A murdered guardian. A stolen sapphire. A raven with opinions.

Brie must gather the Jewels of Tambor—learning courage, cunning, and a strength she never knew she possessed—all while braving a twisted foot, a lack of trust, and impossible odds. Meanwhile, Dogmar, known as Jackal, will do anything to claim the throne—until a stolen jewel begins to unravel everything she believes about strength and survival.

Chapter 53.

2

Bree.

3

As Jackal proclaims that I should take

the throne, I can hardly believe she's the

4

same girl that snatched the peri a dough.

5

Does she truly mean it?

6

Am I to be queen?

7

I look out at the crowd.

8

Would they accept me?

9

The look of disgust on the Nobilis

faces confirms my suspicion.

10

They'll never allow a

filthy digger to be queen.

11

I glance about, and my eyes fall on

Regenthorn's croaker, who is standing

12

among the Nobilis in the gallery.

13

Ever so slightly, she shakes her head,

as if to confirm it will never happen.

14

I look back at the marabou

at the bottom of the column.

15

They have stopped pushing on the

wooden spokes and gape up at me.

16

I blink as I look down at them.

17

From this vantage, I can see that

the platform they are standing on

18

is a metal grate, not unlike the

grate that covers the sewer holes.

19

And through the metal, I can see that

the marble column in the center of the

20

ramwatt extends deep into the ground.

21

I remember wondering about the boy's

words on my first day in Ultan.

22

Poor folks did all the work on the new

roof, as well as the extra digging.

23

I completely forgot about

his words until now.

24

For the love of rats, I breathe.

25

Regenthorn added the rod

pictured in the peddler's book.

26

I knew the ramrot of

Ophion was an ampullus.

27

It's all here.

28

The domed roof, the

mosaic, the moon hollow.

29

I just hadn't noticed that the

column went down into the earth.

30

This isn't any ampullus.

31

This is the last ampullus

in the peddler's book.

32

the one with the skull drawn over the top.

33

I assumed the authors wanted

more powerful jewels purely to

34

make them stronger, perhaps for

spiritual or even monetary gain.

35

But what if the goal was

completely different?

36

What if by increasing the vibration of

any given gemstone, it would eventually

37

fracture the crystalline formation,

destroying the stone's vibrational power?

38

What if in reality the authors

were searching for a way to

39

destroy the jewels of Tambour?

40

Could that mean that the

peddler's book was written by

41

ancient members of the Order?

42

Has the Order been around that long?

43

For the love of rats, it all makes sense.

44

Of course they have.

45

There's movement around me.

46

The Nobilis are making

way for the Marabou.

47

Three men in green robes

come up each set of stairs.

48

I don't have much time, so I call

out the only thing I can think of.

49

" Princess Aurania stole the jewels

from the crown to keep them safe

50

from her husband, Lord Regenthorne."

51

The Nobilis back further away, and

I know without looking that the

52

Marabou are at the top of the stairs.

53

If the whisper doesn't give me some kind

of inspiration soon, I'll be back in the

54

dungeon before the Blood Moon is complete.

55

There's a commotion on

the floor of the Ramwatt.

56

I look around and see a dragon push his

way past the Marabou guarding the doors.

57

I catch a flash of red hair beneath

his helm and know that despite my

58

wishes, Gray has come to the coronation.

59

He must have found a safe place for Vida.

60

I admit it's good to know he's

here, though I won't forgive

61

myself if anything happens to him.

62

The Nobilis around me are now

pressed against the walls.

63

The Marabou are closing in.

64

I search for inspiration,

something, anything I can do.

65

There's nothing, no bright ideas.

66

My eyes scan the Ramwatt

and fall on Ragenthorne.

67

He has charged down the column

stairs and is storming across the

68

Ramwatt in my direction, clearly

relishing the idea that I'm

69

about to be seized by the Marabou.

70

The carriage is in his path, and

he slaps the butt of one of the

71

horses to move it out of the way.

72

The horse startles, and the

carriage lurches forward

73

as the horses begin to run.

74

The Marabou are almost on me.

75

I've got to move, but where?

