The Burning Flowers

Chapter XIII

Why? Why did you reach out to him? I don’t want him here for this! If Lunara isn’t who she claims to be, then Nigreos could very easily become her pawn! His love for his sisters is admirable, but I fear that it could be used against him! What on earth were you thinking, Angel?

“I do apologize, Abi, but I could sense his internal conflicts. He was on the path to demanding he come along anyway, regardless of what I did. My decision to warn him was in the fragile hope that he would heed us and turn away. Unfortunately, he did not, and we will have to proceed with Nigreos in mind.”

Abi clenched her teeth but internally conceded The Angel’s point. If it sensed that Nigreos was about to press them for information then she supposed speaking to him was the only logical answer. The young nature mage spared a glance to her right, watching both Lunara immediately beside her and Nigreos on the opposite side of his sister. Her teammate appeared nervous and a thin layer of sweat was occasionally visible on his brow whenever the firelight struck it at the right angle. As for Luna, she was either very good at hiding her feelings or she hadn’t realized Abi was luring her away, for she was smiling as she walked. If this wasn’t Lunara Noctis then whoever was posing as her had studied her personality flawlessly, with their momentary interaction in the corridor almost enough to make Abi wonder if she was being paranoid.

A part of me wants to stop suppressing my sense, but if I get a reading that takes me down again then I won’t be able to investigate. I need to choke back my discomfort and do what I need to do.

For the moment, Abi’s plan was to lead Lunara away from the other denizens of the castle then have The Angel reach out to sense for Leiolai Sartella’s biological magic. Normally, she would have had the creature of Cansi do so in the hallway since it had proven it could use its senses while suppressing its mana, but the second they approached Lunara and Nigreos, The Angel did exactly that, only to confirm what Ilirianna had told them. It did not sense Leiolai’s magic at all, and normally that would have been enough to ease Abi’s worries. However, Leiolai managed to conceal herself when she was spying on their conversation with Neah back in Nocatlus, so they were afraid that a simple scan wouldn’t be enough. The Angel wanted to use more power in order to be certain, but to do that, it could not conceal its magical output. Lunara would know when they did it, so they had to be somewhere she could be safely apprehended should The Angel determine this wasn’t Luna.

The northwestern tower was the highest point of Castle Saientia so it was quite a walk to reach the library Abigail had selected for this plan. Yet, from what she knew, it was rarely used because of how far from the main corridors it was, so when they arrived, she was unsurprised to find it empty. The room was small for a library, perhaps only around two-hundred and sixty four square feet, indicating that it was only used only by a select few individuals. Upon entering, they were greeted by a beautiful floor-to-ceiling window spanning most of the wall ahead, and from their position, the only thing higher than them was the Grand Observatory off in the distance. Moonlight streamed into the dark room, illuminating the dusty bookshelves that lined the right side. The left consisted of a few tables for one to sit at and read, also with a thin layer of dust coating the surface.

Even though she was walking into a very dangerous situation, Abi couldn’t help approaching the window and gazing out at the Five Rings, their lights flickering beautifully. Her thoughts shifted towards those down in that very city. Ilirianna and Ryokumo were almost certainly in contact with Keskivaara, and if there wasn't much of a wait on the gondolas, Faye and her team would probably have just arrived in the entertainment district. Abigail raised her head, surprised to find that the sky was quite cloudy, foreshadowing a potential snowstorm on the horizon, though they weren’t so dense that the moon was fully covered.

“Alright, Abi! How can I help ya?” Lunara chirped, not even a slight hint of deception in her words. When Abigail turned around, she found the younger woman smiling at her comfortingly, as if having noticed Abi’s apprehension. “Is everything alright?”

This girl… Is there really a chance that she’s not Luna? I mean, I’ve only known her for half a year now, but I’ve spent a lot of time with her. I feel like I consider her a friend…so could Leiolai or another member of the Kosah-Rei really trick me? Or Nigreos, for that matter? Would a guy like him not instantly realize that this person wasn’t his sister? Was my sense not actually related to Luna?

“Just say the word, Abi. I’m ready when you are. And if you change your mind, I’m okay with that, too.”

Do you…think this is Luna?

“Loathe as I am to say it, I have no idea.”

