As we stepped out of the house, I massaged my wrists and followed Fern’s little brother along a narrow cobblestone path. Lotrick didn’t say much, so I focused on my arms instead. Zola’s light threads had burned my wrists enough to leave little pink marks on my skin that were, thankfully, fading away. I looked up both of my marked arms and remembered looking at my reflection last night.

  So . . . about these scars, I said to Fern.

  ‘What about them?’ Fern asked flatly.

  What gives? Why would your own parents beat you so aggressively? Pardon my language, kid, but that’s fucking despicable.

  I felt an anger that wasn’t mine bubble inside me.

  ‘Hey! You don’t know them or even why I have to get beat.’

  Okay, well, you haven’t done a great job explaining how this world works. I can’t imagine a parent hitting their own child like this even if they are a “slave,” I said while I wondered if I had just felt his own anger inside me.

  He sighed in my head and spoke softer. ‘If you must know, it is quite literally written into law that voidbloods must be malnourished, scarred, and kept from leaving their home unless under supervision.’

  You’re saying that your country has a written law that DEMANDS the horrible mistreatment of these . . . voidbloods? I asked, remembering the voices in the darkness saying they would put my soul in one.

  If I was going to make any headway in finding Noah and getting my body back, I needed to understand this world.

  ‘It means we can’t use magic, in the simplest terms. Found out when I was ten, as all do. My parents had a choice from the monarchy: either sell me or keep me as a family servant,’ he explained.

  Okay . . . but why such aggressive beatings? I mean, damn, kid, you have too many scars to count.

  ‘It’s required. According to the monarchy, we commune with demons, and when voidbloods are beaten and kept weak, the “demons” stay trapped within us. To be honest, my scars are small compared to the other voidbloods I have seen,’ Fern said. ‘Mother may be evil, but I know she holds back. She can’t be caught being merciful, you know? The Monarchy is very serious about keeping voidbloods weak and beaten, and Mother and Father have already angered the monarchy once.’

  What do you mean by that? I asked.

  Fern didn’t answer for a while, and I eventually assumed he didn’t want to talk about it.

  Corello’s houses lined the steep canyon walls, each one built from a golden-hued sandstone and marked by vivid colors along their edges. A rainbow array of silken tapestries draped every rooftop, and the wind made them wave gently in the breeze like a rainbow ocean above the buildings. I remembered looking out over Corello in the early morning light, but in daytime, the city’s vibrancy took me by surprise.

  What do the colors of the tapestries mean? I asked, nodding at a bright pink tapestry on a nearby roof.

  ‘You’re asking too many questions,’ Fern muttered. ‘Focus on my brother; he is cunning and will get suspicious.’

  I rolled my eyes, but the kid was right, I needed to focus. Noah might be in worse trouble, and if Zola hit Fern for simply waking in the night, she’d do worse if she learned some stranger possessed him. She already called him cursed once.

  I eyed Lotrick. The boy looked like he was practically glowing in the sunlight. His skin was a dark clay red like mine, but his seemed almost more saturated.

  I’m guessing he can use magic? I asked Fern.

  ‘Right, a mageblood,’ he replied with a sigh. ‘The little brat loves to show off.’

  Show off?

  ‘You see how his skin seems to glow?’

  I nodded.

  ‘That’s him raising his source. It’s what fuels his magic. With it he, and all the other 90 percent of Stylosians, can empower themselves. Their bodies move faster, their skin becomes harder, and the source allows them to use the string magic you saw. It’s called vibration magic. Magebloods can then train and move up the ranks of the World Mages’ Association if they want, allowing them to work for kings, queens, or expeditions through the many unexplored areas on Morne. They can do everything I wish I could do. They have true freedom over their destiny,’ he said with a somber tone.

  I sighed and shook my head. Sounds about right. Just my luck that I get a once-in-a-lifetime chance of being put in a fantasy world and I get no powers, and even more so, no freedom.

  Lotrick turned suddenly. His golden eyes glinted with surprising intensity for a thirteen-year-old.

  “Keep your head forward, brother. Stop looking up at the clouds, you look like an idiot,” he said coolly. “Also, open your collar more.”

  “Huh? Why?” I asked, perplexed.

  Lotrick stopped and gave me a withering look. “Are you questioning me? And with attitude?” He shook his head and clicked his tongue. “Mother must’ve hit you hard last night. Open the collar. Come on now.” He smacked my chest with the back of his hand twice before he continued walking.

  I loosened the tan garment, tugging it open. Immediately, I noticed a strange circular tattoo on my sternum—like a worn-away target with lines spiraling inward.

  How did I miss that when I changed? I wondered. What does it mean?

  ‘A voidblood mark,’ Fern said. ‘So everyone knows what we are.’