76

Back through the door, or maybe...

77

With a single look at

the carriage, I jump.

78

My dress flutters around me as I drop.

79

Jackal.

80

By Ophion, I can hardly believe my eyes.

81

Lost in swirling fabric, Bree

plummets towards the Ramwat floor.

82

My insides clench in terror.

83

This is it.

84

Bree will be broken and smashed

to pieces before my eyes.

85

But to my amazement, she lands on

the top of the racing carriage.

86

A sooty black cloud billows

around her, then turns into a

87

stream of what looks like tail

feathers as she rides the carriage.

88

With the horses charging towards

the exit, the presiding Marabou

89

yells, "Close the doors!"

90

I watch as the Marabou and

the carriage race each other.

91

For an interminable moment,

I'm not sure who will win.

92

But the doors on both sides of

the Ramwat gain momentum and

93

swing shut with a resounding thud.

94

The coachman, unable to rein in

the horses, is forced to continue

95

around the column another time.

96

The animals are running wild.

97

People fight to get out of the

way, but the carriage is going too

98

fast and skitters in a wide arc.

99

an elderly man doesn't move fast enough.

100

The lead horse rears.

101

Bree jumps free as the

carriage tips to its side.

102

When I see her again, a

dragon has her in his arms.

103

"No!"

104

I yell.

105

"Let her speak!"

106

But instead of taking Bree into

custody, the dragon lifts her

107

to his shoulder for all to see.

108

To my amazement, I realize

the dragon is Gray.

109

The horses are stamping wildly to free

themselves from the toppled carriage.

110

Some members of the crowd

are pushing towards the small

111

access door used by the marabou.

112

Others watch Bree transfixed.

113

the jewels in the crown are fake,

Bree calls over the commotion.

114

She produces a scrap of cloth

from the folds of her dress

115

and holds it in the air.

116

I have the real jewels of Tambour.

117

There's a murmur from the Nobilis.

118

They all know that such an accusation

wouldn't be good for the keeper.

119

How she got them out of the library,

I don't know, but it's true.

120

I know it is.

121

Could I expect anything

less from my sister?

122

The presiding marabou yells for the dragon

holding Bree to silence her, but Gray

123

continues to carry her on his shoulder.

124

I look towards my father, surprised

he isn't yelling orders himself, But

125

he pulls a pouch from his pocket

and dumps moonstones into his hand.

126

He lets them fall through his

fingers as his eyes fix on Bree.

127

He stares intently at

the fabric in her hand.

128

His lips curl into a snarl

as he draws his sword.

129

"Bree, he's coming," I yell.

130

Bree.

131

I'm about to show the Nobilis the

real jewels of Tambour when I

132

see Ragenthorn heading our way.

133

I squirm in Gray's arms.

134

"Put me down."

135

Gray lets me slide to the

floor and pushes me behind him.

136

"Run," he commands.

137

But I can't.

138

I won't.

139

Raganthorn will slaughter Gray.

140

I whip Marzet's staff off my

shoulder and push the button.

141

It extends to its full size.

142

Raganthorn lunges.

143

I spin and swing.

144

The blow should knock Raganthorn

off his feet, but I miss.

145

Is he that fast?

146

Soot obscures my view, and I

don't know where he's gone.

147

I dive to the side and see

him again just for an instant.

148

He comes up like a viper.

149

I fend off his blow, but

I'm forced to the ground.

150

Soot wafts around me.

151

He takes a step back.

152

I swing low.

153

The end of my staff comes in

contact with his leg, but he

154

sidesteps and the blow is weak.

155

Out of the corner of my eye, I

see Gray knocked to the ground

156

as several marabou jump him.

157

He fights, but is pinned to the floor.

158

" Let him go," I yell in desperation.

159

But there isn't time to do more.

160

Raganthorn is advancing.

161

I roll backward, gaining my

feet as Raganthorn comes at me.

162

Left, right, left, I block his blows.

163

With a twist, I swing, using all

my strength, driving my right

164

hand high towards his head.

165

I'm satisfied with the

crunch I feel on impact.

166

Raganthorn staggers back

and drops to one knee.

