The Ashen Raven's Treason

Chapter 2

"We'll start a new schedule. One more complex. Something I can keep track of," Gustus says as we round a sharp corner in the palace, shoving to the side to make room for a cluster of guards preparing to start their next shift. At the sight of the prince, they stand to attention, stiffening their spines to the point of snapping, but my companion doesn't offer more than a passing glance.

I listen to the rhythmic clank of their armor behind us, the jostle with each step and whine of iron plates scraping together. "You have kept track of my releases from the start. This is no different," I contest. "That was a one-time mistake is all. Nothing to worry about."

Gustus arches a blond brow at me, craning around to meet my stare. I roll my eyes at the lecture I know is coming. One time mistakes can cause further complications, like a more difficult time gaining a hold on keeping my Luminary form quelled. After scouring hundreds of library shelves, risking the climb on wobbly ladders to discover Luminary history, I finally found a faded piece written by a man that once took on a second form when granted the power. At the time, the people of Rivian didn't understand what a Luminary was. They set themselves apart, lived their days in isolation, and wrote down everything they experienced.

Useful tools for me to study today. I spent hours reading through what he had written, analyzing every word and trial he faced in his beginning days as a Luminary. Eventually, he drove himself mad and hanged himself. The entries stopped there. I focused on how his Luminary form became more potent the more he used the magic—its desire spiraling out of control.

Like a fraying rope, he described it. The more use, the more wear, and the rope frayed. Our hold on second beings becomes harder to control. Once the rope snaps, there is no way to control it. We're stuck in that Luminary form forever, unless we can find a way to avoid using the power that crawls along our skin at night.

My stomach curdles from the thought. Keeping my second form hidden presents trials of its own make; not using the power entirely would drive me as mad as the Luminary that detailed his experiences.

"One time turns into more than that, Marie," Gustus warns. "What if you're surrounded by people that don't know who you are? People like Cloak."

"That won't happen. If I'm around Cloak, I'm not using my abilities for anything."

He raises a gloved finger. "That's not true. You heal him, don't you?"

I raise my hands in exasperation. "What I experienced today happened because I was enjoying myself. I know how to keep a tight leash on my power, but I just...relapsed. I wasn't paying close enough attention, and it won't happen again." My tight chest loosens with a much-needed sigh. "That, I'll make sure of."

We skip down a flight of stone stairs, met by another sharp corner that leads to a lower hallway. Stone pillars sunk into the walls hold up the stone ceiling, intricately layered with carvings of old Rivian culture, tradition, and tongue. Most of the artwork is too faint to work out, and I don't plan to spend an entire day craning my neck and staring up at a too-tall ceiling that will heed no reward. Besides, Gustus told me that the previous leaders of Rivian were loons. Anything they depicted was false lore.

Gustus links his arm with mine. "Until then, I'll craft you a new schedule," he says. I open my mouth to retort and prepare myself to gesture about. "You'll spend more time in my chambers with the door locked." His words come fast, like lightning striking over a river. "Use the magic when you're taking a bath, reading, or partaking in simple tasks. Even the smallest of releases can keep your Luminary form from acting on its own terms."

"I hardly find time alone for such things. If I'm not here, then I'm in the capital with Castiel. There is too much to worry about at this moment, and I can't add a rebelling power to the mix." I rub at my forehead. A faint ache remains from slamming a lid over my power too quickly at the pond.