I was at a loss for words. This was my sister. This was Sarnai.
"Darcio is safe. Kaius would not hurt him despite what he says." Sarnia threw him an annoyed look. He simply shrugged.
Sarnai turned her attention back to me. She studied me for a moment before smiling slightly.
"I do not remember much from our past, but I remembered your face. I made Kaius show you and Darcio to me sometimes. Using the shadows. I've wanted to meet you for a long time."
I noticed Esmeray take her hand and Sarnai smile at her appreciatively at her.
"Guys, it's okay. Let her see the real you. It'll make her trust you more," Sarnai added.
It was like something came alive in them. Killian lounged back in his chair, grinning, Esmeray flashed a feline smile. Kaius' eyes shone with amusement and the smirk on his face was genuine, not mocking, not feral.
"They are telling the truth. We all hate Cadoc. Kaius is like an inside spy. He plays the part Cadoc expects from him. He has planned to kill Cadoc for years. Waiting for the perfect moment. You can help us. I told them we can trust you. Because I know you still care about me."
The doors opened again and Sorin had to grab my elbow to keep me standing upright.
"Darcio!"
He flashed me his lopsided grin and hurried towards Sorin. The both hugged each other and I was left speechless.
This was a lot to take in. Sarnai was alive. Darcio wasn't a prisoner. He was walking around free with a smile on his face. Care free. I hadn't seen him like that in awhile.
Killian was teasing Esmeray, who huffed at him and threatened to kill him in his sleep, Sarnai looked like a giddy child even though she was forty. Darcio and Sorin were talking excitedly.
These people were her friends. People she trusted. But could I trust her? She grew up with them? She could be planning just like them. But Darcio seemed to trust them. And he was the most skeptical person I knew.
I looked up and found Kaius watching me. Shadows unfurled at his feet and snaked their way to the chair beside him, pushing it out. An offer.
Without hesitation, I took a seat. I needed to look sure of myself. If Darcio trusted them, then I could as well.
"I understand this is a lot to process-"
"I will work with you," I cut Kaius off.
Sarnai clapped her hands together.
"Finally, you're here," Killian said to me, still grinning. "Sarnai wouldn't shut up about it. She's been dying to meet you."
Sarnai kicked him under the table, glaring at him, and he stuck his tongue out at her.
"So why have me come here now? You said you have wanted to kill Cadoc for years. So why now?" I turned to Kaius.
He crossed his arms. "Because Cadoc declared war with the Light Court. He wants to take it over like this court. We don't have time to wait anymore."
Kaius held out his hand and a purple orb floated there. "You have all the magic of the courts except for three. Take some of mine and we can talk King Titus into giving you some of his as well. You need all the magic you can get" he said.
I eyed the orb. "Why not just use Sarnai?" I questioned
"I am. I already gave her a bit of my magic. I'm using both of you. But you are more powerful than she is. I am not sure just her is enough for Cadoc," he mused patiently.
"How are you sure King Titus will give me any of his magic?" I continued.
"I have a plan."
"You always do," Killian rolled his eyes.
I hadn't realized until then that Sorin and Darcio left.
Kaius kept his hand out, waiting for me. Slowly, I reached out and touched the orb.
It absorbed into my skin and then I could feel the gentle caress of those shadows. I could hear their whispers, like a soft melody.
I looked up at Kaius' smiling face. "You get used to it. I'll show you how to use the power," he said.
"Are you trying to starve us, brother?" Esmeray lifted an eyebrow.
With an eye roll, Kaius snapped his fingers and food appeared on the table.
"Oh, Nesrin. I knew you'd be coming here so I picked out a room for you. It's across from mine and has a beautiful view. And I already put clothes in there for you," Sarnai said in a rush.
"Take a breath," Esmeray murmered, filling her plate.
Kaius picked up an apple and lounged back in his chair. I raised an eyebrow at him.
"That is hardly dinner," I stated.
He grinned at me around the apple and took a bite.
Killian handed me a plate and I began filling it as the boys came back in, laughing.
"Tomorrow, I'll start teaching you how to use your shadow magic," Kaius reached over and plucked the chicken leg off of my plate.
I glared at him and he watched me as he dug into it.
"I'm glad you went and found Sorin, Nes," Darcio said from the other side of the table.
Sarnai slowly set down her fork, frowning. "Kaius was listening in while you were at Sorin's house. Because I asked him to. I heard you explain what happened that night. How you tried over and over to wake me up. How you blamed yourself for Adrastos."
The food in my mouth suddenly became rancid and I pushed my plate away. Everyone was watching me. Darcio went still.
"Sarnai, maybe now is not the ideal time for this," Esmeray warned softly.