167

I'm ready to strike again, but with

a roar, he lurches to his feet.

168

I can't believe he can recover so quickly.

169

Blood drips from a gash in his head.

170

His blade is high, driving

me down as he did before.

171

Unexpectedly, he drops

to a knee and swings low.

172

I spin my staff and stop the strike.

173

To counter, I spin in

the opposite direction.

174

I plan to come in high, driving

into the top of his shoulder, but

175

his sword swings low again.

176

I can't block from this position.

177

Diving out of the way, I

hit the floor and roll.

178

Jackal.

179

My fear at seeing Bree fight my father

drives a few of the vines from my mind.

180

It dawns on me that I can stop

this fight with a knife throw.

181

Patting the small of my

back, I search for my blade.

182

It isn't there.

183

I drop to a knee to check my boots,

but I'm wearing jeweled slippers.

184

A groan escapes my lips.

185

I haven't been without a blade

since Since I was twelve.

186

I look back at the scene

below, mesmerized in horror.

187

She's beautiful, my sister.

188

It's like watching Grimm swoop

through the air as she twists

189

and turns, blocking every blow.

190

There's no sign of pain in her

foot, though it must be throbbing.

191

A black cloud swirls around her.

192

Never before has it been so obvious

that my little sister is a raven.

193

My father's face is a snarl of frustration

as he slices at the spot she just vacated.

194

Then she falters, and my father dives in.

195

I gasp as blood oozes from

a slice in Bree's side.

196

Chapter 54 Bree

197

Reganthorn's sword drives

straight for my heart.

198

I jump out of the way and bring

my staff around for a strike.

199

This time I think to growl.

200

My blow is swift and hard.

201

Reganthorn's ribs crack.

202

I watch with relief as he

crumbles to the ramwat floor.

203

Despite the pain I must have caused,

I expect him to rise quickly.

204

Before I can see what he does,

I'm swarmed by a crowd of Nobilis.

205

At first I don't know why.

206

Then I realize that in the confusion

someone has bumped a torch.

207

Several tapestries are ablaze.

208

People are pushing and shoving

to get out of the ramwat.

209

The massive doors are still closed, so

the Nobilis are trying to exit through the

210

small access doors used by the Marabou.

211

I look up to see only the faintest hint

of silver-white moon left in the sky.

212

The presiding marabou is holding the

golden circlet over Jackal's head.

213

She's about to be crowned.

214

The Norwood is slipping

through my fingers.

215

I'm failing.

216

With a burst of speed, I scramble

through the crowd for the stairs.

217

I've got to stop the

circlet from coming down.

218

Mid-stride, I stumble to the ground,

pain surging through my foot.

219

Jackal.

220

I search desperately for

Bree in the swarming Nobilis.

221

Then I spy her at the edge of the

platform surrounding the marble column.

222

By the jewels, what is she doing?

223

I squint and realize that her boot

is stuck in the metal grating.

224

She's trapped.

225

Forget the boot!

226

Cut the laces!

227

I call.

228

By Ophion, I wish I had a blade.

229

Out of habit, I pat the small of my back.

230

As I do, I find my belt.

231

The belt embossed with my father's seal.

232

The one with a knife hidden in the buckle.

233

With elation, I whip it off and shove

past the marabou, still holding the

234

crown, to the edge of the column.

235

Bree, I yell.

236

She must hear me over the

din because she looks up.

237

I fling the belt in her direction.

238

Cut the laces, I call as it drops.

239

The pathetic belt falls short

and lands with the buckle

240

through a hole in the grate.

241

It's slipping away.

242

Grab it, I shout.

243

She lunges, but strong hands pull me

away before I can see if she reaches it.

244

I think it's the marabou, and I'm prepared

to teach him never to touch me again

245

when I feel cold steel at my throat.

246

Bree.

247

I grapple for the belt and manage to

seize the end just before it slips away.

248

With frantic jerking motions, I slice

the laces and pull my foot free.

249

There is still a tumult of Nobilis

fighting to get out of the ramwant.

250

I look up at the domed roof.

