The Phoenix (The Blood Coven Series Book 5) by T.M. Smith

Author:T.M. Smith [Smith, T.M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Published: 2023-11-01T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter Nineteen

With so much going on, Harley was finally available to help Indigo in her search for a sword. Something about Cleopatra. Brak insisted he accompany her to Egypt. Was insisted a strong enough word? No. He crossed his arms over his chest and arched a brow, refusing to allow her to travel without him. She agreed because she was still inexperienced with portals and because her demon was so damn sexy when he worried about her.

Having arrived at the Alexandria National Museum when it opened, Harley was now scouring through ancient documents for any mention of a sword with a ruby-studded hilt and Cleopatra.

She sat on the edge of her chair at a table, flipping through ancient books, documents, and scrolls, using her new skills as a knowledge absorber.

The Blood Coven descendant was excited with her gift, comparing herself to a speed reader on amphetamines. Not only could she go through reams of material in mere moments, but she could decipher words in any language. Her newly attained power fit. As a lawyer, she had enjoyed researching legal documents before trying a case.

While she did her thing, Brak and Roark played the intimidating muscle, leaning against the wall, bulky arms crossed, alert for any attacking books or artifacts. Indigo fiddled on a cellphone in the chair beside her.

Despite Amani’s initial refusal to allow them access to original sources, Indigo persuaded the museum’s historian to open the archives. Harley suspected a spell was involved.

With gloves on as required, Harley relaxed in her chair, sticking a finger in the current book to keep her place. “This is an account of the Battle of Actium, September 2, 31 BC. Mark Antony had fewer but larger ships than his adversary. Octavian, who later ruled the Roman Empire as Augustus, commanded better trained crews who outmaneuvered Antony’s fleet. Cleo’s lover retreated, burning the ships he could no longer man. He transferred to a smaller vessel and escaped to face an army at Alexandria in July of the next year.”

“What’s it tell us about Blood’s Kiss?” Indigo set her phone on the table. Brak and Roark perked up.

Harley flipped open the book, tracing a passage. “Okay, here it is. Blah, blah, blah. ‘Antony is a glorious sight with soldiers at his back and his mighty sword of rubies arcing through the air, smiting his enemy.’” She glanced at Indigo. “Maybe Cleo entrusted the blade to her lover.”

Harley read silently for a while. “That’s it. He won, but more men deserted. Failing to get on a ship, he stabbed himself, believing Cleopatra had committed suicide.”

“With the ruby sword?” asked Roark.

“It doesn’t say. But the guy didn’t die right away. When he found out Cleo was still alive, his men carried him to her mausoleum where she was hiding. He died in her arms.” Harley brushed a tear off her cheek. “How romantic.”

One side of Roark’s mouth quirked. “Not very. He killed himself. The idiot.”

“The Egyptian queen begged Octavian for mercy. Not finding any, she killed herself for real in August.

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