Chapter 190: A Bitter End


    Oliver


    Month 4 Day 17, Saturday 8:10 a.m.


    Oliver was meeting with Anastasia Gervin in his home office when he caught a glimpse of movement out of the corner of his eye. It drew his gaze to the wrap-around window behind his desk.


    Sebastien was outside.


    She stood in front of the wrought-iron entrance gate, looking up at the manor. She firmed her jaw, squared her shoulders, and stepped through.


    Thisst week had been one of the most unpleasant in recent memory. The Friday before, on the day of Ennis Naughts sentencing, Oliver had nned to take advantage of the opportunity to show himself in a very public ce while Lord Stag made appearances elsewhere, at a time when the coppers would be too distracted to spend all of their resources trying to catch him. And if he had also thought to take some vindictive pleasure in seeing Siobhans father get what he deserved, surely no one would judge Oliver for that?


    He had been at ease, because Siobhan knew of the danger the day presented and would stay safe under Lizas wards. The worst Oliver had imagined happening was that Ennis Naught might be sentenced to death, and Siobhan, despite her disdain and resentment for the man, would be distraught at the fate of her father.


    But from the very beginning everything had gone wrong.


    Katerin had broken the flimsy bracelet linked to its pair on Olivers forearm by mid-morning. He had rushed to her side, arriving to find her frantic at what seemed to be the pre-meditated and extremely <em>determined</em> kidnapping of her nephew. They both imagined horrible things and spected desperately about who might want leverage over Katerin and Oliver. Or revenge.


    A moment of hope had appeared when one of the Verdant Stag subjects who owed them a favor arrived at the Verdant Stag with news. They had recognized Theo during the boys desperate attempt to escape and had taken the initiative to follow the kidnappers wagon on foot. Unfortunately, they had lost it after following it north for a few blocks.


    Even with a strand of Theos curly copper hair, the Verdant Stags thaumaturges were too weak to find the boy.


    Katerin had snapped and tipped over her solid wood table with a heaving roar, and then copsed sobbing in Olivers arms.


    He had picked her up and bodily stuffed her into a carriage, which they rode with reckless speed through the clogged streets to Lynwood Manor.


    Surely, Gera would be able to find Theo, Oliver had thought. No one could divine like a prognos. Especially not one that was forced to use magic constantly in everyday life.


    But Gera had left earlier that morning without telling anyone where she was going. And then they discovered that her son was gone, too.


    Oliver sent someone for Liza, but she didnt answer her door.


    It was only then that he had broken the bracelet that would call Siobhan to his aid. But she never came. Dread had filled Olivers belly to overflowing. This confluence of events had to be purposeful. Enemy action. And if Liza wasnt opening the door, how could he be sure that Siobhan was safe behind her wards?


    When the cloud of ravens began to coalesce in the Mires, Katerin had gotten it into her head that the coppers had caught everyone and were going to reveal them at Ennis Naughts trial. Maybe to bait the Raven Queen into arriving. Maybe to execute them all as a reminder of their power.


    Oliver thought it more likely that the Architects of Khronos had been behind it. They hadnt found the book when they attacked and raided the Verdant Stag, but maybe they still werent convinced that he was uninvolved in its theft. Maybe they hoped to ransom off the people he cared for in exchange. That didnt exactly exin Millennium Lynwoods disappearance, unless perhaps the Architects suspected the Nightmare Pack of having the book, too, and were covering all their bases.


    How the cloud of ravens yed into it, Oliver wasnt sure. But it was too unsubtle to be safe to approach personally. The best he could do was send a squad of enforcers dressed in inclothes and hope that the ravens were only a decoy, and not Siobhans desperate cry for help.


    Under Katerins urging, Oliver had gone to the Edictum Council while Katerin called on every favor and pulled every string the Verdant Stag had ess to. Some of the higher-ranking coppers on the Verdant Stags payroll were assigned at the sentencing for the day, but despite the risks Oliver took to question them, they knew nothing. Oliver had barely been able to appear normal as he mingled among the nobles, trying to pick up any gossip or clues that could give them a chance. Any chance.


