14. Chapter 14

Chapter 14

T he next morning, I summoned all my will and pushed myself out of the bed that had once been mine when I lived with my aunt. If I couldn't seek an audience with Lord Ebonhammer, there had to be some other way to find Teeg and someone who knew what had happened to Aunt Celeste and Lora. And as much as I hated to admit it, those useless guards were right to suggest checking the Temple of Evryn.

The smell of cooked bacon filled the air the closer I got to the kitchen. I turned the corner and froze at the sight of Caelus in front of the stove. Of all the things I'd learned about Caelus, knowing that he looked comfortable cooking was among the most surprising.

I stopped in front of a platter of eggs, bacon, and toast on the island.

"Do you need help?" I asked.

He didn't look at me. "I think I can manage a simple breakfast." He cracked two eggs and dropped them into a pan, then shot me a glance. "Eat."

I sat and started with the bacon.

After last night, I wasn't sure how to act around him. He was convinced that the lightning wouldn't hurt him, but I wasn't so confident. "Is this something you do often?"

He slid the cooked eggs onto another plate. "My sister is a terrible cook, so I had to learn." He poured himself a steaming cup of tea, the deep, smoky aroma filling the space between us. "Care for some?"

I nodded.

He placed the steaming cup in front of me before pouring another.

I took a sip, the bitter flavor filling my mouth, and then added several spoonfuls of sugar. Caelus smirked but didn't comment.

When he sat, he wasted no time eating. I wanted to ask if he knew some way to gain an audience with Lord Ebonhammer—yesterday had proved a direct approach wouldn't work. But watching him, I decided not to. Enjoying a quiet breakfast with him felt easy . . . simple. A joy that I couldn't quite give up. I smiled to myself and picked up my fork.

Once we finished, I took my dishes to the sink and began scrubbing them.

"What's your plan?" he asked, leaning against the counter next to me with a small towel.

I sighed and handed him the cleaned plate before starting on the next. "The temple, I think. I'm not sure what they'll know, but I can take care of Marus's request."

He dried the plate and placed it in the cabinet. "It's a start. I won't be joining you, however. There's a few things I need to look into."

The cup slipped from my fingers, and I quickly reached for it, thankful it didn't break. I'd forgotten that while he might be here to help me, he was also here to find his sister.

"I trust you'll be able to find your way around?" he asked.

I gave him the next cleaned dish, and he was smiling as if he knew my thoughts. "I lived here once. I think I'll be fine."

He laughed and dried the plate before starting for the door. "Stay safe, and I'll see you later, Tempest," he called out, the door shutting silently behind him.

The statement was innocent but made my heart flutter. When had anyone who didn't want to use me planned to see me later, other than Marus, Teeg, or Esteban?

I got ready and headed out into the sunny streets of the upper district. Overnight, color had been added to the city. Banners in shades of autumn flew, contrasting the dusting of snow along the cobbled streets. The smell of buttery baked goods filled the air, and children played in the fresh powder.

I stopped in front of a familiar faded red door. Through the window, I saw the white-streaked black braids of Dorian's mother, Ina Anwir. She looked the same as she had so many years ago, her half-fey blood slowing her aging. Dorian's family had been a major source of love in my childhood, but they hated me after that day.

I wanted to knock—to apologize—but I turned away. Ina deserved to live without a reminder of her son's death standing in front of her.

I made it a few feet before a light feminine voice called out, "Eira?"

I turned, and Ina stood in her doorway, wearing an apron smeared with clay, a sheen of sweat on her brown skin. She stepped toward me. "It's really you," she said in disbelief.

I clasped my hands in front of me, not sure what to do with them. "I'm sorry. I shou—"

Ina darted forward and pulled me into her arms. "Nonsense. We miss Dorian dearly, but we lost you too." She stepped back and cupped my cheeks. Her vibrant brown eyes searched my mismatched ones.

I stared at her, eyes wide and tears welling up.

Ina smiled and dropped her hands. "Tell me how you've been."

"But after everything . . ."

"We love you too. Love doesn't simply disappear because of one terrible deed. Much less because of an accident. Dorian wouldn't have wanted us to abandon you either."

Of course it would be Dorian's will that led their actions to continue to look out for me, but I'd run away to the temple with Klareth and Marus. I'd thought it would be better, but I'd been wrong.

I smiled at her. "I've been better." There was a lot I could say, but Ina didn't need all the details. "Actually, have you seen Aunt Celeste? Or maybe Lora? Neither were home last night."