251

Swirls of black smoke from the burning

tapestries billow out the Moon Hollow.

252

And there's something else.

253

Regenthorne is standing at the top of the

column with a blade at Jackal's throat.

254

He sneers down at me.

255

"Send the jewels up with the

Marabou or your sister dies."

256

I know he'll do it.

257

He'll kill Jackal.

258

My eyes flick to the figure in

purple rushing down the stairs.

259

Nobri, run!"

260

Jackal yells.

261

I could.

262

I'm small enough to slip

through the Nobilis.

263

With the fire and all the mayhem,

I could find a place to hide,

264

maybe even get out of the city.

265

But I don't.

266

I can't.

267

Not even to save the Norwood.

268

Instead, I stare into Jackal's

eyes as I untie the scrap of

269

cloth from the belt at my waist.

270

Her eyes are a chasm of emotion.

271

There's the usual snarling fury

she can call up so quickly.

272

There is also the fear she showed

while running the swift water.

273

But there is something else as well.

274

Is it devotion?

275

Is that why she locked me in the crypt?

276

Was it the only way she could think

to keep me away from our father?

277

Was she trying to be a

sister to keep me safe?

278

Well, then she should

understand what I'm about to do.

279

As the marabou approaches, I

hold out the scrap of fabric.

280

"No!"

281

Jackal yells as the marabou snatches

it and rushes back up the stairs.

282

I want to crumple in on myself as

the jewels leave my hand, but I stand

283

there knowing I deserve the pain.

284

I've failed.

285

Jackal will become Raganthorn's puppet.

286

The Norwood will be destroyed, and the

path to the Whisper will be lost forever.

287

But I saved my sister.

288

As I watch the Marabou reaching the top

of the column, Raganthorn grabs the jewels

289

and thrusts Jackal back on the throne.

290

In a moment, the Marabou is holding

the crown over Jackal's head again.

291

I follow his eyes up to the

last splinter of white moon.

292

He pauses until the

opalescence disappears.

293

The blood moon is complete.

294

The sight is eerie.

295

I can see the moon, but it's

shrouded in a rufous glow.

296

The crystals inlaid in the domed roof

reflect the muted light, focusing

297

it into a vermilion sphere that

hovers in the center of the Ramwatt.

298

I snort with the realization

that I'm not to be queen.

299

The Whisper must have a sense

of humor, and I was starting to

300

believe that it was meant to be.

301

I should have expected

as much from a Corvax.

302

The Nobilis finally managed

to open the golden doors.

303

The extra air fuels the

fire in the tapestries.

304

Smoke swirls in the dome of the ramwatt.

305

The light emanating through the moon

hollow gathers in intensity while

306

the glowing sphere begins to stretch

down towards the top of the column.

307

At the same time, the Marabou lowers

the circlet to Jackal's head and

308

Raganthorn drops the jewels in her lap.

309

As this happens, I remember

the skull drawn on the top

310

of the last diagram again.

311

alternative interpretation comes to me.

312

Perhaps the ampulist

won't destroy the jewels.

313

Perhaps it will destroy

whoever's holding them.

314

My head clogs with fear as if all

sound has been sucked into a void.

315

The Nobilis are shoving each other

out of the way in their panic to

316

exit the Ramwatt, yelling at the

people in front of them to move.

317

I can't hear a thing.

318

Other Nobilis are pointing at

Jackal, their lips cheering for their

319

new queen, but I catch no sound.

320

The only utterance I

perceive are my own thoughts.

321

You've killed your sister.

322

Jackal.

323

The light pierces my eyes as

the jewels land in my lap and

324

the crown comes down on my head.

325

At the same time, I'm enveloped

by a shaft of red brilliance.

326

I strain under the power of

so much raw, glorious light.

327

Looking down, I gape at the

sparkling whiteness of my dress

328

and the glittering of my skin.

329

It's amazing and wonderful.

330

I'm a different person.

331

No, the same person, but it's

as if the light shows who I

332

really am, my true being.

333

Moaning sounds from around my feet.

334

I glance down and see the Marabou and

my father crumpled on the top of the

335

column, their hands over their ears, their

faces scrunched into knots of anguish.

