Lowering his voice, he responded, “As I said before Ezra is considered family to Jhase. He’s the son Jhase never had, and Ezra’s uncle believes it does him well. As for me, I never bother to stay at an inn. Claire always offers me hospitality, and I’d be a fool to decline. I left behind my parents and brothers to live here. The fact I’m accepted is enough to remind me I made the right decision.”
Declan’s words caught me by surprise. It was hard to imagine him as an outcast when everyone included him. Perhaps there had been a time when they frowned upon his presence. We had never been visited by a Shadowland mage in Rajoor. The younger generation of mages no longer had cause to hold grudges based on how others practiced magic.
Grabbing my arm, Declan led me into the bakery. I realized I had not commented on what personal information he shared with me. His story soothed my doubts about the true reasoning for his and Ezra’s presence in the castle. However, it did not calm my nerves. While Claire remained missing the aftermath of her actions stayed intact in Ninomay. Whatever caused her disappearance had happened recently. Claire had been close to everyone in the Council regardless of if she trusted them or not. I needed a connection to each person, a way inside, or else I may meet the same fate as her.
I sat down at a small round table while Declan ordered food. After the commotion of last night I had nearly forgotten about my appetite. I placed my hands on the table, folding them together, and awaited Declan’s return. He had stayed upstairs with Jhase after the fire, and I hoped he had more information about what they uncovered. Jhase seemed to believe this was an internal problem with the Council. Though his actions were harmless, this was hardly the time I wanted to be forbidden to participate in meetings.
My company returned and sat in the seat across from me. He leaned in and asked, “How are you feeling?”
“Surprised... that I’m alive. The fire was a warning. If the person had access to my room, why not kill me? Why a fire when they can stab me in my sleep?”
“Whatever the reason, it was risky. Everyone is on high alert. Jhase will stop at nothing to determine who’s responsible.”
The baker approached our table, carrying two plates of muffins, and placed them in front of us. Declan thanked the man and redirected his attention to me again. I picked at my muffin as I thought more about last night’s events. At this early hour the bakery was not full with customers yet. We appeared to be the only ones sitting inside, and the baker returned to the kitchen without any interest in our conversation.
“Jhase didn’t want me in the meeting or inside the castle. I don’t know what good I can do outside amongst the locals,” I said, sighing. If only we were able to search for Claire perhaps I would have some piece of hope to hold onto. With it being light outside it was too dangerous to search around the island.
Declan groaned. “Be thankful you are alive today to have this conversation. I could not bear to lose you too.”
“But you barely know me,” I said without hesitation. The words slipped from my lips quicker than I desired. While I wore an illusion of Claire, I did not want people to desire my company solely because of her. I needed to preserve myself throughout this journey, though I also did not look at my own face as often as others.
“I’ve listened to you and seen your work with the Council. You have a good heart like your sister. It makes no difference if you were ‘dead’ for the past twenty years. In a month from now we’ll be family regardless of our past.”
Declan took a large bite out of his muffin, but I stared at mine, noticing how much was torn apart. Accepting Jhase as my father would finally allow me to have a family. Isaak had ruined the concept of family, and Mother no longer spoke with anyone related to him. Jhase’s side of the family would grow because of Claire. I wanted to be a part of something bigger.
Neither of us said anything while we finished our muffins. I glanced at Declan, thinking more about his role in Claire’s life. Above everyone else, he seemed the least likely to be responsible for her disappearance. He gained nothing if word about Claire’s absence spread unless he wanted a war on his hands. Shadowland and Ninomay would be at each other’s throats over the threat it caused to their peace treaty. Alas there was nothing to confirm that Declan was in no way involved in recent events. It was not love, bias, or respect that blinded my thoughts toward him. However, the longer I sat with him the more convinced I became. There was logic in my enemy’s actions, and whoever did this hated Claire and her family.
