Page 247 of Of Masks and Fury

Addie gently applied ointment to a cut across Kerralyn’s cheek.

“They’re building power first.” Kerralyn’s hand snapped out, latching onto my arm. “They were angry to lose Addie because she has Velacross’s blood.”

“Me too.”

She nodded. “Your blood and power would make this easier, but they’ll use whoever they can.”

“Fenmark,” Addie cried out.

“I’m sorry.” Tears sprang up in Kerralyn’s eyes.

“Fates, no.” Trew’s face had gone pale. “We took those condemned in Caldrith and they need new sacrifices.”

“The red-haired woman was there too,” Kerralyn said, her voice fading. She slumped back on the cushions. “Couldn’t see her face. But she was…giving orders. Like she outranked Alfred.”

So we still didn’t know who the second controller was. But it didn’t matter now, not with them about to destroy any chance of sealing the veil.

“There’s something else,” Kerralyn said. “They’ve got Kira, and she’s not doing well.”

“What do you mean?” he asked.

“She’s being held with the others. They’re going to sacrifice them all.”

Kirawasn’tthe second controller.

My relief was immediately swallowed by horror. She was a prisoner. She’d been a prisoner this whole time, while we’d been treating her as a suspect.

“Without Isi and Addie, they’ll have to work harder,” Kerralyn said. “But they seem to feel they can do it.”

“We’ve got to stop them,” Trew said.

“How?” Addie sat back on her heels, her face pale. “We’re almost out of time and definitely out of options.”

I met Trew’s gaze, seeing my own determination reflected there.

“We have exactly what we need,” I said. “Each other. Our companions. And without Addie and I, there may be time to stop them before they open the veil forever.”

“If they’re already building power,” Kerralyn whispered, “you’ll be walking into the middle of a ritual. And a veil sealing requires a sacrifice.” Her eyes found mine. “You know that.”

“We have double bonds, veil-sight, and absolutely nothing left to lose,” Trew said.

Pherin landed on my shoulder, radiating agreement.

“We have to try,” I said.

Addie settled on the sofa near Kerralyn and tucked the rest of her bandages into a bag. “We need to leave right away.”

“Are you well enough to lead us back there, Kerralyn? We have dragons.”

She nodded. “Do you have anything to eat? I can’t remember when I last had food.”

I rushed to the kitchen and brought back a meal. We watched as she ate.

“I have some clothing that will fit you,” Addie told her. “I’ll pack you a bag.”

“I’ll grab our things too,” Trew said, leaving the room with her.

I remained with Kerralyn, helping her to a bathing chamber after and sitting nearby in case she needed me while she cleaned up and dressed in a new outfit.