Chapter 19 #3
The fizzing sensation from before seems to grow. My arms and legs, which should have been weakened from treading water for so long, feel stronger than ever.
“I’m not sure how it happened either, but?—”
“No, you don’t understand,” Pluto says, his voice unsteady. He sounds afraid. His eyes find mine right as his irises swirl with black. “You have a magical center, an eluviam. You didn’t a second ago, and now you do. That isn’t possible.”
A veil cracks before me, as though the world I’d been viewing in dull colors now shines through with a vibrancy. Trees are greener, the water is pristine and clear, and the sky above us is the bluest I’ve ever seen.
“I…I have a…?” Words fail me as I search Pluto for an answer.
To my surprise, the elf cracks a smile. Fear has vanished from his expression. “I’m not sure what else to say other than congratulations, Prince. I don’t know how or why, but you have the forest’s blessing.”
I desperately try to mask the foolish giggle tickling my throat.
I have an eluviam.
Pluto turns to face the shore, where Ronan sits cross-legged and tosses pebbles into the water. He doesn’t seem to notice that I’ve resurfaced, nor what I’ve brought with me. And he certainly isn’t aware that I have somehow acquired the ability to use magic.
“Do you think he’d understand if I told him?” I ask the elf. “How can I explain this thing inside of me without sounding like a complete imbecile?”
Pluto blinks at me, his mouth twitching. He tilts his head toward shore. “I’m not sure you’re aware, but your friend over there can also use magic. I’ve been able to sense it ever since you two entered the forest.”
“Ah, Ronan served my brother before,” I explain, earning a skeptical reaction from him, but I continue. “He obtained magical elixirs from the royal court’s mages to make it easier for Xavelor to use magic in battle. He probably has the smell on him, since he carries them with him everywhere.”
Pluto doesn’t respond. He merely continues staring at my aide, who is still chucking rocks into the water with a bored expression.
“Ronan!” I yell. At his name, he perks up as a dog would, and his eyes align with mine. I raise the fish, my smile widening.
He scrambles to his feet and cups his hands around his mouth. “Congratulations, Your Highness!”
Pluto coughs, but it sounds suspiciously like concealed laughter. He dips his head in Ronan’s direction. “Let’s head to shore?”
“Yes.” I laugh. “Before one of us gets pulled under again.”
We swim back together and get dressed.
I breathe a sigh of relief when my ring is still there, but when I pick it up, it feels strange in my hand. Heavier. Colder.
The twin dragons carved into it seem to stare at me, questioning. Will you put the ring back on? Do you know what will happen if you do?
Conversation between Ronan and Pluto ebbs while I process whether I’ve heard the ancient voices of dragons or I’m experiencing hallucinations thanks to the newfound power throbbing in my chest.
Put the ring in your pocket. Keep it close, but never on a finger again.
I almost jump at the voice, unsure of what to think of it. It’s not the same as the tallup’s, and it doesn’t sound like any voice I’d heard before. It isn’t my own either.
It has kept your magic blood captive for far too long, the voice continues, confirming I’m not just hearing things.
It’s right—simply seeing the ring makes my head hurt and my fingers blister from its iciness, so I slip it carefully into the pocket of my trousers and pat it once to ensure it made it safely inside. The glassy spikes I’d taken from the Sanvira clink against the metal.
“Will you be able to make it back alone?” Pluto asks, focusing on me. I clear my throat and nod.
“Ronan has been in and out of the magical forest with Xavelor before, so I’m sure we’ll be fine.
” I extend a hand, and after a blink of hesitation, Pluto shakes it.
“Thank you for helping us find the tallup. And for everything else. Do send us news of any developments concerning the Sanvira, should any problems arise. I think I speak for all of us when I say we don’t want our peace to be broken. ”
“It’s been a pleasure,” he says, his tone softening. “I don’t know what in the seven hells you need Ether for, but after meeting you, at least I know she’s in good hands.” His eyes are molten as he growls, “But if I find out you’ve done anything to her, I will make you suffer.”
“Calm down, Moonbrain ,” Ronan barks. Pluto scrunches his nose and bares his teeth. “Ramiel wouldn’t hurt a fly. If you’re such a good judge of character, you would know he’d never lay a hand on her.”
Pluto smirks, but it is not kind or respectful, and I find myself grimacing at its hostility.
At how quickly it’s changed from before.
“Oh, I know. I just want to make sure the prince knows his place.” He doesn’t say it, but the aura in his expression screams, especially now that you have magic coursing through you.
“It isn’t your job to put a prince in his proper place,” Ronan snarls.
Pluto ignores him, now cocking his head at me. “Also, you—” he jabs a finger at me “—owe me a trip to the castle for my help. I want to confirm Ether’s well-being, with my own eyes.”
“The king would not like that,” I say, and Pluto squints. I sigh and nod, defeated. “Assuming all goes well, I’m sure I’ll be able to make a visit possible.”
Satisfied, the elf retreats to scale a tree. From his perch on a branch, he peers down at us, amusement lighting his face. “Until we meet again, Prince.” He bounds off the branch and disappears into the canopy.
Ronan spins to me.
“Ready to go home?” All bite from before is now replaced with tiredness. His shoulders slump forward, and he arches his back. He seems relaxed, at least.
A chuckle comes from my throat. It has been a long few days, and I can’t wait to share my news with Ether.
“Yes, let’s head back.”
I clap my aide on the shoulder. He winces, then laughs.
We make our trek through the woods, and thanks to Ronan’s memory and sure sense of direction, the return feels far shorter than the journey here.
Our conversations are sparse, but his presence is steadying in its own right.
I hope he finds the same comfort in mine, though perhaps he’s simply used to this.
He accompanied my brother everywhere, after all.
Maybe the silence doesn’t faze him. Maybe he sees this as duty, not friendship.
The thought is somewhat sad.
He leads us through trees, occasionally remarking his annoyance about how similar they are, and we don’t stop until we reach the inn in Arcanvale at dusk.