Assassin of Curses: (The Coren Hart Chronicles Book 3) by Jessie Eaker (best novels in english TXT) 📕

Yonge. I had been told several times how unusual it would be for the Dark Avenyts to use them.

But that didn’t explain everything. It had definitely been a Dark Avenyts that had given them to Cabrina, so they were involved somehow. Also, I had to wonder what Lilith’s role was in all this. It appeared she wanted to prevent Yonge from getting the key. And what would sealing away Zofie and Abe have to do with him dying? I seemed to still be missing some important pieces.

Zofie began to pace. “It might be because of her curse. I had thought she would have removed it by now. Or it might also be because of intent. Perhaps the vault knows the princess does not have her own mind.” She nodded to herself. “It might even be that she doesn’t have the ability to open it.” She sighed. “I guess we’ll have to....”

Zofie suddenly looked up and strode over to the kneeling Fumiko. She kicked her hard in the ribs. It was on the side she had injured.

Fumiko moaned before coughing up blood—splattering dark spots on the tiles before her.

My beautiful Zofie’s face screwed up into an evil grin. “Don’t even think about attacking me.” She reached down and removed a small dagger from Fumiko’s hand. “Ever resourceful, aren’t we.” She passed the weapon off to one of the guards.

Zofie stopped in front of me. She looked thoughtful. “And then we have Coren.” The guard’s pressure on my shoulder eased. “Stand up.”

I did as instructed.

“Remove her curse.”

My reply was immediate. “I can’t. Abe is inactive due to your charm.” I held up my wrist.

Her eyes widened, but it was the cricket that came forward. “So that’s why you aren’t under my control. Your curse is interfering.”

One of the guards came forward and lifted Fumiko up by the throat. Her feet danced, seeking purchase as she slowly strangled.

“I’m going to release you,” said Zofie, gazing at me levelly. “I want you to remove her curse. But don’t even think about causing trouble, or your dear Fumiko will die. Oh, and you should probably hurry. Sounds like she’s having a little trouble breathing.”

Despite the guard’s grip on her throat, Fumiko managed a tiny shake of her head.

“No,” I said firmly. “Not until you release Zofie and put Fumiko down.”

A chuckle came from Yonge’s body. “Why should I? They’re my insurance that you obey?”

I frowned. “Then I guess we’re at a stalemate.”

All of Yonge’s bodies paused, like he was thinking.

“Hmmm. I guess I could,” said the roach. “The charm may be interfering with opening the vault.”

“Seems reasonable,” said the guard behind me.

Yonge himself spoke, “I’m not sure I should though.”

The guard holding Fumiko said, “I should just kill her now.”

“She is a threat,” said the guard behind Zofie.

I began to suspect that the years of controlling people had done something to Yonge. I didn’t think he was completely sane.

I interrupted the back and forth. “Well? At least release Fumiko while you make up your mind.”

Fumiko was released, and she collapsed in a gasping heap.

Yonge seemed insulted. “Make up my mind? I was merely stalling.”

Just then, Cabrina walked into the room still wearing her servant’s uniform. Her illusion was gone, and her face was emotionless. My eyes went wide. Yonge must have done something to her charm too.

Cabrina suddenly broke into a cruel smile. “Since Fumiko isn’t providing enough incentive,” said Yonge through the youth. “I guess I need to use this one too.”

She held out her hand as she casually walked past my guard. Without missing a beat, he handed her a knife. She stepped up to me and took my wrist. “Fitting, isn’t it, that the one who gave you the charms should take them off.”

Cabrina deftly sliced off my charm and then did the same to Zofie.

Suddenly, Zofie’s eyes changed. They grew wide in shock. There was no doubt in my mind this was the real Zofie.

“Coren!” she exclaimed and threw her arms around me. I hugged her to me tightly despite our situation.

But it only lasted a moment. We disengaged, and she turned toward Yonge. “I demand you release us this instant,” she shouted, with the full tone of one in authority.

Now that, was my Zofie.

The cricket hopped forward. “Of course, Princess. Just as soon as Coren removes your curse.”

I rubbed my wrist like a manacle had been removed. “And what about Cabrina.”

“No,” the youth said, pointing the knife to her own throat. “This one, I keep for insurance.”

“I’m surprised you can control an Avenyts,” I said.

Cabrina smiled. “I don’t have to. I merely need the body.”

“Now, remove her curse,” demanded the roach.

I had no choice. “Abe?” I asked.

Hello Coren. It’s been a while. Wish I could say it’s good to be back. For someone with meat for brains, you certainly are a trouble magnet.

I couldn’t help but smile. “I would definitely trade my brain for a little less trouble.”

Your brain? No one would want it!

While I would never have admitted it just a short while ago, I had missed the old bastard.

I sighed. “I’m assuming you heard. I need to remove Zofie’s curse.” I stepped forward, but Zofie put a restraining hand on my chest. She looked concerned.

Well, about that. You really need to talk to the princess first.

“Why?” I asked. “Let’s just do this.” And without pause, I put a finger on her chest and said the words. “Your curse to my curse.”

Nothing happened.

Uh... Coren. I can’t remove her curse. Like I said, you really need to talk to the princess.

Zofie gave me a hesitant smile, no doubt listening in on our conversation.

I was puzzled.

“Abe, why can’t you?”

Remember back on Mount Eternal when you asked me