RISE

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RIFT

NIGHTSHADE

WOLFSBANE

BLOODROSE

ANDREACREMER

RISE

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EditedbyJillSantopolo.DesignbyAmyWu.

Textsetin10.25-pointApollineRegular.

LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationDataCremer,AndreaR.Rise/AndreaCremer.p.cm.—

(Nightshade)Summary:“EverythingConatusstandsforisatrisk,andEmbermustinvolveherselfina

deceptionthatultimatelybringsabouttheWitches’War”—Providedbypublisher.[1.Knightsand

knighthood—Fiction.2.Supernatural—Fiction.]I.Title.PZ7.C86385Rj2013[Fic]—dc232012012263

ISBN:978-1-101-60782-4

13579108642

ALWAYSLEARNING

PEARSON

ForCharlie,Richard,andLyndsey:

ThoseMusketeershavenothingonyouguys

Theroadtohellispavedwithgoodintentions.

—SaintBernardofClairvaux

TableofContents

ALISTAIRCOULDREMEMBERscreamingonlyoncebefore,atleastsincehe’dbecomeaman.The
shrillcryhadforceditswayfromhisthroatwhenhe’dbeenpinnedtothefloorofthewinecellar.Three
hobgoblinsheldhimdown,cackling,whileafourthstretcheditslong,clawedfingerstowardhiseyeball.
Thatscreamhadbeenabrittle,stranglingyowlofhorror.

Thesoundescapinghislipsnowwasbrighterthanshatteringglass,jaggedshardsofpainandloss.

Emberwasgone.

Lessthananhourearlier,restlessaftertheeventsoftheday—andofthenight—Alistairhadgazedat

thestoneceilinginhiscell.Hispalletwasunsympathetictohispains,offeringnoeaseorcomforttolull
himintoslumber.Witheyesopen,Alistairdidn’tseetherough-cutgrayblocksabovehim.Neitherdidhe
seedarknesswhenheclosedhiseyes.

Animagehadburneditselfuponhisvision.SkinrevealedaslinenslippedfromEmber’sslenderbut

strongshoulders.WeekswithConatushadchiseledherarms,makingthemhardasaman’s,butAlistair
rememberedthesoftnesshe’dglimpsed.Herhairwasfire,flameslickingthesnowofhernakedbody,its
suddencurvesappearingashergarmentfell.

Itwasascenestolenfromhisverydreams.Emberbaringherselftohim.Wantinghim.Alistairwould

havegivenhissoultorelivethemoment.Andchangethewayithadended.

Nomatterhowoftenheturnedinbedorsummonedotherthoughts—fortherewasmuchtothinkon:

LadyEira’splanshadbeensetinmotionandeverythingwasabouttochangeinTearmunn—hefailed.
Ember’sbareskin,capturedintheglowofcandlelight,heldhimhostage.

Unabletobearthetormentanotherminute,Alistairrosefrombed.Hehadn’tbotheredtochangefrom

hisuniformintoasleepshirt.WithConatusreelingfromSorcha’sdeathandEiratakingcontrolofboththe
CircleandtheGuard,thenightportendedchaos.Alistairhadevenkepthisswordbeltedtohiswaist.
Shouldafightarise,hewouldbereadytoassureLadyEira’ssuccessfulascensiontosoleruleoftheir
order.

Ashelefthiscell,AlistairbrieflyconsideredseekingoutEira.Perhapsshehadneedofhishelp

maintainingorder.Buthereadilydismissedthatthought.Shouldshedesire,LadyEirawouldhaveno
qualmsaboutsummoninghim.Havinggiventhisbriefattentiontoduty,Alistairsuccumbedtothesiren
songthatcalledhimthroughthedimcorridor.

PassingthefewdoorsthatseparatedhiscellfromEmber’s,Alistairpausedinfrontofherdoor.What

tookplacewithinthischamberonceheenteredwoulddeterminethenatureofhisrelationshipwith
Ember.Alistairknewthistruth.Heleanedagainstthedoor,lettingtheimageofherhalf-clothedfigure
slideintohismind’seye,coaxinghimtoaction.

Embermusthaveknownhewastheoneatthedoorearlierthatnight.Onlyatrustedfriendwould

intrudeuponheratsuchalatehour.Shehadn’tdroppedhergowninsurprise.Thechemisehadbeen
falling,releasedwithpurposebyEmber’sownhand.She’dbeenwaiting.

AlistairrefusedtobelieveEmberhadanticipatedthearrivalofanother.Howcouldshe?
Despitethesicktwistofhisgutthethoughtprovoked,Alistaircouldn’tstoptheneedlingdoubt

followinghisquestion.Barrowhadcomeuponthem.TheknighthaddisruptedwhatEmber’sskin
promisedAlistair.

CouldEmberhavebeenwaitingforBarrow?
Alistair’sroilingstomachtangleditselfintoahardknot.No.Itwasn’tpossible.Barrowhadabandoned

Ember.He’dcastheroff,forsakinghisroleashermentor.Andhadn’tAlistairrestoredhisown
friendshipwithherinthewakeofBarrow’srejection?Hadn’theandEmbergrownevercloser,slowly
returningtotheintimacyandtrustthey’dsharedaschildren?

Thathistory,theknowledgethatheknewEmberbetterthananyoneelse,assuredAlistairofwhathe’d

alwaysbelieved.Emberwasboundtohim,anddespitehercharacteristicstubbornness,shelovedhim.
Theywouldmarry,andshewouldbehis.AlistaircouldimaginenootherroleforEmberinhislife,and
hisloyaltytoLadyEirahadsecuredhisfuturewithEmber.Eirahadpromisedtobringchangesto
Conatus,whichAlistairwouldsoontakeadvantageof.Nolongerheraldingtiestothosemonkwarriors,
theKnightsTemplar,theConatusGuards’vowswouldbeoffealtytoLadyEiraandLordBosqueMar
andnothingmore.TheneworderofferedAlistairallhedesired.

Fortifiedbythisthought,herappedlightlyonthedoor.Andwaited.Heknockedagain,daringtousea

bitmoreforce.WithSorcha’ssuddendeath,mostoftheGuardwouldbeawayfromtheircells,holdinga
vigilinthehallbelow.Wakingsomeonewasofsmallrisk,andsinceEmberhadkeptawayfromthe
gatheringofknightswhenhe’dsoughtheroutearlierthatevening,Alistairwageredthatshe’dremained
secludedinherbedchamber.

Evenaftermoreinsistentknocks,Alistaircouldn’thearEmberstirringwithin.Perhapshersorrowover

Sorchahaddrivenherintodeepsleep.Orstillgrieving,Embermightbeweepinginhercell,tooashamed
tosharerawemotionwithanother.AlistairthoughtEmberalltooconcernedaboutshowingabraveface
totheworld.Shewasstrongenough.Maybeabittoostrong.EmbercouldbeaknightofConatusifit
suitedher.Butshewasstillawoman.

ConvincedthatEmberwasmostlikelyhidingherfeelings,asshewaswonttodo,Alistairslowly

openedthedoor.Asherdearestfriend,itwashisplacetocomforther.Hethoughtofpullingherintohis
arms,ofstrokingherauburntressestosootheher.Hisbodytightenedwhenhismindpusheditsmusings
further,makinghimimaginehishandspushingtheloosenecklineofEmber’schemiseoverhershoulders.
Watchingitfallasithadafewhoursbefore.ThistimeAlistairwouldcatchherhandsinhisownifshe
feignedmodesty.Hewouldclaspherfingerstightlyandlookuponherbodyashelongedto.

InthedarknessofEmber’scell,Alistairclenchedhisjawsohewouldn’tgroan.Theideaofoffering

solacetoEmberasshemournedhadbeenmuscledoutbydesirethatfeltasoldashisbones.Hemoved
forward,slowlythroughtheblack.

“Ember,”Alistairwhispered.
Shegavenoanswer.
Hestartedtowardherpallet,handsoutstretched.Ashereachedtorouseherfromsleep,cloudspeeled

back,uncoveringthemoon.Translucentbeamsstretchedthroughthenarrowwindow,givinglighttothe
cell.

Alistairstaredatthepallet.Thewoolblanketlayinacrumpledheapatitscenter.Thebedwasempty.

Hewasreachingtowardnothing.

Theshockofembarrassmentwastrampledbysuddenrage.WherecouldEmberbe?
Atthevigil?Herpresencetherewouldmakesense.Afterall,SorchahadtakenuptheroleofEmber’s

mentorafterBarrowhadforsakenit.ButifEmberintendedtospendthenighthourshonoringherdead
friend,whyhadshebeenreadyingforsleepwhenAlistairlastsawher?

Emberwasn’toneforcomplacency.Ifshehadn’tbeenabletosleep,shemighthavelefthercell.But

Alistairdoubtedshe’djoinedtheknights’vigil.Emberwouldbemoreinclinedtocontendwithher
sorrowdirectly.Shecouldbeoutwalkingthegrounds.Orridingthathorsesheloved.

TwinspikesoffearandagitationlodgedinAlistair’schest.Foolishgirl.LadyEirahadn’tyetbeen

abletobringEmberintoherfold.Thatmadetheyoungwarriorvulnerable.ItwouldtaketimeforEirato
quellthepanicinthevillage,toreassurethemthatConatushadbeencleansedofitswickedelementsand
anewreignofjusticewasabouttobegin.

Asudden,unwelcomevisioncrowdedoutAlistair’sfantasies.Anunwantedsoundfilledhisears.

Ember’sscreams.Herpaleskinblisteringandblackening,splittingopenlikeold,dryleather.Herhair
engulfedinrealflames.Villagersdancingastheyreveledinbloodlust,havingcapturedandpunished
anotherwitch.Forwhatwomanbutawitchwouldrideoutaloneintheblackestofnight?

Alistairwasrunningbeforehereachedthecourtyard.Onceoutside,hesprintedtothestable,praying

hewouldn’tfindwhathesuspected.Rushingalongthestalls,AlistairpulledupatCaber’sholdingpen.
Seeingthatthestallwasempty,Alistairbentover,spewingcursesandtryingtodeterminehisnextmove.
Howcouldshebesoreckless?

ButAlistairknewEmber’swildnaturewouldcompelhertogallopoffwithoutthoughtsofsafety.He

cravednothingmorethantotetherandtameher.

Frustrated,Alistairresignedhimselftosaddlehisownhorseandgooutinpursuit.Hecouldn’trisk

Emberfallingafoulofwitchhunters.

Beforehe’dreachedthetackroom,Alistairabruptlyhalted,goingsilentandperfectlystill.Aflickerof

movementhadslippedintohisperipheralvision.Alistairdrewhissword,turningtofacetheshapethat
coweredinshadows.

“Showyourself,”Alistairsaid.
“Beggingyourmercy,mylord,”aquakingvoiceanswered.
“Fitch?”Alistairpeeredatthehunchedfigure.“Isthatyou?”
“Itis,LordHart!”Fitchgaveacryofrelief.
Alistairkepthisswordattheready.“Whyareyouskulkinginthestables?”
Fitchcreptforward,gruntingwiththeeffort.Inthedark,hisbodyappearedwideandmisshapen.When

hewalked,hisfeetscrapedacrossthedirt—orsoAlistairthought.Amomentlater,Fitchwasclose
enoughforAlistairtoseewhyFitchhadbeenhiding.

Hewasdraggingabody.
Withahissofbreath,Alistairjumpedback.“Whatisthemeaningofthis?”
“Please,LordHart.”Fitchletthebodygoanddroppedtohisknees.
AlistairgruntedindisgusttoseeaknightofConatusgroveling.HejerkedawaywhenFitchreachedas

thoughtograspAlistair’stabard.

“WhatI’vedonewastoserveConatus.Iswear!”FitchshookhisbloodiedfistsatAlistair.“They’ve

gonemad.They’lldestroyus!”

Makingsurehisbladewasbetweenthecoweringknightandhimself,Alistairtookacloserlookatthe

unmovingmanbesideFitch.

“Mercer.”Alistairbreathedtheknight’sname.Mercer’sfacewasbloodied,hisfleshswellingasit

tookonvioletandgrayhues.ItwaswellknownthatMercerandFitchhadlongbeenfriends.Whatcould
haveprovokedFitchtoattackafellowknight?

AsifsensingAlistair’sscrutiny,Mercergroaned.Fitchliftedahandtostrike.
“No!”Alistair’scommandstoppedFitch’sblow.TheybothwatchedMercer,buttheknightremained

unconscious.

“Youdidthis?”Alistairforcedthetremoroutofhisvoice.
“Ihadto.”BeadsofsweatstoodoutonFitch’sbrow.“He’satraitor,Alistair.They’realltraitors.”
Alistairdidn’tknowwhethertotakeFitch’suseofhisfamiliarnameasagoodsignornot.Butthe

wordtraitormadehisknuckleswhitenashegrippedhisswordhilttighter.

“Speakquickly,Fitch,”Alistairsaid.“OrIshalldealwithyouonlyasacurwhodishonorshis

companionswithunprovokedviolence.”

“TakemetoLadyEira,”Fitchpleaded.“Shefavorsyou.She’llgrantmeanaudienceifyouask.When

Mercerwakes,hecanbequestionedandmywordswillprovetrue.”

Alistairgrimaced.“I’lltakeyourconfessionandpassitontoLadyEira.I’dsoonerseeyouwaitinthe

barracksforherjudgment.”

“No.”FitchfelloverinthedirtwhenAlistairtookamenacingsteptowardhim.Fitchlolledonthe

groundlikeabeatendogshowingitsbelly.“Beggingyourpardon,LordHart,butIfearthatImightbe
implicatedinthistreachery.IonlywishtotellLadyEiramyselfsoshecanseemycontritionandrestore
metomystation.IriskedmylifetooverpowerMercersoIwouldhaveproofofthisconspiracyagainst
Conatus.Pleaseconsiderthat.”

Alistairfounditdifficulttofeelanythingbutcontemptforthisman.Yethisbloodiedhandsand

Mercer’slimpformpromisedanintriguingtale.Andifthistreacheryhespokeofwastrue…

“Verywell,”Alistairtoldhim.“LadyEirawillhearyourwords.Nowgetupandstopshamingyourself

withthispitifuldisplay.IneedyourhelptocarryMercer.”

Fitchscrambledtohisfeet,castingafearfulglanceatMercerasthoughtheunconsciousmanmight

reviveandgrabhim.

AlistairseizedFitchandgavehimaroughshake.“ActliketheGuardyou’resupposedtobe,Fitch.

Takehisfeetandleadtheway.I’llcarryhimattheshoulders.”

FitchturnedawayfromAlistairandkickedMercer’slegsapart.Tuckingacalfoneithersideofhis

waist,Fitchliftedtheunconsciousman’slowerhalfwhileAlistairtookcareofhistorso.

“That’sgood,”AlistairtoldFitch.“Headintothecourtyard.Andbequickaboutit.”
AmantwitchingandquaveringthewayFitchdidwasn’tsomeoneAlistairwantedathisback.Thetwo

knights,onetallandwary,theotherbentoverasifonthevergeofbeingsick,madetheirwayacrossthe
courtyard.

“She’slikelyinthegreathall,”Alistairsaid,directingFitchtothemanor.“AndiftheCircleiswith

her,allthebetter.Iftraitorsareinourmidst,it’samattertobeaddressedwithoutdelay.”

Fitchmutteredsomethingunintelligibleinresponse,butAlistairdidn’tbotheraskinghimtorepeat

himself.HewasalreadyquestioninghisdecisiontobringFitchtoEira.Whatifthemanhadtakenilland
themadnessoffeverhadturnedhimonhisfriends?

StillprovinghisworthtoEira,Alistairdetestedthethoughtofraisingalarmwithoutreason.Itwasthe

cooltouchoffear,lightonhisskin,thatkeptAlistairmovingataswiftpacetowardthegreathall.No
matterhowunstableFitchmightappear,somethingreallaybeneathhiswords.Somethingrealandvery
wrong.

Thecorridorsofthemanorwerestill.TheGuardwouldbeoccupiedwiththeirvigil,andthestaffmust

havesoughttheirbedsforthenight.Allforthebest,Alistairthought.Toomanyquestionswereboundto
chaseafterapairofknightscarryingthebrokenbodyofoneoftheirfellows.WithSorcha’sdeathraising
alarmonlyafewhoursearlier,furtherbadnewscouldincitepanicthroughoutthekeep.

Whentheyreachedthethickdoubledoors,Alistairpivotedtotheside,bracingMerceragainsthim

whilehefreedhisotherarmandpulledthedooropen.Hetookcaretoleavespaceonlywideenoughto

carrythebodyinside.

“Thisisaprivatesession!”Claudio’sshoutstoppedAlistairinthedoorway,leavingFitchandthe

otherhalfofMercerstillinthehall.

DespitehismanyyearsasoneoftwoCirclemembershailingfromcraft,Claudiostillborethestrength

ofyearsworkingwithhishands.HestrodetowardAlistair.

“Peace,Claudio,”LadyEiracalledtohim.“LordHartiswelcomehere.”
Claudiohesitated,butdidn’tcounterEira’swords,andAlistairquicklypulledtherestofMercer,and

Fitchalongwithhim,intotheroom.

“What’sthis?”ClaudiogapedatMercer.
AlistairglancedbackatFitch.“Let’sputhimdown.Andthenshutthatdoor.”
TheylaidMerceronthefloorwhiletheotheroccupantsofthehallgatheredaround.Fionn,perhis

officeasacleric,carriedascrollinhishand.HegazedcalmlyatMercerasthoughtheunconsciousman
wereapuzzletobesolved.

LadyEiraspokefirst.“WhathappenedtoMercer?”
BeforeAlistaircouldanswer,Fitchblurtedout,“Havemercy,mylady.IswearI’llconfessall.”
“Whatdoyouhavetoconfess,Fitch?”Eiraasked,hervoicecool.
“I’vedonewrong.Ithoughttobetraythecause.ButIknowIwasmislednow.Iseektomakeamends.”

Fitchgulped,butwhenheopenedhismouthtospeakagain,hesuddenlyyelped.

AhandhadwrappedaroundFitch’sankle.Mercer’seyeswereopen.Withajerkofhisarm,Mercer

pulledFitchoffbalance.Fitchtumbledtotheground,andMercerwasonhim,snarlinglikeawildcat.

Claudioshoutedinsurpriseandbackedawayfromthestrugglingpair.Fionnranacrossthehalltotake

coverbehindthesacredtree.Eiradidn’tmove,butneitherdidshetrytointerfere.

“Traitor,”MercerspatashestruckFitch.“I’llseeyouinhellforthis.”
“I’mnotraitor.”FitchgraspedMercer’stabard,tryingtoshoveMerceroff.“You’remadforbelieving

them.They’llbethedeathofus.”

“Stop!”Cian’sclearvoicerangout.
Alistair,who’dbeenabouttograspMercerfrombehindandwrestlehimawayfromFitch,wheeled

around.Hehadn’tnoticedLadyEira’ssisterinthehall.Cianleaptfromthefarcorneroftheroomand
closedthedistancebetweenherselfandthetangledknightsinafewlongstrides.

WithamovementofsuchgraceandstrengththatitstunnedAlistair,CiantookholdofMercerandFitch

—oneineachhand—andthrewtheminoppositedirections.Mercerrolledoveroncebeforejumpingto
hisfeet.Hehadnoweapontodraw,buthisfistswereraised.Fitch,eitherreelingfromCian’ssudden
interventionorstillshockedthatMercerhadregainedconsciousness,fellbackontohishandsandheels.

Cian’sswordhissedoutofitsscabbard.“Whatisthistalkoftreachery?”
Mercerstaredather,andwithoutbreakinghergaze,hepointedatFitch.“Thereisyourtraitor.”
WhenCianglancedatFitch,hiseyesbulged.Hebegantocrawlbackwardlikeacrab.“You…you—”
“Yes,traitor.”CianmovedtowardFitch.“Youshouldfearme.”
WhenAlistairrealizedCian’sintention,herushedather.“No!Wait!”
Hedidn’treachherintime.Cianbroughtherbladedowninacleanarc,andFitch’sheadtoppledfrom

hisbody.

“Damnyourimpatience!”AlistairwatchedbloodpouroutofFitch’sseveredneck.“Hewastheone

whocametomeseekingaid.Whywouldyoukillhim?”

UnruffledbyAlistair’sfury,Ciansaid,“Yourcompanionclaimedhehadaconfessiontomake.One

mustsintorequireconfession.Fitch’sfacespoketomeplainlyofhisguilt.I’venodoubtthathissins
weregreat.”

Alistairwasshakingwithoutragewhenshewalkedawayfromhim.
Mercerstoodstill,facepaleandfistsraised.Hisexpressionwasresigned,asthoughheexpectedto

meetthesameendbyCian’ssword.

“You’veseenhowwedealwithtraitors.”CianspokeslowlytoMercer,holdinghisgaze.“Perhapsyou

wouldlikeachancetoconfess,andifyourcontritionprovesgenuine,you’llbeshownmercy.”

Drawingasharpbreath,Mercersaidquietly,“Youcuthimdownlikeacommonthief.Idesirenoneof

yourmercy,andIhavenothingtoconfess.”

“Verywell.”Cianraisedhersword.
“Putdownyoursword,Cian,”Eiracommanded.“Whendidmysisterbecomeabarbarian?”
Cianpaused,glancingatEira.“Deathisthepenaltyfortraitors.”
“Ofcourseitis,”Eiraanswered.“Butwe’veyettolearnthecauseoftheseaccusations.”
“LordHartbroughtthemen.”CianturnedtoAlistair.“Iassumehehastheanswersweneed.”
Alistairjumpedforward,speakingasquicklyashecould.“IfoundFitchinthestables.He’dbeaten

MercersenselessandclaimedtherewasaconspiracyagainstConatus.”

“Isthereanytruthtohisstory?”Eiraaskedhim.
AlistairlookedwithregretatFitch’sheadlessbodybeforeheanswered.“Idon’tknow,mylady.Fitch

desiredtomakeafullconfessiontoyoupersonally.That’swhyIbroughthimhere.”

“Youshouldn’thavekilledhim,”EiratoldCian.“Itwasreckless.”
CianreturnedEira’sstarewithoutflinching.“Tomymind,they’rebothtraitors.Theonlydifference

betweenthetwoisthatFitchwasclearlythecoward.Itookhisheadtomakeapoint.Anecessaryone.”

“Youletyourtempergetthebestofyou,andyoudishonoryourselfbymakingexcusesforit.”Eira

regardedhersistercoolly.“GowithAlistairandtakeMercertothestockade.Securehimthereuntilwe
knowthetruthofthis.”

CianpursedherlipsandthensaidtoAlistair,“Waithere.I’llbringironstobindhimbeforewegoto

thestockade.”

Alistairnodded.Thechaosintheroomgavewaytoanuneasyquiet.AlistairheardFionnretching

behindthetree.

Claudioapproachedthemcautiously.HeeyedMercer,gaugingwhetheranythreatremained.
Mercerstaredblanklyahead,givingnosignofworrythatAlistairstoodclosebywithhissworddrawn

incaseofanytrouble.

“You’regoingtoquestionhim,then?”ClaudioaskedEira.
“IknowonemoresuitedtothetaskthanI,”Eiraanswered.“I’llaskLordMartojoinusshortly.”
EirawalkedinaslowcirclearoundMercer,lookingtheknightupanddown.HersmilemadeAlistair

shiver.

STEAMROSEFROMTHEhorses’bodies,mirroringthemiststhatveiledthehillsides.Thesun
wouldn’tshowherfacetoday,Emberthought.Thoughitwasstillnight,Embercouldalmostfeelthe
weightoflowcloudspressingdownuponthem.

LeaningintoCaber’sstrides,Embertriedtogatherherwits.Thestallion’shoovesthrewclodsofdamp

soilintotheairwitheachstrikeagainsttheearth.Thoughthewindbroughttearstohereyes,Emberhada
hardtimeshakingthesensethatshewascaughtinadream.ThisbreakneckflightfromtheConatuskeepof
Tearmunnwastoowildandfrighteningtobereal.

Butitwasthatfear,churningbeneathherribs,thatmadeEmberalltooawarethatthismidnightride

wasnotthestuffofdreams.Glancingoverathercompanion,Embertriedtomustercourage.Shecould
barelymakeoutBarrow’sfeaturesinthedark,butshecouldseewellenoughtotakeinhisunusuallyrigid
poseastrideToshach.Hekepthiseyesonthepathahead,urgingToshachtoanevenfasterpace.Asshe
watchedBarrow,conflictingimpulseswrestledwithinher.Barrowseemedincapableoffear.Heledthem
intothenightwithouthesitation.Embertrustedhim.Inbriefmomentswhentheterrorofwhatshe’ddone
releasedherfromitsgrip,shereveledintheknowledgethatshewasridingabreastofthemanwhose
company,whosetouch,she’dcometobelievewassomethingshewouldneverhave.Nomatterhowmuch
shewantedit.