Abi took a slow and deep breath, closing her eyes so as to not have to face Luna’s warm expression and Nigreos’s anxious one. There was no reason to wait. There was no reason to make small talk. If this was Luna, she would apologize for suspecting her afterwards, but with everything that had been going on, Abi could not afford to back down now.

Angel… Do it.

She sensed The Angel’s mana flare, and when she forced her eyes to open, she saw Nigreos watching with uncertainty while Luna’s smile wavered, a flicker of confusion entering her eyes.

“What are you…doing?” she muttered. “The Angel’s here?”

“Abi… It’s very faint, but there is biological mana inside of her. The problem is that it’s not being concealed by anything. Luna hasn’t been altered enough for it to be clear. Something else has been done to her, but I can say with certainty that this is Lunara Noctis, and that the biological magic is Sartella’s.”

W-what? What does that mean?

“It means Lunara has come in contact with Sartella, and that something was done to her. I can’t say for certain whether she even knows about it, nor can I identify what’s been done, but—?! WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?!”

“Ah?!” Abi cried out in pain as The Angel screamed those words in her head. “W-wait!”

She called out a protest to keep the creature from doing anything, but it did not listen to her as it exploded out of the canister tucked into her inner pocket, the black and white slime rapidly expanding and morphing to take the shape of Album Luz, it’s hand glowing with light that it extended directly towards Lunara. The young woman stumbled backwards with surprise, almost certainly believing it was about to attack her, while Nigreos rushed to put himself between them, drawing his own mana to his defense, the shadows bathing the room trembling as Nigreos’s power took control of them.

“Angel?! What the hell do you think you’re doing?!” Nigreos roared. “I allowed this to progress because I’ve come to trust you and Abi, but I will not stand by peacefully as you threaten my sister!”

The Angel’s features contorted challengingly. “Step aside, Son of Darkness. I need to ask her a few things.”

“Yeah? I’ll step aside when you stand down!” the dark mage spat back before turning to regard Abi with disbelief. “Abi?! What’s going on here?! What exactly were the two of you planning to do to her?!”

“I-I… I don’t… This wasn’t a part of the plan!” she sputtered, hating the accusatory look he was directing at her. “But… Nigreos, she has biological mana used on her! The Angel sensed it! Sartella did something to her!”

The Angel’s light flared even brighter, its warning becoming more aggressive. “Yes…and what she’s done is twisted. I couldn’t sense it at first, but as I probed deeper, I found the truth. I understand what you thought you were doing, Lunara, but this was not the answer to your dilemma!”

“Ah shit… You can sense even that? Damn it all…”

Nigreos’s eyes widened as Lunara mumbled those words, and when he glanced over his shoulder, he found his sister’s early cheer completely gone, replaced by a dark and almost sad expression. “L-Luna? What is it talking about?”

Luna’s shoulders slumped with defeat as she looked not at her brother, but at The Angel. “I did what you said to do, yet you’re looking at me like I’m revolting? Come on, give me a break!”

“This was not what I suggested,” it retorted, though this time, there was disappointment mixed with the anger. “Nigreos, your sister has aligned herself with the Kosah-Rei. That one comment confirms it. I couldn’t figure out at first why Abigail’s sense would react to her the way it did, but I get it now. She sensed two results because there were two people she was reading.”

When The Angel said those words, the answer clicked in Abigail Reiner’s head, yet acknowledging it and accepting it were two different things. Desperate for Luna to deny it, Abi turned with a pale face to gaze at the young Noctis, only to find her glaring back at The Angel, as if daring it to speak its next words.

Naturally, The Angel did just that. “Lunara… Neah Noctis has been fused inside of you, hasn’t she?”

***

Ilirianna Iiji’s mind was swirling frantically with strategy after strategy as she desperately tried to come up with a way to get out of her current predicament. Fifty percent of the Fifth Ring’s population was allegedly charmed with the combustion magic of the Kosah-Rei, meaning that if she made even one mistake, Rotana Vesh would cause one of the biggest losses of life in the modern age. She did not think for even a second that he was bluffing even though it seemed utterly ridiculous. How could he have possibly managed to curse such a large number of people? Her only guess was that it could only be explained by whatever was done to place the spell to begin with, but if using the combustion magic was as easy as that, then why hadn’t he killed higher priority targets in these past few years? There had to be an inconvenient way of casting the curse or else he wouldn’t need Keskivaara.

