Rion hypothesized the rulers must have hidden them during the strife, which was why he’d never learned of their existence. It had all happened long enough ago that they’d fallen out of the collective memory. And The Aurora hadn’t needed an ark.

Through Herric’s journals, he’d also learned that virulence could be manipulated only with Imperial magic and that once used, it would work again only with the same vein of magic. Thus, no ruler could use another’s ark.

Zerra’s actions had lost her the trust of the Imperial courts all those years ago. She was a ruler in name only amongst the High Fae. Any support she had left was to be found in circles of humans or low fae, and that wasn’t worth much.

Rion watched the Torch spark to life, the flames in its mouth burning with violet, crimson, and emerald. Now would come the time for the official anointing of the future Primary.

When Rion had come to the end of Herric’s journals, he’d scoured the vaults for more but had turned up nothing else. What he couldn’t understand was why King Elias was credited as The Aurora’s first king of the Second Age and not Herric. What had happened to him? And was it Elias who lived inside the Artefact now or Herric?

Ribbons of magic curled from the Torch and wrapped around Rion, Meora, and Nadir—one happy family—encasing them in a column of bright lights.

As the magic twisted around them, Rion heard that voice.

Rion.

It was low and rough, like something rusty dragged from under the earth—the same as he’d heard it on the day of his bonding. He’d returned many times since, hoping to hear the voice again, but eventually convinced himself he’d imagined it.

Rion, it whispered.

But here it was again.

Rion studied his surroundings, searching for the source of the sound. Everything appeared normal. Meora cooed at the baby, bouncing and swaying with the bundle in her arms. Suddenly, the ring on Rion’s hand burned hot, and he did his best not to flinch as it seared his skin.

Rion, the voice said again.

The heated sensation faded as Rion held completely still, listening for the voice to return. His gaze wandered to Garnet, who watched Nadir with the love in his rheumy eyes that Rion should have felt. Maybe he’d just been waiting to meet his grandson before he finally moved on.

Rion, came the deep voice again as the virulence blistered his finger.

He narrowed his eyes, studying the glowing Artefact in the middle of the room. Last time, he’d thought it had come from the Torch, and now he was almost certain. But he wasn’t ascended, so why would it be speaking to him?

Rion, it said again.

“Who is this?” he said under his breath.