She shook her head. "I don't think I've seen them in about a week, sweetie. They left with a man with reddish hair. But it's not unusual for your aunt to go to galas in Ryseer with men. She'd never miss the Frostfire Festival, though. Give her a day or two, and I'm sure she'll be back."

I nodded, not entirely sure she was right. It didn't explain why the house hadn't been cleaned or the items left out of place. Before I missed my chance, I asked, "Have you heard anything about Lord Ebonhammer?"

"Oh?" she said, intrigued. "Finally interested in boys? I've heard his son is quite handsome."

"What?" I shook my head. "No. Have you heard anything that might be negative or unseemly?"

Her features contorted, confused. "I don't expect anyone from the Dawn Conclave to be perfect, but nothing out of the ordinary. Why?"

"It's been a while since I've been in the city. I'm curious about what's changed."

She didn't look like she believed me, but she didn't push it any further. "It's been the same as always. Oh, but you need to come have dinner if you can! Gavriel will be back for the festival. He'll be glad to see you."

"I'll try, but I should get going."

"Of course." She pulled me in for another hug, and before she released me, she said, "I'm so glad you're back. I've spent all these years worried about you, or that you hated us or yourself for what happened."

I blinked back the tears of happiness, or maybe relief, threatening to fall. "I could never hate you or Gavriel."

We parted ways, and I navigated the city using my faded memory as a guide. But the day I'd killed Dorian flooded in.

Aunt Celeste had thrown another party. She'd wanted me there, as always, to act as her prized possession—a Divine, but also a charity case since she'd taken me in. I'd snuck over to Dorian's only to find out he'd told her I was planning to not attend.

I'd been furious and thought he'd understood I didn't claim her as my family. That I'd chosen him and his parents because they cared about me. Loved me. I'd accidentally sent a deadly shock through him when he touched my arm, and I never expected Ina and Gavriel to continue to love me after that. How could they?

But Ina had been glad to see me.

I shook my head and let out a sigh. It made me wonder if I'd been too harsh with Aunt Celeste when I was younger. Expected too much from the woman who never signed up to care for her dead sister's child. I wondered if it would be possible to reconcile with her too.

My muddled memory led me to an enormous statue of a gnome. An ear pointed out of the hood of his cloak, almost horizontal, and his legs were short and stubby. Strapped to his sides were two daggers that were like swords for his size.

"Admiring the legendary hero Valton?" asked a man behind me.

I spun around, my hand drifting toward the concealed dagger at my thigh. A man, no older than his midtwenties, stood watching me. His straight white hair landed just below his shoulders, framing his slender face. With sapphire eyes that sparkled in the sun, he was striking. But he looked familiar somehow.

He smiled, tucking his hands into the pockets of his fine trousers, and looked up at the statue. "Dragons are fearsome, indeed, but only to those who do not take heed. Valton understood, and so he relied on a mystic hood. Now he stands stout and proud, despite now being laid underground." He looked back at me and waited.

I raised a brow.

His expression filled with amusement.

He thrust his arm toward me. "Vinnie the Storyteller," he said.

I shook his hand.

"Most know of me. It's quite the shock you don't," he said, releasing his hold.

People parted around us, and Keiran, magnate and supplier for the Copper Jackals, stepped up beside Vinnie. "I see you've met my favorite guest of the Sleeping Alligator. But your story was less than thrilling."

He slung an arm around Vinnie's shoulders and flashed me an inviting smile, his attention fixed on me as it had been the last few times we'd met. When I'd first seen him at Esteban's tavern, his wavy white hair had been astonishing for a man that looked no older than twenty-five.

Next to each other, the two were clearly related. They were almost identical in height, and their eyes were nearly the same shade of blue. But the sun shone against the waves of Keiran's shorter hair, revealing silvery strands among the white.

Vinnie scoffed, crossing his arms. "People find stories related to history boring, unfortunately. And I doubt you've come all the way to the city to balk at some statue of a long-dead hero."

I touched the lotus necklace Marus gave me. "Not exactly."

"I'm not sure what a beautiful soul such as you has found herself up to, but our assistance is yours," Keiran said.

"I'm trying to get to the temple."

"Perfect. We have business there."

"We do?" Vinnie asked.

Keiran ignored him and offered me his arm. "Shall we?"

I shifted my weight. "Are you certain?"

"It would be an honor to assist you," Keiran said, smiling.

I looped my arm through his, and he began leading us through the busy city.