Then again, he somehow managed to use it against Lady Clara and Lady Nium, so is it possible Lord Cartigan is included in the fifty percent? Could Ella be, too? Damn it! I doubt that ring is the trigger, so it’s probably impossible for me to steal it and prevent this… I’m backed against a wall…

Gritting her teeth with self-loathing, Ilirianna was once again at the mercy of Rotana Vesh. It was just like back at the Aquesen ballroom when she was forced to watch the entire roster of guests brutally die right before her eyes. She was an Iiji, one of the most powerful mages in the entire realm, but time and time again, she was placed in a position where that power could not be used, and it infuriated her more than anything ever had. Vesh was always one step ahead of her, so all she could do was slump her shoulders and obey him.

“Very well,” Ilirianna muttered. “Kumo, sheath your sword.”

She could see the rage in Ryokumo’s eyes, but he was a smart guy, so she knew without a doubt that he had come to the same conclusion as her. Scoffing, he returned his blade to its sheath, though not without softly growling, “You’ve made a grave mistake, Keskivaara. I will not forget this.”

“With all my heart…I hope you are wrong, Mr. Caeli.”

Keskivaara really sounded like he was in pain, telling Ilirianna that what he had done to them was truly a last resort. His interaction with Ryokumo was soft enough that Vesh and Tali did not hear it, the former leaning forward and gesturing towards the two open seats.

“Good choice, Ilirianna,” Vesh said with a chuckle. “Now unfortunately, we were not expecting Mr. Caeli to be attending, so we are short one spot. I hope you do mind standing?”

Ryokumo narrowed his eyes. “Not in the slightest.”

“Perfect! Then please…”

Ilirianna begrudgingly stalked forward to take the chair just across from Vesh while Keskivaara sat down to her left, finally giving the princess a clear view of his pale features and trembling hands that he attempted and failed to hide on his lap. Ryokumo placed himself just behind Ilirianna, his right hand resting on the pommel of his sword, but while his mana was not drawn to his hands, it was also not dormant. He was ready for anything, and it comforted Ilirianna to know she wasn’t here alone. At the same time, she feared for Ryokumo’s safety should things turn violent.

The only silver lining is Abigail’s report of the incident in Soladnay Park… She said Tali Firrik fled the moment the battle began, so my hope is that she is not a combatant. If that’s the case, Vesh and Keskivaara are the only ones we need be weary of. However…who’s to say which one is the most dangerous.

“Alright,” Ilirianna began sharply. “You’ve manipulated me into coming here, so say your piece and be done with it. You called this a negotiation, but I can’t help doubting that’s what you’re here for. From the sound of it, you already got what you wanted from Keskivaara.”

Vesh grinned pleasantly, leaning forward and resting his head on his fist. “Who said this was a negotiation with Keskivaara, hmm? No, Princess, we called you here because we wanted to talk with you. Though, actually, I should correct myself. It was my associate and friend here who truly desired an audience with you.”

The man motioned towards the still silent Tali, whose innocent eyes and wide smile gave off the impression of a young girl who had no business sitting among the Kosah-Rei. “Yes, I’m the one who wanted to speak, but first I feel it’s the polite thing to properly introduce myself. I’m Tali Firrik, the Voice of the Goddess Rei! It’s a pleasure to meet the two of you, though, Ilirianna, technically we have spoken once before!”

Tali gave a wink and a cute giggle, but Ilirianna kept her features neutral, knowing how crucial it would be to remain composed. “You mean when you were posing as Yoral Malloway?”

“Exactly!” Tali chirped. “You honestly left such a good impression on me, and I’ve thought about you a few times since. It’s an honor to have an opportunity to speak with you properly and as myself. I have only the utmost respect for you.”

The young woman then bowed her head, a gesture that felt more genuine than Ilirianna cared to admit. Had this interaction taken place even a mere hour earlier, she would have believed without a doubt that Tali was putting on a performance, but given Abi’s account of how her sense reacted to this woman, Ilirianna just couldn’t dismiss the possibility that Tali was being truthful—that she actually did respect Ilirianna despite her position in the Kosah-Rei. So, as if to try to counter these intrusive thoughts, she shook her head and gave a retort.