    Something grew sick inside of Oliver when the raven delivered its letter to the center of the Edictum Council floor. Surelysomeone was framing the Raven Queen? Taking advantage of her reputation, just as Oliver had spected might be possible. Either that, or things had gone desperately wrong. Was Siobhan turning herself in? Wild ideas spiraled through Olivers head like debris carried within a tornado.


    He almost hadnt been able to control his reaction when Damien Westbay, of all people, decided that they should team up to figure out what was going on and ensure Sebastiens safety. Westbay hadnt been entirely useless, but he was painfully naive. Someday, that would get him into trouble that he couldnt get himself out of, and then it would break him.


    When a divination team at Eagle Tower was attacked, Oliver finally grew suspicious. This might be someone trying to take advantage of the Raven Queens reputationbut it could also, maybe, be the Raven Queen herself. And not out of desperation and fear. This was too well coordinated for that. It had been nned in advance.


    After one of the most torturously frantic days of Olivers life, spent in excessively high states of anxiety as he ran around uselessly, his thoughts spiraling into ever-darker realms as the hours passed without hope, Katerin sent him a message on his distagram, which hed moved into his carriage for easy ess.


    Siobhan, Theo, Millennium Lynwood, and all the people that had gone missing along with them were fine. Oliver had rushed to the Nightmare Packs underground arena. But though everyone agreed that the Raven Queen had entered, and Katerin said Siobhan was sleeping in a room upstairs, Oliver was not allowed entrance.


    When he had gotten the full story, and particrly Geras part in it, all the stomach-eroding worry that he had felt dropped away. It left behind anger, but beneath that, and moresting, was a persistent dread. The anger burned hot, ring up a few times over the week toe only to burn itself out again, but the dread never left. It grew worse every day that passed.


    And now, Sebastien was here. Some of the anger red up again as he was reminded of her thoughtlessness, herck of care for him or the others under her protection that would lead her to create such a huge spectacle without even a warning. But underneath it, his dread crystallized into something hard and sharp.


    Miss Gervin cleared her throat, dragging Olivers attention back to her.


    Had she been talking? Im sorry, I grew momentarily distracted. What were you saying?


    Miss Gervin stood, slipping the sheaf of papers they had been working on into her purse, which hardly lookedrge enough to hold them. Thats quite all right, she said with a smile. I think weve covered the most critical bits. Why dont we schedule a follow-up in two weeks?


    Oliver tried to keep the relief and impatience from his face. Anastasia Gervin was an extremely useful connection and receptive to his ideas in a way that few in the Crown Families were. He didnt need to risk offending her just because he wanted to rush from the room and find Sebastien.


    But when Oliver opened his office door to see Miss Gervin out, Sebastien was standing outside the door, back as stiff as a wooden soldier.


    Sebastiens eyes widened as she saw Miss Gervin.


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    Miss Gervins eyes flicked between them in the silence that followed, and then she took arge step forward and slipped her arm through Sebastiens, tucking her hand into the crook of Sebastiens elbow.


    Sebastien rxed somewhat, giving the other girl a grateful smile.


    Ana squeezed her arm, then gave Oliver a bright, toothy smile that was aggressively perfect. Sebastien! Im so surprised to see you here. My father is letting me handle some parts of the business now, remember? I am coborating on a very optimistic endeavor with Mr. Dryoh, Im sorry. With <em>Lord</em> Dryden here. She rolled her eyes. Mother is thrilled. Another squeeze of Sebastiens arm as she sidled a little closer until their shoulders bumped. Do you want to get breakfast together, the three of us?


    At first, Oliver thought that she was flirting, trying to assert some kind of romantic im. But she hadnt pressed the side of her breast into Sebastiens arm. Her tone was more cold than yful. And something hard and protective hade into her eyes that reminded Oliver of a guard dog.


    She thought she was offeringfort and protection. And based on the way Sebastien gave her a small smile and didnt even flinch at the touch of her hand, despite the way Oliver had seen her recoil from an idental shoulder brush with a stranger on the sidewalk, Miss Gervin was sessful.


    Oliver frowned. What had Sebastien been telling her friends about him?


