“The Crystal Caverns have long been a mysterious enigma,” Lord Ophain continued, ignoring his temperamental nephew. “Some claim it to be the gate to the dark realm that the Father built to keep our world separate. Others theorize it’s solidification of raw magic from when the Gods created life. No matter what you choose to believe, there is something about the properties of the stones that can be found there which can alter a sorcerer’s natural abilities.” The lord took a sip from his drink. “The war was started because people had returned to the Caverns in another failed attempt to claim its powers for their own selfish greed—powers that have the potential to warp even the strongest of sorcerers, faster even than a Commons because of a sorcerer’s magic Channels.”

“What does this have to do with me?” It was interesting history, but she didn’t know why it was relevant.

“Why did the West want Windwalkers?” Lord Ophain returned her question with a question. She was beginning to see where Aldrik got his teaching style from.

“For their magic,” Vhalla said uncertainly. She’d only read one book.

“To access the caverns.” The lord leaned forward with grave seriousness.

Aldrik nursed a drink from behind the bar, still ignoring them.

“Why ...” Her voice had dropped to a whisper.

“Because Windwalkers are the only ones, of all sorcerers or Commons, who cannot be tainted by the crystals.” Lord Ophain finally gave her the answer that she hadn’t wanted to see on her own.

“So then—” Vhalla looked to Aldrik and stole his attention. “You don’t want your father to know because you don’t want him to have this power.”

“If he can have it or not is irrelevant.” Aldrik topped off his glass before returning to his seat. “I don’t want you used by anyone.”

Vhalla’s heart couldn’t even skip beats at his words, her mind was too heavy. She had a power that could give access to an even greater, ancient magic that had the ability to warp the hearts, minds, and bodies of men. Vhalla gripped her hands tightly. Minister Victor had asked her to bring him a crystal weapon. She now knew why, and why it had to be her.

“But enough on history and dark ‘what ifs.’” Lord Ophain attempted to disperse the cloud that now hung over the room. “May I have a demonstration of your abilities, specifically this Projection I have heard of, in advance of tomorrow?”

Vhalla obliged him and was better for it. The wonder and excitement Lord Ophain had toward her magic helped Vhalla overcome the worries and fears of the Crystal Caverns. The war was over and people had learned their lessons when it came to crystals. While Vhalla agreed with Aldrik’s decision to keep secret the fact that they did not affect her negatively, she also decided not to worry about it.

They talked over dinner and into the evening. Vhalla began to contribute more yawns than words to the conversation, and Aldrik finally noticed their dozing companion. “You should rest.”

“Oh, no, I’m fine.” It would have been more convincing if she hadn’t punctuated the statement with a yawn.

“You need your energy for tomorrow.” The prince stood, offering her a hand. “Get some sleep.”

Vhalla realized with the way he turned his body that he was about to lead her into the bedroom. “I could go back to the inn,” she said quickly.

“No, I want you here with me.” He paused. “If you still wish it also.”

Vhalla smiled softly at his addition; in a way, it was adorable to watch a born and bred royal attempt to be less princely. “Of course I wish it.” She squeezed his hand lightly. “I’ll sleep out here tonight,” she offered.

“No.” Aldrik shook his head. “I will be burning the midnight oil with my uncle. I have not seen him in too long. Take the bed, it will be much quieter.”

Vhalla nodded, and Aldrik relinquished his hold on her, satisfied that she was not about to leave. Vhalla turned toward Lord Ophain as the prince went to retrieve her pack from behind the bar. The Lord of the West had a knowing smile.

“Lord Ophain, it has been a delight to meet you,” she said earnestly.

“I can only say the same, Vhalla. A friend—of Aldrik’s is a friend of the West. I will see you tomorrow.”

Vhalla noticed his smirk and couldn’t stop herself from blushing. All too eager to hide her embarrassment, she grabbed her pack from Aldrik, bid them both goodnight, and slipped behind the wooden sliding doors into the dim bedroom beyond. A flame flickered by the bedside and in the bathroom, hovering above a metal dish that had been set out. Vhalla made a note to someday ask Aldrik how Firebearers left their flames, but for the time being she was grateful for the light.

Knowing Aldrik was going to take his time, Vhalla decided to take hers, enjoying the luxury of his bath. The water came out piping hot and she let it seep into her bones. The heat relaxed her and staved off the tension in her muscles from turning into fear and worry at the unknown of what the Emperor’s impending demonstration would bring.

She was wrinkled in her fingers and toes when she emerged. Drying and dressing in basic sleeping clothes, Vhalla dragged her feet back into the bedroom. Dim lights still flickered beyond the sliding doors that did almost nothing to block the deep resonance of Aldrik’s words.

“Would you like another one?” he asked, likely from behind the bar with the way his voice carried.