336

I know it's too much for them.

337

The shaft of light is amplifying

the power of the jewels.

338

They can't take the pure goodness.

339

I realize that if Bree hadn't forced

me to hold them, forced me to

340

get to know their power, the light

would have overwhelmed me as well.

341

As it is, I'm beginning to quiver.

342

Reaching down from my seat on the marble

throne, I grab the crystal bowl that the

343

marabou used for the cleansing ritual.

344

Quickly, I drop the stones inside.

345

Then I stand and lift the bowl overhead.

346

When I see that my dress is no longer

white, I look up, expecting all the

347

light to be shining into the bowl.

348

the shaft is beaming

down on the ramwat floor.

349

afraid of the light than the fire.

350

Turning ever so slightly, I move the

shaft Turning ever so slightly, I move

351

the shaft until I see Bree, still standing

by herself at the edge of the platform.

352

Bree.

353

Before the light reaches

me, I feel it coming.

354

I'm not scared, but my

inclination is to shrink away.

355

When it consumes me, it's as if I've

been wrapped in a warm, soothing balm.

356

The pain in my foot subsides.

357

The slash from Raganthorn's

sword loses its sting.

358

The disappointment at giving

up the Norwood melts away.

359

I stand, reveling in the light.

360

I would say my dress is

white, but it radiates every

361

color of the rainbow as well.

362

I laugh and spin around,

my arms outstretched.

363

This is amazing.

364

I'm still enthralled when I

feel the flutter of wings.

365

Then talons grip my shoulder.

366

I smile gleefully at Grim.

367

Did you know it would be so good?

368

The bird's feathers are black.

369

His essence hasn't changed, but he

radiates glorious, brilliant light.

370

It's perfect.

371

Everything is perfect.

372

Jackal.

373

As I watch Bree, I can't help

the pleasure that consumes me.

374

When she spins, there

isn't the slightest wobble.

375

She's perfect and whole.

376

Her face glows with light.

377

She looks like a queen or a

priestess, or both together.

378

What's that word my father likes to use?

379

Corvax Corona?

380

Yes, that's it.

381

She's a Corvax Corona.

382

Without warning, there's a

sharp pain in my upper arm.

383

It takes me a moment to register

that a throwing star has

384

pierced the fabric of my dress.

385

I look around and see my father's new

croaker on the balcony across from me.

386

There's a malicious smile on her face.

387

She waves her ink-stained fingers as I

feel the poison sear through my body.

388

Bree.

389

With a whoosh of air, Grim is blown

off my shoulder and the light is gone.

390

My white dress disappears, and the

pain in my body drives me to the floor.

391

I feel wetness and realize I'm

losing blood from the slash

392

in my side, a lot of blood.

393

At the same moment, I hear the crash

of the crystal bowl as it smashes

394

on the stone floor of the Ramwatt.

395

The jewels of Tambour scatter.

396

hits me.

397

Where's Jackal?

398

I see her just visible

at the top of the stairs.

399

Her arm is draped across her face.

400

She isn't moving.

401

No!

402

I try to stand, but I

don't have the strength.

403

Instead, I drag myself across the

platform, leaving a trail black

404

robes of Regenthorn's croaker.

405

It isn't until she stands that

I realize what she's doing.

406

In her hand is a black velvet pouch.

407

In her hand is a black velvet pouch.

408

She drops in a jewel.

409

The pouch is full.

410

She has them all.

411

When she looks up, our eyes meet.

412

With a triumphant smile, she

413

and disappears into the smoke.

414

I feel the familiar ripping

at my soul as she leaves.

415

I've lost the jewels again.

416

Loneliness consumes me, and

I can't move for some time.

417

dwindles and I've gained some

control, I realize that while

418

I've lost the physical stones, the

vibrations are still in my heart.

419

This gives me the strength to continue

crawling up the steps towards Jackal.

420

She's got to be all right.

421

Tell me I didn't lose

the jewels for nothing.

422

While most of the smoke from the

burning tapestries is escaping

423

through the moon hollow, some

of it is pooling under the dome.

