Kingdom of Ash

high, down to the Great Hall for what might
very well be their last breakfast.
They were nearly there when an old voice
said, “I would like a word.”
Darrow.
Evangeline turned before Lysandra did.
The ancient lord stood in the doorway of
what seemed to be a study, and beckoned
them inside. “It will not take long,” he said
upon noting the displeasure still on
Lysandra’s face.
She was done making herself appear nice
for men whom she had no interest in being
nice to.
Evangeline peered at her in silent question,
but Lysandra jerked her chin toward the old
man. “Very well.”
The study was crammed with stacks of
books—piles and piles against the walls,
along the floors. Well over a thousand. Many