JoysurgedinEmber’sblood,likelightningstrikes,butthatecstasywaschasedawaybythechillof

doubt.Theywererunningfromfriends.Fromswornallies,besidewhomshe’dfoughtandbled.Froma
dutyshe’dcometobelievewassacred.HowcoulditbethattheywerefleeingConatus?Foryears,
Emberhadlongedforalifeotherthanthatwhichherfatherhadplannedforher.AtTearmunn,Emberhad
beengrantedthatonce-impossibledream,andshe’donlybeguntoglimpsethewondersthatserving
Conatusoffered.Now,onlyafewweekssinceshe’darrivedinGlenShiel,shewasrunningawayfrom
everythingshe’deverwanted.

Everythingexcepttheknightwhorodebesideher.Ifitweren’tforBarrow,Emberwonderedifshe

wouldhavebeenabletoleaveTearmunn.

DespiteherfaithinBarrow,Emberwasn’tateasewiththeeventsofthelastseveralhours.Ithadall

happenedsofast,andinablurofsuchconfusion.FromtheheatofBarrow’skissinthewoodstothe
attackonthevillagethathadledtoSorcha’sdeath,thenighthadbroughtEmberheavenandhell.Andthen
therehadbeenAlistair’sunexpectedappearanceinEmber’scell.Hermouthwentdrywhenshe

rememberedthewayhe’dstaredather,hisfacetightwithdesireashetookinherhalf-nakedform.

Ithardlyseemedpossible,butAlistair’swordshadbeenevenmoredisconcertingthanhisintrusionin

herchamber.Notonlyhadhespokenofthembeingtogether,aslovers,buthewasinafrenzyover
Conatusitself—theplansEirahadlaid,thepossibilitiesofaneworder.Noneofithadmadesense.

Emberwantedtofacethenightwithcourage,butasthehoursofhardridingtooktheirtoll,shefoughta

losingbattleagainstheruncertaintyoverthechoicetoleave.Thoughshetriedtorememberthereasons
she’dbeencompelledtojointhesmallbandofrebelsintheirescape,Emberwishedthatthebearerofill
tidingshadbeensomeoneinwhomshehadasmuchfaithasshedidinLukaszandFatherMichael.But
theirinformanthadbeenastranger,awoodcutterwhosemindseemedfrayedatbest.

Couldanyofwhatthatdisturbedmanhadtoldthembetrue?EmberwouldreadilyadmitthatEira

exudedstrengthandambition,buthowcouldshesurvive—ararewomanamongtheleadersofConatus—
withoutsuchtraits?Whatcoulddrivehertodoanythingtoputthosethingsmostsacredtoheratrisk?

AsEmberponderedthesequestions,shefeltherconfidenceslippingaway.Ashoutroseinherthroat.

Shecouldstopthis.AllsheneededtodowascallouttoBarrowandhalttheirmaddashfromthekeep.
ButwhenEmberlookedathercompanion,thepanicswellinginherchestlessened.Howcouldshe
behavewithsuchcowardice?

“Thatisallyourstrengthandnoneofmine,”Barrowhadtoldherjustbeforethey’dfledTearmunn.
He’dsaidmore,aswell:“AndthatiswhyIloveyou.”
Thememoryofhiswords,thequietstrengthbehindthem,kepttheearlymorningchillatbay.Ember

welcomedthefreshresolvethatshecouldbethewarriorBarrowbelievedshewas.

Asuddenshoutjoltedheroutofherthoughts.Toshachhadstumbledandsquealed,eitherinpainor

fright,knockingintoCaber’sshoulder.BarrowhadcalledoutasheworkedtosteadyToshach.Caber
pinnedhisearsback,butEmberquicklycheckedtheyoungstallionbeforehecouldbitetheotherhorse.

ReiningToshachin,Barrowslowedtheirpacetoawalk.Thehorsesblewcloudsofhotair,andtheir

chestswerelatheredfromthehardrun.BarrowkeptToshachmovingforward.Hesattenseinthesaddle,
waiting.Amomentlater,hesworeandswungdownfromthesaddle.

EmberbroughtCabertoahalt,watchingasBarrowkneltbyToshach’srightforeleg.
“He’sfavoringthisfoot,”Barrowtoldherwithoutlookingup.“Ifwekeepriding,he’llpulluplame

soonenough.”

Barrowcursedagain.“I’msorry,Ember.Iknewitwasarisktopressthehorsesthishardatnight.It’s

tooeasyforthemtobeinjuredbystonesorbranchesonapaththeycan’tsee.”

“Whatshouldwedo?”Emberasked,tryingtoremaincalm.
“IhavethemeanstomakeanherbpoulticethatshouldgiveToshachsomerelief,”Barrowanswered.

“Butwe’llneedtoresthimforafewhours,andwhenwecontinue,we’llbetravelingmuchmore
slowly.”

Embernodded,swallowingthehardlumpinherthroat.
“We’vecoveredalotofground,”Barrowsaid.“Withluck,thisdelayshouldn’tputusinanymore

dangerthanwealreadyface.”

Hescannedthevalleyfloorthatbuttressedthenarrowpath.“Let’sheadtothatcopseofpines.We

shouldn’tstayintheopen.”

BarrowledToshachfromthepathandtowardtheclusteroftrees.Emberstayedinthesaddlebut

followedataslightdistance.Cabersnortedandtossedhishead,confusedandfrustratedbythesudden
changeofpace.Leaningforwardtorestherheadagainstthestallion’sneck,Embermurmuredsoothing
soundsuntilCaber’sprotestssubsided.

WhenBarrowledToshachintothecopse,thepairsuddenlyvanishedfromsight.Arrivingjustbehind

them,Emberwasgratefulfortheshelterthetreesprovided.Huddledtogetherasifforcomfort,thetall
pinesbentinward.Attheirupperreaches,thebranchesandneedlestangledtogether.Embermighthave

wageredthatifshejumpedfromthetopofonetreetowardthecenterofthering,thebrancheswereso
tightlywoventhey’dbreakherfall,catchingherinanetoffragrantgreenery.

“ShouldIunsaddlehim?”EmberaskedassheswungoutofCaber’ssaddle.
Barrowshookhishead.“We’renotlikelytobesurprisedbyanenemy,butitwouldbefoolishtotake

anythingforgranted.Weshouldbereadytoleaveatamoment’snotice.”

EmbersettledforfreeingCaberofhisbridleandgivinghisearsagoodscratching.Barrowgathered

herbsandastripofclothfromToshach’ssaddlebags.Helaidtheclothflatontheground,measuringthe
herbsintoaheapatthecenter.Hehuntedthesoiluntilhefoundastonethatmatchedthesizeofhishand
and,addingabitofwaterfromoneoftheskins,crushedtheherbsintoapaste.

“Ember.”BarrowbeckonedhertojoinhimashecrouchedbesideToshach’sinjuredleg.
ShekneltalongsidehimasToshachwatchedthem,flickinghisearsincuriosity.Barrowheldthe

poulticeinonehandandgesturedforEmbertocrouchbesidethestallion.Hepressedherpalmagainstthe
musclesjustaboveToshach’sfetlock.

Toshachsnorted,andBarrowspoketohimgently.“Easy,oldboy.We’reonlytryingtohelp.”
BarrowlookedatEmber.“Doyoufeelthatheat?”
Embernodded.BeneathToshach’scoat,hismusclesradiatedastrangewarmththatpulsedagainst

Ember’sskin.

“That’stheinjury,”Barrowtoldher.“Theonlywaytocureitisagoodrest,butthepoulticewillease

theswellingandsomeofthepain.”

EmberwatchedasBarrowwrappedthepoulticetightlyaroundToshach’sleg.Whenhefinished,

Toshachwhickered,loweringhisheadandblowingintoBarrow’sface.

“Iknow,friend.”Barrowlaughed.“It’snotyourfault.”Hepattedthestallion’sbowedneck.
ToshachswishedhistailandwanderedtothespotwhereCaberwasforagingforspringshoots.
Thoughthecopseofpinesfeltwellprotected,itwasalsoverydark.Emberrubbedherarms,tryingto

chaseawaythesenseofisolationthatcreptoverher.

“Wecan’triskafire,”Barrowtoldher.“I’msorryforthechill.”
“Don’tworryaboutme,”Embersaid.“Ofcoursewemuststayhidden.”
Thoughshedidn’twantto,sheshivered.Thetremorhadn’tbeenbroughtonbycold,butbya

heightenedawarenessthatmanymorenightsofhidingawaitedher.

Tentatively,BarrowreachedoutforEmber.Shesmiled,surprisedthathe’dworryshe’ddoanything

otherthanstepintohisembrace.

OnceEmberwasclose,Barrowfoldedherintohisarms.Shetookadeepbreath,noticingthewaythe

astringentscentofpinemixedwiththewarmspiceofhisskin.Heheldontoher,hisfingersrunningover
herhair,downherneck.

Emberliftedherchin.Barrowlookeddownather.Shecouldbarelyseehisfaceinthedarkness.

Raisingherhand,shefoundthecurveofhischeekandletherfingertipsrunovertheroughstubbleofhis
jaw.Whenshetouchedhismouth,hislipspartedinasigh.

“Kissme,”shebreathed,takenabackatherwillingnesstovoiceherdesiresoboldly.
ButBarrowwasalreadybendingclose.Shefelthisbreathonherlipsforthebarestmomentbeforehis

mouthtouchedhers.Herhandmovedfromhisfacetowraparoundhisneckashekissedherhungrily,
discoveringthecontoursofherlipsandneckwithhisteethandtongue.

Ember’slimbsbegantoquake.ShegrippedBarrow’sshoulders,nolongertrustingherlegstoholdher

upright.Assheswayed,Barrowslidhisarmaroundherwaistandliftedheroffherfeet.Hewasstill
kissingherwhenhetookthemtotheground.Emberlookedupatthetangleofbranchesthatstretchedover
theirhidingplacelikeacanopyofebonylace.Barrowpaused,lookingdownather,hesitating.

Graspingthefrontofhistabard,EmberpulledBarrowtoher.Whenhisweightpushedheragainstthe

earth,Emberswallowedamoan.

“Ember.”Barrowkissedhertemple,herear.Hishandmovedoverher,tracingtheshapeofherbody

fromhercollarbonetoherhip.Hisotherarmslidbetweenherbackandtheground,liftingherupagainst
him.

“Please,”shemurmured,shudderingasthisstrangelongingtookholdofherbody.
BarrowunbuckledtheleatherbeltthatheldSilenceandSorrow.Itfellawayandheslippedhishand

beneathhertabardandthenhershirt.Hisfingersrestedbrieflyonherstomach,makingherdrawasharp
breath.Hislipstouchedherssoftlyashishandmovedup.Whenhefoundtheedgeofthecloththatbound
herbreaststoherribs,hetracedthelineoffabric.

Emberswore,andhelaughed.
“Ididn’tknowthatwasawordyouused,LadyMorrow.”
“Onlywhenit’sappropriate,”sheanswered.“I’llhavetotakemytabardandshirtoff.There’s

unwindingtobedone.”

Shefelthissmilewhenhekissedheragain.“Perhaps…or…”
Barrow’shandmovedawayfromthetightwrappingofclotharoundherchest,hisfingerstraveling

alongherskin,overherstomachanddown.Emberwentverystill,suddenlyunabletobreathe.

Herhipsmoved,andshedrankinthecoolnightair,itscontrastsweetagainsttheheatofherblood.
EmberreachedforBarrow’ships,drawinguphistabard.Herpalmsmoldedagainstthestrengthofhis

thighs.Sheslidherfingersup,wantingtolearnwhatitwastotouchhim.

Butbeforeshecould,Barrowpulledbackand,insteadofholdingher,kneltbesideher.
Startled,Emberscooteduptorestonherelbows.Notsureifsheshouldworryorjustshoutathim,

Emberdidneither,becauseBarrowspewedoutsuchanarrayofcursesthatshealmostblushed.

“Barrow?”Emberrolledontoherside,watchinghim.
“Byallthatlivesonearthandinheaven,”hesaidroughly.“ThereisnothingIwantsomuchasyou.”
Shereachedforhim,andBarrowpulledherintohisarms,butwhenEmbertriedtokisshim,heturned

hisfacefromher.

“Thisisn’tthetimeforus,Ember,”hetoldher.“Nothere.”
Emberlaughed.“DoyouhonestlybelieveI’mstillattachedtothethoughtofmakingloveonlyina

featherbed?I’mnotaspoilednoblewoman,Barrow.Youknowthat.”

“That’snotit,”Barrowsaid.“Iwouldmakelovetoyouhere,inabed,inariver.Noplacewould

thwartmydesireforyou.”

“Good.”Embermovedtokisshimagain.Thistimehislipslingeredagainsthers,butnotforlong.
“Theonlythingthatcouldstopmeisputtingyouatrisk.”Barrowheldherslightlyapart,hishands

strongonhershoulders.

“Whatrisk?”Emberfrowned,herbodythrummingfromhistouchandherfrustrationgrowingfrom

beingkeptatbay.

“Thatyoucouldconceive,”Barrowsaidquietly.
Silencefilledthesmallspacebetweenthem.Foratime,Embercouldhearonlytherapidbeatingofher

heart.

FinallyBarrowsaid,“Tofatheryourchildwouldbeagreathonor,Ember.Butthisisadangeroustime.

Ifyouweretobecomepregnant,youmightfallillassomewomendo.Andyoumustbestrongnow,ready
tofight.”

“Iknow,”Emberanswered.Shecouldn’timaginecarryingachildinherbelly.Notnow.Perhapsnot

ever.

WhenBarrow’sfingerslightlytouchedhercheek,shecoveredhishandwithhers.
“Doesthatmean…Ican’tbewithyou?”Emberasked,notsureshehadthewilltokeepherdistance

fromhim.

“No,”Barrowsaidquickly,withaforcedlaugh.“MercifulGod,no.”

“But—”
Barrowlaughedagain,pullingheragainsthim.“Youdon’tremember?”
“Rememberwhat?”
“YouaskedmeonceifmembersoftheGuardevertooklovers.”
HeatrushedintoEmber’scheeksassherecalledtheconversation,theconfusionshe’dfeltthatday,and

howmuchhadchangedsince.

Barrowcontinued,“ItoldyoutoseekadvicefromSorchaaboutgettingherbsthatwouldallowyouto

makeyourchoiceswithoutriskofachild.”

“Inever—Ididn’t—”Emberspluttered.Barrowwastheonlymanshe’dwantedinthisway.When

he’dpassedhertrainingtoSorchaandkepthimselfdistant,Emberhadassumedthatheheldherin
disdain.Achildwithamisguidedinfatuation.Onlywhenhe’ddrawnherintohisarmsamidadownpour,
beneaththeshelterofagreatoak,hadshelearnedthathereturnedherfeelings.

“SorchaandInevertalkedofthesethings,”Emberfinishedawkwardly.
“Mmmmm.”Barrowmadeasoundthatblendedfrustrationanddisbelief.“Whenyouaskedmeifanyof

theguardtooklovers,Ithoughtyoumighthavesoughtacompanionforyourbed.”

Embernearlychokedonherownbreath.FortunatelyBarrowcontinuedspeaking,sparingherthe

embarrassmentofanattemptatsplutteringaresponse.

“Anditwasthatday”—Barrowpaused,holdingEmberinhisgaze—“thatIwasforcedtoadmitmy

jealousy.ThoughIthoughtIcouldfightmyowndesires,Ilearnedquicklythatmyonlychoicewastokeep
myselfawayfromyou.”

“Ithoughtyoudespisedme,”Embersaid.
“Despisedyou?”Barrowsaid.“Howcouldyouthink—”
“Youleftme,”sheansweredsharply.“Youweremyteacher,myfriend,andthenyouweregone.What

elsewasItothink?”

“IthoughtyouwouldtakemetobeabrutenodifferentfromAlistair,”Barrowcontinued,“whotriedto

forcehiswayintoyourbed.”

“YouarenothinglikeAlistair.Ilongedforyoutocometome.”Emberleanedtowardhim,herpulse

thrummingwiththeboldnessofherwords.

“Istillfearedyou,”Barrowtoldher.“WhatwouldhappenifI…”
Herestedhishandonherknee.Veryslowly,Barrow’stouchmovedupherthigh,followingthecurve

ofherhipandfinallyrestingonherwaist.Hespreadhisfingerswide,pressingfirmlyfromthebottomof
herribcagetoherlowerback.Emberdidn’tbreakfromhisintentgaze,buthereverybreathwasshort
andtrembling.

“Icouldeaseyourfears,”Embermurmured.
“Yes.”Barrowkissedthecrownofherhair.“Butonlywhentheriskismitigated.”
Emberturnedherfaceup.Barrowlookeddownather,takingherchininhishand.Afteramoment,he

kissedher,lettinghismouthlingeronhers,tastingher.Hedidn’tpushherawaywhenshemovedcloser,
settlingontohislapandwrappingherlegsaroundhim.

Whentheirlipsparted,Emberwasbreathless.Barrow’sfingersdugintoherhips.Shedidn’twanthim

toletgo.

“WhenwereachKrakdesChevaliers,I’llfindsomeonewhoknowsoftheherbsyouneed.”Heletall

hisbreathoutinahuff.“Believeme,I’llfindsomeone.”

“Good.”Emberbackedaway,toyingwiththelacingsofhischausses.
Hecaughtherhand,pullingherfingerstohislipsandkissingthemsoftly.“Ionlyhavesomuchwill,

Ember.Bekind.”

Thatmadeherlaugh,andtodemonstrateherkindness,shemovedtositbesidehim,herarmsandlegs

nolongerholdinghimhostage.Barrowsmiled,andshenestledherheadagainsthischest,afraidtolookat

himasshenextspoke.

“IneverknewIcouldwantlikethis.”
Barrowdidn’tanswer,buthepulledhercloser,lettinghisfingercirclethehollowofherthroat.
Withablush,Emberasked,“Isit…supposedtohurt?Wantingyou?Becauseitdoes.Alittle.”
Barrow’sdeeplaughrumbledinherear.“BeassuredthatIshareinyoursuffering.Nowrest.I’llwake

youinanhourorsototakeoverwatch.”

Emberthoughttoprotest,butthewarmthofhisbodydrainedthetensionfromhermindandmuscles.

HereyelidsflutteredonlyoncebeforeshenoddedagainstBarrow’schestandslept.

EIRAPACEDTHEGREAThall,herrighthandgraspingandreleasingthehiltofherswordinagitation.

“Tellmeagain,”EirasaidtoCian,whowasstandingnearthesacredtree.
Ciansighed.“Youknowthenames.”
Eiracutasharplookathersister.Frustratedthatshecouldn’tsilencethebuzzoffearthatchasedher

likeaswarmofflies,Eiratriedtorecallthemomentsofthisnightwhenshe’dfelttriumphant.

Beforetonight,onlyAlistairhadwitnessedherabilitytosummonBosque.Butlessthananhourago,

theCirclehadwitnessedherpower…andtrembled.ClaudioandFionnhadalreadybeenpresent,and
EirasummonedThomasandEwan—who’djoinedtheGuards’vigilasasignoftheCircle’sgriefand
respect—tothegreathall.ThegatheredleadersofTearmunnwatchedasshespoketheinvocation,
standinginthepoolofFitch’sbloodthatstainedthefloor.

WhenBosqueappearedatherside,bowingtoher,Fionnhadcollapsedtohisknees.Claudiostoodhis

ground,butEiranoticedthethrobbingpulseathistemples.Ewantookseveralstepsback,makingthesign
ofthecross,andThomasgaveastartledcry.Cian’sswordhissedoutofitssheath;sheheldherground,
musclesquiveringasshepreparedtoattack.

BosquetookEira’shand,kissingthetipsofherfingers.“Mylady,Iamheretoserveyou.”
“CircleofTearmunn,IwouldpresenttoyouLordBosqueMar,”Eiraannouncedwithoutbreaking

Bosque’ssilvergaze.

ItwasthenarrowingofthoseliquidmetaleyesthatdrewhergazetoCian.
Eiralaughedathersister.“Youneedn’thavedrawnyoursword.Herestandsourgreatestally.”
Cianhesitantlyreturnedherweapontoitssheath.
Afterherdemonstration,EiragaveordersthattheyshouldwritetotheirpeersacrossConatus,bringing

moreoftheorderintothefold,andhadsenttheotherCirclemembersaway—allsaveCian,whomEira
wantednearby.Itwasarelieftofinallyconfideinhersister,thoughCian’sresponsehadbeenmuch
coolerthanEirahadhoped.

EiraandCianhadtakenBosquetothestockade,whereAlistairstoodwatchoverMercer.Sheasked

BosquetostaywithAlistair,confidentthatBosquewouldhavenotroublelooseningMercer’stongue.
AndhowmuchthebetterforyoungAlistairtobearwitness.Eirahadgreatconfidenceintheboy.Trust
burgeoningintoaffection.Ifshe’deverhadanephew—orperhapsevenason—sheimaginedhewouldbe
muchlikeLordHart.

Thatthoughtsettledhermindabitasshefocusedontheproblemathand.Eirastoppedherpacingand

glaredatCian.“I’veaskedyoutotellmetheirnames.Nevermindthatyou’vespokenthembefore.”

Cianansweredwearily.“Lukasz,Kael,Barrow,andEmber—allfromtheGuard.FitchandMercer

wouldhavemadetheirpartysix.”

“Andyou’recertainnootherssupportedthem?”Eiraasked.“Noneoftheclericsorcraftsmen?”
Ifthetraitorshadtakenaclericcapableofweaving,Eiradreadedthepossibilities.Lukaszandhis

bandoffellowscouldalreadybeinAsia.

CiancrossedtoEira,placingherhandsonhersister’sshoulders.“Calmyourself,Eira.Thefewwho

fleddidsosuddenlyandinthedeadofnight.Theyhadlittletimetoplan,muchlesswinallies.”

EiratwistedoutofCian’sgrip.“Wecan’tbetoocareful.Thisisadelicatetime.”
“Nowthatthey’reaway,whatdoyouhavetofear?”Cianasked.“Youhavethegreaterforce,notto

mentionthesecurityofthekeep.”

“Areyousuchafool?”Eirasnapped.“ThosewhoareawayarethebestoftheGuard.ForGod’ssake,

thecommanderisamongthem.”

“AndwhatisitthatyoufearLukaszwillaccomplish?”CianfrownedatEira.“Isthereanythinghecan

do,giventhepoweryou’vealreadydemonstrated?”

“IfIknowLukasz,he’llseekaidfromotherConatusstrongholds,”Eiratoldher.
“Butwewillinfiltratethosefortressesbeforeyourcommanderhasevenleftthisshore,”BosqueMar

interruptedasheenteredthehallwithAlistairHartathisheels.“Conatusisyourstorule.”

EiranoticedthetighteningofCian’sjawwhensheansweredBosque.“Andisthatmysister’sfate?To

ruleConatus?”

Thetall,dark-hairedman’sreplywasserene.“Eira’sfateiswhatevershewishesittobe.”
CianturnedtoEira.“Areyoutoruleus?”
“Wewillrule,justaswehavebefore,”Eiratoldhercalmly.“Butwithoutsufferingthepettywhimsand

greedofthoseweoncewerebeholdento—likeAbbotCrichton.”

“Doyoudoubtyoursister’svision?”BosquesteppedtoEira’sside,butleveledhisgazeonCian.
“Mysisterwillalwayshavemyloveandloyalty,LordMar.”Cianspokethroughgrittedteeth.“But

what’shappenedconstitutesarevoltandwillcarryheavyconsequences.”

“TheconsequenceforthoseloyaltoConatuswillonlybeagreatreward,”EiratoldCian.“Butfor

thosewhostandinourway—”

“Willyoutrulymakewaronyourown?”Cianbrokein.“CanyoutaketheswordtoLukasz,whohasso

longbeenourfriend?”

Eirapursedherlips,givingCianameasuredlook.“Ihopethatourcommandermayyetseehow

shortsightedhisactionsare.Ifherepents,Iwillgladlywelcomehimhome.”

“Myadviceisthatyoubringhimhomebeforeheislosttouscompletely,”Bosqueinterjected.
Cian’sbrowknit.“Andhowwillyoufindthem?Dawnisstillhoursaway.”
“Thedawnisofnoconsequence,”Bosquesaid.HeturnedtoAlistair,whowasstandingquietlyaside.
EiranoticedthatwhileAlistair’sbackwasstraightandhisshoulderssetwithstrength,hisfacewas

paleandhiseyeswereempty.

“HasMercerrevealedtheroutethey’vetaken?”EiraaskedBosque,thoughanewconcernfor

Alistair’shealthunsettledher.

“IwouldgivethistasktoLordHart,”Bosquetoldtheminaquiet,soothingvoice.“Forthoughthe

commander’sflightthreatensourcause,itisthisyoungknightwhosuffersthemostfromhiscompanions’
departure.”

Alistairgavethebarestofflinches.
Bosqueapproachedhim,speakingcalmly.“Isthisnottrue,youngknight?”
Clearinghisthroat,Alistairsaid,“Itis,mylord.”
“Whenthatwhichismostprecioushasbeenstolenfromyou,thereisevengreaterpleasureintakingit

back.”BosquesmiledatAlistair.

AlistairlookedatBosque,adesperatehopeetchedonhisface.
Withafrown,Cianinterrupted.“Iaskagain,howwillyoufindthem?”
BosqueignoredherandinsteadconsideredAlistair’sstrickenexpression.“Iwouldeaseyourpain,

LordHart.Doyoucraveahunt?”