424

It becomes so thick at the top of

the column that when I reach Jackal,

425

all I can do is grab her under the

shoulders and drag her down the stairs.

426

Her weight sends me toppling.

427

I pull again and again.

428

At the bottom of the column, I've lost

so much blood that it's as if I'm looking

429

at Jackal through a thick black fog.

430

Darkness is closing in around me.

431

"Jackal," I whisper, my heart twisting.

432

She doesn't respond.

433

I shake her by the shoulders

and call loudly, "Wake up!"

434

She doesn't move.

435

Looking past the glowing red orb

of the moon towards the heavens,

436

I plead, "Please help her."

437

With one hand, I clasp an imaginary

fist of stones to my chest.

438

Words come unbidden to my lips.

439

I've fostered Vida's faith

and Nona's knowledge.

440

I've learned of my own worth and essence.

441

I've gained confidence and integrity.

442

I stifle a sob.

443

I've made choices and

paid the consequences.

444

I've opened my heart and

strengthened my character.

445

I've used my talents for good.

446

A shudder racks my body and my head spins.

447

I know my lifeblood is draining away.

448

"I've done my best to learn the

lessons of the jewels," I whisper.

449

"What else can I do?"

450

Just as there's nothing else to

say, I feel the rise of Jackal's

451

chest as she draws a breath.

452

Then I'm enveloped in darkness.

453

Chapter fifty-five, Bree.

454

When I wake, there's a fire in

the jeweled hearth, and soft

455

blankets are tucked around me.

456

Grim is perched on my bed.

457

He looks at me for a moment

before returning to his preening.

458

Jackal is seated at a small

writing desk that wasn't in the

459

room the last time I was here.

460

She looks up when I sigh.

461

"About time," she says, her eyes shining.

462

I sit up, but wince.

463

"Don't move, lug head.

464

Your wound hasn't healed."

465

"What happened?"

466

I mumble.

467

apparently you dragged me down the

stairs of the column, then passed out."

468

"Oh," I say as it comes back.

469

"Where's Gray?"

470

Jackal motions towards the door.

471

"He's out pacing the hall.

472

His fidgeting was driving me

crazy, so I sent him away.

473

Here, drink this."

474

Jackal sits on the edge of the

bed and raises a steaming bowl

475

of savory broth to my lips.

476

it soothes my spirit as well

as my body as it goes down.

477

" I never took you for a healer," I say.

478

"I'm not.

479

Vida sent it up."

480

"Vida?"

481

I say, surprised.

482

"Yeah.

483

With Zipporah's help, she's got every

maid in the castle doing her bidding.

484

She has even been mother-henning me."

485

I close my eyes and let myself sink deeper

into the soft, downy pillow under my head.

486

"How long have I been asleep?"

487

"A week."

488

My eyes pop open.

489

"What?"

490

"Your wound got infected.

491

You've been mad with fever.

492

Vida was worried you wouldn't

make it, but I knew the Corvax

493

in you would pull through.

494

I snort, but even that causes pain.

495

" How is it being queen?"

496

I ask without holding her gaze.

497

"Has Ragan Thorn got you sending a

crew of diggers to the Norwood yet?"

498

Jackal puts a hand on

the back of her neck.

499

"No, there's something wrong with him.

500

I mean, seriously wrong."

501

I frown.

502

"What are you talking about?"

503

"It could just be the smoke he inhaled

during the coronation, but I think

504

it was the goodness of the jewels.

505

Amplified by the light,

it was too much for him."

506

Jackal leans forward.

507

"He won't leave his rooms.

508

If a servant tries to open the

curtains or light even more than

509

a single candle, he shrieks.

510

But he's better than the presiding

Marabou, who hasn't opened his eyes

511

or moved since the coronation."

512

I'm shocked.

513

"Do you think either

of them will recover?"

514

The Marabou?

515

Doesn't seem likely.

516

He's getting weaker by the day."

517

Jackal shrugs.

518

"And our father?

519

It's hard to say.

520

I have guards at his door.

521

If he tries to come out, I'll be notified.