As we stood up and pushed in our chairs, I wiped off my mouth. Jhase’s proposal remained on the table, waiting for my decision. He did not plead me to choose one option over the other, and Mother was not present to change my mind. I had already weighed the privileges and consequences. Though I did not know if it was meant to be a secret, I decided to inform Declan.
“I plan to accept my birthright as Jhase’s daughter and have him declare it publicly. I don’t know when or how, and it might not be soon... But I am finished with secrets. Everyone deserves the truth,” I said.
Declan held the door open for me, and we stepped out into the street again. The sun beamed brighter, and the fog ceased to exist.
“I’ll support you in this decision. Might I ask how you believe your mother will react to his?”
Shrugging, I replied, “Poorly. She’s hidden secrets for twenty years, and now they will haunt her. She tore me away from my life when I was too young to stop her. Now nothing could change my mind. I think I’ve found where I belong...”
He smiled and led me through the street, occasionally stopping for polite conversations with locals. I played along and followed his lead with what he said. Whatever Mother’s reasoning for leaving twenty years ago, I did not plan to leave anytime soon. With my decision to stay I felt more dedicated than ever to finding Claire. Now with Declan’s support I needed a way to search for Claire in my free time. Jhase forbid me from helping the search party, but time waited for no one. Claire could not hold out forever. I would find her at whatever cost so long as we were reunited.
Together with her at my side we could confront both Jhase and Mother about our past. The dirtiest business involved secrets and lies, but the dirt could be wiped away.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Preserve a Secret
With food in our stomach, Declan led me further across the island. Despite my concerns of being too distant from the castle, he grabbed my arm and tugged me forward with him. I stopped resisting him, and after a few seconds he released my hand.
Merchants in the marketplace called for our attention from every angle. It was vaster than what we had in Rajoor. Several merchants willingly approached us, showing off an item of theirs. Repetitively we said our greetings and shook our heads at their offers. Declan seemed focused on the road ahead of him. I glanced at signs for inns and shops, trying to capture it all in my mind.
“Where are you taking me?” I called out. With the size of the marketplace it seemed we would never leave it.
Declan glanced back. “To someone who can help us.”
I raised an eyebrow, and he decreased his pace and halted in front of a shop titled “Rhea’s.” It was the smallest shop we had seen yet, and I questioned what significance it held. Jhase never told us how long the meeting would last, but I hoped this detour would not keep up from returning in a timely manner. Declan held the door open and gestured for me to enter the building. I accepted the invitation hesitantly and stepped inside.
The first room was filled with chairs facing vanities. Curtains draped over the other doorways leading to the remainder of the house. A short stubby woman stepped out from the curtain in front of us and opened her arms wide. She greeted Declan and I, recognizing us instantly. Her red hair was longer than average and held together in a firm braid, drooping over her shoulder. Scanning the vanities again, I noticed combs and hair accessories.
“It would be an honor to do your hair,” the woman said, bowing her head to both of us. My head jerked to Decla
n as I waited for his response. Unless he was in the mood for a hairdo himself, I feared I knew Declan’s reasoning for bringing me here. I already chose to stay in Ninomay, and this visit only reaffirmed the meaning of “stay.”
Declan waved his hand, chuckling. “Oh, nothing for me. But my fiancée—”
“Declan!” I hissed. Remembering the woman’s presence, I cleared my throat and spoke more softly. “Might we have a moment alone?”
Without hesitation the woman left, and I glared at my companion. Whatever his intentions, we could not afford to let a local gain an advantage over the Council. My identity was never meant to leave the castle. Anything done to my hair seemed pointless with the illusion over me.
Declan whispered, “This is the only way I know to preserve your secret. Change your real hair color, and you never need an illusion again.”
I adverted his eyes and stared down at his boots. Dying my hair back to its natural color had never crossed my mind. It was an option I wish I considered days ago. Without an illusion anything else proving my differences from Claire would remain hidden by clothing. I could do this, free myself of this spell and give Ezra a break. The thought of no longer hiding behind a mask warmed my soul.
