Ashes of Chaos (Legacy of the Nine Realms #2) - Amelia Hutchins Page 0,64

faces came into view from the shadows of the room, peeking up over makeshift boxes shaped like a couch.

“It’s nice,” I lied, causing her to snort it reply.

“The urchins were here when I moved in, and I didn’t have the stomach to kick them out into the street. They don’t bite, but they eat a ton. It’s not much, but it’s our home. There’s no bed, but we have room for one more witch in hiding.”

“Hiding?” I asked cautiously.

“That’s how you don’t end up with your head on the King of Norvalla’s wall or throne. It’s been like that for the past two hundred years. Where are you from?” she asked, eyeing me skeptically.

“Far, far away,” I exhaled, shaking my head. “Thank you for saving me.”

“Don’t thank me yet. We’re all just trying to survive. Something made me save you. I didn’t want to do it, but when the world tells you to do something, you listen. If it were up to me, I’d have left your ass on that street and not even batted an eyelash in your direction.” Still eyeing me, Esme walked to the makeshift couch and rubbed the head of a child peeking out from a dirty hole-infested blanket. “I have enough mouths to feed, so you’ll either pull your weight, or you must leave. Rumor has it that the Hecate witches have returned to the Nine Realms. So, now we’re all just waiting to see where they fall into the scheme of things, or on which side they end up.”

“You think they won’t choose the witches?” I countered.

“I think they’ll do whatever the hell they need to do to save their self-serving asses. They abandoned us to our fates once already. I’m not holding my breath for them anymore. Not after they put that evil bitch on the throne and left us at her mercy.”

“They might just surprise you, Esme,” I smirked, watching her eyes narrowing to slits.

“I hope you’re right, Aria. I just don’t think they’re aware of the monster leading the rebellion, and once they meet him, they’ll bow as everyone else does before the King of Norvalla.”

I smiled tightly, turning my gaze to the urchins who looked underfed and dirty. Settling in the corner, I dropped my bag and slid down the wall, ignoring the aching in my bones and twisting in my stomach as my body protested.

Lifting my hand to my chest, I noted that although Aurora had taken the shard skull, I still held some lightning and magic I’d taken from the Nine Realms. It wasn’t as much magic and power as I had hoped to gain, but it’s enough to do what I needed.

The vision of me as the evil queen replayed in my mind while Taren’s words echoed through my head. Maybe he was right. Perhaps not all monsters were evil. Maybe the world needed one strong enough to stand against the monster currently waging war against us. Perhaps I could change Knox’s mind, or maybe I’d end up as another skull on his wall.

Noises sounded outside, and Esme moved to the window, peering out through the torn, russet-colored curtains, groaning. Her finger lifted to her lips, telling me to stay silent. She dug through her pockets, withdrawing a few chains before slipping to the door, opening it just enough to hold out her arm, dropping the chains into a clawed hand.

“You’re short again. One more time, you and those brats are gone, witch.”

“I’ll make it up to him. I always do, don’t I?” Esme replied, swallowing back the repulsive glare that danced in her eyes.

“On your back? Tristan is done waiting, girl. One more time and you pay him in pussy, or you will vacate the house. Those bloody little bastards you’re protecting will end up in the mines, finding more crystals to sell.”

“Understood. Guess I best not be late with the payment then, right?”

“Please, do. I’ve been waiting to see you on your back pleasuring the lord. I want to watch that haughty look in your eyes fade as he ruins that cunt. I bet you squeal like a pig when you’re getting fucked. I’ll be back tomorrow to collect the rest, witch.”

Esme closed the door, sliding a weak wooden bolt that looked homemade into place. Her eyes met mine, and she shrugged. “Pick-pocketing isn’t one of my strong suits. I used to sell potions, but now it’s too dangerous to peddle them. The witches either catch wind you’re selling in their territory, or the army