“I was. And I learned things that this world could not have taught me. That there is no one to depend upon but myself. That I control my destiny. Not the gods. Not a prophecy. And certainly not a child who was supposed to be my antithesis.”
I grinned at him. “Funny, then, how this all turned out.”
“Oh, it is. And soon you will see exactly why.”
Well, that was ominous. There wasn’t a very good chance he meant funny ha-ha like I did. “Well, you monologued, I told you I read your diary, and now we are totally on the same page, so maybe we should—”
“I believe you.”
I arched an eyebrow at him. “Come again?”
He stared intently at me. “I believe you. That you’ve forsaken the people of Verania. That you’ve embraced the darkness. I can see it in your eyes. I can feel your fury. Some of it is still directed at me, but it’s… more than that now. It’s not like it was in Mashallaha. Or even in that house with Morgan. Your time away changed you in ways Randall and Morgan could not.”
“Good,” I said, relieved. “I’m so glad you believe me. Now, let’s go do Dark wizard things, just you and me. I don’t want there to be anyone… overhearing us, if you know what I mean.” I glanced pointedly at Ruv, who scowled at me.
“Of course,” Myrin said. “There’s just one more thing.”
Uh-oh. “Oh. Well. If you insist.”
“I’m afraid that I must.”
“You’re the boss, so. Whatever’s clever.”
“There’s still the matter of your cornerstone.”
“What about him?”
“You’re tied to him, Sam. As long as he draws breath, you cannot move forward. The bond must be broken. The prophecy must be fulfilled.”
“Oh yeah. That. Dude, I totally get what you’re saying. And if it makes you feel any better about this whole situation, I’ve already told him that we’re breaking up because he really doesn’t do it for me anymore. You know what they say—once you go dragon, all the rest is laggin’.”
Kevin snorted. “I knew it! I mean, whatever you say, Master.” Then, out the side of his mouth, “But I knew it.”
Myrin squinted at me. “You went… dragon?”
I shrugged. “Eh. Something had to happen. I mean, I was in the woods for a long time, you know?”
I’d never seen so many people look disgusted in my direction all at once. It was really remarkable.
“Be that as it may,” Myrin said slowly, “I don’t think we need any more… details on your extracurricular activities.”
“I respect that. So, we were on our way to being by ourselves so we could—”
“Your cornerstone, Sam.”
“Right,” I said hastily. “That. No worries. Like I said, I already betrayed him, so I’m pretty sure that bond is on its way to breaking. I mean, oh no! Everything hurts because he’s my cornerstone and it sucks and I’m feeling a little crazy and stuff.”
Myrin looked amused again. I was quickly discovering I didn’t like that expression on him. “Yes, I’m sure. I can see you splitting right down the middle. However, it’s not enough. Think of it as a test to prove your loyalty to me.”
The hairs on the back of my neck stood up. “My loyalty?”
“Yes, Sam. Your loyalty. You come here spouting these pretty things about forsaking your people and expressing a desire to join me, even though I gave you that chance once already back in Mashallaha, which you firmly rejected.”
“Right?” I said. “Sorry about that. I guess it was… shocking, wasn’t it?”
Gary snorted while still pretending to be knocked out. It was quite the feat.
“It was,” he said. “Which is why I won’t make that mistake again. Regarding Ryan Foxheart—”