“Your words seem hollow when placed alongside your actions,” she said. “Respect for me? For what reason would you ever respect me? I’ve been at the front lines of our conflict with you and your damned cult. I’ve personally killed plenty of your followers, and I’ve witnessed what you’ve done in Hiriech and Noctalus—the violence you wreak. You’ve all made your opposition to the government obvious. You’ve murdered Lord and Lady Malloway, Aeyir, Ladies Nium and Clara… You’ve kidnapped and perhaps even killed young Neah Noctis, yet you wish to bow your head to me and claim respect? Forgive me for regarding your words with disdain, Tali Firrik.”

Tali raised her head, her beaming smile unwavering, as if Ilirianna’s words did not mean a thing to her. “Yes, I suppose from your perspective, it must seem odd. Much of what I do and say is strange to even my closest friends. It’s perfectly understandable for you to doubt me, but my words come from my heart. So may I correct something you have said?”

“Go for it,” Ilirianna grunted with disinterest, but Tali continued as if her reply had been enthusiastic.

“Yoral Malloway killed herself. She became heavily depressed and felt suffocated by her unloving and lonely marriage, as well as by the weight of being Lady of Hiriech. She was overcome by guilt and self-hatred, so she took her own life. We never harmed Yoral.”

The princess furrowed her brow, yet again sensing nothing but genuine sadness from Tali. “E-excuse me? But you—?”

“Yes, I posed as her,” Tali interrupted. “But I felt nasty doing so, and it was only with Mallicent’s explicit permission. Yoral Malloway was a sweet woman who did not deserve her end… I know we’ve done a lot of evil, and I do tell myself that it’s for a greater meaning… I accept the blame for the deaths of people like Aeyir, but I do not wish to take credit for the evils I did not commit. The structure of this world killed Yoral Malloway, not us.”

“Perhaps you’re right.” Ryokumo spat out those words just as Tali went silent, and though Ilirianna had hoped he would remain quiet, it seemed he just couldn’t let her comments slide. “But I do think that had Yoral Malloway lived to see her son’s coming-of-age, then she would have burned with the rest of them. Do not pretend as if you would have spared her. Your words hold little meaning when I remember how Aeyir Malloway’s head was severed before my eyes by a man who he trusted dearly.”

“And tell me, Mr. Caeli,” Vesh cut in, fixing Ryokumo with a bitter glare. “Who was it that killed Mallicent?”

Ryokumo stood up straighter, a momentary flicker of regret fusing with his anger. “Me. I killed Mallicent Malloway because I needed to protect the people of Omaruo. He threatened to slaughter innocent magicless to keep us at bay, so I did what I had to do in order for the people of Wilham to continue living in ignorant bliss.”

“Hmm…” Vesh leaned back in his seat, as if pondering Ryokumo’s answer. “He was bluffing. If Mallicent said he was going to kill innocent people, then he merely made that claim to protect himself from the wrath of Ijiria.”

“Bullshit!” Ryokumo snarled. “Abigail was present when he tried to kill a magicless girl in his effort to reclaim the realm dagger! He—”

“Tried to kill, you said?” Tali tilted her head with a sad expression as she gazed at Ryokumo. “So the girl lived? Abigail was present to heal her?”

The wind mage snorted with annoyance at being interrupted before snapping, “Yes, she was.”

“So then Mallicent did not strike any vitals,” Tali went on. “He made sure that Abigail was able to heal her while guaranteeing his possession of the realm dagger. The boy was a fire mage, Mr. Caeli, so if he wanted this magicless girl to die, she would be dead. It is our divine orders to spare innocent people from Rei’s flames, and Mallicent took that to heart. No, he would not have killed anybody. Of that, I am certain.”

“Yet you killed him.” Vesh stated this as a fact as he folded his arms across his broad chest, gazing upon Ryokumo with hatred that rivaled the wind mage’s. “Mr. Caeli, you and I both have the blood of Malloway on our hands, yet you would speak as if I am the only murderer in this room? Do you not see the hypocrisy?”

Ryokumo didn’t waver in the face of Vesh’s tone, rather took a threatening step towards the table. “Oh I see the hypocrisy, Captain. I see a man sitting smugly before me who screeched of peace and love seconds before turning that room into a living hell. I see somebody preaching salvation while holding half the population of this Ring hostage! Yes, Rotana Vesh, the hypocrisy is clear before my eyes and I swear on my name, one day you will not be protected by your victims, and when that time comes, I will be the one to take your goddamn head.”