Despite this, doubt crept into my mind too. My violet hair had been an immediate identification of when I was no longer appearing as Claire. Without it, who was I to anyone? Ezra would have no illusion to see through, and instead of seeing the real me he might see only a reflection of Claire. Everyone around me would no longer see the difference.
Declan’s hand entered my view as he extended it and held my hand. He said, “Rhea is a trustworthy and talented person. We can tell her the illusion was to hide a mistake you made in regards to color choice. I’ll go speak with her now while you decide.”
I closed my eyes and shuddered as he released me and walked away. Hair color did not have to be permanent. I could visit Rhea again at the end of this and return to the violet color. Quietly I sat in the chair closest to me and stared at the mirror. Even my reflection was a lie; I rarely saw my true self anymore. I sighed as I listened to murmurs from Declan and Rhea’s conversation. Who would I become, or was it already too late and I became my worst fear?
***
Declan and I walked in silence on the road leading to the castle. My hair blew in my face, but the brunette color was nothing more than an illusion. My companion made no remarks about my decision, and I chose to focus on the day ahead of us. Any time I had I wanted to spend searching for Claire. Rhea had allowed me to use her home to bathe, as I wanted to be free from the smell of smoke.
Declan assumed the meeting would be over and we could strategize with the others. Perhaps I had made a foolish choice, but I knew myself better than anyone. The only way I could sleep peacefully at night would be to know I had myself fully intact. Nothing from this experience would take away my individuality.
We approached the narrow path leading to the front doors. I recognized someone in the yard and squinted my eyes. Vanessa paced in the yard, and I instantly grabbed onto Declan’s arm. It was not his protection that I was in desperate need of. I wanted to draw the facts to his attention. We had not seen Vanessa since the festival, and now she wandered aimlessly near our home. Half of her family was involved in the Council, but without Claire she was a nobody. Her own mother spoke about her as if she did not exist. She had more motive that anyone to want me dead.
Declan patted my hand, though I felt his arm tighten. In a whisper he said, “She can’t harm you in broad daylight. Besides, we have her outnumbered.”
I sighed, though his response was the most logical. What did I have to fear? She already knew the fire had been a failure because of the Council meeting. Or perhaps this was fate that no one told her, and she now realized I lived. The Council had not let word of the fire slip into the streets. Anyone who was not a part of the castle would not know any better. However, Vanessa only glanced at us and continued to pace around a tree.
Releasing Declan, I raced over to where she stood. Terror overtook her face, and I raised my hand to her. She cowered, but I carefully considered my options. Perhaps it was time I showed my true powers, and she would never attempt to harm me again. She was too close to the Council, and she had already tried acquainting with Ezra. No one would convict her without evidence, but I had everything I needed in front of me.
“Claire! Claire, don’t!” Declan shouted, rushing to stand by my side. A flame ignited in the palm of my hand, but I continued to hold it above Vanessa’s head. “If you do this, no one will forgive you. It will be seen as assault, not self-defense! Stop this at once!”
I glared at him, knowing he could not grasp what I experienced. The ‘careful’ way of finding Claire had given us no further results. I wanted answers, and Vanessa seemed like the best solution. Declan did not understand what I would be giving up by surrendering to her. He touched my free hand, and with a sigh I ended the spell and lowered my hand. It wasn’t far that I had to give up, but I was in no position to go against the Council. Claire needed me to remain strong but not to lose my mind in the process.
“Thank you,” I whispered.
Declan offered Vanessa his hand, but she smacked it away and stood on her own. She glared at us and said, “I’ll be telling my father about this! Everyone will know you for the imposter you are!”
Crossing my arms, I replied calmly, “And then I will tell him about your crimes. You will be found guilty. Confess to me now, and perhaps your punishment will be swift.”
