Page 89 of Tides of Shadows

The witch snorted. “I don’t give fortune for free.”

“I have palladium.” I tossed the coin purse onto the table.

She laughed again, a dry rasping sound.

“I need none of your palladium.” Her gaze drifted to my throat. “So. You have chosen. Or perhaps he chose for you.” Her mouth curved into a knowing smile. “Ehh. Young hearts. So vile. So tasty. So sweet.”

She licked her lips, set down her blade, and moved toward me. Heat crawled up my spine. She drew closer still and inhaled deeply, then she pulled back with a grin.

“Interesting.” She rummaged through her collection of stone talismans hanging about her waist. She withdrew a notched stick and counted the marks along its length. “Oh. And the moon stands full tonight. What a fortune.” She muttered to herself.

“A lock of your hair,” she said.

“Pardon?”

“For you, a modest price. And I shall find use for it.”

For what I wondered with growing unease. She took the same knife she was using, still crusted with dried blood, and with surprising speed for such an ancient creature, pressed the blade against my braid. “Well?”

I jerked my head back instinctively, revulsion twisting my features, but she held my braid tight.

“Cut it,” I said.

She claimed her payment.

“Where is the fourth heir?”

“Oh, the earthborn.” She searched through her collection of beads and bones again. “She does not wish to be found.”

“She?”

“She left.”

These fragmented answers stoked my irritation further.

“Who is she? Where do I find her?”

“She is not here. They search for her as well.” Her fingers traced along the strand until they stopped on a single bead. “They cannot allow you all to stand together. United.” Her white eyes turned black as pitch.

I knew what that meant.

In one motion, I drew my blade and sliced through the air, severing the necklace. Beads scattered across the earthen floor in a cascade of sound, but I heard only one strike the ground with a deep, resonant thud. I knew its color without seeing it.

I shoved the old woman against the table and pressed my knife to her throat. Her eyes cleared to white once more, and fangs gleamed between her parted lips.

“You are one of them,” I hissed.

The witch laughed until spittle ran from the corners of her mouth.

“I bow to no fallen Families,” she said. “And I trust no gods.”

“Fallen Families?” I kept the blade firm against her throat, my hand steady.

“If you mean to kill me, do it now. I don’t have all day.” Her fangs flashed again. I was looking at this creature, not knowing if she was a friend or a foe. Maybe neither. But I knew if she wanted me dead she would try it already. I withdrew slowly, knife still raised and ready.

“Those who win the wars write the history, or hide it.” she said. “The vanquished lurk in the shadows. They wait until all sleep. Until magic and gods fade from memory. And then they strike again.”

She leaned forward and didn’t fear my knife at all. “You will find the answers in your blood. Blood that is thicker than water. Only you can find her. She cannot hide from you forever.”