“Is that so?” Vesh laughed mockingly, as if to wordlessly tell Ryokumo that he didn’t even slightly consider him a threat. “I look forward to that day, Ryokumo Caeli, so that I may avenge Mallicent. Now, may we step away from our tangent and return to the point of this discussion?”

“Actually…before that,” Ilirianna began, holding up her hand to pull their attention back to her. “You two wish to negotiate with me, but unfortunately, I have no desire to humor you until you can both confirm that Neah Noctis lives and return her to us safely.”

Upon hearing her terms, Tali merely giggled and nodded. “Oh not to worry about that! If all went right, she’s already in Saientia.”

“W-what?” The princess was once again torn between trusting Tali’s tone and trusting her own logic, which couldn't possibly accept that Neah had been returned to them in the mere hour since she left. “What the hell are you talking about? If you’ve already given her back, then what was the point in taking her to begin with? Why threaten Lunara into coming to Stellareid? What was the damn point?!”

Tali lowered her eyes to the table’s surface, suddenly appearing uncomfortable for the first time. “Yes, that one is hard to explain, but I’m sure it’ll all make sense soon. That being said, we wanted to cure her condition. You probably won’t believe me, but we wanted Neah to live…”

“Like hell you did!” Ryokumo snapped. “Miyon tried selling us the same nonsense! Why would you want to save a daughter of Noctalus?!”

The young woman didn’t even acknowledge that Ryokumo had spoken, but her cheerful demeanor was fading as she considered the situation with Neah, though Ilirianna couldn’t imagine why. She sent a swift glance towards Keskivaara, who was only half-listening as he absently scanned the room, his foot rapidly tapping on the ground.

I just don’t understand what’s going on here! Firrik is clearly unwilling to tell me anything about Neah, and as much as I would love to demand more answers, I guess I really should let them get to the point. They wanted me here for a reason, so it’s time to find out.

“Firrik,” Ilirianna said, motioning for Ryokumo to stand down for the moment. “For the sake of the conversation, I’ll pretend to believe that Neah’s in Saientia. So why did you request Keskivaara bring me here? What do you want from me?”

Tali fidgeted with her hands, her cheeks turning a soft red hue as if she were embarrassed about something, and what she said next was the request of a shy schoolgirl and not that of a treasonous cultist. “You know… You can just call me Tali…if you like?”

“Call you—? Huh? Are you making fun of me? We are not friends so why would ever refer to you so familiarly?”

“But we will be friends.” This time, the young woman raised her head, her earlier smile returning as warm as ever, as if Tali Firrik truly were gazing upon somebody she held dear to her heart. “Someday, you and I will be close friends, and I suppose my knowledge of this fact may have skewed my opinion of you in the current moment. I do look forward to the day when you gaze at me the way I gaze at you now, Liri.”

Ilirianna didn’t have a clue what the appropriate response to such nonsense was, and merely spoke the first thing that came to mind. “Have you lost your damn mind? I’ve known children more coherent than you.”

“That stings a bit, but I’m not surprised,” Tali said with a shrug. “But Liri—”

“Do not call her Liri!” Ryokumo hissed, his grip on his sword tightening in warning, followed closely by the movement of mana in Vesh, forcing Ilirianna to reach up and grab Ryokumo’s arm, shooting him a quick and silent order to stand down.

“Thank you,” Tali said to the princess with another bow. “Look, in order for this conversation to unfold the way I need it to, I should first tell you something about me. Ever since I was young, I have had the ability to see the future through a type of magic I’ve called ‘Time Magic’. It is a blessing bestowed upon me by the Goddess so that she may communicate her desires to me. That is why I am her Voice.”

Ilirianna cocked a dubious eyebrow, once again questioning the sanity of this young woman. Time magic was not an unknown concept to the princess, but it was only theoretical and had been repeatedly debunked time and time again. Seers and oracles cropped up every now and then, claiming to have the ability to see into the future, and they were always exposed as frauds and liars. There was no reason to think Tali was any different.

Though…with the knowledge I have of Cansi, I suppose it isn’t impossible that a magic like that could exist among their descendants. The Angel’s memories do not contain every affinity lost with that realm, so time magic could exist…but how likely is it that Firrik has it?

