“That crystal,” I said. “What properties does it have? And why did the wraith want it?”
He pulled the crystal from beneath his shirt. It glowed faintly in the early morning light. “The Illumina crystals store magical energy. In Faythander, they’re mostly useless, as magic can be found anywhere and there is no need to store it. In Earth Kingdom, however, the crystals automatically become more valuable. The portal we’re traveling to will have to be opened with magic, and I suspect the beast’s magic is limited here.”
“So, the creature needs the crystal in order to open the portal?”
“Precisely. I fought him off last night, but I was only able to do so because the magic from the crystal aided me. If not for it, I doubt either of us would have survived.”
“Why didn’t you use its magic sooner?”
“I don’t want to waste it. In Faythander, the crystal would have an easy time of regenerating, but not here. Now, it’s only got enough magic left to open the portal.”
“Why didn’t you tell me this sooner?”
“Because now you’re the only person alive who knows I have the crystal, and I would like for it to stay that way.”
“Does this have something to do with the elves? Aren’t those crystals only given to royalty?”
“How do you know that?”
“I’ve spent some time with the elves. My brother was engaged to the princess, and she also wore crystals similar to yours. So what’s the story behind that crystal? Did you steal it?”
“I didn’t steal it, but it would make a lot of people angry if they knew I had it.” He tucked the crystal back under his shirt.
“Why all the secrets?” I asked. “Who are you hiding from?”
He gave me a shrewd glance. “Why do you want to know?”
My eyes met his. I realized we were more similar than I’d first thought. He had his secrets and I had mine, and neither of us was willing to part with them, so I decided to change the subject.
“Where do we go from here?” I asked.
“We’re leaving France. I’ve already bought tickets for the train. Its speed is maddeningly slow compared to the light carriages, but we have no other choice. We’ll have to be careful today. That beast is still after my crystal. He’ll be tracking us, so we should be prepared for a fight.”
He reached in his bag and pulled out a slender rectangular box. When he offered it to me, I took it from him, surprised at its heaviness. The box was made of handcrafted leather and looked expensive. Why wasn’t I surprised?
“What’s this?” I asked.
“I got you something. When I saw this, it made me think of you.”
As I opened the lid, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but inside I found a knife with a mother-of-pearl embellished handle sitting atop a bed of blue velvet. My eyes widened as I stared up at Maveryck.
I ran my fingers over the mirror-smooth blade, and then I stopped, staring, but not touching. I’d only been given a blade by one other man, the man who’d left me with scars.
“Is something wrong?”
“I—I’m not sure if I can accept it.”
“Why not?”
I studied the sleek pearl handle. Gold filigree decorated the cross guard, forming the likeness of a phoenix, each of its wings overstretching the guards. My heart pounded in my chest. It’s just a knife. It doesn’t mean anything.
“I’m more skilled in searching for quality than functionality,” Maveryck said. “Is it not acceptable? Should I return it?”
He lifted the box off my lap, but I grabbed his hand before he could take it away.
“Wait. I’d like to hold it first.”
“You’re sure?” His eyes held a fervent passion as he studied my face.
“I’m sure.” But I wasn’t. I reached for the knife, trying not to notice my scarred hands as I picked it up.
The moment I held it, I knew it was mine.
The metal warmed as I held the grip. Was there magic in the blade? Why did I feel as if it spoke to me?
Fear settled in the pit of my stomach. It was the same feeling I’d had when I’d first held the goblin blade. I stared up at Maveryck.
“Have you enchanted it?” I asked.
“It’s an Earth Kingdom weapon. There’s no magic in it.”
“Then why does it feel like there is?”
“I don’t know. Do you have the ability to detect magic?”
“No, not exactly. It just feels strange. I don’t know how to describe it.” I tightened my grip on the handle, and my heart raced with excitement. This was mine—the weapon I’d been searching for since I’d lost my goblin blade. But was it more? I still wasn’t sure I could accept it—wasn’t sure if I was ready for such a blade.
“Why did you get this for me?” I asked.
“Because it suits you. I realize there are subjects from your past you do not wish to discuss, but from what I’ve seen of you, I can say you are a brave warrior, and you have a pure soul. If there are people who have hurt you, then let this be the symbol of your redemption.”
Redemption?
“Is it acceptable?” Maveryck asked.
“I’m not sure.” I returned the blade to its box.
“Give it time. You don’t have to accept it now.”
I only nodded.
“The train leaves soon. Are you ready?”
My eyes met his. “Yes. I’m ready.”
Half an hour later, we’d made it to a large building packed with people. We wandered through one hallway after another, through metal gates that opened and closed behind us, while sounds of beeping and engines and voices filled the air.
Maveryck had given me a leather scabbard to keep the knife on a belt, and I’d secured it around my waist. I wore a gray
