The old druid did not look surprised. “I know of the true use of the Dagger of Dragath, but I never believed we would come to this. And now with your magic within the Dagger . . .” He shook his head and never finished his sentence.
My eyes narrowed into shards of steel as I addressed the old druid. “There has to be a way to get my magic back from the Dagger before he can use it to open the portal.”
Victor raised both his eyebrows. “There is, but you will not like it.”
I felt a chill scuttle down my spine, but I squared my shoulders nonetheless. Whatever it was, I would deal with it. “Tell me.”
Victor held my gaze without blinking. “The only way to retrieve your magic from the Dark Dagger is to be stabbed by the Dagger itself.”
Silence pervaded every breath of air in the room. It was as if the world stood still.
Rafe spoke in a whisper. “There has to be another way.”
The old druid rubbed his neck and looked up at the ceiling, as if searching for answers from some higher power. “I’m afraid there isn’t.” Victor turned his eyes on me, and his tone softened. “While the Dagger is embedded in your body, theoretically, it may be possible for you to pull your magic back into yourself.” He paused. “Mind you, it won’t be easy. The Dagger will fight you for the magic. It was created to absorb fae magic, not give it back, and it will not give it up freely. You will have to fight for it. But it can be done.”
“And what if Aurora fails?” Penelope asked.
I leaned forward, holding my hands tightly together to stop them from shaking.
Victor’s eyes narrowed. “Then the Dawnstar will die.”
The Siege of Stonegate
I took a deep breath and steeled myself. “I can do it.”
I could not allow the general to use my magic to open such a portal. Even if it meant giving up my life so the world would be safe, I was prepared to do it. Although I wasn’t really sure how I would find the courage to face the Dagger when the time came.
“But we still need to get there in time,” said Penelope. “He already has Azaren and the Dagger. Once he gets the key, he will waste no time starting the ritual to raise Dragath. We must get the Dagger back before that happens.”
I looked at Penelope. “Maybe we could contact my grandmother through a mirror portal and tell her to send the griffins.”
Penelope shook her head. “That won’t work. I’ve already tried. No kind of fae portals work on this island. Joreth made sure of that.”
Ashara entered the library where we were gathered. “Kalen is awake.”
My shoulders sagged with relief.
Ashara gave me a sharp look. “He wants to see his mother.”
I sat down, my hands in my lap, my spine stiff. “Go to him, Penelope. We will handle this.”
Sebastian got up. “I will go with you. I need to check on him anyway.”
Penelope nodded, her eyes brighter than I had seen them in days. She rose and followed Sebastian to the infirmary. I was glad Kalen was going to be all right, but we still had a long road ahead of us.
Victor rubbed the day-old stubble on his chin as he eyed Ashara, who had just joined us. “Maybe no fae portals can work on this island. But Joreth never imagined the witches would get involved.” He addressed Ashara. “Could you create a witchstone portal to Stonegate?”
“Yes, I have been there before,” she said with a nod. “But it will take some time.”
“Do it,” said Victor. “Time is the one thing we don’t have.”
“Ashara, are you sure you can create such a powerful witchstone?” Tristan questioned.
“Of course I can,” Ashara scoffed, her eyes narrowing. “Do you doubt my abilities, fae?”
“Frequently,” said Tristan, turning back to Victor. “How do we get into Stonegate and warn Ranthor?”
“Leave that to me,” said Rafe. “I know a secret way into Stonegate. It is magically protected to only open for the Ravenswood bloodline.”
“Blood magic.” Victor nodded.
Rafe glanced at the old druid. “Yes, it is from an old alliance my family has with the dwarves since Dorian the Great was king.” He flashed me a half smile. “Why do you think they agreed to make me your sword?”
I ran my hand over the hilt of Dawn and smiled back at him. My dwarven-made sword, which Rafe had gifted me while he trained me in sword fighting during my time at the academy, was once a perfect conduit for my fae-fire. But now there was no silver fire left in me to infuse the sword with, and it hung at my side like any ordinary weapon.
“Then it’s settled,” said Victor. “Once Ashara makes the witchstone, I will take you to an area where you can open the portal outside the wards.”
Sebastian returned to the library.
I put my hand on his arm. “How is Kalen?”
“Still weak,” said the old druid. “You can see him now, but only for a moment. He needs to rest.”
I nodded and followed Brother Sebastian. Kalen had been moved to a small room near the infirmary. He was lying on a small wooden bed in the corner of the room, propped up by pillows. Penelope was sitting on a stool by his bed, holding his hand.
He smiled when he saw me. “Aurora.”
I smiled back at my old friend and hurried over to hug him. “I’m so glad you are okay, Kalen.”
Rafe came over and patted Kalen on his shoulder. “You gave us quite a scare.”
Kalen winced. “I can’t even remember how we got here. Mother has been filling me in.” He looked up at Tristan, his violet eyes shining. “Thank you. Mother told me you carried me all the way here.”
Tristan came over and squeezed Kalen’s shoulder softly. “And I would do
