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“It would not manifest as wind and earth magic,” Saylah said, studying Talwyn. “You are Henna’s daughter.” It was a statement, not a question, and Talwyn nodded. “You look just like her.”
Sorin saw Talwyn’s throat bob before she said, “Why would it not manifest as wind and earth magic?”
“Because he was not born to harness such gifts. They would change to a form his Fae body could harness. The magic he was born to possess,” Saylah replied. “They would become fire.”
“You are saying that he would essentially have Henna’s power, but it would be all fire?” Luan asked, the shock evident in his voice.
“The Shifter gift she possesses as well,” Saylah replied. “That would also manifest differently.” Her silver gaze slid to Sorin. “You would essentially be as powerful as an Avonleyan, perhaps more so.”
“Then why did I maintain water and fire when you transferred Eliné’s gifts?” Scarlett cut in, her brow furrowed.
“Because you are not Fae,” Saylah replied. “Your bloodline made you able to carry more gifts.”
Silence fell as everyone contemplated what had just been shared, what was being offered. Scarlett bit her lip, glancing up at Sorin. Her eyes held his as she asked Saylah, “And our twin flame bond?”
“Would be reinstated, just as it had always been,” Saylah answered, and Sorin could swear her tone had softened just a touch.
Scarlett stared at him, hope shining in her eyes, and gods, he was about to crush her all over again. He brought his hand up, cupping her cheek. His thumb swiped along her cheekbone. He smiled sadly, and her face fell because she could read him as well as he could read her.
Sorin pulled her to his chest, and she buried her face in his tunic as he looked at Talwyn. “I cannot ask this of you,” he said thickly, running a hand down Scarlett’s hair.
“You do not have to,” Talwyn replied. “I am offering.”
“I cannot accept.”
“You can,” she said sharply. “I am no longer on a throne. You are. You need this power. I do not.”
He looked to Saylah, who now stood silently, waiting for their decision. “Can she keep one gift?” he asked. “The wind? Or the Shifter gift, since that is not Fae magic? Two of her gifts would still be more powerful than what I had.”
Saylah shook her head. “The magic is intertwined. It is all or nothing.”
“She will be mortal?” Luan asked, his arms crossed tightly.
“She would be as Sorin is now,” Saylah answered. “A powerless being with an extended lifespan.”
“Her Staying?” Sorin asked.
“Would remain for a time, as yours does,” Saylah answered. “For how long, I cannot say.”
Sorin rested his chin atop Scarlett’s head, preparing to decline Talwyn’s offer again.
“If it were not for me, you would not be facing this decision,” Talwyn said. “So let me make it for you. I stole from you. From both of you. Let me give it back.”
“Talwyn, we need to think about this,” Luan said, stepping to her side. “You do not understand everything this entails.”
She tipped her head back to look up at him, a brief glimpse of sadness crossing her features before she wiped the emotion away. “I think I do, Az.”
“Talwyn—”
“It is stupid to keep debating this,” Talwyn said, cutting Luan off and turning away from him. “This needs to be done before I am returned to Alaric.”
“You cannot go back there powerless,” Luan snarled. He turned to Sorin, helpless fury etched along his features. “You will allow this?”
“Stop, Azrael,” Talwyn said coldly. “This is what is best for everyone.”
“Except you,” he countered.
Scarlett was still buried in Sorin’s shirt, listening to the debate around her. She was still, scarcely breathing. He knew she would not contribute to the conversation. She did not need to. They all knew what she would say. Knew that, in this, she would side with Talwyn.