522

Until then, well, he's helpless."

523

I think of the skull drawn over

the last ampullus in the peddler's

524

book It was a warning all right.

525

It foretold of too much goodness.

526

I suppose that's why the

whisper is so soft and quiet.

527

Given full voice, who

could bear to hear it?

528

I glance at Jackal.

529

And how are you?

530

Jackal shrugs.

531

Fine, as far as I can tell.

532

It took me a few days to recover from

the poison, but that's nothing unusual.

533

My problem is, there's a

flash of anger in her eyes.

534

Some of the Nobilis are

challenging my right to the throne.

535

They say the coronation isn't legitimate.

536

Others are supporting me.

537

So far, I'm holding my title.

538

trying to decide what else to say.

539

Tell me, I demand.

540

Our father wasn't the only Nobilis

under the power of the Order.

541

It's impossible to know who I can trust.

542

Bree, I need the jewels.

543

I can't do this without the

full power of the Whisper.

544

I feel my face pale.

545

The Croaker took them, I say.

546

I know.

547

You told us while you were

burning up with fever.

548

I've got every dragon in the country

looking for her, but she hasn't turned up.

549

Did I tell you she belongs to the Order?

550

Jackal gives me a hard look.

551

How do you know?

552

"I overheard her talking

to someone in the castle.

553

I'm convinced it was order business."

554

Jackal rubs a hand over her face.

555

"That's it then.

556

The order has the jewels.

557

I'm doomed."

558

"No, you're not."

559

I look at Jackal earnestly.

560

" Nona said the gems have a way of

being where they're supposed to be.

561

You'll just have to hold on to

the vibration of the jewels in

562

your heart until we get them back.

563

I'm confident you'll be a good queen."

564

" It should be you," Jackal says.

565

I snort and wince.

566

"We both know that isn't true."

567

But Bree, I saw you under the light.

568

You were beautiful and

radiant like a goddess.

569

It wasn't an apparition.

570

That's who you are, a

being of infinite worth."

571

At her words, the memory of standing

in the shaft of light comes back to

572

me, and I feel a warm glow in my heart.

573

Nona thought I could be queen.

574

Could she see that image of me?

575

but that doesn't change the

fact that Jackal is much

576

better prepared for the job.

577

"I may have been beautiful," I say, "but

you were regal, and it was just as real."

578

Jackal shakes her head.

579

"But you're the Corvex.

580

you are better suited to

communicate with the whisper.

581

I'd happily give up the

crown if you would take it."

582

She goes silent, and I can see

by the look in her eyes that she

583

means what she says But the idea

sends a spike of panic through me.

584

Nona may have wanted me to be

queen, but the reality is I'd

585

rather be free to roam the Norwood.

586

You're the right choice.

587

The Nobilis will listen to you.

588

Jackal rubs her face.

589

I'm not so sure.

590

Three days ago, I sent out a

very unpopular proclamation.

591

She looks at me.

592

I disbanded the Marabou and

made worship of the Hesperian

593

Tambors national religion.

594

My mouth drops open and I blink at her.

595

What?

596

Jackal demands.

597

I had to do it.

598

Disbanding the Marabou, maybe, I say.

599

But Nona taught me that the whisper

shouldn't be forced on anyone.

600

Jackal's nostrils flare.

601

See, I'm making mistakes already.

602

Change it, I say.

603

Jackal looks annoyed.

604

It might not be that easy.

605

She gets to her feet

and walks to her desk.

606

There's another development that

might interest you, she says.

607

The vine all around Ultan is dying.

608

She grins.

609

We both know what that means.

610

With a queen on the throne who

can feel the whisper, goodness is

611

growing in Tambor, killing the vine.

612

There's relief in Jackal's

face, and I know she hopes to

613

be free of the vine forever.

614

I wonder what effect the

missing jewels will have.

615

Jackal can recall the vibrations for

now, but what if she begins to forget?

616

Will the vine spring back?

617

Before I can comment, the door cracks

open and Gray pokes in his head.

618

His locks of red hair have been freshly

washed and stick out around his head.

619

When he sees me, his face

lights up with his usual grin.