"Did Keiran really never mention me?" Vinnie asked on my left after a moment.

I shook my head. "I can't say he's ever mentioned much outside of his work." He'd always asked about me and my role as a Divine at the temple when he visited Dusmir.

Vinnie laughed. "I'm not surprised."

"You never mentioned you'd be in Tiruhm for the Frostfire Festival when I last visited," Keiran said.

"Perhaps she didn't want you to know."

Keiran's laugh rumbled through me. "Did you not, Eira?"

"It wasn't exactly planned," I said.

"I always thought you could do with a little spontaneity. Tell me, what has you visiting the temple?"

I pressed my lips together, not sure how I could explain that I'd killed the high priestess and needed to find an appropriate replacement. Or that Teeg was the Golden Child, who might be in the hands of Lord Ebonhammer, and he won't grant an audience.

Keiran flitted a look at me. "How about an easier question? Will you be joining the festivities? Our family hosts it every year."

"If you didn't mention me, I highly doubt you mentioned our brothers or sister."

"Perhaps it slipped my mind while in pleasant company." Keiran winked.

I smiled. "I don't think I'll have a chance to participate."

Disappointment filled his eyes. "No? It would have been a joy to have you there."

"Maybe next time," I offered, and his eyes brightened. While I couldn't be certain there wouldn't be time to have fun during the festival, it was better not to make false promises. If I could find Teeg before it was over, he'd probably want to play, though.

The two continued to wind through the streets with ease, and I wondered if they'd grown up in Tiruhm.

We stopped before a shimmering iridescent path. The path to the temple was fitting for the god of abundance and virtue. History often depicted Evryn as a dragon with scales nearly identical to that of the pathway. He created the dragons that once roamed the land with humans, but there had been fewer and fewer sightings of them over the years, becoming more like a myth. One hadn't been spotted in over a decade.

I walked down the path lined with jasmine archways, and it rippled like water. A heady sweet scent filled the air until we stood in an open grassy clearing. There was no snow, and it had become warmer, as if we were no longer in the cold mountain city.

An enormous dragon had been sculpted out of a stone, which shimmered a brilliant silvery white. Gold veined in and out around the base of the scales. The dragon appeared as though it were clinging on to the side of the mountain with its four massive legs. Two golden horns protruded from its head, and royal burning sapphires inlaid into the eyes stared back at me.

A stone bench sat in the circular space. The sun shone down through a canopy of trees. I had to stop to take it all in. It was beautiful and so unlike the temple of Ahrea. Are all the temples so different?

A single stairway led down, nearly blending into the jagged mountain wall, and I wanted so much to explore what lay hidden beneath.

Keiran gave me a gentle tug, pulling me from my stupor. "I'm not sure I've ever seen you quite so stunned."

"The temple is just so . . ." My gaze drifted back to the gemstone eyes of the dragon.

"Ahrea's temple was magnificent at one time, if my father is to be believed."

The sound of two conversing men finally drew my attention. Vinnie sat with a handsome bearded man in finely tailored clothing. Faint wrinkle-lined eyes a shade lighter than Vinnie's and Keiran's. While he appeared older than the two men I was with, it was only by a decade, maybe two.

Vinnie looked at me, still smiling at whatever the man had said.

"Meet our father," Keiran said as we approached the two of them. "He's quite knowledgeable about the temple."

Vinnie stood. "It's been a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Tempest." He waved over his shoulder and headed down the pathway we had entered from.

"I'll leave you in my father's hands." Keiran released my arm and briefly took my hand in his. "Until we meet again, my friend." He let my hand fall to my side before disappearing down the stairs I'd seen.

The older man chuckled beside me. "Those boys have always enjoyed making a swift exit. Sit, sit," he said, patting the bench.

I sat next to him. Butterflies fluttered among the jasmine arches, and two blue birds hopped into a small puddle nearby. Both were unusual, given the frigid climate of the mountain, but the cold didn't penetrate this small courtyard above the temple of Evryn below.

"Being the Tempest must be quite cumbersome for you. You seem not at all like the Inquisitive. What is it that you require here?"

I'd always wondered what kind of gift she possessed for such a title. But I asked, "Are you the high priest here?"

He nodded. "For the time being."

"The high priestess of Ahrea's temple has passed. Is there anyone you know who could take over? For now, a scholar at the temple is acting as high priest, but—"

"Is this scholar someone you trust and believe will lead the temple kindly and fairly?"

I nodded.