“Ahunt?”Alistairrepeated.
“You’rethesonofanobleman,”Bosqueanswered.“Surelyyou’veenjoyedhuntswithyourfatherand

brothers.”

“Ihave,mylord,”Alistairsaid,thoughhisbrowfurrowedinconfusion.
“I’llneedsomethingthatbelongstotheoneyouseek,”BosquetoldAlistair.“Canyouprovidesuchan

item?”

“I—yes,”Alistairsaid,thedoubtinhisvoicegivingwaytoexcitement.
Bosquesmiledathim.“Collectitandjoinusinthecourtyard.”
Alistairgaveashortbowanddashedfromthehall.BosquepivotedtostandsquarelyfacingCian.
“Ifyouwish,Icanshowyouexactlyhowwewillfindyourrunaways,”BosquetoldCian.
“Thecourtyard,yousay?”Cianasked,andBosquelaughed.
“Tobringmyhuntersherewouldbequitehazardous.”Bosqueglancedatthewoodenbeamsofthe

ceiling.“Andtolosesuchalovelyhallwouldbeashame.”

CiancastaquestioningglanceatEira,butEirahadnoanswersforhersister.WhenBosqueofferedhis

arm,Eiratookitandlethimleadthemfromthehall.ShecouldseehesitationandfearwrittenonCian’s
face,butsheknewhersisterwouldsoonunderstandandcometolovethewondersBosqueMarwrought.

Forherownpart,EirawasnolongeranxiousaboutLordMar’smysteriousplansorhisstrange

confidenceinsolvingcomplexproblems.She’dwitnessedhisfinesse,hispower,hiscontrolsomany
timesoverthatshefeltanalmostchildishjoyinanticipatingwhathemightmanifestnext.

Cianwouldcometoknowthatsamecrackleofexpectation,andthenthetwosisterswouldwieldthe

greatweaponsBosqueprovided.Allwouldbeasitshould.Eirawascertainofthat.

Whentheyenteredthecourtyard,Alistairwasalreadythere.HehurriedtoBosque,andwhenthetall

manhelduphisopenpalm,AlistairdroppedadelicateobjectintoBosque’shand.

Eirarecognizedthenecklace,andsheknewBosquewouldaswell.He’denchantedthependant

himself,promisingAlistairthatEmberwouldfacenothreatfromthewraithssenttoattackthevillage.
AssuringAlistairofLadyMorrow’ssafetyhadbeentantamounttosecuringhisallegiance.

AsimilarpendanthadbeengiventoSorcha,butforadifferentpurpose.WhenEirahadspokento

Sorcha,she’dpresentedthenecklaceasapeaceoffering.AtokentoremindSorchaofthebondthat
womenwarriorsshared,andanapologyfromEirafortheargumentsthey’dhadaboutthefutureof
Conatus.Sorchahadgraciouslyacceptedthenecklace,notknowingthatitmeantherdoom.

Sorcha’sfatecouldhavebeenEmber’s.HadEmberreachedthevillageandattemptedtotakeon

Bosque’swraithsonlytohavetheshadowcreaturessubmittoher,astheydidtoSorcha,thevillagers
wouldhavetakenEmberforawitchtoo.Thus,Eira’staskofthenighthadbeentofindthegirlandkeep
heroutofharm’sway.Thathadbeeneasyenough,thoughEirahadn’tfoundEmberalone—butshehad
determinedtokeepwhatshe’dseenfromAlistair.Theboywasbrokenheartedenough,thinkingthat
EmberhadgonewithLukasz,butEiraknewthatthegirl’sreasonsforleavingwerelikelymoretiedtothe
strengthofBarrow’sembracethanherloyaltytothecommander.

“LadyCian,ifyou’dbringmeatorch.”BosquegesturedtoEira’ssister.
Cianfetchedatorchfromoneofthesconcesthatframedthemanor’sdoor,andBosquetookitfromher.

Hisgazelingeredonthedancingflame.CiangaspedwhenBosquethrusthishandintothefire.Hedidn’t
flinchashisskincrackledandsizzled.Whenhepulledhishandfree,theflamescrawledoverhis
blackenedfingerslikealivingglove.

Makingafist,Bosqueswunghisarminseveralarcs.Hisfieryhandleftatrailofflameandsmoke.

Ratherthandissipate,theflamesformedacircle,swirlingcrimsonandgold,shimmeringwithheat.

Withfingersstillalight,Bosquepointedhishandatthecenteroftheblazingring.Hiswordswere

strange,raspsandclickssyncopatedoverthelowbassofhisvoice.

Eirasquintedatthecircleofflames,confusedbywhatshesaw,forshecouldswearthatwithinthe

fieryringlaytheblackdepthsofatunnel.Asshepeeredintothedarkcore,somethingwinkedather,like
theflickerofacandleinadraft.Thentwosmallpointsoflightcaughthereye.Thenthree.Thetiny
dancingflamesgrewlarger,takingformastheydrewcloser.

Ciangaveacry,andbothsistersjumpedbackasfierybodiesleaptfromBosque’scircle.
Alistairstoodhisground,buthiseyeswerewideashewatchedthreeshapescircleBosque.Though

fleshandbloodhadbeentradedforfireandsmoke,therewasnomistakingwhatthesecreaturesBosque
hadsummonedwere.Wolves.

Wherefurshouldhavebeen,flameslickedthebodiesofthebeasts.Whentheyopenedtheirmouths,

plumesofsmokespewedout.Witheachstep,theyleftcharredpawprintsontheearth.

Bosqueloweredhisflame-coveredhand,andthewolvesapproached.Withtonguesoffire,theylicked

hisfingers,showingsubmission.OnlywhenBosque’shandnolongerburneddidthewolvesstepaway
andreturntocirclingthetallman.

EiraglancedatCian,whowasstaringatBosque’shand.Eiraknewwhyhersisterwasriveted.The

blackenedskin,burningforsolong,hadhealed,leavingnotraceofdamage.

IfonlyyouknewthatBosque’spowertohealalsosavedyourlife,Eirathought.
ThatsecretEirawithheldforsafekeeping.ShehopedtowinCianoverwithoutrelyingonthefactthat

hersisterowedBosqueherlife.Butifneedbe,Eirawouldrevealthattruthintime.

“Yourhounds,mylord.”BosquesmiledatAlistair.
“Whatarethey?”Alistairbreathed.Thewolves’fierybodieswerereflectedinhisgaze.
“Lyulf—loyalandferocious,apreciousresourcedrawnfrommyhomeland.Thefireandfleshwith

whichIsummonedthemgivesthempurchaseonthisworld,”BosquetoldAlistair.“Buttheycan’tsurvive
herewithoutaconstantsourceofheat.Youmustactquickly,lestyoulosethem.”

“Howlongwilltheylast?”Eirabrokein.“Afewhours’headstartisnothingtoscoffat.”
“Indeed,”Bosquereplied.“AndnoneofyourhorseswillbearthecompanyoftheLyulf.”Heturnedto

Alistairagain.“Thus,Ihaveanothergiftforyou,mylord.”

Therewasnofierycirclecalledforthistime.Bosquereachedintothedarknessitself,andwherethere

hadonlybeenshadow,theshapeofahorsematerialized.

Thestallion—ifitcouldbecalledthat—wasfamiliartoEira.Bosque’ssteedhadalwaysputhermare,

Geal,onedge.Thehorsewaseerilybeautiful,butfrightening.Eiradidn’tknowifshe’dbeeagertoclaim
theshadowsteedasamount.

Alistair,however,gazedatthehorsewitheyesthatswamindarkdreamsofpossession.
“Hewillcarryyou,andthewolveswillrunathisside,”BosquetoldAlistair.“Youwillmovethrough

timeinawaythatthehorsesofthisworldcannot.Itwillbeanexceptionalhunt.”

DespiteAlistair’sapparentconfidence,Eiraasked,“Yourstallionwillobeyhim?”
Bosquestrokedtheshadowstallion’snose.“Thehorsedoesmybidding.Hewilllistentotheboy.”
AtagesturefromBosque,Alistairstrodetothestallion’sside.Withoutfurthercommand,heclimbed

intothesaddleandtookthereins.Thehorsestoodcalmly,barelygivinghisnewridernotice.

“OnceIputthewolvesonLadyMorrow’sscent,theywillbeoff,”Bosquesaidtohim.“Andthehorse

willfollowthewolves’trail.Donotloseyourgriponthereinsorattempttostophimanddismount.The
meansbywhichyoutravelputsyouatriskforbeingforeverlost,shouldyoustrayfromtheintended
path.”

Alistairblanched,causingEiratosmile.Thoughshewantedtheyoungknighttobecourageous,his

quicksenseofmortalperilre-assuredherthathewasn’tsimplyabravefool.

“IfIcan’tleavethehorse,”Alistairsaidwithhesitation,“howwillIfight?”
“Leavethefightingtothewolves,”Bosqueanswered.WhenAlistairlookedaway,Bosquecontinued.

“TheywillknowtoleaveLadyMorrowunharmed.YourtaskistocollectherwhiletheLyulfengageher
fellows.YoumustplayHadestoherPersephone.”

AbriefsmilecrossedAlistair’smouth.“Verywell.”
Ciansteppedforward,shakingherhead.“Doyousendyourwolvestokill,then?Whatofmercy,of

prisonerstoquestion?”

“Youalreadyhaveaprisonertoquestion,”Bosqueanswered.“Doyouwishtoshowmercytosucha

smallbandoftraitors?”

Cianbrokehisgaze,castingapleadingglanceatEira.“Doyouwishtosendmonstersafteryourfellow

Guardsmen?Youwouldgivethemthisdoom?”

“Iwouldremindyouthattheyarenolongerourfellows.”Eiragavehersisterasteelygaze.“Anddid

notyourownbladeofferFitchthesamejusticethatIsendafterhiscollaborators?Lukaszandhis
followerschosetheirownfate.Mercycannotbegrantedwhenitisnotdeserved.”

Asthetwosistersfacedeachother,bothofthemstonelikeinanger,BosquedangledEmber’spendant

fromitschain.Onebyone,thethreewolvescametohim,sniffingthegoldandrubynecklace.Satisfied
thattheLyulfhadherscent,BosquetossedthependanttoAlistair.

“Keepthiswithyou,”Bosqueordered.“Ifthewolvesandyourmounthaltandlooktoyoufor

instruction,itmaymeantheyneedtotakethescentagain.”

Alistairnodded,thoughheregardedthefirewolveswithwaryeyes.
“Iftheycomeclose,you’llsufferburns,”Bosquetoldhim.“ButIcanhealyouuponyourreturn.It’s

unlikelythatyou’llneedtocallthemtoyou.RarelydoLyulfloseascent,andthenonlyiftheonethey
seekiswardingtheirhuntbyspellwork—butthisnightthepreydoesnotknowofthehunter’sapproach.”

“Yes,mylord.”Alistairslippedthependantintothepocketofhiscloak.
“Thenightwanes,”Bosquesaidtohim,ignoringthestill-silentsisters.
WhenEirafinallysighed,turningawayfromCiantoanswerBosque,Alistairandthewolveswere

gone.Onlythelingeringshimmerofheatandacridperfumeofsmokeremained.

“EMBER,YOUMUSTWAKE.”

BarrowtookbothofherhandsandpulledEmbertoherfeetbeforehereyeswerefullyopen.
“Ofcourse,”shesaiddrowsily.“HowlongshouldIletyourest?”
“IwishI’dwokenyouforthatreason,”Barrowtoldher.“You’vesleptbarelyanhour,butsomethingis

amiss.Looktothewest.”

Duckingoutfromunderthecloakofpinetrees,Embersearchedthevalleyfloor.Wheretheglencurved

sharply,puttingthepaththey’dtakenoutofsight,ahazeofrustinfusedtheheavymist.Thestrangelight
shifted,itshuesbathingthedarkhillsidesincopperandbronze.

Emberwouldhavenamedthecolorsaharbingerofdawn,butmorningcamefromtheeast,andtheeast

waspresentlyatherback.

“Whatisit?”sheaskedinawhisper.
“Idon’tknow,”Barrowanswered.“ButIdarenothopeforsomethinggood.”
Withoutspeakingfurther,EmberandBarrowsoughtthehorses,whoweredozingnearby.
BarrowpattedToshach’sneck.“I’dwantedtogiveyoumorerest,butI’mafraidwecan’twait.”
ToshachwhickeredandstoodpatientlyasBarrowputonthebridle.
EmberwasalreadyastrideCaberwhenBarrowmounted.
“We’llstayoffthepath,”Barrowsaid,“keepingthecoveroftheforestifwecan.”
EmberlookedatToshach,andBarrowansweredherquestionbeforesheaskedit.
“I’dliketostartatawalk,”Barrowtoldher.“Whateverthoselightsare,they’restillwellbehindus.If

theygaintoomuchground,we’llhavetorunandhopeforthebest.”HerestedhishandonToshach’s
shoulder.Thestallionsnortedandtossedhishead.

Barrowlaughed,reachinguptoscratchToshach’sear.“Iknowyou’dbehappytorun,oldboy.Butthe

harderwepressyou,thelongeritwilltaketorecoverfromyourinjury.”

Caberwasrestlessaswell,keepingEmberbusyasheprancedandtriedtocatchthebitinhisteeth.
“Youweresoundasleepafewminutesago,”Emberchidedtheyounghorse.“Settledown.”
CabercontinuedtosnortandshakethereinsasEmbergrippedthem,buttheriderssetoutatafast

walk.Thehorsesthreadedtheirwaythroughtheforest’sedgesothestrangelightsinthewestremainedin
partialview.Everyfewminutes,Barrowturnedinhissaddle,frowning.

“Itisgettingcloser,”hesaid.“ButIcan’tmakeanyguessesatwhatitis.”
PuttinghisheelstoToshach,Barrowbroughtthemtoatrot.Ember’spulsesped,jumpinginherthroat

eachtimesheglancedoverandsawthegrimsetofBarrow’sjaw.

Heturnedinthesaddleagain,andthesuddensharpintakeofhisbreathmadeEmberturnaswell.
Thelightshadclearedtheglen’scurvingshape.Thoughhervisionwaspartlyblockedbytreetrunks

andbranches,Ember’smouthstillwentdryatwhatshesaw.Rollingdownthevalleyfloorwasa
thundercloud,itsblackshapelikeroilingsmoke,thedarknessbrokenbyflashesoflightningthatexploded
inthecolorsofflameandblood.

Thestormcloudmovedwithimpossiblespeed,racingtowardthem.
“Run!”Barrowshouted.
Toshachleaptforward,hishoovestearingintotheground.Givenfreerein,Caberbuckedonceforgood

measureandthenbrokeintoaflatrun.Thetwohorsesgallopedsidebyside.

Emberkepthereyesahead,tooafraidtolookback.Sheknewthecloudwasgettingcloserbecauseshe

couldhearit.Butthestormclouddidn’tthunderafterthem—thenoiseswithinitcouldonlybecalled
snarls.

BarrowurgedToshachtoabreakneckpace.Caber’searsflattenedashestretchedhisneckforwardto

matchToshach’sstride.

Thehorsesbothsquealedwhen,fromveryclosebehind,therecameahowl,longandechoingthrough

theglen.Onewolf’scrywasjoinedbytwomore.Toshach’seyesrolled,showingtheirwhites.Caber
jerkedhisheaddownsharply,rippingthereinsfromEmber’shands.Shegrabbedhismane,reachingfor
theflappingleathercord.

Beforeshecouldgraspit,Toshachgavealoudbellow.Withhorror,EmberturnedtoseeToshach

falling.Barrowcoulddonothingasthestallionfelltohisknees.TheforceoftheirpacesentToshach
somersaulting,rollingoverontohisneck,back,flank.EmberscreamedasBarrowwaspinnedbetween
horseandearth.Dragginghisrideralong,Toshachskiddedovertheground,atlastcomingtoastop.

Thesoundoftheotherhorse’sdistressbroughtCaber’sheadup,andEmberthrewherselfforward,

grabbingthereinsandwheelinghimaround.Whenthestallionsawwhatwascomingforthem,hereared,
strikingtheairwithhishooves.Embergrabbedthepommel,managingtokeepherseatasshestaredin
disbelief.

Thestormcloudhadslowed,butonlybecauseitwasuponthem.Shapeswereformingwithinthe

swirlingsmokeandfire.Wolves—andbehindthem,adarkhorseman.

WhenCaber’sfeetreturnedtotheearth,sheforcedhimtothespotwhereToshachstruggledtohisfeet.

Barrowlayonthegroundcloseby,unmoving.

“Pleasedon’trunfromme,”EmberwhisperedtoCaberasshejumpedfromhersaddle.Shewouldn’t

haveblamedtheyoungstallionforfleeing.Ember’severyboneshriekedathertorun.Andshedidrun,
butitwastowardBarrow.

Beforeshecouldgetthere,aflamingcreatureburstfromthecloud.Thewolfwasmadeoffire.Ember

didn’tknowhowitcouldbepossible,buthereyestoldherthebeastwasreal,hernosebreathedinits
scentofchar,andevenatthisdistance,herskinfeltthetouchofitsheat.Entrancedbythesight,Ember
failedtowatchherstepand,catchingherfootonaroot,shestumbled.Expectingthissignofweaknessto
lurethewolftoher,Emberrolledtoacrouch,drawingSilenceandSorrowfromtheirleathersheaths.

Thewolf,however,paidhernomind.ItspitlikeeyesfixedonBarrow’sstillform.Hungry,thebeastlet

itsjawdropopen,anditdrooledliquidfirethatsizzledonthedampground.

“No!”Embertensed,readytojumpbetweenBarrowandthewolf.Herchestconstricted,knowingthat

SilenceandSorrowwereforgedtobattlecreaturesofflesh.Thismoltenwolfseemedunlikelytofeara
blade…oranyweaponEmbercouldimagine.

Abouttopushoffonherheels,EmbersuddenlyrolledtothesidetoavoidbeingtrampledbyToshach’s

hooves.Thestallionshriekedasitboredownonthefirewolf.Thewolfsnarled,gnashingitsblazing
fangs.

Toshachreared.Hisearswerepinnedback.Whenhelanded,hestampedtheearth,squealingatthefire

wolf.

Thewolfsprang,andToshachrearedagain.Asthestallion’shoovesstruckthewolf,Toshach’sclarion

callbecameabellowofpain.Thewolf’sjawsclosedonthehorse’sthroat,andhecollapsed,hiswhinny
cutoffbeforehisbodyhittheearth.

Embertookupthefelledstallion’scry.Heedlessofthewolf,EmberthrewherselfontopofBarrow.

Shelaidherheadonhischest.Whensheheardhisheartbeat,shecouldbreatheagain.Embermovedinto
acrouch,SilenceandSorrowheldlowandawayfromherbodytofendoffattack,nomatterhowfutile
suchadefensemightbe.

Toshach’scorpsemadeabarrierbetweenEmberandBarrowandthefirewolf.Thewolfstoodstill,

assessingitswork.Asitwaited,twomorewolvesjoinedit,standingatitsflank.

Ember’smindwasablur.Whatshefacedwasworsethananynightmarethathadstolenhersleepasa

child.Wolvesmadeoffire.

Theirblackeyeswereonher,yettheydidn’tattack.Emberstayedverystill,hermusclesburningwith

tension.

Frombehindthewolves,thedarkriderapproached.
Emberriskedlookingawayfromthewolves.Whenshesawwhosatastrideahorsethatwassmoketo

thewolves’fire,shethoughtshewouldretch.

AlistairlookedatthegapingholeinToshach’sthroat.Thestallion’sfleshhadburnedaway,revealing

thebonesofhisjaw.

“IamsorryaboutToshach,”Alistairsaid,thoughheseemedtobespeakingtotheairratherthanto

Ember.

WhenAlistairdidlookatEmber,hisfacewascalm.“Theywon’thurtyou.”
Emberstaredathim,onlyrealizingafteramomentthathewasreferringtothefirewolves.Thewolves

continuedtostandtheirground,givingnosignthattheywishedtomenaceEmber.Thoughtheirblackeyes
seemedhungrywhentheylookedatToshach’sbody…andBarrow’s.

Forcinghercrackedvoicefromherthroat,Embermanagedtwowords.“Alistair,please.”
Hewincedandthenclenchedhisjaw.“IdowhatImust.”
“Whatyoumust?”EmberkeptherbodycoveringBarrow’s,growingconvincedthatshouldsheleave

him,thewolveswouldbeonhiminaninstant.“Youwoulddestroyme?”

“I’vealreadytoldyouthattheLyulfwon’tattack,”Alistairsaid.“Notwithoutmycommand.”
Hestraightened,takinganimperiousstance.“Youunderstandlittleofwhat’shappening,Ember.I

remainyourfriend.Letmehelpyou.”

“Youhuntwithmonsters,”Emberspat.“Iunderstandthatwellenough.”
“Iactedonlytoprotectyou,”Alistairsaid.“Youknowofmyloveforyou.Iwoulddoanythingfor

you.”

“Youattackedus,”Emberargued.“YourwolveskilledToshach.AndIknowifIleaveBarrow,they

willkillhimaswell.”

“Barrowisatraitor.Andhedeludedyouintofollowinghimonapaththatwillmeanyourdeath.”
Emberbitbackherreply.DefendingBarrow,makingplainherloveforhim,wouldonlyincense

Alistair.

“Youmustcomewithme,Ember,”Alistairurgedquietly.“It’stheonlyway.”
Feigningindecision,Emberdroppedhergaze.
Whenshedidn’tspeak,Alistairsaid,“You’vebeenmisled.IfyoureturntoTearmunn,you’llseewhat’s

trulyhappening.ItoldyouthatLadyEirawishedtospeakwithyou,butthetraitorsreachedyoubefore
shecould.AndI’vebeenforcedtothis.”

“Iknowyouloveme,Alistair,”Embersaid,choosingherwordscarefully.“Andyouknowmebetter

thananyone.You’veknownmesincewewerechildren.”

“Idoknowyou,”Alistairreplied.“That’swhyyoumustlistentomeandnottothosewhowoulduse

youfortheirselfishpurposes.”

Emberlookedupathim.“MaybeI’vemadethewrongdecision,buttoleaveTearmunnwasmy

choice.”

ThesmilethathadbeguntotouchAlistair’slipsvanished.
“ToknowmeistoknowhowbullheadedIam,”Emberhurriedon.“Iwon’tlietoyou,Alistair.You

attackedus.Toshachstumbled,butitcouldjustaseasilyhavebeenCaber.Icouldhavebeenkilled,no
matteryourintentions.”

“Youareunharmed.”Alistairspokethroughgrittedteeth,andEmberknewshehadlittletime.
“Ibelievethatyouwanttoprotectme,butIcan’treturnwithyoutonight,”Embersaid.“Notlikethis.If

Ireturn,itmustbemychoice.Don’tyousee?”

EmberheldherbreathasAlistairstaredather.
“Andwhywouldyoureturnbyyourownwillwhenyoufledthekeepthisverynight?”
“ImadethechoicetoleaveingriefandconfusionoverSorcha’sdeath,”Embertoldhim.“Lukaszismy

commander,andhiswordswereconvincing…butIhadlittletimetomakemychoice.”

Alistairnodded,andEmberpushedontotheriskiestbitofherploy.“Barrowisn’tdead,buthe’s

gravelyinjured.Imustgethimhelp.”

“WhathappenstoBarrowdoesn’tmatter,”Alistairsaid.
“Iknowyouhaveaquarrelwithhim,”Emberreturned.“Buthewasmyfriend,andIwillnotabandon

him.”

Sheglancedatthefirewolves.“NorwillIleavehimtoyourhellhounds.”
Alistairwassilent,andEmberknewhewasuncertainofwhattodo.Thewolvesstirred,growlingtheir

discontent.

“IfIgiveyoumywordthatIgonottojoinLukasz,butinsteadtomysisterinFrance,”Embersaid,

“willyouleavemeinpeace?”

“Andthenwhat?”Alistairaskedbitterly.
“ThenIwillhavethetimetoknowmyownheart,”Embertoldhim.“BothabouttheladyEiraand

Conatus,andaboutyouandme.”

Alistairpeeredather.“Youandme?”
“Ican’tforgetourhistory,Alistair.”Emberspokesoftly.“Andallyou’vedonetoproveyourlovefor

me.Youtakegreatrisksonmybehalf.”

“Iwouldneverdoless,”Alistairanswered.“Isweartoyou.”
“ThenletmesweartoyouthatIgotomysister.”Ember’spulsewaspounding.“ToleaveBarrowwith

ahealerandseektheanswersImust.ImayyetreturntoTearmunnandtoyou,butthenitwouldbemy
choice.Ifyoutakemetherebyforce,Iwillnotforgiveyou.”

Emberwonderedifshe’dpushedhimtoofar,forAlistairwasquietalongwhile.Thewolves’growls

wereloudernow,andtheysnappedattheairwiththeirflamingjaws.

Alistairreachedintohiscloak,thentossedsomethingintheair.ItsailedtowardEmber,andshe

reachedouttocatchit.Openingherhand,sheshiveredwhensherecognizedthependantAlistairhad
givenher.AgiftfromLadyEira.

“ThatwasgivenasasignofLadyEira’sfaithinyou,”Alistairsaid.“Letitbeasignnotonlyofmy

faithaswell,butalsoofmylove.Thinkonusandonyourfuture,Ember.”