  My heart sank with the impending doom of the mountain of crap I had to deal with here. Oppression existed on Morne as it did on Earth. It didn’t matter what year or world I was on, suffering seemed to be inevitable for someone.

  Lotrick looked me over and nodded, satisfied that the brand was in plain sight. “Better. Wouldn’t want anyone to miss seeing your beautiful tattoo.” He gave a quick wink and turned back around.

  Arrogant prick, I thought.

  Fern laughed. ‘You know? It’s nice to have someone else deal with him. But you should talk a little bit more friendly to him, that’s how I normally behave.’

  Forcing a laugh and trying to remain inconspicuous, I ran up and clapped Lotrick’s back. “Sorry about that, brother. Still a bit rattled from last night, that’s all. So where are we going again?”

  “For the love of . . .” he muttered. “What is with you today?” He didn’t answer my question and instead kept on leading me to our unknown destination.

  We turned onto a wider street that opened into a bustling town square. A fountain sat at the center, carved with stone figures wearing outlandishly enormous hats. Brilliant turquoise water spouted from their hands in graceful arcs. On the fringes, shops and open-air cafés were setting up for the day. Painted signs showed pastries, coffee-like drinks, and what I assumed were magical potions. A bunch of children, some with animal ears and tails, dashed by us, tossing around a ball that turned out to be a clump of floating water. Their fingers were laced with glowing threads of light blue, shaping the water like a rubbery bubble.

  Okay, that’s wild. Those kids aren’t human! I know you said no more questions, but I’m gonna need a definition, please.

  Fern sighed, but I had the sense that a part of him liked explaining these things.

  ‘The smaller girl’s a canis, the taller boy’s a reptilia. They are all beastman races from around Morne. They have the same rights as humans, as long as they can use magic, of course,’ Fern explained.

  I stared, probably too much, but I was trying to process cat ears on a girl, reptilian scales on a boy, and children playing with water in midair, all in real life and not on the TV. Magic truly was woven into everyday life here, and it was blowing my mind every second. Being made to be a slave was pretty shitty, but at least the magic around me was nice to take my mind off my current predicament.

  Lotrick abruptly stopped in front of a tall building. “We’re here. Jade Supply.”

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  ‘That’s right,’ Fern said. ‘He’s picking up his school supplies.’

  Jade Supply was built of the same golden-hued sandstone. The edges of the building were painted in bright green. A matching tarp hung high over the rooftop. On a second-floor balcony, two cat-women sat at a table sipping tea.

  The two perked up when they spotted Lotrick.

  “Master Lotrick!” one called, waving. Both wore crisp white shirts and black trousers. They looked like employees of Jade Supply.

  They stood up and flicked their palms upward. From their fingertips small silvery strings danced, conjuring a sudden gust of wind at their feet. They lifted themselves up in the air and then drifted down to greet us.

  “Master is expecting you inside,” the black-haired cat-woman said, giving Lotrick a playful wink. “Miss Rosie is here, too!”

  Lotrick thanked the cat-women and strutted inside. I hurried after him, ducking under their scrutinizing stares. A short hallway led us to a second set of doors, which opened onto a surprisingly massive interior.

  The shop soared upward in a dome-like ceiling. Shelves lined the circular walls, stocked with tools, potions, herbs, weapons, books—basically everything a fantasy hero might need. The air smelled faintly of incense and metals. Above, cat-folk bustled along interior balconies, carting supplies or guiding customers. I felt an almost giddy excitement at seeing a real “general store” from a fantasy world.

  We headed down a wide ramp toward the center, where a large crowd had gathered to haggle and talk to the different shopkeepers.

  Oh man, I wish I could browse all day, I said to Fern, looking at all the shelves and hanging pots of magical items and materials.

  ‘Well, we can’t. Voidbloods aren’t allowed to shop, and anything we touch, our masters must pay for. So don’t touch anything. Also don’t touch anyone. People get really upset when a voidblood brushes up against them.’

  Here I was, being lectured by a sixteen-year-old kid to behave more maturely, but I couldn’t help myself. I finally got a break from the stressful, nonstop life I lived, and now I got to experience a real-life fantasy world. Yet . . . Fern was right to be so blunt. I was brought here and put in a slave’s body. I didn’t have the luxury to keep being childish.

  “Lotrick! Fern! You’re finally here!” someone called.

  A cheerful girl who looked about Lotrick’s age hopped off the ramp’s railing to greet us. Her black hair fell around her face in bouncy waves, and her eyes were a shockingly bright pink.

  “Hello, Rosie,” Lotrick acknowledged her, letting her hug him before he shrugged her off with an annoyed grunt.