Sarnai blinked. "Oh, I apologize. I wasn't thinking. That's private and a touchy subject," she said softly.
That was still an open wound. I still seen their faces. I still relived that night in my dreams. Sometimes it completely changed and it wasn't how it happened at all.
"The rest of you continue eating. Nesrin, walk with me," Kaius stood up. Killian threw him and apple, which he caught easily and spun on his heel.
I quickly got up to follow him. We went through the purple doors and the hallway was the same polished, black stone and chunks of amethyst were set in the walls, giving off a purple light.
"I didn't think the Shadow Court would be so beautiful," I mused.
"What? Black rock and purple crystals?" He sounded amused. I felt the caress of those shadows again, trying to sooth me.
"Where are we going?" I questioned, staring at his muscled back.
"I decided I wanted to go on a walk and wanted company. Besides, now you get to see more of my home."
"I heard that the whole court resides in the castle. Well, besides other small towns in your territory."
"There are apartments and shops at the ground level. Some of my people live here. The worst people of my court. So I can keep close tabs on them and so I seem worse of a person. The rest of the palace is off limits to them and home to me and my family," Kaius explained.
"You mean Esmeray, Killian, and Sarnai?" I asked. He nodded as we turned a corner.
"So you've been seeing me for a few years, what do you know about me?" I inquired.
We reached a set of double doors and he pushed them open to reveal a library.
"That you love to read."
I stepped inside and turned in a full circle. The library was seven stories, there was a sun roof, letting in silvery moonlight, tables set up with those amethyst lights.
Kaius leaned against the doorframe as I ran my fingers along the spines of the books.
"This is bigger than the library at my father's estate," I smiled wide like a child. It had been awhile since I smiled like that.
I looked over at Kaius, who was staring right back.
"You weren't just going on a simple walk. You could have chosen anyone to accompany you. You chose me to bring me here. To make me feel better."
He smiled softly and I again, felt the gentle caress of the shadows.
"When you are done in here, go to the top floor. There are eight bedrooms up there. Six are occupied. By me, Esmeray, Killian, Sarnai, and Darcio. Yours is across from Sarnai's. Her room is at the end of that hallway."
"Who does the sixth room belong to?" I inquired.
"I didn't mention that one for a reason," he said and turned and left.
I went to each shelf until I had a few books picked out and I found an armchair in a corner.
I don't know how long I was there, but the sun was already beginning to shine through the sun roof by the time I set my second book down.
"Did you sleep at all last night?" Kaius stepped out of the shadows beside me and sat in the window seat to my right.
I rubbed my eyes and yawned. "No, but I'm okay," I mumbled.
"Maybe you should go get some sleep," Kaius suggested.
I shook my head. "Really, I'm fine."
He picked up the book I was reading and grinned. My cheeks heated up and I snatched it away from him.
"I didn't know you read these kinds of books, Nesrin. You know, I could bring that to life for you."
I threw the book at his head and he dodged it, chuckling.
The library doors opened and Esmeray strode in, head held high. She wore a simple black gown, her long black hair still in that perfect braid.
"There you are, Kai. I've been looking everywhere for you."
Kaius stood and trailed after her as she talked quietly and I was alone again.
I got up and winced at my aching back. After placing the books on their shelves, I made my way to the dining room.
As I thought, everyone was there eating breakfast.
Upon seeing me, Sarnai's face lit up and I went to sit beside her.
"You look like shit," Killian said around a mouthful of eggs.
"Thanks," I muttered.
"Did you sleep at all last night?" Darcio studied me closely. That caught Sorin's attention.
"Actually, I stayed in the library all night," I replied.
Sorin snorted. "How very typical of you."
"That was nice of Kaius to show you the library," Sarnai picked up a piece of toast and smothered it in jam.
"That is because I am very nice. And handsome," Kaius walked through the door with Esmeray.
I rolled my eyes and Killian scoffed. "You wish. I'm the best looking one here," he grinned.
"I think Nesrin has us all beat" Kaius winked at me and reached around me to grab a couple pieces of bacon before retreating to a couch across the room. As he sat down, a sketchbook appeared in his hands.
Darcio stopped eating long enough to glare at him.
Killian watched Esmeray as she sat across from him and I wondered what was going on there.
"Do you know how to fight?" Killian asked me.
"A little. My father tried to teach me, but he wasn't the best fighter. I picked up on a few things. I mainly rely on my magic."
He smirked. "I can teach you if you'd like. I'd be a better teacher than Esmeray. I'm better to look at and a better fighter. I used to be one of her soldiers until I surpassed her and became Kai's third in comman."
"I will end your life if you don't shut your mouth," Esmeray threatened.
The rest of breakfast was full of bickering.