“Thankyou.”Ember’slimbswantedtocollapseinrelief,butshedarednotmovewiththewolvesso

close.

“Ipraythatyou’llmaketherightchoice,”Alistairtoldher,hisfacegrim.“Ifyoudonotreturnto

Tearmunnwithinthemonth,youwillbecomethehuntedagain.AndIwillnolongerprotectyou.”

Wheelingtheshadowhorsearound,Alistairdidn’tlookbackatEmber.Thewolveshowledinprotest,

theircriesbecomingwhiningsnarlsastheyfollowedhim,tetheredbysomeinvisibleleash.Alistairput
hisheelstothedarkhorse,andinablur,thewolvesandriderbecameacloudofsmokeandblood
lightningthatsoaredeastwarduptheglenandfinallyfadedfromsight.

WHETHERITWASAFEWminutesorhours,Embercouldn’tbesure,butforatimeshecouldn’t
move.ShedroppedontoherkneesbesideBarrowandstaredintonothing.Shehadavaguesenseofbeing
cold,butthechillwasnegligiblecomparedtothehollownessbeneathherribs.

Caberfinallyrousedherfromthestupor.Shedidn’tknowwhatthestallionhaddoneduringthefight:

whetherhe’dboltedandjustnowreturned,notknowingwhereelsetogo,orifhe’dbeenparalyzedby
shockashewatchedhisfriendToshachdie.

Whereverhe’dbeenandwhateverhe’dwitnessed,CabernowapproachedToshachtentatively.Ember

watchedastheyoungstallionwhickeredtothefallenhorse.CaberblewoutonToshach’sneck,
whinnyingsoftly,thengivingalowsquealofsorrow.Stompingthegroundtwicewithhisfronthooves,
Cabersnortedandjumpedawayfromthedeadhorse.

“I’msosorry.”Emberheardherownvoicebeforeshe’dmadethedecisiontospeak.Caberlookedat

her,tossinghismaneandwhinnyingindistress.

Shakily,Emberstoodup.Thestallioncametoheroutstretchedhand.Hisnosewasvelvetsoftonher

palm.

“HedidittosaveBarrow.”Herwordscameoutthick.“AndnowBarrowneedsourhelp.”
Thoughittookagooddealofcoaxingandpleading,EmbermanagedtoconvinceCabertolieonthe

groundalongsideBarrow.EvenwithCaber’sbackincloseproximity,EmberstruggledtodragBarrow
intothesaddle.SheheldhisbodyinplaceassheurgedCabertohisfeet.

Aftershe’dcollectedthesaddlebagsfromToshach’sbody,Emberscrambledintothesaddlebehind

Barrow.EasingCaberintoawalk,EmberheldontoBarrowwithonearm.Shetriedtokeephermind
blank.FearthatmovingBarrowatallwasharminghimfurtherthreatenedtounravelherdetermination.
Thoughhisheartbeatwassteadyandhisbreathingnormal,Embercouldn’tknowtheextentofhisinjuries.
Abrokenriborcrushedorganwouldmeanhisbodywasbleedingontheinside,invisiblewoundsthat
nonethelessmeantdeath.Butwhatchoicedidshehave?

EmberhadbrieflyweighedtheoptionofridingaheadinhopesofbringinghelptoBarrow,butit

seemedmuchmoredangeroustoleavehimunconsciousandalonethantoriskmovinghim.Movingata
ploddingpacefrustratedhersothatherbonesached,butafastergaitthanwalkingwouldjostleBarrow
toomuch.

Steelingherself,Emberloosenedthereins,lettingCabertakeupaswiftwalkwithoutallowinghimto

trot.Dawnwasbreakingoverthehillstotheeast,andEmberrodetowardthelight,prayingthatthecoast
wasascloseasthepromiseofmorning.Despiteherexhaustion,fearkeptEmberalert.Shesurveyedthe
landscape,alwayswatchingforthelandmarksthatBarrowhadmentionedwouldmarktheirpathtothe
sea.Shouldshemissanyofthem,Emberknewshe’deasilylosedayswanderingaimlesslyinthehills.

Whenthesunhadcrestedthetopoftheglenandspilledpalegoldandroselightdowntheslopes,

Embercaughtherfirstglimpseoftheeasterncoast:adark,roilingblue.ThesightfilledEmberwithmore
forebodingthanhope.AsCaberkeptuphissteadygait,thevastblueexpanseroseuptomeetthem,
stretchingfartherandfartherintotheeast.Ember’smindwasfullofbrittlethoughts,tooeasilybrokeninto
sharpbitsofemotionthatcuthertothecore.Shehadalmostreachedthesea,butthenwhat?Theirtiny
bandwouldsailtoastrangelandandhopeforaid?Thecausealreadyseemedlosttoher.

Cabersnorted,hisearsflicked,andamomentlater,hegavealoudwhinny.Emberstraightenedinthe

saddle,strivingtocalmthestallion,who’dbeguntoprance.AnotherwhinnyreturnedCaber’scall,
drawingEmber’sgazetothewoodsthatlinedthepath.

Keepingatightholdonthereins,Emberwatchedtheforestedge.Ifbanditshopedforanambush,she’d

behard-pressedtoprotectBarrowandfightthemoff.

WhenagraymarecarryingLukaszemergedfromtheshadowsfollowedbyKaelandhismount,Ember

gaveashoutofrelief.ShejumpeddownfromCaber’sbackandwavedthecommanderovertothem.

“Wethoughttheworstwhenyouweredelayed,”Kaeltoldher.HiseyesrestedonBarrow’sunmoving

form,andhewasalreadyclimbingfromhissaddle.

“He’salive,”Embersaid,answeringKael’sunspokenquestion.“Toshachfell,andBarrowwas

crushedbeneathhim.”

Lukaszdismounted,andthetwomenliftedBarrowfromCaber’sback,settinghimcarefullyonthe

ground.

“Wereyouattacked?”Lukaszasked.“WasToshachstruckdown?”
“Yes,butthefallhappenedwhenwetriedtoflee,”Embersaid.“Toshachhadpulleduplame,slowing

us.Whenwewereforcedtorun,hemanagedashortwhilebutthenhebrokedown.”

“Whopursuedyou?”LukaszspoketoherasKaelunbeltedBarrow’sswordandliftedhistabardand

shirt.

Ember’smouthwentdrywhenshesawthemottledskinofBarrow’schestandabdomen.
“Ember,”Lukaszsaid,drawinghergazefromBarrow.
“Alistair,”sheanswered.“Hehad…creatureswithhim,huntingus.Wolvesmadeoffire.Theymoved

withimpossiblespeed,asifridingastorm.Wecouldn’toutrunthem.”

Kaelswore,andEmberfearedhe’dassessedBarrowtobebeyondhelp,buttheblondknightwas

lookingatEmber.

“Firewolves?”
Shenodded.“Barrowwasunconscious,andthewolveswouldhavebeenonhim.Toshachattackedthe

wolvesbeforetheycouldreachBarrow.Ahorsehadnochanceagainstthem.Idon’tknowifanything
couldhurtthem.”

“Liketheshadowcreatures,”Lukaszsaidquietly.“Beastswedonothavethemeanstofightarebeing

raisedagainstusbyEira.”

“Howdidyouescape?”KaelfrownedatEmber.
Shehesitated,notknowingifthetruthwouldsufficeasananswer.Hercheeksgrewhotwhenshetold

Kael,“ItookadvantageofAlistair’sfavorandwasabletoconvincehimthat,giventime,Imightreturnto
Tearmunn.”

EmberlookedatKael,expectinghimtodoubthertale.ButKaelofferedherawrysmile.
“Enoughsaid.”HeshotaknowingglanceatLukasz.“Isufferedmany,manyhourslisteningtoAlistair

proclaimhisloveforyou.”

Ember’sblushdeepened.
“Itservedourpurpose,”Lukaszadded.“Youwerewisetoexploitthatweakness.”
Thecommander’swordsdidlittletoennobleEmber’sstrategy,butatleasttheyunderstoodwhyithad

worked.

“DidAlistairrevealhowourflightwasdiscovered?”Kaelaskedher.“Werewebetrayed?”
“Hedidn’tsay,”Emberanswered.“ButwithBarrow’sinjury,Iwasforcedtocontinueataslowpace.

FitchandMercerneverovertookme,astheyshouldhave.”

Kaelsighed.“We’llassumethemlost,then?”
“Wemust,”Lukaszsaid.“WewaitedlongerthanIlikeinthehopesthatweweren’taloneinmakingan

escape.ThoughAlistairwaspersuadedtogiveyoufreedom,Eirawillsoonsendothersafterus.”

Athinvoicetrilledfromtheforest.“Mylords?Isitsafe?”
Kaelgroaned.“ForaminuteI’dforgottenabouthim.”
“Kindness,”Lukaszchided,buthesmiledatKael.“Theman’sbeenthroughmuch.”
“Andwehaven’t?”Kaelreplied.“I’vehadpuddingmadeofstrongerstuffthanhim.”
Lukaszlaughedquietly,thencalledout,“Cometous,Sawyer!There’snodangerhere.”
Emberwatchedasthewoodcutterwho’drevealedtheextentofEira’streacheryscuttledfromthe

forest.Sawyerhurriedtojointhem.HehuddledonthegroundnexttoLukasz.Theman’sentirebodywas
tautandquivering.

BobbinghisheadindeferencetoEmber,SawyerlethiseyesroamoverBarrow’sbruisedtorso.Fora

moment,thetremblingofhislimbsceasedandthewildbulgingofhiseyesrelented.

“IfImay,mylord,”SawyeraskedLukasz,“haveacloserlook?”
Kaelrockedbackonhisheels.“Forwhatpurpose?”
“Mymotherwasahealer,”Sawyeranswered.“I’venotherskill,butImightbeabletohelpsome.”
“Ifyoucouldtellushowseveretheinjuriesare,we’dbeinyourdebt,”Lukaszsaid,makingspacefor

SawyertokneelbesideBarrow.

Withlight,probingfingers,SawyerworkedhiswayoverBarrow’sshoulders,chest,andabdomen.

EmberwincedwhenhetouchedthepurpleandredcontusionsthatwebbedoverBarrow’sskin.Sawyer
bentdown,placinghisearagainstBarrow’schest,listening.HeroseandcarefullyliftedBarrow’shead,
moldinghishandstotheshapeofBarrow’sskull.

Embernoticedthat,whilehewasoccupied,Sawyer’stremulouscharactervanished.Heministeredto

hispatientwithcalm,steadymovements.Purposeofferedasalveforhisfear,puttinghismindatease.

“He’shadagoodknockonthehead,”Sawyertoldthem.“Quitethelumpbackhere.Noblood,though.”
“Whatabouttherest?”EmberpointedtothebruiseonBarrow’storso.
Sawyershrugged.“Ican’tsayforsure,butmymothertoldmethatifaman’sheartbeatisstrongandhis

breathdoesn’tsoundlikehe’shalfdrowning,thenhe’sgotachance.Bestthingistogivehimrest.”

LukaszandKaelnodded,apparentlysatisfiedbySawyer’sassessment,butEmberwishedSawyer

couldoffermoreassurance.

“He’llgetrestontheship,”LukasztoldSawyer,butheglancedatEmber,sensingherconcern.“And

whenwereachKrakdesChevaliers,theirhealerswillattendhim.”

“Yes,”Emberreplied,becausetherewasnothingelsetosay.Allshecoulddowaswaitandhopethat

Barrow’swoundswouldmend.

“MymarewillbearthedoubleburdenofmyselfandBarrowtillwereachtheport,”Lukaszsaid.

“She’sastouterhorsethanCaber.”

KaelandLukaszcarriedBarrowtothecommander’shorse.AtEmber’sside,Sawyerhadrevertedto

hisformerstate.Hetwitchedashestood,oftenmutteringunderhisbreath.Pityforthewoodcutterfilled
Ember.

“Perhapsyoucouldridenearme,”shesaidtohim,“andtellmemoreofyourmother’swork.”

“Asmyladywishes,”Sawyeranswered.“Myhorseisstilltetheredintheforest,wherewewere

waiting.”

SawyeryelpedwhenKaelslappedhimontheshoulder.“Andthat’swhyyoushouldgogetthebeast.”
Withawhimper,Sawyerscamperedaway.
“Youshouldbegentlerwithhim.”EmberfrownedatKael.
“RidewithhimforasmanyhoursasIhave,andwe’lltalk.”Kaelgrinnedather.
Astheycontinuedtomakeslowbutsteadyprogresstowardthesea,Emberkeptherword.Sherode

alongsideSawyer,engaginghimwithquestions.Atfirstthewoodcutterseemedreluctanttoconverse,but
asEmberaskedhimtorecounthismemoriesofhismother,Sawyerbegantorelax.Thefrightenedwhine
withwhichheoftenmarkedhiswordsfaded.Hesmiledasherecalledthedaysofhischildhood.Ember
wascarefulwithherquestions,makingsuretokeephismindonthedistantpastandwellawayfromthe
traumaofrecentdays.

ThoughEmberhadbelievedthecoastlinepromisinglyclose,theyhadfarthertotravelthanshe’d

thought.OnlyasdawnbrokeontheseconddayoftheirsojourndidtheyreachtheportofInverness.

KaelrodeattheheadoftheirsmallbandwhileSawyerandEmbermovedtorideabreastofLukaszin

thehopesofshelteringBarrow’sdirestatefrominquisitivegazes.Kaelguidedthemtotheharbor,which
reekedofbrineandkelp.

“Doyouwanttosecureourpassage,orshallI?”KaelaskedLukasz.
“Goahead,”Lukasztoldhim.“We’lllikelyneedtomakeashortervoyagetooneoftheFrenchports

beforewecanfindavesselthatwilltravelasfartotheeastaswewish.”

Kaelswungoutofthesaddle,givingchargeofhismounttoEmber.Hishorsehardlyneededtending.

AlltheirmountsweresoexhaustedthattheyweremorethanpleasedtostandanddozewhileKaelfound
aship.

FromwherehewasslumpedinthesaddleagainstLukasz,Barrowstirred,groaning,andthenwentstill.
“Oh!”Emberwasreadytodismount,butLukaszstayedherwithhishand.
“It’sagoodsign,”Lukasztoldher.“Ithinkhe’llwakesoon,butthere’snothingtobedonerightnow.

Staywhereyouare,lestyoudrawunneededattentiontous.”

Grudgingly,Emberremainedinthesaddle,thoughshekeptaclosewatchonBarrow,hopingfor

anothersoundormovement.

Kaelreturnedinlessthananhour,lookingquitepleasedwithhimself.
“Well?”Lukaszaskedhim.ThecommanderappraisedKael’sself-satisfiedsmirkuneasily.
“Foundaship,”Kaeltoldthem.“She’lltakeustoBordeaux.”
“AndisthereaberthforuswhereBarrowcanrest?”EmbertossedthereinsforKael’smountbackto

him.

“Thereis,mylady.”Kaelflashedacoysmileather.
Lukasz’seyesnarrowedfurther.“Amerchantvessel?”
“Theyhavesomecargo,”Kaelsaid.“Buttheshipwillmostlybefilledwithpassengers.”
“Whatsortofpassengers?”Lukaszasked.
“Humblepilgrims,”Kaelanswered.“Likeourselves.”
“Kael—”Lukaszbegan,butKael’slaughtercuthimoff.
“Protestifyoulike,butit’safineplan,andyouknowit,”Kaeltoldthecommander.“Joiningthe

BordeauxtoConstantinoplepilgrimagewillgiveusaperfectcoverfortravel.Thesailorswillbefarless
likelytorememberafewadditionalpiouspassengersthantheywouldasmallgroupofknightspaying
goodcoinfortransport.”

“Amerchant’svesselwouldbefaster,”Lukaszsaid.
“Fasterisn’tbetterinthiscase,”Kaeltoldhim.“Arguingisjustawasteofourtime,anditkeepspoor

Barrowfromhisberth.Besides,thepilgrimvesselsailstomorrowmorning.Thefirstmerchantshipto

departleavesintwodays.”

LukaszheldKaelinastonyglareforafewmomentsbeforehesaid,“Verywell.Leadon.”

ALISTAIRFOUGHTNOTTOcowerinthefaceofEira’scoldfury.

“Youlethergo.”Thequietslitherofherwordswasmuchworsethanifshe’dbeenscreamingathim.
“Yes,mylady,”Alistairanswered,readytoacceptpunishment.Hecouldn’tmusterwordstodefendhis

actions.Bosque’sshadowsteedhadcarriedhimbacktoTearmunnsoswiftlythathe’dhadlittletimeto
contemplatetheconsequencesofhischoice.Whenthestrangevoidthehorsetraveledthroughhad
vanished,revealingthefamiliarslopesofGlenShiel,AlistairhadgazedattheConatuskeep,feelingit
toweroverhimlikehisdoom.

DespiteEira’sincredulousexpression,AlistairheldfasttohisreasonsforgivingEmberherfreedom.

Emberhadspokentrue:Alistairknewherwell.Thoughthetemptationtoseizeher,restoringherto
Tearmunnasacaptiveandhispersonaltrophy,hadbeenoverwhelming,Alistairknewthatvictorywould
havebeenbittersweetandshort-lived.Embercouldn’tbeconqueredorcoaxed.Ifsheweretoreturnto
thekeepandaccepthisaffections,itmustbebyherownwill.

Alistairdidn’tbelieveEirawouldtaketohispleasoftruelovekindly.Hestoodinaweandfearofthe

warriorwoman.Shewasthegreatestofleaders,andhewouldfollowhertotheendsoftheearth,forto
beatEira’ssidewastoknowtruepower.ButEira’sstrengthwasrootedinambitionandfearlessness,
andAlistairdoubtedshe’deverfelttheflamesoflovethatburnedinhisbloodatanythoughtofEmber
Morrow.

“Iaskyourforgiveness,mylady,”Alistairsaidquietly.“Iamsorrytohaveearnedyouranger.”
Eirasnorted,halfturningfromhimtolookatCianasthoughforguidance.
Cianstoodquietly.HerfaceshowedlinesoftensionthatAlistairreadasdisappointment.
“Youractionsaredifficulttounderstand,LordHart,”Ciansaid.“Doyouhavedoubtsaboutmysister’s

plansfortheorder?”

Eira’seyebrowsshotupandshewheeledonAlistair.“Doyou?”
Droppingtooneknee,Alistairsaid,“Never,mylady.Iamyourstocommand.”
“Areprieveisinorder.”
AlistairlookedupinsurprisetoseeBosquecomingtowardhim.He’dbeensilentasastatueupon

Alistair’sreturntothegreathall.AlistaircouldseethatBosquehadbeenlisteningtoallthatwassaid,
butBosquehadn’tspokenuntilnow.

EirafrownedatBosque.“Areprieve?”

“Hisdeedstonightmayhavebeenmisguided,buthisloyaltytoyouremainstrue,”Bosquesaidwithan

airoffinality.

MeetingBosque’ssteadygaze,Eiraslowlynodded.ShesteppedbackwhenBosquemovedtostand

beforeAlistair.

“Rise,LordHart.”
Alistairstoodup.Bosquewasunsettlinglyclose,hissilvereyesboringintotheyoungknight.
“Doyouknowwherethetraitors’pathleads?”Bosqueasked.
“Embergoestohersister’snewhome,”Alistairtoldhim.“TheestateofCountdeLaMarchein

France.”

Eirabrokein.“Doesshegoaloneorwiththeothers?”
“Ican’tsay,”Alistairanswered.“IonlyknowthatEmbergavemeherwordthatshewouldseekrefuge

withAgnes.”

“AndyoutrusttheladyMorrow’sword?”Eiramadealownoiseofdisgust.
Alistairfellsilent.Hedidn’tknowifhefullybelievedwhatEmberhadsaid,buthe’dbelievedher

enoughtolethergo.Hishearthadassuredhimtheriskwasworthwhile.

“Whethershereachesthatdestinationoranother,shetravelstothecoast,”Bosqueoffered.“Andwill

taketothesea.”

“Yes,”Alistairsaid.“ItwouldseemmorelikelythatshesailswithLukaszandKaelratherthanalone.”
“AndwhatofBarrow?”Cianinterrupted.“Youhaven’tspokenofhim.WashenotwithLady

Morrow?”

Alistaircastagrimsmileather.“Hefell.”
“He’sdead?”Cianpaled.
“Hemaywellbe,”Alistairanswered.“Hishorsewentdownandrolledoverhim.Helayashenand

unconsciouswhenIleftthem.”

“WhetherBarroworhiscorpsetravelstothecoastisofnomoment,”Bosquetoldthem.“Another

mattermustbeattendedtofirst.”

HefixedhissilvereyesuponEira.“Theritualthatwediscussed.”
“Whatritual?”Cianasked.
“Canwesparethetime?”EiraignoredCian’squestion,speakingtoBosque.“Ifyoutrulybelievethey

canbeintercepted,weshouldleavenow.”

“Thereisnoneedtohurry,”BosquetoldEira.“Oncethey’reuponthesea,theyaremine.Whenyou’ve

performedthistaskforme,wecanevenseekourbedsandridetothecoastonthemorrow.”

Bosque’ssmileremindedAlistairofanassassin’sknifebladeflashingundermoonlight.Hewantedto

askwhatBosquemeant,andhefearedforEmber’slife.Fistsclenched,Alistairremainedsilent.After
whathe’ddone,hecouldrequestnomorefavorswithouttheriskofundoingBosque’spardon.

AsifsensingAlistair’sdistress,Bosquelaidahandontheknight’sshoulder.
“Itseemsfitting,LadyEira,”Bosquesaid,“thatthesetwo—yourmostloyalknightandyourownblood

—areheretobearwitnessasyouascend.”

Eira’squickglanceatAlistairtoldhimthatshewasn’tasassuredofhisfidelityasBosquewas,butshe

answered,“Isupposeitis.”

Cianmovedwarilytowardhersister.“Whatisthis,Eira?Ofwhatdoeshespeak?”
“Itisthebeginning,”Eiraanswered.
“Wait,”BosquetoldCianandAlistair.“Andwatch.”
CianliftedherchininirritationatBosque’sorder,butAlistair’spulsethrummedwithanticipationas

EiratookBosque’shandandtogethertheywalkedtothesacredtree.

Takingpostslikesentinelsoneachsideofthecedar’smassivetrunk,EirafacedBosque.Shekepther

gazefixeduponhimasshedrewadaggerfromherbelt.AlistairheardCian’ssharpintakeofbreathwhen

Eiracalmlydrewthebladeacrossherflesh.Bloodwelledinstantly,fillingEira’spalmlikeacup.

WithoutbreakinghergazefromBosque’s,Eirabegantochant:

Insanguinenostrimundiconcurrunt.

Persanguineportapatet.

Insanguineremane.

Turningherhand,Eiraletherbloodpouroverthewidthofthedagger.Thecrimsonliquidflowedover

thebladeanddrippedtothefloor.Withoutspeaking,EiraofferedthedaggertoBosque.

Acceptingtheblade,BosquelikewisecutintohispalmandechoedEira’schant.
Alistairlistenedcloselythistime,silentlytranslatingthewordsfromLatintofullygrasptheirmeaning.

Inbloodourworldsmeet.

Bybloodthegateopens.

Inblooditremains.

WhenBosquefinishedthechant,hebathedthedaggerinhisblood,drowningthesheenofthebladein

richredhues.BosquesteppedtowardEira,andshemovedtomeethim.Theylacedtheirwoundedhands
togetheruponthehiltofthedaggerandturnedtofacethetree.

Movinginunison,EiraandBosquesuddenlythrustthedaggerintothebaseofthetree,wherethetrunk

splitintoroots.AsoundfilledtheroomthatsetAlistair’steethonedge.Itwasn’tthecrackofsplintering
wood,butastrangetearingoftightlywovenfabric.Alongwiththerippingnoisecamealowwail,
buildingintoascreechthatdrovenailsintoAlistair’sears.Besidehim,Ciandoubledover,wrappingher
armsaroundherheadtoblockoutthetree’sscream—ifthat’swhatitwas.

Thensuddenly,silence.
EiraandBosquestoodbesidethetree,butthesacredtreewasnomore.Thegoldenbarkhadblanched

—thesurfaceofthecedarwaswhiteasthebonetreestheGuardhadcomeuponnearDorusduain.But
morestrikingthanthetransformedskinofthetreewasthewoundatitsbase.

FromtheplacewhereBosqueandEirahadstabbedthetree,stretchinguptoaheightjustabove

Bosque’shead,wasagapinghole.Itwaswideatthebaseandtaperedatitshighestpoint.Whathadonce
beenalivingtreenowappearedtobedeadandhollow.Peeringintotheblackgapinthetrunk,Alistair
perceivedmorethanasimplehole.Strangelightsmovedwithinthedarkness,illuminatingtheshadows
withthedullgreenofanovergrownswamp.

EiragraspedthedaggerinherlefthandwhilesheofferedherwoundedpalmtoBosque.Hecovered

herhandwithbothofhis,healingthecut.Hisowninjuryhadalreadydisappeared.

“Whathaveyoudone?”CianspokeinaraggedvoicethatwasmuchtooquietforanyonebutAlistairto

hear.