    Thats okay, Sebastien said, gently disentangling Miss Gervins grip from her arm. I had breakfast already, at the cafeteria, and now Im too full to eat again. I just need to discuss some things with Oliver.


    Miss Gervin, to her credit, didnt hesitate or ask Sebastien if she was sure. She just nodded to them both and walked away with a nonchnt wave over her shoulder. They watched her descend the stairs, and then, with a wave of invitation from Oliver, Sebastien followed him into his office.


    Sebastien stood behind the chair Miss Gervin had been sitting in, her slender-fingered hands resting upon the wood frame of its back. She didnt even wait for Oliver to sit down behind his desk. Did you steal one of Myrddins journals?


    Olivers heart jumped as if it were trying to tear itself free of his chest. He stared at her for three frantic beats and then said, I did.


    Sebastien showed no signs of surprise. I also have one of Myrddins journals, she said, as nonchntly as if they were talking about cravats from a favorite tailor. Just not the one people think. One of the other four.


    Youve been busy, Oliver mumbled past numb lips. How long had she been working on this? Had she suspected him for a while now, or had someone else discovered the truth and told her?


    The one you have contains a method to transmute pure celerium from beast cores, she said. She paused a moment for him to speak, but when he remained silent, she continued. Do you know what the one I have contains?


    Oliver had to clear his throat before he could speak. I dont. Do you?


    Sebastien didnt answer his question. You used me as a decoy, she used, still seemingly without feeling.


    If Olivers dread were tangible, it would have been slicing into his internal organs with every breath. They were at the top of a precipice now, and he could see no way of stopping their descent. Not when she looked like that.


    Sebastiens face was emotionless, and for the first time her eyes reminded him of those of a shark: cold-blooded, predatory, and uncaring. Responses ran through Olivers mind, different ways to try and mitigate disaster, to hold up the crumbling brick of their rtionship, built so gradually and now tearing apart.


    Before he couldnd on some magical answer, she spoke again. Did you somehow cause Ennis to steal the journal?


    She knew too much. He couldnt lie. I didnt. Butits possible the thief I hired took it upon herself to ce apulsion. Something to sow confusion. She left the country uponpleting the mission, and I havent heard from her since.


    Sebastien nodded to herself thoughtfully.


    I didnt tell you because you didnt need to know. And I didnt actually use you as a decoy. Not really. His words wereing faster even though he tried to slow them, to keep them measured and with the perfect intonation that would somehow make her believe him. I tried to keep you safe, even though I could have just let you be. That ced me in more danger. If I had ignored youpletely, even if you were caught, even if my thief made a mistake when altering the expeditions logs and they somehow discovered that an additional book was missing, I wouldnt have been implicated. The information within can be used for the greater good. A way to create celerium could be the great equalizer for our society, as well as an insanely lucrative source of ie.


    Sebastien raised one eyebrow and said dryly, And with the celerium mines running dry, the power you would hold would be enormous.


    Oliver already had another argument lined up, but his thoughts stuttered and tripped over each other. What? The mines arent


    She frowned darkly, usingly.


    You really have been busy, he said, the words slipping out without his conscious thought. It was a mistake.


    Her frown disappeared, reced by the faintest sneer of disgust.


    That would make a lot of sense, he said carefully. But I didnt know that. I thought that those in power had just been restricting the flow of celerium into the market for thest couple decades as a way to artificially increase the price. Collusion to line their pockets by creating scarcity. But if thats true, ithas major implications. If thats true, I might need to elerate my timeline on getting it decrypted.


    She scoffed. You expect me to believe you didnt already know? Before he could respond, she snapped, Or that our connection was solely for my benefit? That you gave me a loan with fifty percent interest and asked me tomit crimes to pay you backjust to keep me safe?


    I didnt know, he said softly.


    Sebastien sneered, one side of her upper lip drawing back to reveal the teeth beneath.


    Something about that expression, not just angry but disgusted, sparked a bloom of anger. I wont apologize for acting in the best interest of all the people who we have helped, and all who we could still help, Sebastien. <em>Every</em> young child and aspiring free-caster could go to school. We could be an entire nation of thaumaturges. We could end poverty, scrub out the corruption and entitlement, and save lives. What <em>you</em> have now could be for everyone, without any of the struggle or the danger.


