in Everhaven again, seemed like a small price. I had already thought I’d lost my home forever. If I could still visit, I could manage—it would mean I’d save the phoenixes. I wouldn’t lose everyone I’d ever loved, wouldn’t lose my own magic and slowly die from the loss as well. King Wystan would kill me if I went back to Rainsong, but I could make a new home for myself beyond the borders of Rainsong or Everhaven.

I could survive anything, as long as my loved ones remained in this world.

“I’ll pay that cost,” I said. “Please, save the phoenixes. Restore our magic.”

Vithenna’s grin was all teeth. “Done.”

There was no change, nothing to indicate I’d paid my price or that she’d restored their magic yet. Instead she stepped nearer, tilting her head as she studied me. “There is one other thing.”

“Yes?” I asked.

“I know that Archer has come to break the blood bond that connects you two. Once that happens, you’ll be free to fulfill your prophecy.”

My heart skipped a beat. As if I’d ever harm Archer. I didn’t want to take anyone’s life. Dell’s death was haunting enough, and, deep down, I knew he had deserved it. “I’m not a killer.”

“If you slay him, the usurper prince reigning over Emberglade, it would save the kingdom from the revenant army. Think about it.” She smirked.

I opened my mouth to ask how, but Vithenna had vanished. My time with her was over.

Chapter Forty-Nine

Archer

When it was my turn to step into the mist, I had to mentally repeat to myself that my friends had returned unharmed. Cliff had looked shocked but safe. Owen had been as immovable as always. Lily had seemed wistful, but she’d maintained the air of hopefulness she always clung to. Isoria had looked…uncertain, but when she’d met my gaze, she’d offered me a wobbly smile. Her emotions had churned with fear and pain, but also hope and relief, reassuring me that she’d gotten an answer to save her people.

Now I needed to break the bond that I’d once resented and now clung to, my tether to Isoria grounding me through Mortius’ curse. And, along with breaking my bond, I’d demand answers. Vithenna had already held that bait before me, all but declaring she knew information regarding the revenant army.