Page 175 of Scars Beneath a Serpent’s Scales

Emmeline glanced down at the papers. “Interesting how?”

“The different renditions reminded me of Fates, and we know that site is one of the oldest to exist on the isles. It seems to be deeply rooted to them.” Regina had told them originally some of the nearby cave drawings were second oldest to Gemmi, the isle of secret caverns. Who was to say this temple itself wasn’t, too?

“I also found one article that references Selene.”

That had Emmeline’s heart beating again. “What? Who was she?”

“She was a three-pronged being, supposedly—a figure more than real person. She encompassed the Goddess of Fate and Celestial Movements, the Angel Valyrie, and a third, unknown being. Evidence implies that particular Angelic temple ruin was dedicated to her.”

Emmeline flipped through the transcriptions as Regina spoke, reading the words for herself. Sure enough, it was all there.

Had Selene been a living figure connected to all three? A symbol? She couldn’t be sure. But there was a reference to her position in history, finally. Only…

It was too late. They’d gotten an answer, and it was too late.

Emmeline sighed, folding the papers to avoid disappointing herself further. “I appreciate the work, but they already know who’s responsible for the murders.”

“Maybe it can help provide you or Myrella some clarity.” Regina’s features were cool in the blue glow from the stained glass lining the hall to their dormitories. The two women stopped at the entrance to the stairs. “I don’t know what a lot of it means, but closure is a good thing. Something all of us deserve.”

Emmeline swallowed the lump in her throat and held the notes tighter. “Thank you.”

“I should go. I told Charisse I’d meet her for a drink at the Star’s Luck Tavern. Do you want to come?”

The invitation stretched out to one of the pieces of Emmeline that went cold today, but she said, “I’m okay. Thank you for the offer.”

Regina squeezed her arm and turned down the hall. Just before she rounded the corner, Emmeline called out, “How is she? Charisse?”

Regina looked over her shoulder. “She’s healing. We all are. We’ll get there.”

Emmeline nodded at her, too afraid to say that she wasn’t sure how she would, and the history instructor left.

She didn’t have it in her to look at the research right now. As she climbed the steps to the instructors’ hall, all she wanted was to sink into her bed and sleep for hours. Hopefully she wouldn’t dream tonight. She didn’t think her heart could take it.

Emmeline stepped into the second-floor corridor and spotted two shadowed forms seated against the wall near her door.

“What are you doing up here?” she asked. “The Temple Master wants everyone at the opening—oh.” She paused when the faces of the children came into light, what strength she still had threatening to crumble. “Leo, Vivienne.”

“Hi, Emmeline,” the boy said. His sister clung silently to his side, both of their eyes red.

“What are you two doing here?” she repeated, softer this time as she knelt before them. The corridor was drafty, and their red-knuckled hands were locked tightly together as if they’d been waiting here for some time. Reaching out, she took each of their free ones.

“We found out where your room is from some of the students. Sorry about that,” he muttered.

“Don’t be sorry,” she insisted, squeezing warmth into his cold fingers. “Why are you here, though? Where are your mother and Siena?”

“They’re sleeping. We have a suite near our uncle’s. Everyone knows we’re related to him now.”

“But everything is all wrong,” Vivienne cried, cheeks pink and braids messy. Emmeline fought her own tears.

“It is all wrong,” she agreed as an ache twisted her chest. “I know it is. I’m so sorry for what’s happened.” She hugged them both, wishing she could absorb their pain. They didn’t deserve all the ghosts that haunted their family.

When they pulled back, Leo squared his slim shoulders. “I’m the man of the house now, and I need to fix this. Roremar always fixed everything.”

“Oh, Leo,” Emmeline said, brushing his hair out of his eyes. He looked for all the Fates like he was barely holding it together, his lip trembling, spine curving in. “You’re still so young. I know it may not feel like it, but you should get to be a kid a while longer, not have to take on that responsibility.”

“Roremar always fixed things,” he repeated as if it had become his mantra.

“I don’t know how we can fix this,” she admitted.