Abitshakenhimself,AlistairlookedatCian.Herfacewascalm,andhewonderedifhe’dmisheard

her.TheywaitedquietlyasBosqueandEirawalkedbacktothem.

“Ataskwelldone,mylady,”BosquesaidtoEira.
Unabletocontainhiscuriosity,Alistairasked,“Whatisit?Whathappened?”
Withasmile,BosquenoddedatEira.“Showthem.”
Eiraliftedherhandandtracedashapeintheair.Flamestrailedinherfingers’wakeuntilafiery

symbolwassuspendedbeforeher.Thesymbolshuddered,expanding,thencontractingbeforeadark
shapeburstoutoftheflames,consumingthefireasitwasborn.

Alistairswore,jumpingbackfromtheshadowguard.

“Howisitpossible?”Cian’shandwasonherswordhilt,butshestoodherground.Thewraithhovered

besideEira,givingnosignofimminentattack.

Eiraadmiredthecreatureofsmokeandshadow.Hersmilewasfullofpleasurewhileshegazedupon

thethingshe’dsummoned.

Cianspokeagain.“Youcommandthesecreaturesnow?”
“Assheshould,”BosqueansweredCian.“Thepowerwasherstotakeandminetogive.”
“Butshegaveyousomethinginreturn,”Ciansaidslowly.“Didn’tshe?”
“Yoursistersimplystrengthenedthebondwealreadyshare.Indoingso,sheopenedadoorbetween

theearthandthenether,”Bosquetoldher,gesturingtothesplittrunkofthesacredtree.“Nowwemay
enjoyatruealliance.”

“Analliance?”Cianwasgrippingherswordhiltnow,herknucklesbloodless.
“Anendtothiswarwe’vewagedforsolong,dearCian.”Eiraspokecalmly,butanewfeverburnedin

hereyes.“Forthatwhichwe’vetoiledagainstnowservesatourpleasure.”

Cianreleasedhersword,buthershouldersremainedtense.“Idon’tunderstand.”
“ThenIshallexplain,”Eirareplied.“Butletusspeakalone,assisters.”
“Andwillyourcreatureaccompanyus?”Cianasked.Alistairassumedshereferredtothewraith,but

Cian’seyesflittedtoBosque.

“Isaidalone.”Eirawavedherhandandtheshadowguardvanished.
Ciandrewaslowbreath.“You’repowerful.”
Eira’slaughwasalmostgirlish,hercheeksflushedwithexhilaration.“What’smineshallbeyours,too.

Comewithmeandlearn.”

TakingCian’sarm,Eiradrewhersistertothedoorandintothecorridor.
Stillmarvelingatwhathe’dseen,Alistairmovedasifinatrance.Hethoughttoseekhisbedandquiet

hismind.

“Amoment,LordHart.”Bosque’scallstoppedAlistairfromfollowingthesistersfromthehall.
AlistairwaitedforBosquetoapproach.JustasEirahadseemedmorewildandalive,Alistairsawthat

thetallmanhadbeenchangedbytheritual.Thesilverofhiseyesgleamedbrighter;theairaroundhim
shimmeredasthoughmovedbyafirethatburnedwithinBosque’sform.

Seizingonanunexpectedsurgeofcourage,Alistairsaid,“There’smoretoit,isn’tthere?”
Bosquedidn’tanswer,butwatchedAlistaircalmly.
Encouragedthathe’dmetnoresistance,Alistaircontinued.“LadyEiracansummonyourcreatures

now,andcandosowithoutyouraid.”

“Ishernewtalentsomethingyouenvy,LordHart?”
ItwasAlistair’sturntoremainsilent.
Withastiffsmile,Bosquetoldhim,“OpeningtheriftimbuedLadyEirawithpowerdrawnfromthe

nether.ShecancommandsomeofthosebeingsIrule.”

“Onlysome?”Alistairasked.
“Eiraisstillhuman,”Bosqueanswered.“Ofthisworld.Thoughshe’smingledherbloodwithmine,

therearecreatureswhowouldoverwhelmher.Thosebeastscanbesummonedandcommandedbymy
willalone.”

AlistairconsideredBosque’swords,thensaid,“TheLyulf.DidItrulycommandthem?”
Bosque’slaughwasalowrumble.“You’reclever,LordHart.ThatiswhyIseesomuchpotentialin

you.”

“Thefirewolvesobeyedmeonlybecauseyouorderedthemtodoso,”Alistairsaid,abitcrestfallen.

“AndEirawouldnotbeabletosummonthemtoserveher.”

“No,”Bosquesaid.“TheLyulfaretoopurelylinkedtothenethertoberuledbyamerehuman.”
CatchingAlistair’sflinch,Bosquequicklyadded,“EvenonesogreatasLadyEiraoronesoperceptive

asyou.”

AlistairnoddedandBosquespokeagain.“Openingtheriftfreesmetomovethroughyourworld

withoutbeingtetheredtotheonewhosewillfirstbroughtme.”

“Ifyou’refreetoleaveEira,whywouldyouremaintoaidus?”Alistairasked,takenaback.
“Thisisyourworld,LordHart,”Bosquesaid.“Notmine.Analliancewithanorderaspowerfulas

ConatusmayserveEira’spurposehere,butitalsoservesmyownpurposesinthenether.Thatismy
home,andwhileIwillgiveallthatIcantoseeEiraruleassheshouldandConatustakeitsrightfulplace
inthisworld,myaimistosecuremylegacyinmyworld.”

“Isee,”Alistairsaidquietly,thoughhewasquiteoverwhelmedbythepictureBosquehadpaintedof

anotherworldthatexisted—onceseparate,nowconnectedtotheearth.

“Theriftoffersanotheradvantage,”Bosquecontinued.“TheLyulfandmywraithswouldhavebeenthe

bestweaponsIcouldofferifEirahadrejectedmyofferofanalliance.”

“Youneedyetgreatertoolsofwar?”Alistairbalked.“NoweaponcandestroyLyulforwraith.”
Bosquefrowned.“Noneofyourweapons,butthatisn’ttheconcern.Terrainis.”
“Terrain?”
“Thoughinsubstanceandpowermyworlddiffersfromyours,itslandscapewouldhavesomefamiliar

features,”Bosquetoldhim.“Therearemountainsoffire,desertsspottedwithbouldersclearasglassand
sharpasrazors,forestsofchokingvines.Andtheseas…withwatersthecolorofthenightsky.”

MurkyvisionsofthisplaceswaminAlistair’shead,asifBosquewereapainterfillingthecanvasof

Alistair’smindwithsomeimaginedhell.

“Warsarefoughtonlandandatsea,”Bosquecontinued.“ThewraithsandLyulfservenopurposewhen

thebattletakestowater.”

Alistair’sthroatconstrictedasherememberedwhatBosquehadtoldEirajustbeforetheritual.
Oncethey’reuponthesea,theyaremine.Whenyou’veperformedthistaskforme,wecanevenseek

ourbedsandridetothecoastonthemorrow.

“Whatwillyousendafterthem?”Alistairaskedhoarsely.FearforEmber’slifeneedledhim.
“Inthemorningyouwillsee.”Bosquegavehimameasuredlookandsaid,“Iwouldspeakwithyou

furtheraboutLadyMorrow.Andthechoicesyoumadetoday.”

Alistair’sjawclenched,buthenodded.Itwaslikethemancouldreadhismind.
“I’vealreadyshownmyfaithinyou.Youhaveaplaceofhonorinthisneworder,andIwouldseeyou

riseevenhigher.”Bosqueofferedwhatalmostlookedlikeagentlesmile,thoughbeneathhissilvereyes,
theexpressionwasmorefrighteningthanreassuring.“Butyourpassionforthegirlswaysyou.Itputsyour
futureatrisk.”

Alistairturnedhisface,shameandoutragechurninginhisblood.
“Iunderstandbetterthanyousurmise,”Bosquetoldhim.“Youneedhertocometoyou.Itisnotenough

tosimplytakeher.”

Alistairlookedup,hiseyessuspicious,yetgrateful.“Yes.”
“Thatchoiceshowsyoutobemoremanthanchild,andmeritsrespect.Foryourpains,Ihopethelady

findsherwaybacktoyou.”Bosquepausedbeforeheadded,“Shouldshenot,youmustletyourlove
followitsnaturalcourse,allowingittotransformasitwill.You’llbethestrongerforit.”

“Transform?”Alistair’sbrowfurrowed.
“Ifyourheart’swishisnotfulfilled,theheatofyourpassionwillinsteadburnasacoldfire.”Bosque

tiltedhishead,regardingAlistairwithamusementasafatherwouldanaivechild.“Thatiswhathappens
whenloveturnstohate.”

ALLTHETALKEMBERhadheardofsailorsdescribedthemassour,drunkenbrutes.Thecrewof
theirship,however,overturnedthosetales.Whetheritwasareflectionoftheirusualnatureoran
exceptionmadeoutofrespectfortheholymissionoftheircurrentpassengers,theburlymenwho
occupiedtheshipweresubduedandsober.

Emberlearnedquicklythatshemuchpreferredstandingonthedeck,whereshecouldtastesaltairand

listentotheshipsluicethroughthedarksea.Belowdecksshesufferedthroughtheongoingargument
betweenKaelandLukaszaboutwhetherornottheyshouldactuallyjointhepilgrimageuponreaching
Bordeauxratherthanseekanothershiptocarrytheirpartyeast.

Theirbickeringtiredher,butBarrowrestedbelowdecksaswell.AsmuchasEmberenjoyedthewind

inherface,shedidn’twanttoleavehissideforlong.Takinganotherdeepbreathofsea-tingedair,Ember
sighedanddescendedtoBarrow’sberth.

KaelandLukaszwerethere,stillarguing.Sawyerwasmakingdowiththecrampedspace.He’dsorted

throughtheherbsinBarrow’ssaddlebags,alongwithadditionalingredientsthatKaelandLukaszoffered,
renderingthemintotonicsthatmightbringBarrowsomerelief.

Occupiedwithcrushingherbsandmixingthemwithwaterandatouchofwhisky,Sawyerworked

happily,oblivioustothebittervoicesthatfloatedintheairnearby.

“I’mnotaskingthatwegoallthewaytoConstantinoplewiththem,”Kaelsaid.“Butifwejointhemon

theroutesouththroughFrance,youknowthey’llstopatSainte-Eulalie-de-Cernon,wherewecanremain.”

“OrwecanhireashipandsaildirectlytoKrakdesChevaliers,”Lukaszansweredbrusquely.“Why

delay?”

“Itwon’tbeadelayiftheclericsatCernonweaveusaportal,”Kaelreplied.“Walkingthroughadoor

totheeastwillbemuchfasterthansailingaroundItaly.”

Lukaszstoodup,shakinghishead.“IfweappearatCernonrequestingaportal,wordwillgetbackto

Eira.ShehasmanyfriendsinFranceandfewerintheHolyLand.”

“BarrowwouldbenefitfromtheHospitallers’skills,”Kaelsaid.“Hedoesn’tneedtospendanother

weekaboardaship.”

“AndcartinghimacrosstheFrenchcountrysidewouldbebetter?”Lukaszshotback.
Listeningtothepairbicker,Emberwonderedhowtheirdisputecouldbesocontrarytothetenderness

shehadseenthemsharethenightofSorcha’sdeath.ThesecrecyLukaszandKaelwereforcedtomaintain
mustbeaheavyburden,particularlynowthatdeathchasedtheireverystep.Perhapsarguingovertheir
modeoftravelofferedtheonlyreleaseofthefrustrationtheysurelyfelttobesocloseastheyescaped

fromTearmunn,yettobeunabletotakecomfortineachotherbecauseSawyerhadbeenplacedintheir
care.

EmberdoubtedherresolvewouldbeunshakenwithoutthereassuranceofBarrow’sstrongarms

enfoldingherandthewarmthofhiskisstokeepfear’scoldembraceatbay.

LookingatBarrowwherehelayinhisberth,Embergasped.Hiseyeswereopenandhewaswatching

LukaszandKaelastheirfightdronedon.

“I’llnotbetakingacartanywhere,”Barrowsaid,voicegroggy.
“ThankGod.”LukaszkneltbesideBarrow.“Howdoyoufeel?Istherepain?”
Barrowpushedhimselfupontohiselbows,wincing.“There’spain.ButnotworsethanI’vehad

before.”

“Good,”KaelsaidfrombehindLukasz.HeglancedatSawyer.“Isthattonicalmostready?”
“Yes,mylord,”Sawyeransweredwithoutlookingupfromhiswork.“Inamoment.”
Comingfullyawake,Barrowfrownedashetookinhissurroundings.“Aship?Whathappened?How

longhaveIbeenawayfromyou?”Hegrippedthesidesofthewoodenberth,eyesgoingwide.“Whereis
Ember?”

Emberrushedfromwhereshe’dbeenhoveringinthedoorway.“Here.I’mhere.”
ShekneltoppositeLukasz,restingherhandslightlyonBarrow’sforearm.
Barrowtriedtoreachforher,reliefetchedonhisface,butthemovementmadehimdrawasharp

breathofpain.

“Youmustbestill,mylord.”SawyerstoodoverEmber.Shelookedupatthewoodcutterinsurprise,

neverhavingheardsuchstrengthintheman’svoice.“Anddrinkthisuntilit’sgone.Idon’twanttohear
complaintsaboutthetaste.Justdrinkit.”

Lukasz’seyebrowswentup,buthetoldBarrow,“OurfriendSawyerhasbeenministeringtoyou.He

hassomeknowledgeofthehealingarts.”

“ThenIaminyourdebt,GoodmanSawyer.”BarrowtookthecupSawyeroffered,thoughhiseyes

stayedonEmber’sface.

“Tellmewhathappened,”Barrowaskedher.“AllIcanrememberisToshachstumbling.”
AlumpformedinEmber’sthroat,painfulassheswallowedit.“Toshachfellandrolledoveryou.You

lostconsciousness.”

Barrowtookasipofthetonicandmadeaface,butasSawyerhadrequested,hemadenocomplaint

andcontinuedtodrinkit.

“TheywereonusbeforeIcouldgettoyou,”Embertoldhim.
“Whatwasit?”Barrowasked.“Whopursuedus?”
“Alistair.”Embertookadeepbreathandplungedintothetale.Shestruggledtokeephervoicesteady,

watchingBarrow’sfacepaleasshedescribedthefirewolves.WhenshetoldhimwhatToshachhad
done,Barrowlookedaway.

“ThewolveswouldhavekilledyouifToshachhadn’tstoppedthem,”Embersaid.
Barrowdidn’tanswer.NeitherdidheaskhowsheandCaberhadcarriedhimtosafety.
“We’llleaveyoutorestnow,”LukaszsaidtoBarrow.“I’llreturnlatertofurtherdiscussourcurrent

predicament.”

Thecommanderstood,tellingSawyer,“Comewithus.We’llfindsomethingtoeat.”
SawyernoddedandfollowedLukaszfromthesmallroom.
“Goodtohaveyouback,friend,”Kaelsaid,andthenleftwiththeothers.
Stillsilent,Barrowlayonhisback,givingnoacknowledgmentthatheknewEmberwasstillthere.
Embertookthecupfromhishand.
“Youneedtofinishthis.”
Barrowstaredatthewoodplanksabovehim,hiseyesfullofunshedtears.

“Hediedbecauseofmyfoolishness,”hesaidquietly.
EmberplacedherhandoverBarrow’s.“Hediedbecausewewereforcedtoruninthedeadofnight.”
WhenBarrowdidn’treply,Emberdippedherfingersinthetonicandbroughtthemtohislips.He

startedathertouch,butthenclaspedherwristtightlyinhisfingersasheopenedhismouth,halfkissing,
halfdrinkingthetonicfromherskin.

Shivering,Emberleaneddown,pressinghermouthtohis.Barrow’stonguetouchedhers.Hisarmcame

aroundherback,drawingheragainsthim.Throughthekiss,Emberfelthimtensewithpain,andshe
quicklypulledaway.

“Don’t,”Barrowwhispered.“Icanbearit.”
“Yourlietemptsme.”Embersmiledathim.“ButIwon’triskhurtingyou.Pleasefinishthis.”
Shehandedhimthecup.Barrowsatupanddrainedit,shudderingasheswallowed.
“Vile,”hetoldher.“StrangehowIdidn’tmindwhenIsippeditfromyourfingers.”
Takingthecupandsettingitaside,Embersaidsoftly,“Don’ttrytoholdme…butIneedtotouchyou.”
Meetinghergaze,Barrownoddedandbecameverystill.Hesatquietly,watchingasshereachedfor

him.TheirquietbreathingwastheonlysoundasEmbermovedherhandsthroughhishair.Shetouchedhis
neck,slidingherhandsupandtracingtheshapeofhisjawwithherfingertips.Thencuppedhisfaceinher
palms.

AsEmberspoke,hercheeksbecamewetwithtears.“IamsosorrythatyoulostToshach.ButIcannot

regretwhathedid,forIcouldnotbeartoloseyou.”

Barrowdrewaraggedbreath,loweringhiseyes,andafewteardropsescapedontohischeeks.
“Iloveyou,”Emberwhispered.Nowordsshe’dspokenhadeverfeltsoimportantorsofrightening.“I

havelovednoonebutyou.”

BarrowlookedatEmber,andshesawthathisdeepgrayeyeswerethecoloroftheseauponwhich

theynowsailed.

“Kissme,Ember.”
Shewascarefultoholdherselfabovehimwhenshemovedclose.Hismouthwasgentleandwarm,

tastingher,breathingherbreath.Ember’seyeswereclosed,herbodycaughtbetweenthesweetnessofhis
kissandtheacheofneedingmore.Shebrokethekiss,murmuring,“Healswiftly,formypatienceis
short.”

“Asmyladywishes,”Barrowanswered.Hisvoicewasdrowsy,andEmberrealizedthatthetonic

Sawyerhadmademostlikelycontainedasleepdraught.

“Willyoutellmenowhowyoucametomyrescue?”heasked.
Emberbackedawayslightly,wonderingwhatBarrowwouldmakeofhertacticwithAlistair.Lukasz

andKaelhadseentheexpedienceofherdecision,butBarrowalreadyboreagrudgetowardAlistair
whenitcametoEmber’saffections.

“BecauseitwasAlistair,”Embertoldhim,“Iwasabletopersuadehimtoletmego,but—”
Shehesitated,waitingforhisresponse.Whenhelaughedlazily,Embersatup,bangingherheadonthe

lowwoodenbeamthatcurvedovertheberth.

“Ow!”
Barrowdidn’treact,andshesawhowquicklyhewasdriftingoff.
Beforehiseyelidsfullyclosed,herolledoutafewwords,thoughexhaustionputstrangelapsesinhis

speech.“Poorlad.Ofcoursehecameafteryou…Iwouldhave…Hecan’thaveyou…killhim…sorry
bastard…”

Smiling,EmberstretchedoutonthebedbesideBarrow,closeenoughsoherbodytouchedhisbut

keepingherweightfromleaningtooheavilyagainsthisbruisedchest.Theirfingerslacedtogether.Ember
restedherchinonBarrow’sshoulder,listeningtohisbreathslowastherockingshiplulledhimbackto
sleep.

Herowneyelidsheavy,Emberwasabouttoletslumbertakeherwhensheheardastirringatthedoor.

Liftingherhead,EmbermetLukasz’sgaze.Thecommanderpausedinthedoorway.HelookedatEmber
andBarrowlyingtogetheronthenarrowberth.Emberstartedtorise,butLukaszliftedhishandandgave
abriefshakeofhishead.Thecommandersteppedoutofthedoorway,pullingthedoorshut.Ashedid,
Emberthoughtshesawhimsmile.

ALISTAIRWALKEDTHEperimeterofthegreathall,takingnoteofthechangesEirahadmadeinthe
chamber.NolongeragatheringspaceforConatus,Eirahadcommandeeredthehallforherownpurposes.
TheroomnowservedasameetingplacefortheCirclebutfeltmorelikeathroneroominwhichEira
heldcourt.Amassive,ornatelycarvedebonychairhadbeenplacedinfrontofthedeadtreethatharbored
Bosque’srift.Theglossyblackpolishofthethronelikeseatofferedastarkcontrasttothebone-white,
lifelesstrunk.Alistairdidn’tknowwherethechairhadcomefrom,thoughhesuspectedithadonce
belongedtoAbbotCrichton.

Eirahadotherchairsandatablecarvedintheshapeofacrescentmoonaddedtothehallaswell.The

innercurveofthetablefacedEira’sseatandtherift,whiletheouteredgefeaturedmuchmorediminutive
chairsfortherestoftheCircle.TherewasnochairforBosque.WheneverEirareceivedvisitors,thetall
manstoodatherside,justbehindherleftshoulder.Alistairdidhaveaseat,oneoftheplainchairs
designatedforCirclemembers.AtEira’sdecree,AlistairhadbeennamedtotheCircle,anewvoicefor
theGuardintheabsenceofthecommander.Noonehadcomplained.

ThesechangessuitedAlistair.Hemuchpreferredthattheorderberuledbyasingle,strongvoice.Eira

hadexplainedhowoftenaccommodatingthediverseopinionsoftheCirclehadweakenedConatus.Better
tobefinishedwithsuchaburdensomeformofleadership.Whilebuildinghervisionfortheirfuture,Eira,
enforcedbyBosque’spower,wouldnotmakeanyconcessions.

Butthatdidn’tmeanthetransitiontoaneworderwouldoccurwithoutincident,unexpectedturnsof

eventsthatweresometimeshelpfulandsometimesirksome.Suchwasthecasewiththetwothingsthat
delayedtheirtraveltoInvernessintotheafternoon.Thefirstdelaywasoftheirksomesort.

Mercerwasdead.Whentheguardhadopenedhiscelltogivetheprisonerhismorningmeal,Mercer

layunmovingonthefloor,hisglassyeyesopenwide.

Thoughbynomeasureadevastatingloss,Mercer’sdemisewasnonethelessfrustrating.He’dgivenup

nousefulinformation,despiteBosque’sextraordinarymeansforextractingdesiredanswers.More
troublesomewerethequestionsthatremainedabouthowMercer’slifehadcometoanend.

“Youcannottrustyourpeers,”BosquetoldEira.“Someonetookthetraitor’slife.”
EiracastadoubtfulglanceonMercer’scorpse,whichshe’dorderedtobebroughttoherinthegreat

hallforfurtherexamination.“Perhapshisbodycouldn’twithstandthetorment.Manymendieunderthe
torturer’scare.”

Bosquesmiledbriefly.“No.”

“Howcanyoubesure?”Eiraasked.
“Mywraithscanfeedoffamanforyears,”hetoldher.“Theywouldnotbesocarelesswithafine

meal.Andtheydonotkillprisonerswithoutmycommand.”

AlistairpeeredatMercer’sstiffbody.“Therearenomarksonhisbody.”
“Poisonistheassassin’sfavoriteweapon,”Bosqueansweredhim.“Whohadaccesstotheprisoner’s

food?”

Withashrug,Alistairtoldhim,“Anynumberofpeople.Thekitchensaren’tguarded.Itwouldhave

beeneasyforsomeonetoaddafatalseasoningtothemealwithoutgarneringattention.”

“ThatiswhatIsuspecthappened,”Bosquesaid.“Itwouldbewisetoquestionthekitchenstaff.”
“Whenyousayquestion—”AlistairlookedtoEira,wonderingifBosquemeanttosethiswraithson

thecooks.

CatchingAlistair’smeaning,Bosquesmiled.“Fearnot,youngLordHart.Ionlyuseextrememeasure

onthosewhoseactionshaveearnedthatreward.Untilwehavethesuspectedassassinidentified,asimple
reviewofthepersonswhowereinthekitchenwhenMercer’slastmealwaspreparedwilldo.”

“I’llhaveCiandoit,”Eirasaid.“SheseemedreluctanttotravelwithustoInverness.”
“Andwhyisthat?”Bosqueaskedher.
“HuntingherfellowGuardsmenturnsmysister’sstomach,I’mafraid,”Eirasaid.WhenBosqueraised

aneyebrow,Eiraadded,“She’llcomearound.”

“I’msure,”Bosquereplied,thoughAlistairthoughthistoneskepticalatbest.“PerhapsClaudioshould

assistherinthetask.”

“Ifyouthinkso,”Eirasaid.“ItwouldaddmoreweighttotheinvestigationiftwoCirclemembers

conductedthesearch.”

Bosquenodded.“Givetheordersandmeetusatthestables.We’lldepartwhen—”
Asharprappingatthedoorstoppedtheirconversation.
“Come!”Eiracalled.
Oneoftheguardspostedoutsidethegreathallsteppedintotheroom.Hiseyesbrieflypassedover

Mercer’scorpse,andheswallowedvisibly.

“Pardonme,LadyEira,”hesaid.“Butavisitorhasarrivedandpleadsthatshemustbeseen.”
“Verywell,”Eirasaid.
Theguardclearedhisthroat.“Mylady,thevisitorasksnotforyou,butforLordHart.”
EiraturnedtoAlistair.“Areyouexpectingaguest,LordHart?”
Alistairshookhishead,buthisheartgaveawildflailofhope.Perhapsinreachingthecoast,Ember

hadlookedovertheseaandrealizedhowpointlessthevoyagewouldbe.