She shook her head and spit in my face. “I’ll never help you again! Claire wouldn’t have threatened my life. You’ve awoken a fire!”
She stormed off toward the castle, and I did not bother to stop her. It was too late; the damage had been done. I wiped the spit off my face and stared down at the grass. Perhaps my actions ruined everything, and there was no hope of saving Claire. Vanessa was a loose cannon, and I feared how much longer Claire had to live.
“No matter the consequences of my actions, we must find Claire tonight,” I said, looking up at Declan.
“Come, let’s try to fix this mess,” he responded. He wrapped his arm around me, and we approached the front door. Declan opened it, and we stepped inside. There was no sign of Vanessa, but I was certain she had already intoxicated the minds within the Council. My words might be meaningless, but my plan remained the only option to ensure Claire’s safety.
Declan and I entered the castle in silence, and I caught a glimpse of Vanessa rushing across the hallway. No one could stop her now, and my fate had turned for the worst. She held an advantage over the Council that I did not. My only hope was Jhase, and even he did not have sole power over the Council.
Declan had been right to suggest a journey back to Rajoor. My mother’s wrath was familiar whereas the Council’s would not be. My feet felt like fire against the wooden panels on the staircase. Vanessa’s fury had already started, and I feared my allies would raise a white flag. This was not the ending Claire deserved, but I would try my damnedest to prevent it. Fighting the Council might cost me my life, but my sacrifice was in Claire’s honor. There were no more decisions; this was a moment of action. People fight with their mouths, but the real sword is in our hands. If all else failed, I would fall back on my magic.
Declan ran ahead of me, passing me on the staircase. I quickened my pace while he waited at the doors to the meeting room. I stared at the room, fearing what awaited me inside. My feet dragged against the floor, but Declan gestured me to continue. Did the dreaded feeling of defeat suggest that we had already lost?
I reached Declan sooner than I could fathom my thoughts. He hesitated for only an instant but opened the doors nonetheless. We stepped inside, staring at the faces in front of us. They stared at us as if we were two teenagers caught sneaking around together. A flush crept upon my face, and I was entirely speechless. I glanced at Vanessa, who stood with her arms crossed and a smirk. Perhaps she had already won half the battle.
&nb
sp; Jhase stood up, pushing in the chair behind him. He faced everyone, but he looked at me directly. His hazel eyes were the same shade as mine. This was his chance to regain the title of ‘father.’ A part of me doubted he would grasp this opportunity. Isaak never had, and no one else bothered filling the void after his arrest. Jhase already had one daughter; admitting my existence to the world was nothing but a headache. Everything was complicated with our relationship, and no one would understand it if I did not entirely myself.
“Vanessa, you may leave,” Jhase said, glancing at her momentarily.
She gasped and stuttered. “B-but she tried to kill me!”
Jhase raised his hand and narrowed his eyes on her. “I ordered you to leave. Wait outside or I will have someone escort you.”
Hesitantly she lowered her head and walked toward the exit. Declan and I moved aside as she passed us. She left the room and shut the doors behind her; we were the only guests left in the room. Jhase returned his attention to me, but I was at no more ease. Vanessa’s father was a valued member of the Council. His daughter’s warnings and accusations would not go unheard. I feared the worst awaited me in this room.
“Clara, a servant identified Vanessa as your would-be assassin. A Watcher also confirmed this accusation, therefore nullifying Vanessa’s claim against you,” he explained.
I raised a brow and snuck a glance at Elias. He did not look my way, nor did Bellona, but they remained silent.
“I’m not sure I understand...”
Alec spoke up. “I spoke with everyone in the castle who was present last night. Someone saw Vanessa enter and leave the building. We agreed on her guilt prior to her interruption.”
“And you believe she also kidnapped Claire?” While the news of this decision was soothing, it all seemed too easy. I too had come to this same conclusion, yet with the Council’s agreement I felt no satisfaction. Claire was nowhere to be found, and no one spoke of new evidence.
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