Chapter 9
Mathias sat in his chamber, the weight of the day pressing heavily on his shoulders. The court session had been a disaster. Ava's death had sent a ripple of unease through the room, and though he had expected treachery, he had not foreseen this outcome.
Across from him stood Grendy, ever watchful, ever silent, until Mathias finally spoke.
"Tommen asked about Alissa," Mathias said, his tone unreadable.
Grendy frowned. "Did he mention the betrothal?"
"No," Mathias said after a pause. He exhaled, rubbing a hand across his face. "Perhaps it's better if no one speaks of it."
Silence stretched between them before Mathias finally straightened. "It is time we return home."
Grendy gave a small nod of agreement. Neither of them spoke further.
---
Hosea moved carefully through the dimly lit corridors of the palace, his steps making barely a sound against the stone floor. The path to the hidden chamber was familiar-one he had walked many times before. The torches lining the walls flickered, casting long, shifting shadows that twisted like ghosts.
As he reached the heavy wooden door, he paused. His voice was quiet, controlled. "Is she inside?"
A hooded figure stepped from the darkness-his shadow guard. "Yes, Your Highness."
Hosea gave a slight nod before pushing the door open.
Inside, Mia sat with an air of ease, as if she were a guest rather than a prisoner. The flickering candlelight cast a soft glow on her face as she lifted her gaze to meet his.
"You look so much like your father," she mused, tilting her head. "But very different."
Hosea did not react. Instead, he studied her, his blue eyes cold and unreadable. "You act as if we've met before."
Mia let out a soft hum. "Because we have. The first time I saw you, you had just been born."
His expression remained still, but something flickered behind his eyes.
"Your mother was beautiful," Mia continued, her voice gentler now. "She didn't deserve what happened to her."
A sharp breath caught in his throat.
The words triggered something deep inside him-
A memory, fragmented but vivid.
He was small, barely able to understand what was happening.
His mother's screams-raw, desperate.
The sound of footsteps pounding against stone.
Two faceless men dragging her away, her nails clawing at the ground, her hair disheveled, her face twisted in terror.
And then-him, hiding beneath the secret door, barely breathing, hands pressed tightly over his mouth as he watched the scene through the cracks.
Her voice broke through the darkness one last time-calling his name.
And then-silence.
The vision passed as quickly as it came, leaving Hosea standing motionless in the present.
But when he spoke, his voice was steady, devoid of emotion. "That was a long time ago."
Mia watched him carefully. "And the sweet boy you once were is gone."
Hosea's lips pressed into a thin line. "He is."
A long silence stretched between them.
Then, he took a step forward. "Tell me where my sister is."
Mia met his gaze without flinching. "I don't know."
Hosea exhaled slowly, his jaw tightening. "I don't believe you."
She smiled faintly. "That's understandable."
He narrowed his eyes. "Her body was never found. I know she's alive. And I know you can find her."
Mia tilted her head. "Perhaps. But even if I could, I wouldn't give you the answer so easily."
Hosea's patience was razor-thin, but he kept his emotions in check. "Then what will make you talk?"
Mia leaned back slightly. "I can't tell you where she is," she admitted. "But I can confirm if she's alive."
Hosea studied her for a long moment. Then, slowly, he reached up to the chain around his neck and pulled off a delicate necklace. The pendant was small, well-worn-a belonging of his sister's that he had kept all these years.
He handed it to Mia.
She took it gently, rolling it between her fingers. Then, closing her eyes, she began to chant softly under her breath.
The air in the room thickened.
The candlelight flickered violently before being snuffed out completely, leaving them in pitch darkness.
Then, as suddenly as it had gone out, the flame roared back to life.
Mia opened her eyes.
"She's alive," she confirmed.
Hosea's breath left him in a slow, controlled exhale. He had known it, but hearing the words still sent something sharp through him.
"Where?" he demanded.
Mia shook her head. "I couldn't see."
His fingers twitched at his sides, but he did not let his frustration show.
Mia rose from her seat and stepped toward the door. Then, she paused, turning back to him.
For the first time, she reached out, placing a hand lightly on his shoulder.
"The gods see your pain, Hosea," she murmured, her voice carrying something between pity and certainty. "And they have a plan for you."
His body tensed beneath her touch.
"I don't believe in the gods," he said coldly.
Mia smiled faintly. "That's what makes their plans all the more interesting."
She stepped past him, and Hosea turned to his shadow guard.
"See that she leaves the city safely."
The guard nodded, moving to escort Mia away.
As she disappeared down the corridor, Hosea remained standing in the dimly lit chamber, gripping the empty chain in his hand.
His sister was alive.
And no matter what it took-he would find her.