620

Then he frowns at Jackal.

621

You said you would tell

me as soon as she woke up

622

ghia: Jackal looks exasperated.

623

"She just barely opened her eyes."

624

Gray strides in and sits

beside me on the bed.

625

After a slight hesitation,

he takes my hand.

626

I'm embarrassed to remember how I

kissed him in the library, how he

627

told me he believed I could be queen.

628

Nona was wrong," I mumble.

629

"I'm not meant to hold the throne."

630

Gray beams down on me.

631

"That doesn't bother me,"

he says, squeezing my hand.

632

"I suppose she'll always be your queen."

633

Jackal simpers.

634

Gray continues to grin.

635

I turn my face away, knowing I can't

trust him when he looks like that.

636

Then I feel warm breath on my neck,

and it becomes hard to breathe.

637

Raven.

638

Gray whispers in my ear, " One

day you'll be my queen.

639

Have patience."

640

I'm tempted to snort.

641

Me?

642

Patient?

643

Instead, I lie very still and enjoy

the tickle of Gray's scruff on my cheek.

644

Maybe, just maybe, this raven

will learn how to trust.

645

Later, I wake to find myself alone.

646

It's dark outside, and

the castle is quiet.

647

Despite the pain in my side, I slip

out of bed and wobble across the floor.

648

There I collapse on a

cushioned bench by the window.

649

The leaded glass is cold as

I lean my head against it.

650

Beyond my own reflection, I

can see an opalescent trail in

651

the sea made by the half-moon.

652

Stars glitter around the edges of the sky.

653

The sight makes me yearn to

be free of the confines of the

654

castle and this dragon city.

655

I want to ramble unbound in the Norwood.

656

I sigh with relief as I

remember that my home is safe.

657

Jackal won't send diggers

to burn the forest.

658

Shifting my gaze out over the

city, I can see the Tawari and the

659

light of a fire where I'm certain

Weathers is playing his fiddle.

660

As I breathe in slow, even breaths,

it's almost as if I can feel

661

the river running through me.

662

The Tawari that I have come

to love is part of me now.

663

I long to join the Banjara on their

trek back to the upper reaches of the

664

river and make the wild ride again.

665

But what of the Norwood?

666

Wouldn't I rather go home?

667

I suppose.

668

Yet something niggles

at the back of my mind.

669

Tambour won't be safe until

the order is destroyed.

670

I wonder what I can do to

ensure that it happens.

671

Go on the search for the jewels again?

672

Or would my time be better served

searching out Maddox and working with him?

673

Either way, my heart

gives a little thrill.

674

What new places might I

learn to love along the way?

675

Fremont knew I would thrive in

the world beyond the Norwood.

676

He gently tried to persuade me,

But I refused to believe him.

677

And Nona?

678

She didn't try to persuade me of anything.

679

She simply told me I was going.

680

Oh, my Nona.

681

Where is she now?

682

Malta said she would become a goddess.

683

Did he mean a Corvax Corona?

684

I look at the radiant moon.

685

Is Nona there within its glow?

686

I shake my head.

687

My Nona is out at the fringes of the

universe, where she can be wild and free.

688

I smile at the stars glittering

beyond the light of the moon.

689

Yes, my Nona is out there, surrounded

by countless sparkling jewels.

690

Epilogue.

691

The Croaker travels for two days

before stopping at a small village.

692

Not wanting watchful eyes, she

sits at a table outside the eatery.

693

After the serving girl has delivered

her food, the Croaker slips the

694

pouch from her cloak pocket.

695

The stones have been weighing on her

mind, and she finds being in their

696

presence more difficult than she expected.

697

She loosens the string and holds

each stone up to the light.

698

admiring its beauty.

699

disgusted by her actions, she

returns the stones to the pouch

700

and leaves them on the table as

far away from her as she dares.

701

Hungrily, she digs into the

roasted chicken with a dagger.

702

She is lifting the first bite

to her mouth when there is

703

an unexpected whoosh of wind.

704

She falls backwards in surprise just

as a raven snatches the pouch off

705

the table and flies into the forest.