“LordHart?”theguardasked,shiftinghisweightashehoverednearthedoor.
Openingandclosinghismouth,Alistaircouldn’tfindbreathtoanswer.
“Sendthevisitorin,”Eiraansweredwithalaugh.“LordHartistakenbysurpriseandcan’tfindhis

voice.”

Theguardbowedandslippedoutthedoor,returningamomentlaterwithaslightfigurewhowas

coveredheadtotoeinatravelingcloak.Thevisitorliftedpale,tremblinghandsandpushedbackthe
cloak’shood.

Thefacerevealedwasn’ttheoneAlistairhadhopedfor,butwasnonethelessfamiliar.
AgnesMorrowhurriedforwardandthenawkwardlydroppedtoherknees.
“MylordHart,Iamyourhumbleservantwhobegsforyourmercyandtherefugeofthisplace,”

Ember’ssistersaid.

Takenaback,Alistairreacheddowntohelpherrise.“LadyMorrow,youneednotkneelbeforea

longtimefriend.”

AsAgnesturnedgratefuleyesonhim,Alistairsawhowcolorlessherskinwasandthewayherface

waspinchedwithweariness.Hewonderediftheillnessshe’dexperienceduponherlastvisitto
Tearmunnhadworsened.

“Whyareyouhere,LadyMorrow?”Alistairasked.“Ithoughtyouwouldbesettlinginatyournew

Frenchestate.”

“Andwhypleadingforrefuge?”Eiracutin.“Areyounotthedaughterofalord?”
AgneswobbledabitwhenshecurtsiedtoEira.“Mylady,Ihavebroughtdishonoruponmyfamilyand

havebeencastout.”

“What?”Alistaircouldn’tbelieveherwords.IfanydaughtermeritedLordMorrow’sire,itwas

Ember.Agneshadalwaysbeentheobedientchild.

Eira’seyesnarrowed.“Dishonor?”
Hangingherhead,Agnesmurmured,“Yes,mylady;thus,Icometoyouaskingformercyandshelter.I

maynolongerclaimmyformerstation.WhateverworkyoumightfindformeIwoulddowithathankful
heart.”

“Don’tberidiculous,Agnes,”Alistairsaid,flustered.“Youwillnotshameyourselfthroughcommon

labor.Yourfatherisknowntohaveaquicktemperandoftenspeaksrashly.Whateverthequarrelbetween
youis,wewillresolveitsoonenough.”

EirasteppedclosertoAgnes.“Pushbackyourcloak.”
“Mylady?”Agneslookedatherwithwideeyes.
“Youheardme.”UnderEira’shawkishgaze,Agnesseemedatremblingrabbit.
Withshakinghands,Agnesunfastenedherheavycloak.Sheletitdropintoaheapatherfeet,lowering

herheadoncemore.

EiralookedAgnesupanddown,hereyesstoppingontheunmistakableswellofAgnes’sbelly.“You’re

withchild.”

Alistairbegantoswear,drawingstartledlooksfromEiraandBosque.Strugglingtocomposehimself,

Alistairsaid,“LordMarandLadyEira,ifyou’dpleasegivemeamomentalonewithLadyMorrow.”

Eiraseemedreadytoobject,butBosquelaidhishandonhershoulder.
“Ofcourse,LordHart,”Bosquetoldhim,leadingEirafromthehall.
Whentheyweregoneandthedoorclosed,AlistaircametoAgnes,takingherhands.
“IsitasIsuspect?”heasked,histhroattight.
Agnesbegantocry.“Ithoughthelovedme.”
“Mybrotherisbrash,”Alistairsaid,pepperinghiswordswithanotherroundofcurses.“Tooquickto

makedeclarationshehasnointentionsoffollowingthrough…buthowwereyoutoknowthat?”

“WhenIarrivedatChâteaudeLusignan,IhadconvincedmyselfIcouldstillbecomethecount’swife.”

Agnesstruggledtospeakthroughhertears.“Iinsistedonkeepingmyownladies-in-waiting,andwith
theirhelp,Iwasabletohidemyconditionthroughthewedding.Butinthemarriagebed,therewas
nothing—”Agnesbrokedown.

“Thecountreturnedyoutoyourfather?”Alistairaskedwhenherweepingsubsided.
Shenodded.“Themarriagewasannulled,ofcourse,andmyfatherwasfurious.Mymotherpleaded

withhimtohavemercy,buthisconditionoflettingmestaywastoconfessthenameofthefather.”

“Andwhydidn’tyou?”Alistairhadlittlesympathyforhisolderbrother’sactions.
HenryhadindulgedhisdesireforAgnesfullyawarethathewouldmarryanother.Thearrangementfor

theirfather’ssecondsontobecomethehusbandofLadyHowardofYorkshirehadbeenmadewhenthey
weresmallchildren.LadyHoward’sestatewasmuchgreaterthanLordMorrow’s,thoughtheladyherself
washalfasprettyasAgnes.HenryhadtakenfulladvantageofhisproximitytoAgnes,anddistancefrom
LadyHoward,aslongashecould.Oncethetimefortheweddinghadarrived,however,Henrydiscarded
Agneswithoutexplanationorapology.

ThatAgneswouldcontinuetoprotectHenry’snamebespokeherloveforhim…andhernaiveté.

Thoughhewouldn’ttellAgnesforfearofbreakingherheartevenmore,AlistairwageredthatifHenry
weretofaceaccusationsoffatheringanillegitimatechild,hewoulddenythebastardwashiswithoutcare
thatitmeantbringingfurthershametoAgnes.

ThoughAlistaircouldn’tundohisbrother’schurlishdeeds,hecouldhonorhisfamilyandAgnesby

protectinghernow.

“Youwillhaveyourrefuge,Agnes,”Alistairtoldher.“Igiveyoumyword—whichismuchtruerthan

Henry’s.”

Heguidedhertoachair.“Waithere.I’llreturnshortly.”
AlistairleftAgnessnifflingatthecrescenttabletojoinBosqueandEirawheretheywaitedinthehall.
Beforespeakingtothem,Alistairaddressedtheguardatthedoor.“GofindamaidtoshowLady

Morrowtoaroominthemanorandattendtoher.Makesuresheunderstandsthisishernewposition.
Someoneelsewilltakeoverherformerresponsibilities.”

“Yes,mylord.”Theguardbowedandwenttofindamaidservant.
EiralockedeyeswithAlistair.“You’regivingordersnow?”
“I’mhelpingafriend,”Alistairsaid,unwavering.“It’sthechivalrousthingtodo.”
“Sendhertoanunnery,”Eirasaidwithasnort.“We’reinthemidstofourowntroublesandcan’t

worryoverthehealthofagirlandherbastard.Chivalrybedamned.”

“LadyEira,”Alistairsaidthroughclenchedteeth,“Iwouldnotarguewithyou,butIaskthatyounot

insultLadyMorrow.Sheisanaivegirl,misledbyanother.Thedishonorisnotherstobear.”

“Butthechildis,”Eiraansweredcoolly.
“IfImay.”Bosque’ssmoothvoiceslippedbetweenthem.“LadyMorrow’sarrivalpresentsan

advantage,notaburden.”

“How?”Eiraturnedonhim,seething.
“Icanthinkoftwothings,”Bosquetoldher.“Ifyou’llforgivemeforsayingso,yoursister,Cian,seems

reluctanttoembracethechangesyou’vemadeinConatus.”

Eiradidn’tanswerhim,butshenodded.
“Perhapsanactofcharitywouldreassureher?”Bosquesaid.
“Itmight,”Eirasaid.“Andthesecondthing?”
“OfcoursetheutmostcarewillbegiventoaladyofAgnesMorrow’sstationandtosomeoneinher

condition,”Bosquereplied.“Butthatsamecaremightalsobeprovidedforavaluablehostage.”

“What?”Alistairsaidsharply.
Bosquesilencedhimwithaglance.
“Ahostage?”EirafrownedatBosque.
“LadyMorrowmayhavebeendisownedbyherfather,butI’mcertainheexpectednothinglessthanfor

Conatustoprotecther,”Bosqueexplained.“Andinprotectingherfrompublicshame,we’redoinghima
service.”

Withanassessinggaze,BosquesaidtoAlistair,“Yourinterestinthelady’sconditionsuggestsan

intimateknowledgeofthesituation.”

“Thechildisn’tmine,”Alistairreplied.“Iswearit.”
Bosquedidn’tlookaway,andAlistairrelentedundertheforceoftheman’ssilverstare.
“MybrotherHenry.”Alistair’sshouldersslumped.“Hetookadvantageofherlonginfatuation.”
“Andyourbrotherisnowmarried?”Bosqueasked.
Alistairnodded.“HeisalordinYorkshire.”
TurningtoEira,Bosquesaid,“Asyouplotyournewcourseandbreakfromtheruleofthechurch,

you’llwantthesupportofnobles—bothincoinandmen.Useeveryadvantageyouhave.”

“Icanseethewisdomofwhatyousay,”Eiratoldhim.“LadyMorrowwillbegivenahomein

Tearmunn.”

“AlistairwillsendalettertoLordMorrow,informinghimofourgenerosity,”Bosquesaid.“Andhe

willalsorequestthatAgnessendaletter.”

“WhatwouldyouhaveAgnessaytoherfather?”Alistairasked,thinkingthatsuchaletterwouldfind

itswayintoLordMorrow’sfirewithoutbeingread.

Bosquesmiledathim.“Theletterisnotforherfather.Shewillwritetohersister.”
AlistairgapedatBosque,whosaid,“IfyourabsentEmberkeepsherword,shewillgotoChâteaude

Lusignan.Shouldshearrivetheretofindhersistermissingandaletterexplainingwhat’shappened,the
youngerladyMorrowmightbepersuadedtoreturntoTearmunnmorequicklythanotherwise.”

“Yes,”Alistairbreathed,asuddenfeverwashingoverhim.
“Ifshesurvives,”Eiramuttered,earningawarningglarefromBosqueandafearfullookfromAlistair.
“Thatliesinthehandsoffate,”Bosquesaid.“AsdoAlistair’shopes.”
“Mylordsandmylady.”Theguardhadreturnedwithamaidservant.
“Seetoit,”EiratoldAlistair.“AndI’lldealwiththeothertaskwediscussed.We’llmeetinthestables

thereafterandmakeourwaytoInverness.”

AlistairhadthoughtthatBosquewouldemployhismysticalmeansoftransporttospeedtheirtripto
Inverness,butitwasnotso.

“Theriftfreesmetodomanythings,”BosqueexplainedtoAlistairandEira.“Butthatformoftravel

presentsgreatrisktoyou.OnecompanionIcanwatchover,butwithmorethereistoomuchchance
someonewouldbelostinthenether.”

ShudderingatthethoughtofbecomingtrappedinBosque’sworld,Alistairhappilyenduredthejourney

toInverness.Relyingonthespeedoftheirhorses,theyreachedthecoastwellafterdarkofthefollowing
day.Thenightskywasclear;starslookeddownonthemlikeamillionwitnesses.

UponBosque’sadvice,they’dlefttheroadbeforetheyreachedCraigDunain,travelingnorthtoan

isolatedshorelinewestoftheportofInverness.Theyleftthehorsesashortdistancefromtherockycoast,
tetheringAlistair’sandEira’smountssothebeastswouldnotattempttofleefromBosque’sshadow
steed.

Withlittlewind,thefirthlaycalm,mirroringthemidnightbluesky.
ThedelaysofthedayandBosque’srefusaltoleaveAlistair—freeingherselfandBosquetotravelin

thenether—hadputEirainafoulmood.

“Havewelosttoomuchtime?”Eiraaskedastheywalkedtothestone-coveredbeach.
“No,”Bosqueanswered.“Iwelcomedthedelay.Thisworkisbetterdoneatnight.”
Eiramadeanoncommittalsound,butAlistairgazedworriedlyatthefirth’sdarkwaters.He’dput

AgnestowritingherlettertoEmberbeforethey’dleftTearmunn.Nowhismindwasfixedonherwords
andhowtheymightbringEmberbacktohim.

Butnotifsheislostatsea.
AlistairpulledhiseyesfromthewaterandfoundBosquewatchinghim.
“Emberwillsoonfacetrialswroughtbyherchoices,”Bosquesaid.“Foryoursake,Ihopesheisable

toovercomethem.”

Alistairnodded,nottrustinghimselftospeak.HesentthestarsasilentwishtowatchoverEmberand

carryhersafelytoFrance.Astohercompanions,Alistaircouldjusthaveeasilywishedfortheirdemise.
HelaidtheblameforherimminentendangermentatthefeetofLukaszandKael…andespeciallyBarrow.
IfBarrowescapedtheseawithhislife,theonlysweetnessAlistairwouldfindinhisbeingsparedwas
thethoughtthathecouldslayBarrowhimselfoneday.

“Waitonthebeach,”BosqueorderedEiraandAlistair.“DonottouchthewateruntilIreturn.”
Withoutanotherword,hestrippedoffhisclothes,revealingawarrior’sbody.Thelonglinesofhis

musclesandgraceofhismovementsmadeAlistairthinkthatBosque’smagicwasn’thisonlyweapon.

Thestrangemanmightproveaworthyadversaryonamartialpracticefield.

Forgettingherself,EiragaveastartledcryasBosquebrazenlytossedherhisshirt,chausses,and

breeches.Bosquestoodtall,facingher,thoughhewasfullynaked.“Youblushlikeamaid,LadyEira.I’m
surprised.”Hegrinned,andAlistairwonderedhowBosquecouldseearosyhuepaintEira’scheeksin
thisdarkness.“Still,Itrustyoucankeepmyclothesdry?”

Shestoodparalyzed,staringasheturnedandwadedintothesea.Alistairwatchedindisbelief.The

firth’swaterswerecoldenoughtokillaman,yetBosqueappearedascomfortableasifhe’denteredahot
bath.

Havingreachedwaist-deepwater,Bosquesuddenlydove,vanishingbeneaththeblue-blacksurface.

Onlytheslightripplesattheplacehe’dsubmergedgaveevidencethatthewaterhadbeendisturbed.The
nightwassilent.AlistairandEirastoodtransfixed,waiting.

Bosquedidn’tsurface.Whenhe’dbeenunderwatertwiceaslongasanymancouldmanagewithout

drowning,Alistairforcedhimselftospeak.

“Canhesurvivethis?ShouldIswimouttosearchforhim?”Alistairdidn’trelishthethoughtof

followingBosqueintothesea.Thewaterwouldcutlikeknivesofice.

“Hesaidnottotouchthewater,”Eirasaid.“Wemustobey.”
AlistairthrewastartledlookatEira,surprisedtohearherspeakofobediencetoanyone.EvenLord

Mar.

“There.”
Alistair’sgazefollowedEira’spointingfinger.
Farfromshore,thedarkwatersofthefirthstirred.ItbeganasrippleslikethoseBosquehadcreated

whenhedove.Concentriccirclesformedinthewaterandbegantomove,turninginonthemselves.Soon
theseawaschurning,andwherethefirthhadbeenstillanddark,itfrothedintoaviolentmaelstrom.The
vortexofwaterroared,agapingandhungrymouth.

Alistairgaveastartledcrywhen,fromthecenterofthewhirlpool,ahugetentaclelashedout.Then

another.Amassivedarkshapebrokefreeofthemaelstrom,swimmingeasttowardtheopensea.Alistair
staredafterit.Ifnotforthetentacles,hewouldhavethoughtthecreatureawhale.

“Howdoyoulikemykraken?”Bosque,drippingseawater,waswadingbacktoshore.“Shehasno

rivalinthesea.”

Alistaircouldonlynod.Bosquesmiledhisapproval.Thenightwascold,andBosque’sskinwasslick

asaseal’s,butheneithershiverednorwerehislipsfrigidblueastheyshouldhavebeen.

Shakingwaterfromhisthick,darkhair,BosqueturnedtoEira.“IsmyladyEiraalsopleasedwiththe

night’stask?”

Eiradidn’tanswerhisquestion,insteadshovingthecontentsofherarmsathim.“Yourclothing,Lord

Mar.”

Bosquetooktheclothesbutdidn’tmovetoputthemon,insteadstandingbeforeEira,watchingher

closely.Shemanagedtoholdhisgazeforamoment,butthenlookedaway.

“Ismybodysoobjectionable?”Bosqueaskedher,steppingintohisbreeches.
Stillturnedfromhim,Eirasaid,“Ofcoursenot.”
“Thenwhywon’tyoulookuponme?”
“Whydoyoucare?”Eiraasked,liftingherchinindefianceasshefacedhim.Herfaceshowedvisible

reliefwhenhetiedhischaussesandslidhisshirtoverhishead.

Alistaircoughed.Hewasnoteagertoknowwherethisconversationwouldlead.
“Yes,LordHart?”Bosqueturnedhisattentiontoputtingonhisboots.
“Yourkrakenhuntsthetraitors’vessel?”Alistairaskedwithaslightfrown.
Bosqueshrugged.“Initsownway,yes.”
Feelingatwistinhisgut,Alistairasked,“Howwillitknowwhatshiptowreck?”

“Itwillnotknow,”Bosqueanswered.“Thekrakenwillsinkthemall.”
“Allofthem?”TheshockinEira’squestionechoedAlistair’s.
“Atleastallshefindsbeforeshedesirestoreturntoherslumberincavernsatthebottomofthesea.”

Bosquestoodup,fasteninghiscloak.“Thatwillbeinaweek’stime,possiblyadayortwolonger.”

“ButtherearecountlessshipsthatsailthewesternseatotheFrenchports,”Eirasaidsoftly,bowing

herheadandfallingsilentlyintoherownthoughts.

“I’mcertainthereare,”Bosqueanswered.
AlistairwaitedforEiratoobject,toaskLordMartofindawaytosendthekrakenaftersingularprey

insteadofdestroyinganentireherd.

WhenEiraliftedherfacetothenightsky,shebegantolaugh.

BYTHEIRSECONDDAYatsea,Barrowinsistedongoingabovedecktobreathefreshair.Emberhad
assumedshe’dbetheonewhowasmostconcernedaboutBarrow’srecovery,butSawyerkeptacloseeye
ontheknight,likeawatchfulmotherhen.Barrowindulgedthewoodcutter’sattention,thoughEmber
couldtelltheknightweariedofSawyer’sinsistencethathespendmoretimeinhisberththanwalking
abouttheship.

Thefourofthemstoodinthesmallroom.Barrowwassittingup,shirtless,asSawyerinspectedhis

chest.Thedarkcontusionshadlightenedbuttakenonsicklyyellowhues.SawyerassuredEmberthatthe
changewasagoodsign,despiteitsunpleasantappearance.ThoughhecontinuedtoofferBarrowtonicsto
helphishealing,theconcoctionsnolongerputtheknighttosleep.

WhileBarrowadjustedtohisrestrictedmovements,therestofthemweremakingother

accommodations.PackingawaytheirConatustabards,Kaelbarteredhiswaytomoreinconspicuous
clothing.MuchtoEmber’schagrin,thatmeantshehadtotradeinherfightinggearforapeasantdress.

WhileshescowledatKael,hesaid,“It’seitherthedressoryouwearahelmetallthetimesonoone

wonderswhyagirlisgoingaboutinmen’sclothes.”

“Thedisguisesareonlynecessarysolongaswe’reamongthepilgrims,”Lukaszreassuredher.“You

candressinthemanneroftheGuardwhenwe’reawayfromthesestrangers.”

Embergrudginglytookthedress.
“There’sagoodlass.”Kaelgrinnedather.
“EvenifI’mwearingadress,Icanstillhityou,”Embertoldhim.
LukaszlaughedandaskedKael,“Didyoulearnanythingusefulwhileyouprocuredournewclothing?”
“Nothingmorethanwhatwealreadyknow,”Kaelanswered.“TheFrenchandEnglishkeeptheirfocus

ontheWelshuprising.SomesaytheFrenchhavetakentoraidingtheEnglishcountryside,andFrench
vesselsbearWelshsoldierstowar.”

“OwainGlyndwrproveshimselfacapablekinganddiplomat,”Lukaszmused.“Andafesteringthorn

inEngland’sside.”

“Goodnewsforus,”Kaelreplied.“WiththeattentiononWales,thepilgrimagerouteshouldn’tbe

hinderedbyarmiestrampingaboutFrance.”

“Weshouldmakelandfalltomorrow,”Lukaszsaid.
“We’dbetheretonightifthecaptaindidn’tkeepsoclosetothecoast,”Kaeladded.

Lukaszshookhishead.“Abalingerdoesn’tlovetheopensea.”
“Whydon’tyouallgomeasureourprogresssoIcandonthislovelydress,”Embersaid,pushingKael

towardthedoor.

Laughing,LukaszfollowedKael.
“Mylord,remember,youmustrest,”SawyertitteredatBarrow.“Bepatientasyouheal,lestyou

aggravatethewounds.”

“Thankyou,Sawyer.”Barrownodded.
Handinghimabrimmingcup,Sawyersaid,“Anddrinkthisdown.”
Barrowgrimacedbutacceptedthetonic.SawyermadeaquickbowtoEmberandlefttheroom.
Holdingthedress,EmberglancedatBarrowandthenatthestill-opendoor.
“Youdon’tthinkSawyerwouldgivemesomethingthatimpedesmyrecovery,”Barrowsaid.“Because

he’sawfullyfondofpracticinghismedicinesonme.”

“Don’tbewicked.”Emberlaughed.“DrinkthetonicandbegratefulSawyerpossesseshealingskill.”
Barrowmadeasullenface,buthetookthetonicinafewswallowsandsetthecupaside.“Hecouldat

leastsweetenitwithhoney.”

“Andwherewouldhegethoney?”
Barrowshrugged,andEmberfrownedathim.“Aren’tyougoingtoleave?”
“Didn’tyouhearSawyer?”Heleanedbackonhiselbows.“I’mtorest.”
“Youwanttostay,”Embersaidslowly.
Barrowdidn’tanswer,butthebarestofsmilesgracedhislips.Emberclosedthedoor.
Withoutspeaking,Emberlaidthedressonthebedsidetable.SheremovedthebeltuponwhichSilence

andSorrowweresecuredandhungtheleatherstrapandweaponsfromawallhook.Afterpullingher
tabardoverherhead,shefoldeditandsetitbesidethedress.Standinginherkirtleandchausses,Ember
lookedatBarrow.Hecontinuedtowatchher,silent.

Emberslowlyliftedherkirtleandthesoftchemisebeneath,slidingthemoverherheadandshoulders.

Placingthekirtlewithhertabard,Emberreachedforthetightclothbindingherchestfromunderherarms
toherlowribs.Looseningthefabric,Emberunwoundthelongstripoflinenandletitdroptothefloor.

WhenthebandsofclothfellawayandEmberwasbarefromshouldertowaist,Barrowletoutan

audiblebreath.

“Doyouwantmetocovermyself?”Ember’sfingerswereatthelacingofherchausses,butshecould

easilydonherchemiseagainbeforeundressingherlowerbody.

“ThatisthelastthingIwant,”Barrowansweredquietly.
Nodding,Emberworkedfreetheknotsatherwaist,thenpusheddownbothherchaussesandbreeches

andsteppedoutofthem.

Shereachedforthedress,butBarrowmurmured,“Wait.Letmelookonyouforamomentlonger,my

love.”

Hiseyesslowlymovedoverher,andEmber’sskintingled.Shewasquiet,butherthoughtswereof

howmuchshewantedhishandstolingeruponherbodyashisgazedid.

Whenshecouldn’tbeartheacheanylonger,Emberretrievedherchemiseandslippediton.Thedress

wasstiff,graywoolwithascoopingnecklinethatrevealedtheembroideryatthetopofherpalechemise.
Emberreachedaroundtotightenthedress’slacing.

“Letmehelpyou,”Barrowsaid.“Turnaround.”
Givinghimherback,EmberletBarrowtakethelacesfromherhands.
“Iamanovice.”EmberheardthesmileinBarrow’svoice.“Howtightshouldthisbetied?”
“Thedressismeanttofitclosetomyfigure,”Embertoldhim,“butitshouldn’tpinchorbind.”
Barrowpulledthelacesuntilthebodicewassnugatherwaistandmoldedtothecurveofherbreasts,

roundingthemagainstthethinfabricofherchemise.Itwasn’tanuncomfortabledress,butitwasstrange

tohaveherfeminineattributessoemphasizedwhentheGuards’wardrobestrovetominimizethem.

WhenshefeltBarrowtieaknotatherlowerback,sheturnedtofacehim.Hersmilewasimpish.

“You’dbeafinelady-in-waiting.”

“IliketothinkIhavemanyhiddentalents.”Helaughed,buthiseyesweretakingherinagain.
“Doyoupreferthedresstomyothergarb?”Shesmoothedthegrayfabricoftheskirt.
“Youarecomely,nomatterwhatclothesyouwear,”Barrowsaid.“Aswellaswhenyouwearnoneat

all.”

Heleanedinandlightlybrushedhislipsoverhers.Emberputherhandsonhischest,wantingtofeel

hisbareskin.Shetouchedhimlightly,waryofhisbruisedflesh.

“Doesitpainyou?”sheasked,fingerscarefullyfollowingthepatternofcolorsthatmarbledhisskin.
“Muchlessthanitdid.”Barrowwatchedherhandmoveoverhischestandstomach.“Whenyoutouch

me,Icouldforgetaltogetherthatmybodystillmends.”