    Sebastien opened her mouth to retort, but Oliver held up a hand to stop her. Listen. I will tell you once. He paused, drew a deep breath, and repeated more softly. Please listen. I didnt intend things to work out the way they did. I never nned for Siobhan Naught to steal a book in my stead, or be the Raven Queen, or my friend. I may not have shared all of my secrets with you, but that has never been a requirement of our rtionship, never a promise I made. And if you wish to speak of my maniptions, I admit it freely. As I said before, I have never bound anyone to me with a leash they cannot break, and that includes you. I may want to lift this country, this world, out of its own shit, but I am no saint. I do what is necessary, not what is right. But do not pretend that you have not acted simrly.


    He allowed the pause to linger, staring at her hard.


    Sebastien returned his gaze defiantly.


    That little spectacle of yours, did you ever stop to think about the danger it might bring to the Verdant Stag? To the innocent people who youve never even met and apparently dont care enough about to consider? Do you have any idea how many unwarranted arrests the coppers have been making in thest week to bring people in for questioning? I cant even keep track of them. Did you consider the more direct harm that causing a widespread panic might do? That innocent people could be injured?


    Her expression had stilled again, but it wasnt as dead as before. Were peopleinjured?


    Several.


    She blinked slowly but didnt flinch.


    And more have been harmed during arrests or questioning. That part, you might argue, isnt your fault, but if I had known about your n, I could have made preparations that might have mitigated the severity of the situation. And this time, you might say, was out of desperation. But its not the first time you put aside morality or honor when it suits you. Did you really expect that I would think it a coincidence when the textile submission that I had worked out and agreed upon with Lord Gervin suddenly fell through? And just before you came to me with such an advantageous solution to my newly created problem. You were saving yourself, to be sure, but risking harm to everyone that submission would have helped. Thousands of people given work, tens of thousands given warm clothing through the winter months or dressed in something other than rags. If you hoped that I wouldnt notice your sabotage, you should have been more subtle.


    Sebastien rocked back on her heels. She frowned in seeming confusion, looking away and muttering, Ana, to herself.


    Your friend did not tell me. She had no need. I am not so foolish. But I didnt even hold that scheme against you, Sebastien. Because even though were on the same side, I have never expected altruism of you. I have considered us friends. I have given gifts of mary value, knowledge, and protection. I have gone out of my way to keep you safe, even at danger to myself. Heughed bitterly, and Sebastien flinched.


    But when ites from you to me, it is always a transaction, Oliver continued. You will never act on my behalf unless receiving something in return. And perhaps you became used to my generosity, to the point that you expect it and be angry if I do not immediately, even preemptively, <em>give</em> to you. So, let us transact, now. If you wantplete honesty from me, want to know all my ns and secrets and all the ways I move under the surface of this citywhat will you give me in return?


    Sebastiens pale skin first grew even more sallow, and then her cheeks flushed with rage, her ck eyes glinting. For a moment, her shadow seemed to waver like a ripple over the surface of a pond. So be it, she whispered, her voice trembling. She swallowed and lifted her chin. Should you wish to speak with me again, you will pay tribute, like the rest of those who treat with the Raven Queen.


    And with that, she spun on her heel and made for the door.


    Wait.


    She stilled, then turned slowly to look at him again.


    Does anyone else know about the book? The one I have? he asked.


    When she smiled it was a small, mean thing. No. And I will not tell them. We will keep each others secrets, hmm? A<em> fair trade.</em>


    Oliver watched her leave, and then listened to her walk away at a measured but fast pace. A few minutester, she said a warm goodbye to Sharon, was forced to ept a pic basket of food, and left.


    The echo of the front door, though it had been closed gently, seemed to reverberate through Olivers bones. He forced himself not to watch her leave through the window. Instead, he pressed his trembling fingers to the cool wood of his desk. Then he let his head slump down onto his hands.


    He had lost something precious, and it was more bitter than he ever imagined.