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Chapter 1
2012 Chapter 13 “This is the best chance we have, even with Leonora missing.” It wasn’t as though the Embers were powerful, but missing one of the Council could be a problem in the future. “We could wait.” “She’s the sole dissenting voice. I don’t want her to be able to convince the others.” “If we don’t have the twelve…” “We will, one way or another. You have nothing to worry about, Anne, because it’s never not worked out in our favour.” Titus never had doubts. He believed they were doing what was right, both for them and the Council. Anne chose not to argue. “This may be the first…
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Chapter 13
Chapter 12 “Where have you been?” At any other time it might have seemed like interest, but with things as they were it came across accusatory. “Out.” “I know you didn’t break your promise.” “You have some intelligence still.” “Protecting you is the most important thing, Anne.” “This is an argument we’ve already had, Titus.” “I didn’t mean to start another. How about we begin again?” Anne studied Titus. Memories swirled, and she didn’t know how many of them were from the past. “We can start again, but it’s not going to change what’s already happened.” “Can we talk? Somewhere away from here.” “Why would I want to talk to…
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Chapter 4
Chapter 3 The footsteps weren’t a surprise. Anne was predictable, she liked to spend her mornings at the Gardens, and if anyone wanted to talk to her that was where she’d be. It was rare she didn’t go, and on those mornings she knew Cornelius would be there, watering the plants, looking after things. Obviously there was a reason for that choice she hadn’t realised before. “Can we talk?” Natalie looked at Anne, who was focused on the plants in front of her. “I need your help.” Anne turned, her eyes meeting with Natalie’s. “Cornelius?” “Do you know what he’s planning?” “I think you’d be better off talking to Leonora.” “She told me there’s…
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Chapter 11
Chapter 10 Issac looked at the flower pots, and Anne watched him, noting the similarities between them. He was obviously Marion’s brother, the hair the biggest tell, because that was a Tyrell thing. Titus once hated it, probably due to how much he wanted to be a true Lockwood. There was no easy solution to Thaddeus’ plan to complete the ritual Gregor wrote all those years earlier. From what he said elements of it came from mages of the past who’d also written in the journal. Had Issac been more capable of lying he might even have seen it. Movement caught his attention, and he looked over to see a…
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Chapter 10
Chapter 9 “I talked to Titus, and there’s no chance of him changing his mind when it comes to this ritual.” “Do you know why?” “He dislikes the Fitzgeralds.” Anne wasn’t going to bring up his insistence he was doing it for her. “He lied about their power, saying they stole it.” “Stole it?” “From others. I can’t see it.” “There are those who have, in the past, but they were old magic, Anne. Like us.” “All Titus wanted was a reason to keep me away from them until the ritual.” “Keeping them from learning the truth before.” “I had to promise.” “We can work around it easily enough.” “Mama,…
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Chapter 9
Chapter 8 “Mama told me there’s a ritual you’re planning with Father.” Anne studied Titus, who looked straight back, his eyes staring deep into her. “Are you playing with dark magics?” “Does it matter if we are?” “Yes, Titus, it does, especially in this house. One mistake…” “Do you really believe for a moment I haven’t thought of that?” “What I worry about more is whether or not you care.” “I care about you.” “That’s not what I mean.” “No one else matters, Anne.” “Yes, they do. Mama matters. Zachary matters. Even Papa.” “Maybe to you.” Even with his honesty there was no sign of Anne’s memories. Titus knew it…
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Chapter 6
Chapter 5 For a few seconds Marion stood outside the door, arms wrapped around herself, but she knew she had to talk to her daughter. She tapped the door gently. “Anne, can I come in?” “Of course, Mama.” Stepping through the door, closing it softly behind her, she looked at Anne. Marion was silent, Anne watching her mother in the mirror. Had it been Thaddeus she’d have stood, but with it being Marion it didn’t matter as much, and in some ways it was easier, reading the worry in Marion’s eyes. “Mama, what’s wrong?” Of course Anne read the emotions Marion couldn’t hide. “I need to talk to you about…