Mayhem and the Mortal

Mayhem and the Mortal

Author: Shanora Williams Listening Length: 16h 10m
Fantasy Read Online

One mission. One curse. No escape. Zaira doesn’t want a hero. She needs a weapon. To save her sister from a soul-devouring curse, she has to cross The Shallows—a nightmare landscape of ruined magic, shifting paths, and vicious creatures that eat people alive. Her guide? Thane Valkor: sorcerer, assassin, walking red f...

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Chapter 22

Before we’re given access to the chambers, we have to partake in one of Bernwood’s traditions for new guests.

According to this tradition, I’m told to take a gold coin, then they prick my forefinger, and I smear a drop of my blood on the coin. After that, we’re given individual crystal bowls with shards of alvanite stone inside them, and I place my coin in my bowl.

If the gray stones stay their natural color, it means you have good intentions for the kingdom. If it turns black, however, it means your intentions are malevolent and could lead to being detained or, worse, executed.

Everyone passes the test…but then it’s Thane’s turn. He’s the last to go, and to say I’m nervous for his outcome is an understatement. I watch with bated breath as he drops his bloodied coin into the bowl. The stones go unchanged, and I blow a sigh of relief.