"I see no need to have him replaced."

"But what if he doesn't want that responsibility?"

"Did he state such thoughts to you?"

Marus had only stated that he felt someone more suitable should be in his place.

A butterfly with shimmering blue wings fluttered closer, and he smiled, holding out a finger. The butterfly landed. "Then I think you have your high priest. You do not need someone else." His wise eyes met mine. "But that's not all that causes you distress, I think, Tempest. Your gift is not an easy one. But there are those who find peace in the middle of a storm." He chuckled. "I can see on your face that you don't believe that. Perhaps shift your perspective. Lightning can start a heart just as easily as it can stop one."

Use lightning to start a heart? It would require an immense amount of control. If it lashed out and came all at once, it would burn.

"Come. I think there is someone you should meet."

He stood, starting for the steps into the Temple of Evryn, and I followed.

It wasn't unlike the temple of Ahrea underneath, except for the bright silvery everflame that lit the sprawling halls and various chambers. We passed a garden of jasmine, no doubt maintained by esprit, surrounding a fountain that poured water from a dragon's maw.

The people we passed ignored us, and they weren't apprehensive—worried about someone harming them. Most even gave me a friendly nod in greeting before going about their daily business.

But the most unusual part was their clothing. There was no way to discern who was priest, priestess, or acolyte. They all wore whatever clothing they found most comfortable instead of robes.

I bit down on the corner of my lip. Every similarity had an opposite, and while I loved it, I also hated it. I'd been taken in by a temple with a high priestess who'd found nothing but disappointment in me—had hated me. In the short time I'd known this old man before me now, he'd been kinder and more open to the tempest than Klareth ever had.

We came to a door depicting the same dragon I'd seen outside. He tugged it open. The smell of books and parchment washed over me, and a lump formed in the back of my throat. It hadn't been that long since I last saw Marus, but it was the longest I'd ever gone without him—without my best friend.

I thanked the gods that he paused, letting me gape at their library and swallow away that lump.

Several people were studying and talking among the various tables, but he headed for the stairs going up. Among the rows of shelves lounged a woman, book in hand. Her little alcove bore several tables covered in tomes and scraps of paper. He cleared his throat, and the woman looked up, blonde waves shifting with the tilt of her head.

"It's a rare sight to see you among those who love knowledge," she said.

He smiled at her and motioned me forward. "Eira, this is Thalia."

She blinked a few times, staring at me, and then jumped up, abandoning the book she'd been reading. "It can't be," she whispered, her eyes widening.

She shuffled around the tables, almost tripping on her sunset-colored dress, which complemented her tawny beige skin. In seconds, she stood almost nose to nose with me. "You've got quite the gift, don't you? Let me guess . . ." She took my hands and turned them palm up and studied them as if she could see beyond the skin. "Of course! It's beautiful but caged deep within." Her big hazel eyes met mine. "Tempest, yes?"

I glanced back at Keiran's father for help, but he was smiling. I sighed and looked back to Thalia, nodding.

She smiled, looking delighted with herself. "You are quite lucky. Ahrea watches over you, though it is an odd gift for her to give. Lucky to have made it here as well, I've heard."

I pulled my hands from hers. "I'm far from lucky."

"No?" She tilted her head. "You escaped a burning city that otherwise had no survivors. You made it several towns over to find your aunt, despite your young age. Most seven-year-olds wouldn't make it more than a few days without help. And now you've found yourself here, alive and well. All rather lucky, if you ask me." She twirled a lock of her hair. "All luck from Ahrea."

I took a step back. Power tingled at the tips of my fingers. How could she know so much about me? I'd never met her. Mythbel burning was recorded history, but she had no way to know the rest.

Ahrea couldn't be watching over me either. At best, those were all coincidences. Being in the right place at the right time—or gods, even the wrong place and the wrong time. Not luck from a goddess.

"You don't believe it." She puffed out her full bottom lip in a pout. "But you should. I believe the gods are watching. Come." She turned on a heel.

I didn't follow. "How could you know all of that?"

She made it a few steps before turning back. She tucked a stray piece of her wavy hair behind an ear. "I'm a Divine too. You have a power far greater in strength, but knowledge is a unique power."

"What are you saying?"

She smiled in a way that reminded me of Marus. "If there's something I don't know . . . Well, let's just say spirits of the dead are quite helpful, among other things." She shrugged and started walking, her dress billowing behind her.

I glanced back toward the high priest, but he was gone. And he'd left me with the Inquisitive.