Lifeblood (Everlife #2)

I want to preen, sigh dreamily, ask a million questions and frown all at the same time.

“Whatever you said to him worked,” Levi continues. “He released Mr. Prince.”

A cool tide of relief washes through me. Thank you, Killian. “Is Victor in Troika? Is he okay?”

“He is and he’s fine, though he doesn’t remember anything that happened.”

Wait. “Killian wiped his mind?”

Levi tugs the end of his earlobe. “It’s possible, but I don’t know how he could have done it.”

“I’ll ask Killian for details.” And get him into more trouble? I chew on my bottom lip. “Will you help me help him?”

He smiles, as if I’ve just given him the perfect Christmas present. “Yes, Miss Lockwood. I’ll help you.”

His willingness doesn’t surprise me. Levi wants the best for me and even for Killian. He’s that kind of guy.

“Why is Myriad in the dark?” If I’m going to win this battle with Killian, I need to know more about his home. “Why are the citizens drawn to shadows rather than Light?”

Levi and I share a chuckle when Jeremy accidently bumps the ball with his foot.

“Did you know a bridge used to connect Troika and Myriad, and Light used to shine upon both realms?” Levi asks. “True Light comes from the Firstking, the sun a little piece of his heart. Then the Prince of Ravens attacked his father’s kingdom—the Rest. Myriad was cast into darkness, Ambrosine disowned, and the bridge burned. He attacked his brother’s kingdom next.”

“Ambrosine is the problem, then. Not the people.” A captain decides the direction the ship travels. A leader feeds his people truth or lies, filling everyone with love or hate.

How can I use this information to foster peace? Turn my sights to the death of Ambrosine?

What if the bridge could be rebuilt...?

Levi regards me curiously. “I suppose you’re right. The Everlife Grids flow from their kings. Myriadians are connected to Ambrosine, and Troikans to Eron.”

Zero! One step forward, two steps back. “Kill one, kill all?”

“I honestly don’t know,” he says on a sigh. “As you can guess, a prince has never been killed.”

We lapse into silence, lost in our own thoughts. I continue to pass the ball to Jeremy. By the time my brother’s eyelids begin to droop, I’m at full strength, certain I’m darkness free. I pick him up, rock him to sleep in my arms, and carry him to the nursery—Levi shows me the way since we’re in his house. I place my baby bro in his crib and kiss his temple.

“Where’s Victor now?” I whisper.

“He’s home, resting. Miss Brooks is with him, ensuring he has everything he needs.”

Good.

We exit the nursery, and Levi pats me on the shoulder. “Go home. You could use some rest yourself. You’ve had a tough day. Forget about Lina’s song for the night. My brilliant mind is on the task.”

Swept up by a wave of affection, I throw my arms around him. “Thank you. For everything.”

He gives me an awkward pat on the back. “Yes, well.” He clears his throat. “You had better take off before I decide to make you run laps.”

I snort but I also beat feet to the nearest Stairwell. When I exit, I’m a few blocks from the cathedral.

The streets are crowded today, families, friends and coworkers meandering through the different stalls, where linens, hand-carved furnishing and decorations are being sold. I guess everyone decided to visit the outdoor markets at once.

There’s a mix of robes and catsuits, a totally different fashion vibe than I’m used to seeing.

“Hi, Ten!” Clementine calls.

Winifred grins and waves. “Glad to see you’re back on your feet. Want to shop with us?”

Their warm reception is refreshing. “I’m tempted, but I’ve been commanded to rest.”

“Well, poop. Maybe next time.”

They blow me kisses before heading off.

One of the merchants rushes over and places a piece of manna in my hand. “Please enjoy,” he says, bowing to me. “My gift to you for all your hard work on our realm’s behalf.”

“I—”

He returns to his table before I can politely decline. Should I decline, though? A rejection would be rude. I mean, he wanted to do something special for me. The least I can do is appreciate the gesture. “Thank you,” I call, and he beams.

As I enter the cathedral, a message from Kayla comes in. You free? I could really use a friend.

Even though I told the newbies no, I can’t bring myself to abandon my friend in a time of need. I would love to meet up, but I have to rest. Levi’s orders. Come to my apartment!

A pause, then: Let’s meet at the Baths of Restoration. Levi would approve, promise. See in you 5!

I switch directions.

When I reach the baths, I take a moment to enjoy the scenery, an elaborate structure consisting of multiple bodies of water—both hot and cold springs—broken up by arched doorways and massive stone sculptures in the shapes of flowers, birds, horses and winged warriors.

Light falls over me, and I soak it up, buzzing with a sudden influx of energy. My body guzzles the rays as if I’ve been dying of thirst.

The pressure on my lockbox eases. Just like that. I’m stunned.

Kayla exits the Gate, her expression troubled. She gives me a hug and leads me to one of the hot springs. We sit at the edge and dip our toes into the warm, violet-colored water. I gasp as liquid fizzes against my skin.

“What’s going on with you?” I ask. “Did something happen with Victor?”

She stiffens, saying, “Another girl showed up at his apartment, and he asked me to leave. Her name is Martha, and she’s one of the Leaders under General Bahari. They’re in charge of communications. The smart ones. How can I compete with that? He said she’s a friend, and she needed a shoulder to cry on. But it looked to me like she wanted a guy to ride.” She cringes. “Sorry. That was crude. It’s just...this place...the rules. Do you ever feel like it’s all too much? Like maybe you would have been better off choosing—” She presses her lips together, shakes her head. “Never mind.”

“Better off choosing Myriad?” I ask gently. “Where the party never stops?”

She looks left, right, making sure no one is listening. Then she nods.

“Not really,” I answer honestly. “I like structure. But this isn’t about the realm or the rules, is it? It’s about the boy.”

Her chin trembles. She wipes at her eyes with the back of her wrist. “If Victor cares for me, he should want to give me his attention, right? He shouldn’t want to spend time with other girls. Hurting me should hurt him.”

Well. I can’t argue with that. “Have you talked to him about your feelings? Sadly, boys aren’t mind readers.”

“No, but...”

But? “Are you two dating?” I ask.