  “Oh, don’t be such a grumpy goblin.” She grinned and turned to me. “Fern! Look what I taught myself!”

  Rosie held out her hand, and on every other fingertip, a small flame formed. On the other fingertips, ice coated her skin. Then an orb of light formed in her palm. It spun rapidly. Red and white spirals shifted in a mesmerizing display of two clashing elements.

  ‘Wow . . . she’s so talented,’ Fern whispered in awe.

  “Impressive,” I said aloud, eyes locked on the swirling magic. “You figured that out on your own?”

  “I’ve been practicing,” she said proudly. “I’m thirteen now, so I needed a head start before heading off to school—especially if I’m going to beat Lotty!” She mussed Lotrick’s hair, earning an eye roll.

  By the time we reached the store’s main counter, Lotrick was confirming his order to a tall cat-man with gray curls and small, pointed ears. Master Wor, the shop’s overseer. While they talked, I started loading a sturdy backpack with everything the assistants brought.

  He’s going all out for school, I said to Fern. I watched the assistants bring armfuls of books, uniforms, and magical materials

  ‘The Celestium Arcanum, the most prestigious of magic schools on Stylos, is expensive,’ Fern replied. ‘Our parents made sure that he has everything he needs so he doesn’t waste the opportunity.’

  Behind me, Master Wor clapped his hands. “I trust everything meets your standards, Master Lotrick?”

  Lotrick nodded. “It does. Thank you for the high-quality materials, Master Wor. It will be needed in my classes. I was accepted into the Royal Princeguard Track, after all.”

  “Me too,” Rosie chimed in with a grin. Lotrick turned around and gave her a scowl. “Oh, don’t act so surprised, Lotty. I might not have three elemental sources like you, but I’m more than ready to show the capital what I can do!”

  Lotrick scoffed. “More power to you. But three elements are better than two.” He turned back to Master Wor, ignoring her look of annoyance. Rosie sighed, folding her arms. After Lotrick wrapped up the purchase, we followed him back up the ramp to the entrance and left Jade Supply.

  Outside the store, the cat-women from before bowed as we left. The sun had climbed higher, brightening the street. I tried not to stare too obviously at passing beastmen or at the watery sphere still bobbing around the kids by the fountain.

  Lotrick moved briskly, and Rosie trailed behind him with a cheerful skip. I picked up my pace until—

  Wham.

  I collided with someone who came around a corner too quickly. Books fell to the ground, and I spun to see a boy about Lotrick’s age, short but dressed in expensive-looking clothes. His face twisted with anger and a long drip of blood was falling from his nose.

  “You absolute imbecile,” he spat, holding his nose. The boy had short, curly blond hair and piercing blue eyes. He pulled away his hand and looked at the blood. “You made me bleed! Oh gods, I can’t believe you did that! You complete damn moron. Do you realize who you just assaulted?”

  “Assaulted? It was an accident, I’m sorry, dude.”

  Two other boys ran up, fussing over him.

  “Dude? What kind of backward country slang is that. What are you?” He waved off his friends and glared at my open shirt. His eyes landed on the voidblood brand on my chest.

  “You’re a voidblood, of course. I should’ve guessed.” He curled his lip like he’d stepped in dog shit. He turned toward Lotrick and raised his eyebrows. “Ah, it’s the Landaluce. That must mean this is your voidblood brother.” The kid pointed toward me.

  Lotrick scrunched his nose. “Carlyle, we don’t want trouble. My brother’s a little off today. He didn’t get much sleep and got a pretty harsh beating last night.”

  Carlyle sneered. “Really? Then your worthless brother can make amends by polishing my boots with his tongue.” He stepped back, pointing at his scuffed footwear.

  Heat flared in my gut.

  ‘Just apologize and do what he says,’ Fern warned. ‘Don’t blow up. We will be punished if you do. Badly.’

  That’s bullshit. I can’t believe I have to take this, I hissed to him.

  “Hey, Carlyle, it was an accident. Chill out,” I said, bending to pick up his dropped books. “I’m sorry about your nose and scuffed shoes.”

  Carlyle slammed his boot against my wrist, pinning my hand to the cobblestone. “I said, polish my shoes, you filthy voidblood.”

  I gritted my teeth. My first instinct was to shove him off, but I remembered Fern’s fear. If I started a brawl here, Zola might catch wind and punish us. Or worse, I could go to jail, as a slave hitting who I assumed was some noble’s stuck-up kid.

  Lotrick folded his arms. “I told you, Carlyle, we don’t want any trouble.”

  “Then make your brother do what I asked.” Carlyle twisted his foot, pressing harder against my skin. “Or I can humiliate him—and you—in front of everyone.”

