Page 25
She bristled at the word, at the kindness. Warmth spread through her palm where he held it. Idonea hated how quickly her body relaxed.
The High Hierophant left the dais, the two Templars and artificer following behind. It was just her, Lysander, and her dreaded father. Her father removed the cuffs, and her wrists ached with sudden freedom. He handed her all her belongings, and she strapped on her utility belt and satchel, sheathing her dagger. They had kept the crossbow, she suspected it would already be in the Templar armoury.
“We’re trusting you with that,” Alcaeus said.
She scowled at him. “You’ve no right.”
He sighed. “Show some gratitude. You’ve no idea what I saved you from, daughter.”
“Don’t call me that.” She jerked her head towards him, eyes flashing. “Don’t dare call me that.” She spied Lysander taking a few steps back, as if to give them distance.
“Very well.” Alcaeus’ jaw tightened. “Idonea it is.”
“Will you let me go my way?” she asked.
His eyebrows drew together. “I will not break my oath. I am an Exemplar of the Order.”
Idonea scoffed. “I’ve more important matters than your rank within this poisonous order.”
Alcaeus cleared his throat. “Like it or not. Your path is now with me. Tomorrow, we leave the capital.” He glanced at her appearance. “The sooner the better.”
“How will you force me?” Her hands clenched. She’d sacrifice a few years of her life if it meant obliterating this temple to escape.
“Because you wouldn’t hurt an innocent.”
She raised an eyebrow. “It has been fifteen years. I am no longer that girl.”
His eyes fell to her tattoos, scars, and the blood flecks. “No, clearly not. But you need a bath and new clothes.”
“I like these clothes.” She glowered at him, silently begging him to give her a reason.
He glanced at Lysander, who she’d forgot stood there; he was silent and still. “Make her come along. If she lingers here, the High Hierophant may get peevish.” Alcaeus turned and strode towards the archway.
Lysander touched her lightly on the arm. “Let’s go, witchling.” She hmphed at him in response. “Elsewhere is better than here.”
She didn’t respond but followed him out of the accursed white temple. Out in the rising sun, she welcomed the fresh air, even if the cold bit into her flesh. Her eyes caught a shimmer of Lance’s scales. So, he’d stuck around. She contained her smile and followed Lysander, but kept a larger distance from her father.
They led her to a narrow-terraced house, which was three stories high. Lysander locked the door behind them, and Alcaeus stood within a sitting room.
Idonea took a deep breath. “You haven’t asked why I am here.”
Alcaeus relaxed back into the armchair, Idonea noting the salt-and-pepper scruff tracing his jaw. “Well, enlighten me.”
“Nellith has vanished,” Idonea said. “I suspect daemon involvement. And…” She closed her eyes. She had to impress the urgency, the danger. “She had the Heart of Ffyrnedd.”
Lysander tensed beside her while Alcaeus let out a string of curses. Idonea sucked in a breath. They both knew exactly of what she spoke. She wouldn’t let them know about Vinea’s suspected involvement.
“You should've told the High Hierophant,” Alcaeus said and made to stand. “That would explain the heightened Nexis activity we’ve sensed.”
“No!” Idonea’s outburst stilled Alcaeus. “The order does not have the means to truly deal with this. They, you, fear such things. Fear the Nexis. This is explicitly linked to it. Mishandling it would be catastrophic. Nellith knew she’d be taken, or at least, she’d have to hide. She left me clues. I must do this.” She snapped her gaze to Lysander, who thankfully stayed still.
“My oath is unbreakable, Idonea.” Alcaeus shook his head. “You’ll come with me.”
Idonea slammed her foot down onto the floor. “Your oath is not bound in blood. It is breakable.” Current shimmered nearby. Lysander’s left hand twitched.
Alcaeus stood. “What would you have of me?”
She took a step back, shocked at his question. “Let me find Nellith and this relic. Put a stop to the daemon.”
