Chapter 4 #2
“Glad you’ve heard of me,” Rafe said, though his voice sounded less than happy.
“I’ve been all over the kingdoms and talk with the lowest of low.
Of course I’ve heard of you.” It was always in hushed and reverent whispers, as though if they spoke of the Prince they’d somehow summon him.
No one knew what he looked like or where he lived.
Only that the most desperate would commission him.
According to the rumors, Stula sent him after people who’d cheated death too many times in order to create balance in the world.
But there was the rare occasion when someone recruited a Stulan priest and commissioned him themselves.
Supposedly, darkness followed those people the remainder of their days. A string of seedy legends followed those who commissioned Death’s Prince. The number of beings who went to Stula’s realm because of him… Finley’s stomach fluttered and a shiver ran over her arms.
“So, if you want to keep your friend safe for the time being, I’d advise you to allow me to remain imprisoned, where my magic is stifled, for as long as possible.”
“And you were commissioned to kill Renata too. Don’t you have any remorse? I thought Rose was your friend, but I guess that was all for show. Unless you don’t have a choice,” she said.
“It was my choice to bond myself and my will to Stula’s. It is my privilege to carry out her wishes.” Still, his voice was low, stoic, and impossible to read.
With that the door closed on the plans Finley made with a final and heavy click of the lock. She sank back to the floor. “Well, fuck.”
“Sounds like we finally agree on something.”
A heavy silence hung in the air for a few moments, the weight of the announcement a thick fog of dread in the small space between them.
There was already so much at stake. Ai’s safety, the curse, the crew of The Mystic, and now Rose’s life.
When had Finley’s life gotten so complicated?
For so many years she’d avoided getting involved in politics and the state of the world and kept her focus on The Mystic and her fleets of ships.
The only one she should have worried about was herself and Ai, and now there were so many other people and factors involved.
The sooner of all this was over the better.
“What if we break your curse too?”
More silence, but Rafe lifted his head and tilted it to the side. Then, as though he realized only now how close together they were standing he took a step back. “And why would we do that?”
It was a long shot, and there was no way of knowing if it would work or even in the realm of possibilities.
Saying she could get them out of this without Rafe’s help was a bit of an exaggeration.
Yes, Finley was sure she could come up with another plan, but it wouldn’t be nearly as good or reliable.
“I want to get Gallis’ Chalice from the Paravian mountains to cure my curse. It can do any number of things. What if we can use it to break your bond with Stula?”
“Impossible. I’ve been bound to the goddess for longer than anyone you know has been alive and won’t be broken that easily. Besides, you don’t know what the Chalice can do.”
“But isn’t your freedom worth the try?”
More silence, but it didn’t feel as heavy as it had a moment earlier. Maybe he was actually considering it. “It is an honor to serve the goddess,” he finally answered and went back to his cot. “And you know nothing of Gallis’ Chalice. The deities keep it hidden for a reason.”
Finley’s lip curled and she crossed her arms. “Princess Eira used it to save her father from a sleeping curse. Why can’t I use it to cure mine?”
“Princess Eira was incredibly fortunate it worked. Mortals abused the Chalice for centuries and the most minute error could be made with the ingredients, and the consequences would be devastating. They used it to toy with the line between life and death and why that dragon is there in that castle now.”
Finley blinked a few times at the new piece of information. “What are you talking about?”
Rafe sighed, sat on the cot and leaned his back against the cave wall.
“Centuries ago, Aytigin was living in the castle with his lover as they were devout followers of Luana and were entrusted in caring for her treasures including the Chalice which Gallis gave to Luana for safe keeping. Aytigin and some of Luana’s priests thought it was a brilliant idea to experiment with the Chalice and would bring themselves close to death then revive themselves.
They claimed it helped them commune and experience the deities in ways life couldn’t.
One day, the experiments went too far and resulted in his lover’s death.
It’s no wonder the spirit who haunts Luana’s Castle is as angry as she is.
Aytigin has been cursed and bound to the castle ever since. ”
Finley strummed her fingers on her arm and absorbed the story. So that’s who the ghost was. She shook her head. “But what does that have to do with me? I don’t plan on using the Chalice for such warped reasons.”
He leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. His yellow eyes turned dark. “Trust the deities’ choice in not allowing mortals to have the Chalice and stay away. You don’t know what it can do and the consequences it can bring.”
Finley stepped toward the cot and scowled down at him. “I respect the deities but make my own choices. I’ve been doing just fine not blindly following some legend. I’ll find a way to get the Chalice with or without your help.”
His jaw tightened, and a low growl escaped his lips. “I know the choices I’ve made and went into this life with eyes open. I’m not the one who is blind here.”
Anger burned in Finley’s chest, and she turned on her heel and walked back to her side of the cave. “So says Stula’s lap dog.”
Rafe growled but said nothing. Which was good enough for Finley for the time being, but that wouldn’t be long. She still needed to get out there and get to the castle. It would be easier with Rafe, but if he wouldn’t cooperate, she would need to figure out a way on her own.