“Thatwouldbeunwise,”Embersaid,regretfullypullingherhandaway.
“Sowouldthis.”
EmbergaveastartledcrywhenBarrowtuckedhisarmaroundherback,hisotherbelowherknees,and

liftedher.Carefultoholdherawayfromhisbruisedbody,hebroughthertotheberthandsetherdownon
herback.Barrowkneltoverher.

“You’remeanttoberesting,LordHess,”Emberchided,smilingupathim.
Heleaneddown.“And,alas,IcannotexertmyselfthewayIwish.”
Emberpartedherlipswhenhebenttokissher.
“Letmeshowyou,”hesaid,“thatIamnotentirelyinfirm.”
Slidinghishandunderherback,Barrowliftedherhips.Hisotherhandpulledtheheavywoolskirtup

toEmber’swaist.Hereachedforthehemofherchemise.

“Butwemustwait,”Emberbreathed,catchinghishandasitmovedupherthigh.
“Somethingsmustwait.”Barrowkissedhercheek,thenherthroat.“Butnotallthings.”
Hismouthlingeredattheswellofherbreastsbeforehecontinueddown.Emberclosedhereyeswhen

Barrowpushedherchemiseoverherhips.Hislipstouchedherinnerthigh.Higher.

Ember’shandstangledinthebedclothesasBarrowcoaxedherbodyintorevealingitssecrets.And

thoughEmberknewthattheartofloveofferedevenmorethanthis,shehardlybelievedthatitcouldbe
so.

Muchlater,afterBarrowactuallyhadrested,heandEmberjoinedKaelandLukaszattheship’srail,
gazingwestwardtowatchtheseaswallowthesun.Thoughthewooldressofferedenoughwarmthagainst
thestiffbreeze,EmberhaddonnedacloaksoshecouldwearherbeltwhilestillkeepingSilenceand
Sorrowhidden.

Barrow’sarmwrappedaroundEmber’swaist,andsheleanedintohim.Kaelglancedatthem,

chucklingandnudgingLukaszwithhiselbow.

“Letthembe,”Lukaszsaidwithasmile.Emberwatchedthecommander’sfingersmeetKael’sbeneath

theshiprail,andherheartwarmedatthesight,thoughsheworriedattheburdenofsecrecytheywere
forcedtobear.WhileBarrowseemedunafraidtoshowhisaffectionforher,KaelandLukaszcouldnever
riskthesame.

Kaelleanedtowardthecommander,whispering.Lukaszlaughedquietlytohimself,andKaelleftthe

railtogobelowdecks.

“Youlookmuchbetter,myfriend,”LukasztoldBarrow,stillsmilingatwhateverKaelhadsaid.
Barrownodded.“Ifeelittoo.”
“Good.”ThemirthfadedslightlyfromLukasz’sface.“Idoubtitwillbelongbeforeyou’reneededina

fight.”

“Thatseemslikely,”Barrowanswered.“I’llbeready.”
“Enjoythetwilight,”Lukasztoldthem.Thenhetoowentbelow.
Emberwatchedthecommanderdisappearintothedarkinnercompartmentsoftheship.
“Doyouknow?”sheaskedBarrow.
“I’vebeeninjuredbefore,”Barrowanswered.“I’llrecoversoonenough.Don’tworry.”
“That’snotwhat—”Emberpaused.“IwasspeakingofLukaszandKael.”
Barrowtensed,castingasidelongglanceather.“Whatofthem?”
Sheturnedtofacehim.“Youdoknow.”
Hedidn’tanswerher,soshepressedhimfurther.“Howlonghavetheybeenlovers?”
“Hush,Ember,”Barrowsaid.“Howdidyoulearnofthis?”
Inalowvoice,Embertoldhim,“Isawthemtogether.AfterSorcha’sdeath.”
“Andhaveyouspokenofthistoanyoneelse?”Barrowasked.
“No.”Emberfrownedathim.“Ofcoursenot.”
Barrowleanedoutovertherailing,visiblyrelieved.“Good.”
“WhatdidIdototroubleyou?”Emberhadthoughtherquestionsimple.
“Whatyousawisnotsomethingtobespokenofwhereothersmightoverhear,”Barrowtoldher.
Ember’sbrowfurrowed.“Imeantnoharm,onlywondered—”
“Yourwonderingcouldcosttheirlives,Ember.You’reforgettingyourhistory,Conatus’shistory,why

theTemplarsburned.”

Whenhesawthepainedlookonherface,Barrowpulledherclosertohim.“Iknowyoumeantno

harm,butwhatyousawandnowknowaboutKaelandLukaszmustbekeptsecret.”

Shelaidherheadonhisshoulder,thinkingaboutthelossshewouldfeelifshewereforbiddentoenjoy

thecomfortofhisembracelestothersseeit.

“Itfeelswrong,”Embersaid.
“Loveislove,”Barrowansweredsharply,droppinghishandfromherwaistandpullingawayfrom

her.

“Notthat!”Ember’scheeksreddenedathissuggestionshewouldpassjudgmentontheircompanions.

“WhatIintendedtosaywasthatitfeelswrongtobefilledwithhappinesswhensomuchstrifeand
sorrowsurroundsme.”

“Ah,”Barrowsaid.“Thatisamuchmorefittingsentiment,butifguiltoveryourjoysisaburden,I’m

certainwecanfindapriestinFrancesoyoucangiveconfession.”

“Areyousoimpiousastomakefunofmylamentation?”Emberteased.
“Pietyhasnothingtodowithit,”Barrowansweredwithabriefsmile.“Isimplythinkthatwringing

yourhandsovertheevilsoftheworldwilldrainyourheartofitscourage.Wemustembracewhat
happinessisgranteduswhenwecan,orelsewespendourlivesawaitingthenextsorrow.”

Embergraspedtheship’srail,ponderingBarrow’swordsasshelookedoutoverthesea.Thesunwas

anorangesliveronthehorizon.Itsrustylightthrewadistantislandintostarkrelief.

“Whatifwesailedthere?”EmberlookedatBarrow.“Andmadeourrefugeonanisland,hiddenfrom

theworld.”

“Idoubtyou’dbewillingtoforsaketheworldforlong,”Barrowsaid.“Ofwhatislanddoyouspeak?”
Emberpointedtothedarkridgeoflandthatrosefromthepaintedsea,butherarmwasoutstretched

towardnothing.Thewaterslayflatallthewaytothehorizon.

Frowning,Embersaid,“Isawanisland.Justamomentago.”
“Atrickoflightandshadow,”Barrowtoldher.
ButasEmberwatchedthesundisappear,thelastofitslightspillingupintothewesternsky,thedark

islandreappeared.Largerthistime.Embersquintedintothedistance.Thoughtheshipsailedawayfrom
theisland,shecouldswearitwascloser.

“Thereitis!”Emberpointed,andBarrowlookedouttosea.Ashedid,theislandsankbelowthe

waves.“Butwhat—”

“Ithinkyourislandisawhale,mylove,”Barrowsaid.
“I’veneverseenawhale,”Embertoldhim,delighted.Sheleanedoutovertherailing,hopingtocatch

anotherglimpseofthebeast.

“Becareful,Ember,”Barrowsaid.“Ifaswellpitchestheship,youcouldloseyourfooting.”
“I’mholdingtherail,”sheanswered.Thewhalehadn’tresurfaced,andshesighed,butasshewas

abouttoturnawayfromthesea,theremaininglightofthesunsetcapturedashadowbelowtheocean’s
surface.

Emberdrewastartledbreathandsteppedback.Thewhalewasmassive,twicethesizeoftheirship.
“Doyouseesomething?”Barrowwasstillsearchingthedistantwaves.
“It’sgonebelowtheship,”sheanswered.“Ijustsawitbeneathus.”
“What?”Barrow’salarmbroughthereyestohim.
Beforeshecouldaskwhatputsuchpanicinhisvoice,theshiplurched.Emberfellagainsttherailing

andBarrowstumbledbackwardtowardthecenterofthedeck.

Theshippitchedviolentlyagain,andEmberflewovertherail.Sheplummetedintothefrothingwaters,

whichwerestirredbysomeunseenforce.

Ifshehadn’tbeensubmerged,hittingthewaterwouldhavemadeEmberscream.Theseawasfilled

withfrigidtalonsthatslashedherskin.Kickinghard,sheforcedherwaytothesurface,gaspingforbreath
andgratefulthatshe’dforcedAlistairtoteachhertoswim.

Wavesmanifestedwithoutwindroiledaroundher,makingitdifficulttokeepherheadabovewater.

Sheheardscreamingassheturnedtoswimbacktotheship,butthenshescreamedtoo.

Hugetentacleswerewrappedaroundthebalingerfromprowtostern.Someofthecrewslashedatthe

thickappendageswiththeirswordstonoavail.Theshipgroanedastheshrillsoundofsplinteringwood
piercedtheair.Pilgrimssurgedfrombelowdecks,flingingthemselvestothesea’smercy.

“Barrow!”Embercouldn’tseehimonthedeckorinthewater.
AterriblescreechandboomfilledEmber’searsjustbeforetheshipbuckled.Thegreattentacleshad

torntheshipintwo.Itreleasedtheseveredprowinfavorofrippingwhatremainedofthehulltopieces.
Withhorror,Emberwatchedasthemonster’ssucker-coveredlimbsgraspednotonlytimberbutbodies,
somelivingandshrieking,somelimp.Somepeopleweredraggedbeneaththewaves;others,tossedfar
outtosea.

ThenshesawBarrow.Hewasfloatingonthewater,faceupbutunconscious.
Withacry,Emberswamtowardhim.Herlimbsnolongerfeltcold;theywereonfire,andEmberknew

howdangerousthatwas.Sheforcedherselftomovethroughthewaveswhilewreckageswirledaround
her.ReachingBarrow,Emberhookedherarmthroughoneofhisandprayedshehadthestrengthtotow
himtoshore.

Strugglingthroughthewavesandforcingherselftoshutoutthecriesofothervictims,Emberdragged

Barrowtowardthecoast.Thefiredevouringherskinhaddiminishedtoadullneedling.Herlimbsfeltso
heavy.

“Ember!”
Thecallcamefrombehindher.EmberturnedtoseeLukaszswimmingtowardher.
Whenthecommanderreachedthem,helookedgrimlyatBarrow.“Didhetakewaterintohislungs?”
“Idon’tknow,”Embersaid.“WhenIfoundhim,hewasfloatingonhisback.”
“We’llhopeforthebest,then,”Lukaszsaid.“Letmehelpyou.”
ThreadinghisarmbeneathBarrow’soppositeshoulder,hebegantoswim.
“Kael?”Emberasked.
“He’sgettinghelp,”Lukaszanswered.“Don’tstopmoving.Theoceanwillkillusasquicklyasthat

beast.”

Emberobeyed,thoughshewasalarmedwhenLukaszsteeredthembacktowardtheshipwreck.The

creaturewasstillhuntingforintactsectionsoftheshiptoobliterate,andithadtakentopluckingmenand
womenfromthewateraswell.

“WhataboutSawyer?”Ember’steethhadbeguntochatter.
“Idon’tknow,”Lukaszsaid.“KaelandIwereintheberthwhenoneofthosetentaclestorethebeams

fromaboveourheads.Sawyerwasn’twithus,andI’veseennosignofhim.”

Asharpwhistlesoundedinthewatersahead.
“Here!”Lukaszshouted,thenhesaidtoEmber,“Kickhard.Wehavetocatchthem.”
Followingthecommander’sintentgaze,Embersawtheirgoal.Kaelcutthroughthewaterwithhard

strokes,buthewasn’talone.Fourlongnecksbobbedalongsidehim.Thehorses’eyeswererolling,wild
withfright.

LukaszandEmberswamatadiagonal,workinghardtointerceptKaelandthehorses,whowere

swimmingdirectlyforthecoast.Thoughshewantedtobestrong,Embergroanedwithpain,fightingto
keepherarmandlegsmoving.

“Courage,Ember,”Lukaszsaid,hisjawclenchedagainstthecoldslapofwaves.“Whenwereachthe

horses,we’llhaverelief.”

Theywereclosingthedistance,butEmbercouldfeelherbodyshuttingdownasthecoldseacocooned

herlimbs.

Feelingherslow,Lukaszsaid,“CallouttoCaber.Hemayhearandwaitforyou.”
Indesperation,Embershrieked,“Caber!”
Shewhistledandcalledhisnameagain.Thestallion’schestnutheadturnedinherdirection.Caber

gaveashrillwhinny.Hisnostrilsflared.

“Again,”Lukaszordered.
“Caber!”Embersawthatthestallionhesitated,watchingherasKaelandtheotherhorsescontinued

towardtheshore.

“Good,”Lukaszsaid,andEmbercouldhearhowstrainedhewas.“Nowswim.”
Withallshehadleft,Emberplowedthroughthewater,matchingthecommander’sfuriouspace.When

theyreachedthehorse,Emberwept.

“HoldontoBarrowandtoCaber’stail,”Lukasztoldher.“He’llfollowtheotherhorsesandtowboth

ofyoutotheshore.”

FreedofEmberandBarrow,Lukaszswamquicklyahead.
“Go,Caber!”Embercriedout.Thestallionwhinnied,hislegschurningbeneaththewaves.Nottrusting

hergriptohold,EmberwrappedthelengthofCaber’stailaroundherforearm.Thehorsedraggedthem
throughthewater.

Ahead,EmbersawLukaszreachKaelandtheotherhorses.Thetwomengraspedthetailsoftheir

mountsandlettheswimminghorsespullthemtowardthecoast.Withthesinglepurposeofswimming
takenfromher,Emberdaredtolookback.

Theshipwasgone.Floatingtimberandscattereddebrisweretheonlyevidencethatavesselhadonce

sailed.Theturbulentwatershadstilled,andEmbersearchedthewreckageforsignsthatthebeast
remained.Butitsflailingandgraspingtentacleshadvanishedbeneaththewaves.AsdreadfilledEmber
atthethoughtofwhatlurkedinthedarknessbelow,Caber’sfeethitground.Hesnortedanddragged
EmberandBarrowintotheshallows.

Despitereachingtheshore,Embercouldn’tfindthestrengthtomove.SheheldBarrowagainsther,

relievedwhenLukaszandKaelsplashedthroughthewatertoreachthem.GivingupBarrowtoKael’s
care,EmbersuccumbedtoherownexhaustionasLukaszpulledherfromthegraspofthefrigidsea.

EIRA’SIMPATIENCEWITHhersisterwasunbearable.WhenCianhadaskedtomeetaloneintheir
formerquarters,Eirahadknownthisfightwasinevitable.ItseemedthatanytimeBosqueorAlistairwas
absent,CianwasdeterminedtoquestioneverythingthatEirahadworkedfor.AtleasttodayEirahad
questionsofherown.

“You’velearnednothing?”Eiraaskedhersister.
Cianletherheaddropbackagainstthetopofthechair.Eiranoticedthenewlinesofstrainand

exhaustiononhersister’sface.

“Notforlackoftrying,”Ciansaid.
Unwillingtoshowsoftness,Eiraanswered,“Tryharder.”
Ciansatup.“Isityourwishformetohandoverourentirekitchenstafftoyourpetmonsters?Perhaps

they’llatlastconfessthesecretblendofherbsforthesavorystewyoucrave.”

AwaveoffuryroseinEira’schest,butsheforceditback.“Sister,thecreaturesarethemeanstoan

end.Thatisall.”

“AndLordMar?”Cianasked.“Whatishe?”
“Anally.”Eiraturnedaway,angryandunsettledbyCian’squestion.
Risingfromherchair,CiancametoEira’ssideandtookherhand.“Ifearthiscourseyou’veplotted,

Eira.”

EiraclaspedCian’sfingers.“WhymustyouquestioneverythingIdo?Can’tyouseehowmuchgood

hascomeofthis?”

“Tellmewhat’sgood,”Ciansaid.“Youhavepower,yes.Morecometoyoueachdayfromallcorners

oftheworldtosweartheirallegiance.Butitisn’tforloveofyou.”

“Ihaveneverneededlove,”Eirasnapped,shakingherhandfreeofCian’s.
Ciansighed.“Youstillhavemine.”
“Iknow.”Eirarelented.“Andyouhavemine.ButIswearyourreluctancetoembracethisnewpathis

pointless.Thisconstantbickeringweariesbothofus.”

“IonlywishtofullyunderstandthenatureofanalliancewithLordMar,”Ciansaid.“Youquickly

forgetthatheislordofallthatwehavesworntodestroy.ThatisthemissionofConatus.”

“Youdon’tunderstandbecauseyoukeepmeandLordMaratadistance,”Eiratoldher.“Ifyou’djoin

us—asAlistair,Thomas,andClaudiohave—you’dknowthewonderthatitistocommandthenether

beasts.”

Cianshookherhead,butEirapressedon.“Yourefusetoseeallthat’schanged.LordMar’said

transformsourpurpose.Heisnolongerforcedtoscavengeourworldforwhatheneeds.Weareno
longerbeholdentotheChurchortokings.Weruleall,includingBosque’sminions.Hisservantsbowto
us,serveus.”

“Buthestillhasneedofthisworld,”Ciansaid.“Hiscreaturesstillfindnourishmenthere,dothey

not?”

“Yes.”Eira’sshouldersachedfromtension.They’dhadthisargumentsomanytimes.“Butwedecide

—”

“Youdecide.”Ciancutheroff.“YouandthisBosque.Howcanyoutrusthimso?”
“BecauseIknowhimasyoudonot.”Eira’smindflashedtotheforestoutsideDorusduain.She

rememberedcradlingCianinherarms,hersister’sbodybrokenbeyondrepair.IfnotforBosque.

ApoliteknockwasfollowedbythesoundofAlistair’svoice.“LadyEira?”
“Comein,LordHart,”Eiraanswered.SheignoredCian’slowsoundofdisgust.
Alistairenteredtheroom,offeringashortbowtothesisters.
“Theclericswhowishtomaketheoathhaveassembledinthegreathall,”Alistairtoldthem.“Lord

Marawaitsyouthereaswell.”

EiracuthereyesatCian.“I’msopleasedthatourscholarlypeershavecomeforward,embracingthe

pathofvisionaries.”

“Howmany?”Cianaskedquietly.
“Seven,”Alistairanswered.“ThoughinspeakingtoHamish,whobroughttheirrequest,Ibelievemore

willpartakeintheritualsoon.They’rewaitingtoseehowthefirstfare.”

“Somanysheep.”Eiralaughedcoldly.
“That’shardlyfair,”Ciansaid.“Cautiondoesnotbespeakcowardice.”
Eiraturnedhardeyesonhersister.“Sospeaksthequeenofcaution.”Withasmile,shecontinued,“I

thinkIhaveafittingtaskforyou.”

Ciandidn’trespond,butherlipsthinnedasshewatchedEira.
“We’vebeenwaitingforthesheeptocometous,”Eirasaid.“Butarewenottheshepherds?”
“Mylady?”Alistairasked.
“LordMaroffersanincrediblegifttothosewhoswearfealty,”Eiratoldhim.“Whyshareitwithonlya

fewwhenallcouldbenefit?”

SheturnedtofaceCian.“Ihaveanewtaskforyou,sister.SinceyourattemptstofindMercer’s

assassinhavebeenfruitless.”

Cianworeastonyexpression.“Whatwouldyouhavemedo?”
“TakeLordHartandClaudio,”Eirasaid.“ThethreeofyoushallbeemissariesoftheCircletoallof

Tearmunn.Lettheclerics,craftsmen,andGuardknowthatatsunsetonthemorrow,theyareinvitedto
joinourneworder.Tobecomepartofthefuture.”

Ciannoddedslowly.
Withasmile,EirasaidtoAlistair,“LordHart,youwilltakenoteofallwhorefusethisgift.”
“You’reforcingloyalty.”Cian’sfacehadgonepale.“Thereisnohonorinthat,sister.”
Eiraapproachedhersisterand,withoutwarning,slappedherhardacrossthecheek.“Youwillnot

speaktomethatwayagain.”

Alistair’seyeswerewide,buthestayedsilent.
“We’reawaitedinthegreathall,”Eirasaid,passinghimasshewenttothedoor.
HenoddedandfollowedwhileCianstoodsilentintheroom,herhandpressedtotheredweltonher

face.

AsEiraandAlistairdescendedthestaircase,Alistairsaid,“Forgiveme,LadyEira,butwasit

necessarytoshameyoursisterso?”

Eiraglancedathim.“Mysisterbehavesasachild,anduntilthatchanges,Iwilltreatherso.Her

doubtsarelikeasicknessthatwillspreaddissentthroughTearmunn.Itforcesmetodealharshlywith
her.”

“Yes,mylady,”Alistairsaid.
“Whatdoyouthinkofyournewtask?”Eiraaskedhim.HerfuryatCianhadinspiredtheideaofforcing

thewholeofTearmunntoswearfealty,butasherangerwaned,sherecalledtheplanwithameasureof
uncertainty.

“It’swise.”Alistair’sunwaveringtonereassuredher.“LordMarspoketomeofforminganew

commandwithintheGuard.Andthatwillrequiremoreofournumberwhocansummonnethercreatures.”

“LordMarhasalreadyspokentoyouofthis?”Eiraaskedinsurprise.SheknewBosquefavored

Alistair,butshewastakenabackthathewouldhaveapproachedAlistairaboutnewplansfortheorder
withoutspeakingtoherfirst.

“Onlyinpassing,”Alistairrespondedquickly.“HewonderedifIwouldaspiretoleadtheGuard.”
“Andwouldyou?”Eirasmiledathim,wonderinghowfartheyoungknight’sambitionsstretched.
Alistairduckedhishead,suddenlyshy.“Ifitwouldserveyourgreaterpurpose,mylady.”
“Itmay,”Eirarepliedthoughtfully.“SeewhoamongtheGuardareeagertojoinus.Reporttomewhat

youmakeofthemandhowyouwouldproceedastheircommander.”

“Itwouldbeanhonor.”Alistair’sboyishgrinmadeEiralaugh.Hewasyoung,butsohungryfor

acknowledgment.Itwasnowonder,giventhathewasthethirdsonofanobleman,leftwithonlyaname
andnoteventhescrapsofanestatetoinherit.

Whentheyreachedthegreathall,Eirapaused.“Alistair,haveyouwrittentoyourfamilysinceLady

Morrowcametous?”

AblushcoloredAlistair’scheeks.“Ihavenot,mylady.”
“Sendthemaletter,”Eiratoldhim.
Alistair’seyeswidened.“Whatwouldyouhavemesay?”
Eiratouchedhischeek.Itwasanoddgestureforher,almostmotherly.“Ourtaskistosecureloyalty

withinConatus,butalsotoensuresubserviencewithout.StartingwithAbbotCrichton,we’ve
demonstratedthatweshallnotberuledbytheChurch.Whoelsemightcontendwithus?”

“Thenobles,”Alistairanswered.“Youwouldbeginwithmyfamily?”
“Theyshouldknowhowfartheirsonwillriseinourranks,”shetoldhim.
Alistairnodded,hisfacealightwithsuddenpride.
Eiracontinued.“YoushouldwritetoyourbrotherHenryaswell.”
WhenAlistair’sdelightbecameascowl,Eirasaid,“Listentome,Alistair,andyouwillhavejoyin

yourbrother’sfolly.”

“How?”Alistairaskedher.
“LordMaralreadyshowedustheway,”Eiratoldhim.“WecareforAgnesasahostage.Itseemstome

thatEmberisn’ttheonlyonewhowouldbeconcernedforhersister.”

Alistairshookhishead.“Youplacetoomuchfaithinmybrother’scharacter.HewillcallAgnesa

whorebeforeheacknowledgesthechild.”

“Doyounotthinkwehavethemeanstopersuadehimotherwise?”Eirasaid.“IfHenrybehaveswith

dishonor,IbelieveavisitfromLordMarwouldbeinorder.”

“Thatwouldbeinteresting.”Alistairlaughed.
“YourfamilywillbringusnoblehousesinScotlandandEngland,”Eiratoldhim.“Theywillbethe

firsttoalignwithus,butnotthelast.”

WhenAlistairdroppedtooneknee,Eirawassurprisedanddelighted.Hetookherhand,kissingit.
“Whereveryoulead,mylady,”Alistairmurmured,“Ishallfollow,fortheworldisyourstotake.”

“Yes.”Eirahelpedhimrise.“Itis.”

EMBERWOKETOcomfortingwarmth.Thebonfire,aramshacklepileofdriftwood,spitandcrackled
asitburned.Shesatup,turningwhenshefeltahandonhershoulder.

“Howareyoufeeling?”Barrowasked.
Withacryofrelief,Emberthrewherselfonhim.Barrowgruntedandflinched.
Emberpulledaway.“I’msorry.”
“Don’tbe,”heanswered.“Thedaywhenthesebruisesarehealedcan’tcomesoonenough.”
“Goodtoseeyouawakeandlessblueintheface,LadyMorrow.”Kaelsatontheothersideofthe

bonfire.

“Thankyou,”Embersaidwitharuefulsmile.
“That’stwiceEmber’ssavedyourlife,Barrow,”Kaeltoldhim.“Ithoughtyouweretheoneteaching

hertobeawarrior.”

