Through High Waters by Allison Paige

Author:Allison Paige [Dagnan, Allison]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Allison paige
Published: 2022-10-17T00:00:00+00:00

XIV

I expected Orias's chambers to be as elaborate as he. They are dull with muted colors of black and gray. On the far side of the room are sheer curtains. There's a glint of black light that slides somewhere behind them. Another curl of wind billows the curtains apart to reveal a shining black wall, from the floor, disappearing somewhere into the heights of the ceiling. It looks like it would be a giant mirror, but from this angle, it reflects nothing in the room. Just darkness.

There is no bed or dresser. A fire burns down the side of another wall on the far side of the room in a waterfall of blue flames, and in front of it stands Orias. He is already facing us, his hands folded behind his back and his face lifted so the blue light highlights his perfect face. When he smiles, it almost looks as if he is glowing.

Raum looks around the room absentmindedly. He seems entirely disinterested in being here even though he is the one that invited himself. The rest of Orias’s personal guard are silhouetted along the walls. The only one I am able to distinguish is Onna, due to her lighter hair standing out amongst the shadows.

“Have you considered my offer?” Orias asks.

My heart slams against my chest. I’m thankful I have my knife on me and that Raum isn’t facing him alone. This is it.

“I will not help you,” Raum says evenly.

Orias’s smile falters and then drops entirely. There is a long pause, one of shock, before he speaks. “Why not?”

“Neither of us is naïve enough to believe we will divide the Power once it is within reach. Have you so easily forgotten the court of four kings? Look where that rule got them.” He turns his eyes slowly back to Orias, as if it’s a task to even look upon him. “When I get to Babel, I intend to take it all for myself.”

The king blinks as he tries to gather himself. “Those kings were weak creatures we cannot compare ourselves to. You think so little of me to be your equal, but–”

“No,” Raum says. “I hold you in high regard, Orias, but in this matter you have no place. This is something I must do alone.”

Orias’s beautiful face twists into a menacing snarl. His eyes fall on me, and I can instantly feel his rage. I should drop my eyes, but the power he holds me with demands I keep looking. It must take great self-control for him not to cross the room and rip me apart. I am certain he wishes he had done it before, when he had me alone. I think he would do it now if Raum were not beside me. It looks as if he considers it anyway as his nostrils flare.

“Why do you really keep her?” His voice is much more composed when he speaks.

Raum strokes the bite on my neck he has yet to heal. His fingers drop down to the invisible one on my shoulder.

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