My thoughts spin in so many directions, I can’t find purchase on any single one.
“Listen to me carefully, Romeria.” Sofie closes the distance, the object in her grip. “You are about to enter a world unlike that which you know. It is imperative that no one in Islor learns of your true identity. They cannot know about Malachi’s quest. You must use your skills to blend in, just as you have done up until now.” She squeezes my hand, holding it up between us. “And you must not remove this ring for any reason. It is the only protection I can give, but between it and your wits, I believe you can survive. But if they figure out what you are, I promise, they will not let you live.”
She’s said that twice. “What am I?”
She hesitates. “It does not matter. All that matters is that you retrieve the stone. Tell me you understand?” she pleads, a touch frantic.
My head bobs numbly, her words anchoring in my mind but not resonating. As soon as Sofie is out of my sight, I will run. I have done it before. It’s the only way to get away from this madness before it consumes me like it has my parents. “When do we leave?”
“Now.” A gentle smile touches her lips. “And in order to take you there, first, this mortal form must die.”
I’ve barely processed her words when she drives the twisted black horn deep into my heart.