19. Agaric

NINETEEN

AGARIC

"What news?" I asked the servant as they approached the dining table, carrying a gold tray with a single letter. I dropped my utensils, noting the black wax seal. Morel . I shot from the chair, rushing to the servant, snatching the letter. "Out," I commanded, my eyes glaring at the pressed moth and night sky of the seal. The servant stared at me, his eyes wide. "Did I stutter? Out!" I screamed. The young boy fled from the room, trembling in fear.

My fingers wasted no time, breaking the seal, unfolding the parchment. I scanned the handwritten letter, reading the words of my brother's writing in his voice.

By the time that you receive this letter, you will have realized that despite your failed attempts, I have been happily reunited with my love. She remembers everything, as do I.

You may be sitting there, reading this. thinking that your biggest mistake was allowing me to live, but you are wrong.

The biggest mistake you have made, Agaric, was casting me from Dryade the day our mother died as I spent everyday since planning my revenge, dreaming of your downfall. You have made an enemy of not only your brother, but his queen. With Hesper by my side, there is nothing you can do to change your fate.

Prepare for darkness, big brother. We are coming for you.

My stomach dropped as my hand trembled lightly, my eyes reading the cursive words over again and again. I ripped the brown parchment in half, rushing to the table as I watched the candle's flame consume it until it was nothing but ashes upon my plate.

The king of darkness and the devil himself had declared war, and I needed to prepare.