Starkeeper of the Fractured Crown

Madam Levine gave him a look.

“Translations?”

I couldn’t help the look of confusion I gave him. Did he not know about the translations? “Yes. I’m not claiming to have perfect Sarivosian, but they got a lot wrong. I’m actually quite shocked your High King hasn’t caused a global catastrophe because some of those spells are absolutely terrifying. Maybe not as bad as Forbidden Magic, but still incredibly deadly.”

Madam Levine slid a small jar over. Smaller than I wanted. “She’s right.”

I stared at the jar for several seconds, doing the math in my head. Shit. It wasn’t great.

With an inward sigh, I slid the jar into my satchel and gave her a grateful nod. “See you soon.”

“Not too soon, girl.”

Yeah, not too soon. I couldn’t keep using the Asilos Root for myself. I would just have to deal with whatever injuries Mom gave to me. Everything else had to be for Mark.

All of it.

I pushed open the door, the weight of the warlock’s gaze easing the slight fear still lingering in my spine. I just needed to ignore him; it was that simple. He wasn’t a threat on this street,not really.

Although, I feared every single day I walked onto this street. Everyone around me made a choice not to hurt me, but they easily could, and I would have no way to protect myself.

I would always be the prey.

My gut warmed at the thought, in the kind of way it shouldn’t. In the kind of way many partners had gagged at once they found out one of the many secrets I kept locked tightly away.

Pretty soon, I just stopped asking. Stopped talking to them about it. I went through the motions just to ease myself, but it did little good, not when what I really wanted was—

“Excuse me.”

Shit.

I glanced back, slowing just a step, to meet the ruby-red eyes of the warlock.

I turned back towards the street, heart picking up. Okay, I drew attention when I shouldn’t have. What would he do? What would the people of the street do? Was he going to kidnap me, take me to Satarmore Irsch? Would anyone try and stop him?

Probably not if he was from the Court itself.

I couldn’t panic. I did leave a note for Mark, just in case. “Therian has a curfew,” I explained, flexing my hands at my side. Not everyone was an enemy.

Something flashed in front of me, forcing me to stop, watching a sheen wash across what I assumed was an invisible wall.

My heart slammed, people glancing over, but none slowing. I had gained not a single ounce of sympathyafter all these years. Not one.

“I only had a few questions,” the warlock began from behind me.

I swallowed, wondering if those on the street with good noses were getting off on the fear that wafted from me.

When I didn’t respond, the male appeared to my right, his steps slow, careful, his eyes searching. “I’m not keeping you prisoner,” he explained, the invisible wall disappearing in a flash of red sparks.

My eyes lifted to his, my spine rigid. “I found the street at 9,” I told him carefully. “Everyone was apprehensive, but I was a kid, so easily manipulated. They allowed me to stay. Not everyone likes that I’m here, but I remain quiet, unobtrusive, and they leave me be. That’s it.”

He straightened. “How old are you now?”

I glanced towards the alley, still about 20 buildings away. “24. How old are you?”

His expression softened. “356. My name is Talaroe, but some of my closest friends call me Tally.”

He was trying to get on better terms. Why else offer up that bit of information? I lifted my chin. “I would have guessed 863,” I replied evenly. “Astraea.”