Cursed (18 page)

“Yes.” I was proud that my voice didn't break.

“Why aren't you with them?”

“Mother Superior wants me to stay with you, remember?”

Ada blinked sleepily. “Does Sophia know?”

“She does.” I swallowed past the knot of grief in my throat. “She made it happen.” I stepped to Ada's side and tucked her blanket under her chin. “Sleep now.” Ada yawned again, smacked her lips, and drifted off to rest. Her tiny shoulders rose and fell with each breath. She seemed so tiny and alone in this huge room. And after tomorrow, I might not even be here to keep her company.

I'll come back for you, Ada. I promise.

Chapter Fifteen

The guard pounded on the dormitory door, waking me with a start. “Get up, you lot.”

I rubbed my eyes and looked around. The Novice's dorm was still dark.
How strange.
The guards never work us up before dawn.

Ada softly snored in the cot near mine. Like always, she'd looped all her pillows and blankets around her, reminding me of a baby chick in a nest. A peaceful smile rounded her small mouth. My shoulders drooped.

Ada didn't know about Sophia yet.

The door whipped open. Marlene stepped through, her eyes glimmering with smug excitement. I remembered her promise to take me to her study this morning. Was that why Marlene seemed so pleased with herself? Nan stepped in behind her. My friend looked pale and miserable. I had the sudden urge to hug her. After that, I had even stronger desire to kill Marlene with a bone melter spell.

That damned mark was already draining Nan.

Swinging my legs over my bedside, I turned to Ada. “Wake up, little one.”

Ada stayed asleep while my scarab beetle fluttered into view. “Not you,” I said. “You better hide until everyone is gone.” Whenever I had a moment and a quiet spot, I'd been trying out new spells to activate the little bug. Nothing had worked, but there was no time to worry about it now.

I leaned in closer. “Come on, sleepyhead.”

Ada's eyes half-opened. “Morning, Elea.” She gave me a sleepy smile. Poor girl. Her world was about to turn upside down again.

I gently tapped her shoulder. “We have company.”

Marlene walked into view. I half-stood, ready for her to order me off to her study. But Marlene's hungry gaze locked on Ada. I froze.
Marlene showed up to break the news about Sophia
. That's why she arrived early. Rage sped through my bloodstream.

Ada's gaze flickered between Marlene and Nan. Her sweet face paled. “Where is Sophia?”

I reached forward and pulled Ada onto my lap. She curled into my shoulder and her thin frame trembled. I glared at Marlene. “I'll tell you all about Sophia later, Ada.”

Marlene arched her right brow. “I'm Mother Superior here. We discuss things on my schedule, not yours.”

Ada shook more violently. A jolt of protective energy shot through me. “The Midnight Cloisters is almost empty now. Isn't that enough for you? Do you have to prey on the few who are left?”

“No, it wasn't enough, as a matter of fact.” Marlene casually flicked imaginary dust from the skirts of her black robes. “All Necromancer power belongs to the Tsar. Until every mages bears his mark, our work isn't done.”

I couldn't believe what I was hearing.
She thinks this is some kind of crusade to help Viktor.

Ada whimpered against my shoulder, jostling me out of my thoughts. I held the child more closely and shot Marlene a frustrated look. “You're scaring her.”

“She should be frightened, and if you had any sense, you would be, too. I can make life unpleasant for you both, even without a mark. Do we understand each other?”

The question hung in the air for a moment. There was only one answer. “We do.”

For now. Come Sunday, it should be another conversation entirely.

“Excellent. Ada...” Marlene tapped Ada's cheek. “You need to look at me when I'm talking to you.”

Ada peeped out from under my shoulder. “Yes?”

Marlene gestured around the empty room. “Do you know where everyone is, Ada?”

“They all became Sisters.” Ada's face drooped with disappointment.

“And you know that Sophia was sick.”

“We can't talk about that,” Ada said quickly.

“Oh, but now we can.” Marlene motioned Nan to her side. “Tell her, Nan.”

“Sophia's gone, Ada.”

Ada's brows drew together. “Where is she?”

Marlene exhaled a dramatic sigh. “That wasn't a clear statement, nan. Let me explain it more succinctly. Sophia's Dead.”

