Gathering Darkness (Falling Kingdoms 3)

Ashur’s smile returned. “You’ll have to wait and see.”

“Is it important?”

“Very.” He left the room and closed the door behind him.

An unexpected twist of hope took hold of Nic’s chest. “Then I guess I’ll wait and see.”

CHAPTER 34

CLEO

LIMEROS

Nic had the crystal. It was real. One component of the legendary Kindred was here, within Cleo’s reach, and it was every bit as beautiful as she’d always imagined it would be.

“What’s this, Ashur?” Amara’s tone was even, but her expression had turned as icy as the frozen shards scattered around the temple.

“I’ve never been interested in violence, sister,” he said. “Except when absolutely necessary. That’s where you’re more like our father than I’ll ever be. If he knew that even that single crystal existed, he’d crush this kingdom to dust to find it, and he’d kill everyone here who stood in his way. I didn’t realize how much you have in common with him until now.”

They were working together—Nic and Ashur. The thought was sweet relief itself to Cleo, just when she had thought all was lost. She spared a glance at Magnus to find him focused on the confrontation, his fists clenched at his sides.

Amara looked mad enough to spit. “I’ve killed no one who didn’t directly oppose or threaten us. But I don’t understand. How did Nic get here before us? He was tied up!”

“Tied up . . . with the dagger I gave him on the ship.”

She hissed out a breath. “And the guard?”

“I took the liberty of slipping some sleeping potion into the flask he always carries with him. And I also asked the driver to take us here the long way to ensure Nic arrived first.”

Amara stared at him with disbelief and disgust. “All for what, Ashur? So this servant boy could claim the crystal for you, like the loyal minion you’ve trained him to be?”

Loyal minion? Cleo glanced at Nic with alarm and he gave her a squeamish look and a slight shake of his head, an attempt to rebuke Amara’s claim.

Ashur stepped forward, closer to the heat of the fire, all around which the melted snow and ice had formed a moat. “That crystal isn’t for me or any other mortal to possess, and certainly not Father in particular. He’s already more than powerful enough.”

“But I want it,” she said.

“No. This magic must stay here and be kept under lock and key. It’s too dangerous to be taken elsewhere.”

Amara stared at him as if seeing him clearly for the first time in her life. “You’re insane, do you know that? I had no idea my brother was insane. I thought he was irresponsible and self-indulgent, but that he could be cunning and deceptive when the situation called for it. I appreciated that, but now you’ve been cunning and deceptive with me. I thought we were more alike.”

“We are in many ways, Amara. But not in this way.”

Cleo remained completely still. Was this true? Did he really oppose his sister in her lust for power?

The very thought of Amara having access to the Kindred, even one of them, sickened Cleo. The girl was unpredictable, but she’d tonight she’d also proven that she was ruthless.

“For what it’s worth,” Nic spoke up, clutching the crystal as he drew closer to Ashur, “and to address an earlier accusation, I’m nobody’s minion. But I am helping Prince Ashur—and in turn he will help us too, Cleo. I thought he was using me, betraying me, but he’s on our side. None of this would be possible without him.”

“Isn’t that sweet,” Amara hissed. “Brother, you do have real feelings for him after all. I had no idea. You deceived me completely. All for a lowly Auranian guard who isn’t worth wiping your boots on.”

Real feelings? Nic had told Cleo about the confusing kiss he’d shared with the prince. Perhaps that confusion had cleared way to something . . . more?

Nic wouldn’t meet her gaze.

Ashur narrowed his eyes. “Give this up, Amara. You’ve lost. It’s over.”

She shook her head, then began to laugh lightly. “Of course. You’re right. I’ve been out of control. I needed someone to shake me like this, to show me the path I’d chosen wasn’t right.” She let out a shaky breath and drew closer to him, took hold of his sleeve and looked up at his face. “I’m so sorry.”