Chapter Fifteen: Marked | Part 4
The next few days passed in a haze of more studying for Thirtyx and Seerla and more plotting for Rhea and Benn. Even if they convinced Azirenne to punish the Selkies, she couldn’t do so without proof. The twins had tried several times to persuade Seerla to pretend to make nice with her old friends—spend time with them by the lake or get a confession out of Nephrie, then have Rhea magically certify her memories as evidence.
She turned them down flat every time.
“Look, you weren’t there, okay?” she cried at last. “That night—it was traumatic! I legitimately thought he was dead. Everyone did, and they were thrilled about it!” Her face went an ashen color between gray and green, her eyes manic, her fingers pulling at the end of her braid with erratic force. “I can’t face them. Not now—maybe not ever. There has to be another way.”
At first, it seemed they might have time to find that other way, with Comps season firmly upon them, and most seniors tied up in exams. Thirtyx had stopped carrying summoning beads whenever he had to walk anywhere alone. He’d mostly reclaimed his own bathroom and shower schedules instead of constantly working around Benn’s.
But with each passing day, another Comp ended, and another group of classmates became free to plot another attack.
“I managed to snag a meeting with Azirenne on Thirspane,” Rhea announced at dinner, mere days before the Law Comp, the final test being offered. “I told her I’d heard rumors that raised concerns about testing security. She might not be happy when she realizes I mean testing security for you.”
Thirtyx chuckled. “I’d say I’m proud, but if you’ve been given the gift of lying, why not use it?”
“If Benn hasn’t made headway on proving the Selkies are marked, why are we looping her in now?” Seerla asked.
“I’ve made headway!” Benn said defensively. “I was halfway through designing a spell that would allow me to breathe underwater and camouflage myself from beady seal eyes and certify my memories in real time. But that was before Grimm decided to make us formally apply for our apprenticeships because it’s a rite of passage.” He dropped his fork and rubbed the bridge of his nose with both hands. “You think writing an essay about your career aspirations is hard when you’re writing to a complete stranger. Try writing one to your dad.”
“Especially when that dad designed your career aspirations.” Rhea stabbed her fork into her casserole with unnecessary force. “This is so pointless. Does he not realize we have enough going on?”
Thirtyx gave them a sympathetic smile. “I appreciate you getting this on Azirenne’s radar, regardless. I can hope that everyone who’s done with their Comps is also busy with apprenticeship applications, but—”
He cut off as a puff of purple smoke appeared before him, leaving a note in its wake. His stomach clenched. Was it another summons from the headmistress? But no, the letter was addressed to ‘Thirtyx,’ not ‘Venmagalion,’ and it wasn’t Azirenne’s handwriting.
Thirtyx, it read.
I need to talk to you. Farish is acting weird. I’ve heard rumors that something crazy happened at Ambrosia’s party during the Magic Comp, but no one will share any details.
Did my brother try to hurt you? If so, I want to help however I can. It’s dumb the way everyone’s turned on you, especially after everything you did for Terre Mackawn. Dain feels the same way. He helped me send this letter.
I want to know the truth and tell you what I’ve seen. Meet me and Dain at the coffee stand in the rec hall tomorrow before class. Rhea and Benn can come too.
Sincerely,
Mercuria
“Well?!” Rhea demanded after several moments of Thirtyx gaping at the note. “What in the twin hells could make you make that face?”
“It’s from Mercuria,” he said weakly. He laid it on the table for them to read.
Benn was shaking his head before he’d gotten halfway through. “No. No way, this reeks of a trap.”
“But she said you two could come,” Seerla said. “If she was setting up an ambush, she’d want to get him alone. Besides, Mercuria and Dain were so nice to Thirtyx during the auction planning.” She looked at Thirtyx, her eyes filled with a hope he wanted to feel himself. “Maybe you have more allies than you think.”
“Selkie allies,” Rhea pressed. “This might be the key to the proof we need!”
***
REMINDER: Traitor to the Throne is now posting on a Tuesday/Thursday schedule.
Calley Jones 