Ada's lower lip wobbled. “Like Mom and Dad?”

“Just so. And now, Elea and Nan will to take care of you.” Marlene turned to Nan. “Isn't that right?”

“We'll be a right proper team.”

“Sophia was fine for a time, but she wasn't very fun toward the end, was she.” Marlene waved her hand dismissively. “Now, Elea and Nan will be far more entertaining.”

Nan and I locked gazes.
We're her next choice to torture for fun.
And if I escaped, I was leaving Nan alone to endure it. Already, everything about my friend seemed gray and hollowed out. What would more time do to her?

Ada turned to Nan. “Will you get sick, too?”

Nan shrugged casually, but I couldn't miss that nervous tic by her eye. “Looks like.”

“Now, you mustn't ask Nan to break too many rules, Ada. You wouldn't want her to be in trouble.” As she said the word ‘trouble,' Marlene positively beamed. How I loathed that woman.

“I'll try, Mother,” said Ada.

“That's all I ask,” said Marlene. “Now that I've so few Sisters in my collection, I must watch them all very, very carefully.” She tapped her chin. “I have an idea. Ada, why doesn't you spend the day in the storehouse with Elea and Nan? You always had such fun there with Sophia.”

At the mention of Sophia, Ada's bottom lip quivered. “Yes, Mother.”

“Ah, ah, ah.” Marlene flicked her pointer finger from side to side. “Good Necromancers control their emotions, Ada. Watch out or you'll never be made a full Sister.”

Ada's eyes lined with tears. “Yes, Mother.”

Nan took Ada's hand and guided her off my lap. “Time to get going. We'll visit the storehouse right after breakfast.”

Ada looked so small and helpless as she clung onto Nan's hand. I rose to stand beside them. “I'll go with you, too.”

“You can see them later,” said Marlene. “You're off to my study now.”

That's right, Marlene wanted to meet with me.
My pulse kicked up speed. What did she want to talk about, anyway? Could she know my true plans?

I forced my face to be calm. “Yes, Mother.”

Marlene motioned to the door. “Fall in.” Four guards stepped into the dormitory. “Ada, Nan, I'd like you to meet your new personal guard. They'll be keeping a close eye on you. We wouldn't want anything to happen now, would we?” Marlene stalked to the door and paused. “How about a show of gratitude, eh?”

“Thank you, Mother,” said Ada.

Marlene glared at Nan and me. “And you?”

“Thank you,” we said in unison. The words felt like poison on my tongue.

“Come along, Elea.” Marlene swept out the door, her long gossamer robes fluttering behind her.

Nan and I shared a long look. Overnight, fresh lines of misery had dug in around Nan's eyes and mouth
.
What would happen when I was gone?

“Don't fuss over me,” Nan whispered, guessing my thoughts were about her. She shot a wary look at the guards. “The Sisters explained the rules last night. What we can and can't do.” She patted Ada's head. “And we can't wait around here. We need to get to our marrow pudding and breakfast.”

Marlene stood framed in the doorway. “When I say come along, that means now.”

I gave Ada a quick hug. When I embraced Nan, I spoke quietly in her ear. “Whatever happens, I'm coming back for you and Ada. Remember that.”

“We'll be waiting.” Some of the old fire lit up in Nan's eyes.

“Good.”

“Elea! I'm out of patience.” The ice in Marlene's voice made me flinch. Turning on my heel, I raced off to follow Marlene. Whatever she had planned for me in her study, I was certain that it wouldn't be pleasant.

Chapter Sixteen

Marlene whipped open the simple wooden door to her study. I followed her inside, expecting the place to be something like Petra's study back at the Zelle. My old Mother Superior worked in a small room that held only a table and two chairs. Simple, controlled, and spare.

That's not what I found here.

Marlene's study was a gaudy collection of jewels, tapestries, and chests that would make a pirate proud. Colorful armoires lined the walls, their doors overflowing with furs and silks. Wooden trunks were stuffed with gold coins and silver figurines. I shook my head in disbelief. No Necromancer should hoard valuables like this.

An odd chill crept over my skull. Treasure isn't the only thing Marlene hoards. The woman collects pain, too.

Which is no doubt why I'm here.

