Shadows of Truth by Astrid Scholte

Author:Astrid Scholte
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Published: 2024-01-18T00:00:00+00:00

Narena stared at the words as though they were written in another language.

Maretta was dead. What did she mean about ‘the other side of the veil’? It didn’t make any sense. And why hadn’t she finished the letter? What did she need to make sure of?

Narena didn’t have time to think it over as her father approached. She quickly slipped the book into her bag.

After helping reshelve the rest of the books, Narena headed over to the Telene Herald. Farrow sat at her desk; her pale skin was almost translucent and her usually bright green eyes were dull and flat. Although she sat at her typewriter, her hands on the keys, she looked as though her mind was miles away.

‘Hi,’ Narena said, sitting beside her.

Farrow startled. ‘Where have you been?’ She turned to Narena accusingly. ‘It’s lunchtime.’

‘The library.’ Narena placed the book on the table for Farrow to read.

Farrow scanned the letter. ‘Who’s Maretta?’

‘Cayder and Leta’s mother. She died seven years ago in an edem-fuelled accident. Although Cayder thought the Regency might have been involved.’

Farrow sat up. ‘I’m listening.’

‘I think the Regency sent Leta and Cayder to the other side of the veil as some kind of punishment. A kind of purgatory.’

She expected Farrow to laugh in her face, but she tapped a finger against her chin. ‘Why do you think that?’

‘Cayder has disappeared. He was supposed to break Leta and the princess free of Vardean, but there’s been no word since the riot. And now this message appears – from his mother, who is supposed to be years dead.’

‘I hate to say it, Narena. But Cayder and Leta might be locked up in Vardean, and that’s why you haven’t heard anything.’ Farrow grimaced. ‘Or worse.’

‘Then what about this message? Why was my name spelled out with books after edem was used in the library?’

Farrow shrugged – a favourite gesture of hers, Narena had noticed. She was beginning to notice all of Farrow’s gestures.

‘Leta believed there was an entire world beyond the veil,’ Narena said. ‘And I know the hullen are real. What if this is where the hullen and the creature that stalked your grandmother came from? Don’t you want to find out?’

Farrow huffed. ‘You know I do.’

‘Then we need to talk to Alain.’

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