“I can see the doubt in your eyes,” Tali said softly. “You do not believe me, and I understand that. Most people do not believe me, and even my fellow Kosah-Rei doubt me from time to time. Mallicent certainly thought I was loon, and Barron questions me often. But it is the truth. When I make physical contact with somebody, there is a slight chance that I gain a vision of that person’s future. I cannot control it, so it is always random. In Hiriech, at the celebration, I touched your hand, Liri, and I saw your future…”

As she listened, Ilirianna was still full of doubt, but as Tali said that, she was suddenly reminded of the strange interaction with who she thought was Yoral Malloway. The woman had touched her hand before going into an almost trance-like state for a few seconds. Once she returned to the present, she hurriedly excused herself and departed, only to be found talking with Mallicent not long after.

I really don’t want to give Firrik any credibility, but that was strange…

Ilirianna once again took in the reactions of Vesh and Keskivaara, but neither seemed surprised by Tali’s claims. It made sense that Vesh knew, but if Keskivaara had bought into her time magic, then that might explain how he was convinced to take their side. Noting that particular detail, Ilirianna decided to humor Tali for the moment and see what she came up with.

“Alright, let’s say I believe you,” she offered. “So what? What did you see in my future? You’re claiming we become friends, so what gives you that impression?”

Tali’s grin grew wider as she responded. “I saw one vision, but it was a vision with value comparable to a cave of treasures. We stood atop the Great Lunar Walls of Noctalus, gazing out at the world beyond. We were shaking hands, coming to an agreement that together, we would change this country. You stood with me, declaring your intent to overthrow the government of Ijiria and help create the paradise spoken of in the Ko-Hahn. We were allies with the same dreams and convictions. We gazed at each other as dear friends. I could feel your affection, but also conflict and sadness. I do not know the source of these emotions, but I know that it is where our present is leading us. Every prediction of mine comes to pass, no matter what. If I see it, it will happen.”

Behind her, Ilirianna could hear Ryokumo snorting with disbelief, and the princess couldn’t deny that it all sounded like nonsense designed to manipulate her into allying with the Kosah-Rei. What kind of idiot does she think I am? As if I would ever stand beside these monsters. I do disagree with the philosophy of my family and the other elites, but perhaps Firrik knows this and is playing into it, but her logic is flawed.

Ilirianna laughed, telling Tali that her words were seen as no more than a bad joke. “It’s an interesting claim, but why would I have to join you to change the government? Why would I overthrow an organization of which I am going to lead someday? I will succeed my father, King Markreas, so I have nothing to overthrow. Someday, that throne will be mine.”

“Incorrect.”

Tali said the word with confidence, causing Ilirianna to roll her eyes and let out an annoyed huff.

“Really? Incorrect? How so?” she snapped.

The young woman sighed then took a deep breath, as if preparing herself for what she was about to say. “I am sorry to be the one to break this to you, Liri, and I wish there was a way to do so without hurting you. Unfortunately there isn’t, so as your friend, I will tear the bandage clean off. You are not King Markreas’s heir. You are not an Iiji.”

“Excuse me?” With each word she said, Tali began to make less and less sense to the point that Ilirianna suspected she was pulling anything out of her ass that might help her case. “I’m not an Iiji?”

Tali shook her head. “You are not. I know few of the details since I only garnered this information from that singular vision, but the reason you join me is because you are not Markreas’s heir. Anna-Piura is the next in line for the throne, because she is King Markreas’s firstborn.”

Ilirianna knew Tali was making things up, but for some reason, a knot was forming in her stomach, almost certainly due to how reluctant Tali sounded to be saying these things. At this point, the princess was growing frustrated, so she allowed some of that rage to leak out as she slammed her fist on the table.

“Alright, I don’t know what you’re trying to accomplish, but I am not stupid! If I were not an Iiji, the Empire would know! There were people present for my birth to witness it! I know I am my parents' child!”

“You are Queen Toranei’s child!” Tali insisted. “Yes, you were born from your mother, but King Markreas was not the father! Toranei lied to him, to the Masters, and to this entire country to protect herself, for if the truth came out, she would be executed! You are a bastard girl!”

Ilirianna drew mana to her hands, jumping to her feet as she glared down at Tali. Surprisingly, Vesh didn’t move to defend her the way he had when Ryokumo threatened the young woman, as if he knew Ilirianna wasn’t going to harm her. She could feel Ryokumo’s uncertain gaze on the back of her head as she furiously demanded,

“Then who the hell is my father?! If it’s not King Markeas then—”

“Your father is Nakoma Taurus, the Master of Fire.”