Marlene slid into a throne-like chair made of gold. “What do you think of my study?”

I paused before her and let my mouth hang open. It was important that I continue to play the country bumpkin. “It's very pretty.”

“How dull of you to say.” Marlene drummed her nails on the armrest. “You've heard we're having guests this weekend… The Tsar, the Vicomte, and even Genesis Rex.”

I slapped on my best ‘simple farm girl' grin. “Does that mean we'll eat something other than marrow pudding?”

With any luck, it means I'll get my chance at revenge.

Marlene pursed her lips. “That's all you have to tell me?”

“What else do you want me to say?”

“Something that doesn't sound brainless. Sophia was many things, but she was no fool, especially when it came to Ada. If she left her little pet with you, then the two of you must shave plotted together for the child's welfare.”

So, that's what this is all about.
Marlene wants to know if Sophia and I planned to help Ada escape.
Gods-damn it.
Marlene knew Sophia too well, and I'm not that fine of a liar. How will I convince Marlene that I have no escape plans, especially when Rowan is waiting outside the back gate right now?

I straightened my shoulders. “Sophia asked me to look out for Ada. I agreed. That's all there is to it.”

“You're lying.” Marlene held up her hand. “Don't bother to deny it. You're trouble.”

The room seemed to heat up by ten degrees.
I'm trouble?
I blinked my eyes innocently. “I don't understand.”

“I should give you a mark. Then, you'd have to tell me or die.”

Her words sent a pang of panic through me. “No. You entered into a magickal pact with Sophia. You can't give me a mark until next season.”
At least, I hope that's how it works.

Marlene's brown eyes shone with rage. “Don't tell me what I can't do. I'm a Grand Mistress Necromancer. I can break magickal agreements like that.” She snapped her fingers.

Sweat broke out along my forehead. Could Marlene have given me the mark all along, but only held out to watch me suffer?

Every bone in my body felt heavy with dread. Leading me along only to give me the mark anyway… That's precisely the kind of game Marlene would play. I worked hard to keep my features unreadable. “I'll say it once more. Sophia asked me to watch out for the child and I agreed. It was a gesture of kindness and nothing else. There are no further plans.”

Marlene leaned back in her chair. “Do I have your word on that?”

“Absolutely.” My legs turned wobbly beneath me. I needed to get out of here and to the back gate. “Is there anything else you require? I'm due in the storehouse today.”

“No, you may go.”

I'd never been happier to leave a place in my life. I turned on my heel and sped toward the door.

“Stop there,” said Marlene slowly.

That icy feeling returned to my skull. I paused mid-step.
And I was so close to the door.

“Come to think of it,” said Marlene. “I do have one more item for you.”

I returned to my place before her throne. Although it wasn't far away, it still felt like one of the longest walks in my life. “Yes, Mother?”

“I've changed my mind. You're far smarter than you let on… And clever girls always have plans. Let's see if we can't find some way to share it, eh?” A low moan sounded from behind one of the cabinet doors. My breath caught.

“Who's in there? One of the Sisters?”

A nasty smile rounded Marlene's lips. “No, that's is something else entirely.” Marlene snapped her fingers. “Guards!”

The main door flung open. Four warriors in black armor marched into the study. My mind sped through options. I could run and maybe meet Rowan, but the chances of getting through the Cloister without being captured were slim.

The boot falls of the guards thundered in my ears. Their hulking bodies fell upon me. One man yanked my arms behind my back with such force, his metal armor tore through my robes and skin. Pain shot across my shoulders. Two others knelt on either side of me, gripping my ankles to hold me in place. The fourth one grasped my chin and held my gaze toward one of the cabinets. That moan sounded again, and it was definitely coming from the bureau right before me. What was in there?

Marlene slowly eyed me from head to toe. “You're afraid.” She licked her lips. “Now, that's what I like to see.”

By the gods. She's toying with me.

“Shall we bring out someone to talk to?” Marlene stepped forward and unlocked the cabinet. Another moan sounded from inside.

Oh, no.

Marlene grinned. “Last night, you became acquainted with the creatures that turn Novices into Sisters. You're about to meet their maker.” She let out a low whistle. “He's very good at causing pain.”