Soulsworn by Terry C. Simpson

they wielded, the strength in soul that was unsurpassed. That was before he began his own experiments with the box.
    Nerisse scooped out the jar’s contents and slowly brought her hand to her mouth. She began to chew. Pressure built within the room. She took another helping. Soon, slow eating became that of a starved person gorging on a coveted meal. The wet, smacking sounds made bile rise in Aidah’s throat.
    The heaviness grew until it became near unbearable, cloying, the air thick and hard to breathe. Aidah wanted to run away, wanted to get as far as possible. Another part of her became fascinated by the spectacle.
    As Nerisse ate, the sensation of being overpowered increased, as if the building itself rested upon Aidah’s shoulders. She wanted to cry out, to scream, but she could only whimper. When Nerisse finished and finally made her way to the bed as if in a trance, Aidah prayed to the Dominion more fervently that she ever had in her life.

A Line of Blades
    “T hey’re gone. The count’s men left,” Lomin said as he entered the room.
    Frowning, Aidah left Nerisse’s side and went to the window. Dawn’s light crept across Garangal, illuminating tiled roofs, dirty streets, and the bustle of people early to rise. Plumes of smoke rose from chimneys. She sought out the alcoves along the adjacent building and the alley where the Blades had waited. They were empty. Praise the Dominion. “Why do you think they left? And when?”
    “I don’t know why.” He cast a glance toward the bed where Clara and Nerisse still slept. “But it happened just after the power Nerisse used.” Lomin was squinting at Nerisse now, brow beaded with sweat. “I know of only one thing that could infuse such soul into a melder, and the addiction it causes has driven more than a few of them mad.”
    Aidah scowled at the Blade’s fearful expression. “And despite how you may feel, it seems to have dissuaded our enemies.”
    “Maybe, but then that might not be so good.”
    “My children’s survival says the opposite. The Dominion has answered my prayers and provided a way out. That’s all that matters.”
    “Sometimes the answer to a prayer isn’t all that it seems.”
    “Regardless, it’s an answer,” she snapped, “and so far it’s a good one.” He opened his mouth to speak. “You’re not here to question me, but to protect us. That’s all I need from you.”
    Lomin looked as if she’d slapped him in the face. He bowed stiffly. “Understood, m’lady. What would you have of me now?”
    “When do you think it will be safe for us to leave?”
    “There’s no telling, but I would say the sooner the better, before they decide to return.”
    Aidah nodded. “I would agree. If you have the men needed, then prepare the wagons. We leave as soon as Nerisse wakes.”
    “As you say. If there’s nothing more?”
    She dismissed him with a wave of her hand. Lomin bowed again, turned on his heels, and left.
    Aidah ordered breakfast and waited. As she watched the children sleep, it pained her to know they were no longer innocent. The Empire’s harsh realities had stripped that from them. She wished she could give it back, but all she had to offer now was a path to survival. They would lead the way. Kesta must have recognized the potential when he set out to train them in soul magic. Despite her trepidation she whispered thanks to her dead husband.
    A serving girl delivered the food. Aidah sat at the table to eat but found she had little appetite even with the meal’s appetizing aroma. Lost in thought she picked at the eggs and barely noticed the cinnamon when she sipped the coffee.
    Nerisse was the first to wake. Power resided in the girl’s eyes, and although Aidah could not see it, she felt it, a sensation that demanded attention, forced her to glance in her daughter’s direction. At the same time it made her avert her gaze when Nerisse looked upon her.
    “How do you feel,” Aidah asked.
    “Almost like a different