  I tried gently sliding my wrist out from under his boot. He pressed harder. “Stop,” I said through clenched teeth.

  “Oh, is that an order, voidblood?” Carlyle asked. “I think you’re forgetting your place.”

  I saw people pass by, glancing over. Rosie moved forward, looking concerned. “Carlyle,” she said quietly, “we’re all about to go to school tomorrow and he won’t be there, can’t you just forget about this—?”

  He threw her a dismissive look. “I can do whatever I want. This idiot scuffed my brand-new boots AND almost broke my nose. Don’t you know who my father is?” His friends laughed, edging closer, urging him on.

  You said not to start a fight, but he’s obviously pushing for one, I told Fern.

  ‘Try to stay calm,’ Fern hissed. ‘We can’t afford—’

  Carlyle removed his boot, grabbed my collar, and pulled me upright. I backed up a step, half in relief, but then he shoved me. My shoulder bumped against the wall of the building.

  “You want me to chill out, voidblood?” he mocked. “Now get on your knees and beg me for forgiveness.”

  “Do it,” one of Carlyle’s sidekicks echoed. “He said kneel.”

  Lotrick’s eyes flickered with anger, but he stayed quiet. Rosie clenched her fists, cheeks flushed.

  I swallowed my pride. Maybe I could duck out of this. If I caused a scene, it’d reach Zola, and I was already on her hit list.

  I knelt on one knee, forcing my expression to remain neutral. “I’m sorry.”

  Carlyle’s grin widened. “That’s better—but not good enough. Clean them, or you won’t be walking home.”

  He lifted one polished boot and shoved it toward my face. A ripple of outrage surged through me.

  ‘Let him have his twisted victory,’ Fern pleaded in my mind. ‘We can’t risk Mother’s wrath.’

  I glanced around. People who passed by were staring. This was humiliating. Was the punishment really worth submitting like this? I tightened my fists. I wondered if I could work this in my favor.

  I looked back at Carlyle in time to see him flick his hands toward me. A searing bolt of energy crackled. I rolled aside in time to avoid a direct hit, but it scorched the air beside me.

  “Carlyle, that’s too much,” Rosie gasped, stepping forward. But Carlyle’s two friends blocked her, laughing.

  “Where do you think you’re going?” one taunted.

  “Stand still,” Carlyle said to me. “After I blast you once or twice, maybe you’ll follow instructions. Unless your brother wants to do it in your place. Lotrick?”

  Lotrick’s face burned with resentment. He exhaled sharply. “Brother,” he said, addressing me, “just do what he—”

  Another crackling burst flared from Carlyle’s palm. I had no magic to defend myself with, just reflexes. I ducked, feeling the heat flash over my head. This was getting dangerous fast.

  Carlyle stepped closer, arcs of shimmering electricity dancing between his fingertips. “Are you really dodging my attacks, voidblood? You know it’s against the law to avoid punishment, right? So let me tell you again, you are going to kneel and lick my boots, or should I show you the difference between a mageblood and a worthless voidblood?”

  I gritted my teeth. “I got a better idea. How about a bet, Carlyle?”

  He fired another crack of energy, forcing me to jerk aside. The crowd that had started to form near us backed up to give more space. My heart pounded and the tingle of adrenaline surged through my body. I felt like I could feel every nerve.

  Lotrick hesitated, then raised a hand. “Stop, Carlyle. You’ll draw the guards.”

  Carlyle sneered. “So what? A few charges of disorderly conduct? My father has plenty of pull. Yours does too, but it won’t save him,” he said, pointing at me. “He’s a voidblood. They won’t lift a finger if I char him a little.”

  I clenched my fists, a tremor running through me.

  “Hey! Are you listening to me, you dumbass little boy?” I shouted.

  Carlyle cocked his head. “What did you just say?” Intense hate flashed through his eyes.

  “I said let’s have a little bet.”

  Carlyle sighed. “And what is this bet?”

  I smiled. “I bet that my weak, stupid, useless voidblood body can land a punch on you before you can land an attack on me.”

  With a sneer, Carlyle summoned a bright crackle in one hand, lifting his other in a condescending gesture. “All right, I’ll take that bet. If you land a punch, I’ll back off. Otherwise, I’m going to burn you up. Come on, voidblood. Let’s see if you can do anything besides beg.”

  That was it, my excuse to fight, my chance to avoid humiliation by a damn kid. Letting him fry me wasn’t an option, and licking his boot wasn’t going to happen either. The concept of the bet probably wouldn’t save me from all punishment, but it should save me from execution. I stood and felt my adrenaline kick in again. Blood rushed through my veins so intensely I swore I could feel it move through my body. My pulse thundered as we squared off in the middle of the street while the eyes of Corello’s morning crowd watched.