Page 42 of Forgotten Embers
“That sounds quite vague.” She tried to keep her voice emotionless, but Cara’s face at the moment of her death played incessantly.
The Bishop made his way over to where she stood and peered up at the window. “Lucius, we pray to in all things, for he is our creator. Adrius, Lera, and Agratious we pray to when we need their cunning or their aid in overcoming our enemies. Some pray in fear, others in worship. Serephina, we honor her sacrifice, but recognize the dead cannot answer our prayers. She is included in all our depictions of the gods, but it is not for anything but tribute.”
“She died because she betrayed her siblings and saved humanity,” stated Wren matter-of-factly. She had already read all of this and used the knowledge to ground herself.
“Yes, her betrayal to her siblings was great. Even Lucius, who was grateful for her intervention, recognized the betrayal. Her other siblings never forgave her, and have long sent their displeasure for humanity in the forms of plagues and famine. It is said that Adrius, Lera, and Agratious began to enjoy ruling over humanity and influencing its evolution. Some say they forgave Serephina, others say their wrath is long and true.”
“They sound terrible. Why would anyone pray to those that would see them destroyed?” The genuine question flowed from her lips.
The Bishop gave a knowing smile. “Better to court the good will of the wicked than to be at their mercy.”
“I suppose it would depend upon your own value of yourself.” She knew she shouldn’t have retorted in such a way, but this man made her feel an anger she hadn’t known before that churned and mixed with her fear till she wasn’t sure where one emotion ended and another began.
He seemed delighted at her response. “One might believe so. How are you faring in our fair kingdom?”
Wren loosed a breath as she realized she could no longer be the court manipulator that Lady Daugherty wanted her to be. “Why did you bring me here?” And then the question that kept her up at night. “Why did you kill her?”
He continued his eerie smile. “Only time can tell.”
“You murdered her.” She felt near to quivering with rage as she gripped her dress to keep from lashing out.
“I did.” He turned away from the window and looked towards her. “Do you want to know what happened to Serephina?”
Wren wanted to say no and leave, but her own curiosity was a sin in itself. She knew he was toying with her, but she also knew that she would endure all of it if only to know what was happening to her.
“They say she lived a mortal life full of love and bore many children that carried on her magic. Her line protected and elevated by her brother Lucius. They say her other siblings hunted for her, but could not find her. This we know is likely true because her magic still fills our lands today.”
“But the magic is fading,” she added, pointing out the error of his logic.
“Yes. Yes it is fading,” his voice solemn as he reached a hand up to toy with the edge of his long white beard.
“Does that mean her line is dying out?” Her need to know burned into her.
“Some believe so.” He seemed to be waiting for something and Wren fought the urge to shy away from his searching gaze.
Wren realized with certainty that he was not willing to give her the answers that she needed. He would give her just enough that she would keep needing more. Frustration burned in her, making her chest feel tight. Every vague answer only led to a new rabbit hole of questions. There was no peace that he would willingly give to her.
As her thoughts churned, he watched her and she was left with the sinking feeling that he looked very much like a cat who was toying with a mouse. Wren swallowed hard, but tried to will strength into her voice.
“One day you will pay for your crimes.” She turned not waiting for a response.
When she was finally free from the chapel she shivered knowing that his cold eyes never left her back as she willed herself to walk at an unhurried pace.
Chapter 18
Thelibrarywasquietand familiar to her now. She felt safe in its leather-bound books and its promise of knowledge. Wren had devoured the book Wesley found for her. She had been able to confirm the theories the Bishop had hinted at, but still she could find nothing about other worlds or how magic was gifted.
There was nothing about markings or dreams in all of its pages and when she had closed the book it was with a heavy heart. Wren ran her finger along the edges of the leather-bound books, trying to read the titles that might offer her some hope of answers. Wren’s hand landed on one that sought to answer the distribution of power.
As she flipped through the pages, she quickly realized it was also made up of theory. Seeing no other titles that promised her any answers, she tucked the book under her arm and curled up in the same chair she had sat with Wesley. She had tried to ignore the sinking feeling in her stomach when she had scanned the library and found his chair empty, but as she sat down she felt his absence once more.
Trying to stamp out the strange feeling, Wren cracked open the book and searched for answers in its old pages. The book detailed similar theories the Bishop had discussed, such as Serephina’s line dying out, and those being chosen to have magic based on their merit.
Wren easily rejected that theory quickly because if the Bishop had magic when so few did, she refused to believe that it was based on merit. The author continued on to discuss a theory about Lucius helping Serephina to cheat mortality despite enraging their siblings further. This theory did not garner much attention because the magic would not have weakened over time if she had maintained her immortality.
Wren was startled from her reading when the library door slammed open and gave way to one black-clad prince who looked to be in particularly poor spirits. He scanned the library and Wren’s heart beat furiously waiting for his eyes to land on her. She did not know why he inspired this reaction in her, but as he stalked towards her she was sure she had never seen his anger directed at her.
“I need to speak with you somewhere private.”