Barrowgrimaced.“Thelastfewdayshaven’tbeenmybestasaninstructor.”
“Youdohaveatendencytogetknockedoutatinopportunetimes,”Emberteased.
“Aterriblehabit”—Barrowreturnedhersmile—“thatIpromisetobreak.”
“Gladtohearit.”Shelaughed,searchingthebeachnearthecampfireforherothercompanions.“Where

isthecommander?”

“Guardingthehorses,”Kaeltoldher.“They’rethemostpreciouscargotosurvivetheshipwreck.We

can’triskthembeingstolen.”

“Howdidyousavethehorses?”Ifsheclosedhereyes,Embercouldstillseetheheavingdeck,spikes

oftimberjuttingtowardtheskyastheshipwashalved.

“Astrokeofluck,”Kaelsaid.“Wewerebelowdeckswhentheroofoftheberthwasrippedaway,

leavingonlyskyaboveourheads.Lukaszwenttofindthetwoofyou.Iwenttothehorses.Ireachedthem
justastheshipbrokeup,andfortunesmiledonus.Thebeastopenedaholetotheseathatletmeswimout
withthehorses.Ifthathadn’thappened,we’dhavedrowned.”

“AndSawyer?”Emberasked,lookingforanysignsofhimelsewhereonthebeach.
“Hewasn’twithusatthetimeoftheattack.”Kaelbowedhishead.“Wefoundhisbodywashedashore.

Atleastwewereabletoburyhim.”

Embernodded,butherchestwastightwithgrief.
“Hewasagoodman,buttroubledbytheevilhe’dseen,”Barrowsaidquietly.“Iwouldhopethathe’s

atpeacenow.”

“Whatwasthatthing?”Emberasked,forcinghersorrowaside.

“SomewouldcallitLeviathan,”Kaeltoldher.“Othersakraken,Lothan,Scylla,orTethys.Ithasmany

names,thoughIwouldn’tclaimtoknowthetrueone.”

ApartofEmberwantedtoaskplaintivelyifthemythsofseamonstersweretrue,butshe’dseenenough

ofmythcometolifesinceherarrivalatConatustoquellthatimpulse.

Insteadsheasked,“Haveyoufoughtthiscreaturebefore?”
Barrowsaid,“YoucannotfightLeviathan.”
“Especiallynotwhenyou’reunconscious.”Kaelgrinnedathim.
“Trueenough.”Barrowlaugheddarkly.“Evenbearingthegreatestofweapons,however,thekraken

hastheadvantage.”

Kaelshiftedforward.Thebonfirecastastrangemaskoflightandshadowonhisface.“Wehaven’t

encounteredaseamonsterourselvesbeforenow.Therecordswehaveoftheirattacksarerare.From
whatweknow,thekrakenkeeptotheopensea,takingshipsinfrequentlyandmoreinfrequentlyleaving
survivorstotellthetale.”

“Itdoesn’tbodewell,”Barrowsaid.
“Whatdoesn’t?”Emberasked.
“Thisattackhappenedclosetoshore,”Kaelanswered.“Onthissearoute,shipsarelosttostorms,war,

orpirates,butnottoLeviathan.”

Embertookinthestrainontheirfaces.Battle-wornknightsmadefearful.
“Youthinkitwassentafterus?”sheasked.
Kaelnodded.“Ifwolvesoffirehuntedyouonland,itisn’thardtobelievethatthegreatestofsea

monsterswasawakenedfromthedeepstocontinuethechase.”

Pullingherkneestoherchest,Embershivered.“Howisitthatthesethings—beastsoffire,shadow,

andlegend—cometolifenowasneverbefore?Whathaschanged?”

“Thatwemustlearn,”Barrowsaidquietly,“beforewearedestroyed.”
Kaelstood,brushingsandfromhisclothes.“Andnowthatyou’reawake,weshouldbeonourway.

Somethingishunting,andI’dprefertoletitbelieveusdeadthanhaveitcomeafterusagain.”

Therewerefewothersurvivors.OfthefortysoulswhoembarkedfromInverness,onlytwosailorsand

fivepilgrimsbesidesthefourConatusrefugeeshadescapedtotheshore.Emberwatchedthemhuddle
aroundtheirownfiresasshe,Barrow,andKaelwenttojoinLukaszandthehorses.

“Anytrouble?”Kaelaskedastheycrestedthebeachslopeandfoundthecommander.
“Thetwocrewmenwhomadeittoshorecameskulking,”Lukasztoldhim.“Buttheydidn’tstaylong.”
“Reaver’sgoodthatway.”Kaellaughed.
“Who?”EmberfrownedatKael.
Lukaszansweredher.“Thenameofmysword.”Hepattedthehiltofthemassiveclaymorestrappedto

hisback.

WhenCabercaughtsightofEmber,hesnorted,comingtoherandbumpinghershoulderwithhisnose.
“Thanksforgettingmetoshore,friend.”Shestrokedhisneck.
Barrowstoodbesideher.“He’sveryloyaltoyou.”
Embersmiledathim,claspinghishandinhers,butcouldn’tbringherselftospeak.Thesorrowshesaw

inhiseyeswastoomuch.IfCaberhaddied,Emberknewthelosswouldcutherdeeply.Yetshe’dknown
thestalliononlyashortwhile.BarrowandToshachhadbeenbondedforyears.Barrowreturnedher
smilesadlybeforegoingtohisnewmount,aroangeldingLukaszhadhurriedlypurchasedinInverness
beforethey’dsetsail.

“Doyouknowwhereweare?”Barrowaskedthecommanderastheymounted.
“Afairlygoodidea,”Lukasztoldhim.“Shortlybeforethewreck,oneofthecrewmentoldmethey’d

sightedtheÎledeRéonthesouthernhorizon.ThatmeansourbesthopeisLaRochelle.”

Kaelshiftedinhissaddle,agitated.“Willthecachestillbeintact?”

“IftheknightsatCernonhavehonor,itwill,”Lukaszanswered.“I’venothadneedofthesanctuary

beforenow.We’llhavetochanceit.”

Thecommanderledthemforwardatatrot.EmberreinedCaberclosetoBarrow’smount.
“Whatisthisplacewe’reseeking?”
Barrow’smouthsetinagrimline.“Aslenderhope,butasthecommandersaid,thebestwehave.Inthe

twelfthcentury,untiltheirdemise,LaRochellewasaTemplarstrongholdandthehomeoftheirfleet.”

“AndnowthattheTemplarsaregone?”Emberasked.
“Whentheorderwascondemnedforheresy,agroupofTemplarscollectedwhattheycouldoftheir

wealthandarcaneknowledgeandloadedships,”Barrowcontinued.“Theymadetheirescapesoasnotto
burnwiththerestoftheirbrethren.”

“Wheredidtheygo?”EmbercheckedCaberashetriedtonipBarrow’sgelding.
BarrowglancedatCaber’spinnedears.“Notfriendsyet,arethey?”
“HemissesToshach,”Embersaid,thenbitherlip,regrettingherwords.
“SodoI,”Barrowsaidquietly.Then,afterabreath,hecontinued,“Thestoryoftheirescaperemainsa

mystery.Itmayevenbealegend.IftheTemplarsonthoseshipsdidlandonanothershore,they’vekept
thelocationasecret.”

Heleanedforwardtopathismount’sneckastheroanbecameirritatedwithCaber’sthreatening

posture,nostrilsflaringandheadtossing.“Easy,now.”

EmberreinedCaberslightlyfartherfromBarrow’shorse.“Ifwedon’tknow,howdoesthathelpus?”
“ThestoryoftheTemplars’voyagewaspasseddowntoConatus,”Barrowanswered.“Butwe

receivedanothertaleaswell:thatbecauseLaRochelleofferedsalvationforafewofthepersecuted,it
wouldforeverremainasanctuaryforthoseofourorderinneed.Thisplaceisreputedlyprotectedby
Templarspellworksothatonlywarriorsloyaltotheircausemayenter.”

“WhydidLukaszmentionCernon?”Emberasked.
“LaRochelle’ssanctuarywascreatedoveracenturyago,”Barrowsaid.“TheGuardofCernonare

supposedlyitscaretakers,butgiventhemythicnatureofthestory,wecan’tbesurethey’vemaintainedit
—ifiteverexisted.ThoughtheTemplarsweredestroyed,Conatuswasneverindanger.Wehaven’thad
needofsuchaplace.”

“Untilnow,”Embersaidquietly.
Theytraveledinsilence,atasteadybutrestrainedpacetoavoidstrainingthehorsesaftertheirordeal

atsea.Whenthesunreacheditsmiddaypinnacle,Lukaszbroughtthemtoahalt.Thehorseshadtheirfill
ofripeningspringgrasseswhiletheirriderstookturnsresting.Theirprovisionslosttothesea,Ember
triedtoignoreherrumblingbelly.Ifhercompanionscouldbearhungerwithoutcomplaint,shewas
determinedtodothesame.ThoughasshewatchedCaberrelishhismouthfulsofgreens,shewishedthat
thegrassescouldfeedhertoo.

Lukasztookthemoverland,insightofbutnotonthemainroad.Thoughtheytraveledwithoutspeaking,

Embercouldfeelthetensionthatboundthemtogether.Thesightofotherriderssentripplesofalarm
throughtheirparty,palpableenoughforthehorsestosenseit,makingthemsnortandprancenervously.

AstheynearedLaRochelle,theroadbecamemorecongested,andLukaszdeemeditsafeenoughfor

themtoblendinwiththeothertravelers.Bedraggledastheywere,Embersupposedtheydidn’tappear
toostrangeforroad-wearypilgrims.

StoutwallsformedabarrierbetweenLaRochelleandthecountryside.Thestonefortificationswere

enhancedbytalltowersthatcastwatchfulshadowsoverthecity.Lukaszledthemsouthwestthroughthe
narrowstreets.Thepungentscentofseawaterpermeatedthecity.Thoughthetowncorridorsstillbustled
withpeople,duskhadlongsincefallen,andthemerchantshadclosedtheirstallsfortheday.Ember’s
stomachhadgrownvengefulclaws,butherhopesforencounteringabakersellingbreadwererapidly
waning.

Whentheyreachedtheharbor,Lukaszdismountedandwaitedfortherestofthemtodothesame.

Leadingthehorsesalongthewatersideuntilitbecameacanalthateasedbetweenthestonebuildings,
Lukaszpointedatatallchurch.

“Saint-Sauveur,”hetoldthemquietly.“Thesanctuaryweseekisthere.”
Theypassedbythebelltower,turningdownasidestreetbarelywideenoughtoaccommodatethe

horses.Thecorridorendedabruptly,leavingLukasztostopinfrontofacarvedstonefaçade.Twotorches
blazedinsconces,throwingtheirfirelightontoanimagetallerthanthecommander.Apairofknightsrode
togetheronasinglehorse,thewordsSigillumMilitumXpistiringingthelife-sizesoldiersandtheir
steed.

“TheTemplarseal.”Peeringattheimageofthesebrethreninarms,Embercontendedwithadmiration

andsorrow.Thelegacysheaspiredtofulfillwasonethathadendedwithbloodandfire.Somanylives
lost.

“Ihopethisworks,”Lukaszsaid.
Standingbeforeoneofthetorches,heswiftlypassedhishandthroughitsflame.Astheywatched,the

firelightblazedanew—itsflamessilver-white.Stonegratedonstone,andthetworidersslowlypulled
awayfromthemintoahiddenrecess.

Lukaszduckedintotheshadows,reemergingafewmomentslater.“There’sashortstaircase,butit

opensintostablesbelow.Wecanbringthehorses.”

“Stablesunderground?”EmberlookedatBarrow.
Heshrugged.“It’sarefugeforknights,andknightshavehorses.See?”HepointedattheTemplarseal.
“Hilarious,”Emberreplieddrily.
“Ionlyspeakthetruth,”Barrowsaidseriously,buthiseyeswerelaughing.
BarrowandKaelblindfoldedthehorsessonotimewaswastedcoaxingtheanimalsintothedark

stairwell.Lukaszenteredlast,takingthewhite-flamedtorchwithhim.Whentheyreachedthebottomof
thestaircase,thegreatstonesealgroaned,returningtoitsoriginalplace.

KaelglancedatLukasz.“Ihopeyouknowhowtoopenthatupagain.”
“You’lljusthavetotrustme,”Lukasztoldhim.“Getthehorsessettled.”
ThelightfromLukasz’ssilver-brighttorchrevealedanopenspace.Embercouldn’tdiscernwhetherit

wasanaturalcaveoraman-madehollow.Ironringswereboltedintotherockwalls,offeringtieoffsfor
thehorses.

Barrowfoundapitchforkinanookaswellasfreshhayandasackofgrain.
“Someone’sbeenkeepingthisplaceinorder,”hetoldthem.“Andagoodthingthatis.Ourhorses

hardlyneedamealofmoldyhayandrottengrain.”

AsBarrowapportionedfoodforthehorses,KaelandEmbertookturnsleadingtheirmountstoa

carvedstonetroughintowhichbubbledasteadystreamoffreshwater.Whenthehorseswereunsaddled
andfed,Lukaszbeckonedtheotherknightstofollowhim.

Oppositethestairs,thecavenarrowedintoashorttunnelthatranupagainstasolidwoodendoor.

Findingitunlocked,Lukaszopenedthedoorandledthewayintoanotheropenspace.

Astorchlightilluminatedtheroom,Kaelclappedhisapproval.
“I’mgladthehorsesaren’ttheonlyonesprovidedfor.”
Theroomwassmall,butfurnishedwithalltheycoulddesire.Atableandsixchairswereladenwith

breadandfruit.Sixpalletsweretuckedagainstthewalls.Emberwenttoatallwoodencupboard,where
shediscovereddriedmeat,herbs,andacloth-boundhardcheese.Hermouthwateredwhileherstomach
crampedwithhunger.

“There’swine.”Kaelhootedwithdelightasheopenedabarrel.
EmberbroughtthemeatandcheesetothetablewhileLukaszpreparedafireinthehearth.
“Wheredoyouthinkthesmokeisreleased?”Barrowaskedthecommander.

“Somewhereinconspicuous,”Lukaszansweredwithawrysmile.“Orthepurposeofthisplaceisill

served.”

Thoughravenous,Emberforcedherselftoeatslowly,chewingherbreadandcheesethoroughlyinstead

ofwolfingdownlargechunksasshewantedto.ThelackoftalkatthetableconfirmedthatEmber’s
companionswereashungryasshe.

Thesilentmealwasinterruptedbythesoundofakeyturninginalock.Emberjumpedupinsurprise.

She’dbeensofixatedonherrumblingstomachthatsheonlynownoticedtheseconddoorintheirhiding
place—thedoorthatwasslowlyopening.

Lukaszbrandishedtheknifehe’dbeenusingtoeat.Leavinghischair,Barrowpouncedontothetable’s

edge,usingitssurfacetopropelhisjumptothepalletwherehe’dlefthissaber.EmberandKaelrushedto
thewallwherethedoorwasopening,placingthemselvesbehindthedoorsothey’dbehiddenfrom
whoeverhadturnedthekey.

“Quiestici?”Thequestionfloatedfrombehindthehalf-openeddoor.
Tiltinghisheadatthesoundofthespeaker’svoice,Lukaszspoke.“Jérôme?Isthatyou?”
“Lukasz?”thehiddenmanreplied,andthedooropenedabitfurther.
Tensionmeltedfromthecommander’sshoulders.“Yes.Youdon’thowgladIamthatyou’vecometo

meetus.”

WhenLukaszlethisknifefalltothetable,KaelandEmberretreatedfromtheirhidingplace,and

Barrowrosefromwherehe’dbeencrouchedbythepallet.

Thedoorswungopen,andalankyknightwithlongchestnuthairgatheredatthenapeofhisneckcame

intotheroom.LukaszroundedthetabletoreceivetheFrenchknight’sembrace.

“It’sgoodtoseeyou,friend.”Jérôme’svoiceliltedwithhisaccentedEnglish.
“Thesame,”Lukaszanswered.Hegesturedtohisthreecompanions.“Myfellowknights,BarrowHess,

KaelMacRath,andEmberMorrow.It’smyhonortopresentJérômeFauré,Cernon’sfinestGuard.”

“Yourpraiseisundeserved.”Jérômeshookhishead.HisgazelingeredonEmber,andhiseyes

narrowedslightly.ShewonderedifhefoundthepresenceofawomanamongConatus’sknightsunsettling.
SheknewwomenoftheGuardwereararity,butshedidn’tknowhowexceptionalherrolemightbe.

“You’vealwaysbeentoohumble,Jérôme,”Lukaszanswered.“We’reindebtedtoyouforthefoodand

shelter.Ourneedisgreat,andwefearedthatthesanctuaryofLaRochellemighthavebeenlong
neglected.”

Jérômenodded,hissmileshort-lived.“Youwererighttobeanxious.Untilveryrecently,LaRochelle

wasviewedasaworthlessvestigeofdayslongpast.”

“Whatchanged?”Kaelasked.
“Somuch,itseems,andsoquickly,”Jérômesaid.“Ifearedthisplacemightbeneeded,soItookit

uponmyselftorestoreitsprovisions.”

“Alone?”Barrowreturnedtothetable.
Withasigh,Jérômetoldhim,“Yes.IregrettoconfessIcannottrustmybrethrenasIwouldlike.Itook

overthewatchatLaRochelle,whichhadbeenanunfilledpostforsomeyears,butIdidsoinsecret.”

“Howdidyouexplainyourpresencehere?”Lukaszfrowned.“Youdon’thavedutiesatCernon?”
“TheGuards’tasksatCernonarerapidlyshifting,”Jérômesaid.“Ourcommanderrequestedan

emissarybesenttothecitytolaygroundworkforreassertingConatus’scontroloftheharbor.Mysister’s
husbandliveshereandisawealthymerchantwithtiestotheregion’snobility.Ivolunteeredforthepost
—tolearnmoreofwhatmysuperiorshaveplanned,aswellastoensurethatthissanctuarywasmade
availabletoanywhofoundthemselvesexiled.”

TheimplicationsofJérôme’swordschokedtheroom.
“Youwereexpectingus,then?”Lukaszaskedwhenthesilencehadbecometoomuchtobear.
Jérômetookacupfromthetableandfilleditatthewinebarrel.“Iconsideredthetaskpreparingforthe

worst.”

“We’retheworst,then,”Kaelmuttered.“Wonderful.”
“Whatdoyouknow?”Lukaszreturnedtohischair,andJérômesatoppositethecommander.
“Onlythatthedarknesscreepingacrossmyhomelandnowbeganinyours,”Jérômesaid.“Ihopeyou

cantellmehowthatcametobe.”

“OneofourCircle,”Lukasztoldhim,“theladyEira,pursuedadangerouscoursethathasovertaken

Tearmunn.”

“It’sgonemuchfurtherthanthat,butIknewnotthatawomanwasbehindallofthis.”Jérômetooka

longpullfromhiscup.“ThoughIconfessitdoesn’tsurpriseme.”

“Ibegyourpardon?”EmbermovedtostandbesideLukasz.
Archinganeyebrowather,Jérômesaid,“It’swellknownthatwomenfalltothedevil’stemptations

morereadilythandomen.”

“Isit?”EmberglaredattheFrenchknight.
BarrowapproachedJérôme,handonhissaber’shilt.“YouwillapologizetoLadyMorrow.Ormy

bladewilldefendherhonor.”

Jérômestoodup,reachingforhisscabbard.
“Stop!”Lukaszraisedhishand.“Iwillnothavequarrelsbetweenalliesthataresofew.Jérôme,Lady

Eiraisanexception,notarulebywhichtojudgeallwomen.Evennow,Eira’ssister,Cian,worksatgreat
risktosupportusfromTearmunn.”HestoodandplacedhishandonEmber’sshoulder.“LadyMorrowis
amongthebravestknightsI’vehadtheprivilegetofightbeside.”

“Verywell,Ishallholdmytonguewhenitcomestowomen’sweaknesses.”JérômeofferedBarrowa

haughtysmile.“YoushouldbegratefulIcallyourcommandermyfriend.”

“Jérôme.”Lukaszpointedtoachair,andJérômereturnedtohisseat.
Barrowstoodby,hishandstillgrippinghisswordhilt.
“Beatpeace,LordHess.”LukaszwatchedBarrowuntilheletgoofthehilt.“Fillwinecupsforeach

ofus,Kael.Wewilldrinktogetherasbefitsbrethren—andsisters—inarms.”

Lukaszpulledoutthechairbesidehim,gesturingforEmbertositathisrighthand.Barrowtookthe

chaironthecommander’sleft.Afterdistributingbrimmingcupsaroundthetable,KaelsatbesideJérôme.

Liftinghiscup,Lukaszintoned,“Todrivingbackthedark.”
Theyraisedtheirglassestohistoast,butafterdrinking,Jérômemurmured,“Ifearitistoolatefor

that.”

“What’shappenedhere?”KaelaskedJérôme.
Jérômeleanedbackinhischair,hisformerarroganceoverwhelmedbyweariness.“We’vehadmany

visitorsfromacrossthesea.”

“FromTearmunn?”Lukaszfrownedathim.
“Yes,”Jérômeanswered.“OneoftheeldestmembersofyourCircle—theclericcalledThomas—has

beenhereseveraltimes.”

Barrowscowledintohiswinecup.“IthoughtThomasbetterthanthis.”
“Hewasn’talone,”Jérômesaid.“HecamewithanofficialmissivefromtheChurch,carriedbyyour

abbot.”

“Crichton?”KaelgapedatJérôme,thenshookhishead.“Ithoughthewasaprisonerinhisown

manor.”

“ApparentlyEirahasseenfittosendhimoutinherstead,”Barrowreplied.“Albeitonaleash.”
“Thomasdoesmostofthetalking,”Jérômeadded.“Mysenseisthattheabbot’spresenceconveysthe

Church’sinterestinthechangesatworkinourorder.”

“WhatmessagedidThomasbring?”Emberasked,weatheringthesnidelooksheearnedfromJérôme.
“HespokeofagreatdiscoveryatTearmunn,”Jérômetoldthem,makingashowofaddressingLukasz

ratherthanEmber.“Amysterysolvedthatwouldforeverchangeourplaceintheworldandendour
struggleagainstthedarkcreatureswithwhichwehavesolongcontended.”

Barrowdidn’tlookatJérôme,butasked,“Didanyonehaveearstohearthismessage?”
“Many,”Jérômeansweredinirritation.“ToThomas,mycompanionsatCernonshowedgreatrespect,

andtheabbottheywerealltoohappytofawnover.”

“I’msureAbbotCrichtonwelcomedtheirattention.”Kaeldrainedhiscupandwentinsearchof

another.

“Whatdidtheyaskofyou?”Lukaszstoodup,followingKaeltothewinebarrel.
Jérômehandedhisemptycuptothecommanderwhenhepassedby.“Topreparethewayforthe

future.”

LukaszplacedafullcupofwineinfrontofJérôme.
“Thankyou,”Jérômesaid.“IhopeyounoticedthatIprovidedabarrelofverygoodwine.”
“Wenoticed,”Kaelsaid,pointingathisnewlybrimmingcupashesettledintothechairbesideJérôme.
Jérômetookasipofhiswine,thencontinued.“Thomassaidheandtheabbotweretheforerunnersof

muchmoreimportantvisitors.WhentheseguestshespokeofcometoCernon,we’retopartakeinaritual
thatwillimbueuswithnewpower.”

“ItmustbeEirawho’scoming,”Barrowsaidquietly.
Lukasznodded.“AndthisBosqueMarshe’ssummoned.”
“Who?”Jérôme’sbrowfurrowed.
“LadyEirahasbecomeobsessedwithharnessingthepowerofthenether,”LukasztoldJérôme.“And

sheseemstohavefulfilledherdesirebyallyingwithastranger.AmanwhocallshimselfBosqueMar.”

Swirlingtheredliquidinhiscup,Jérômesaid,“ThomasmadenomentionofLadyEiraorthisBosque

Mar.Heonlywarnedusthatwithgreatchangecomesresistanceandthatwemustbewatchfulforany
whowouldstandinthewayofourascension.”

“Thatwouldbeus.”Kaellaugheddarkly.
Jérômehalfsmiled.“Youdon’tsay.”
“WerenoobjectionsraisedwhenThomasspokeofthesethings?”EmberaskedJérôme.
“Thinkofwhereyousit.”Jérômespokeharshly.“Whereyoufindrefuge.TheTemplarsweredestroyed

bytheonestheyserved,bypriestsandmonarchswhohadbeentheirmostardentsupporters.Manyin
Conatusliveinfearthatonedayweshallmeetthesamefate.YourEirahasbecometheirchampion.Like
aweed,shesendstendrilsoutineverydirection.Findingfertileground,theytakeroot.”

“Thisnewallegiancegrowsoutoffear,nothonor.”Barrowspatthewords.
“Fearholdsmoreswaythanhonor,”Jérômetoldhim.“Doesthattrulysurpriseyou?”
“IhadhopedmybrethrenofConatuswouldprovebetter,”Barrowanswered.
JérômetiltedhiscupatBarrow.“Theyarebutmen,pronetosinandselfishness.”
“Andyetyou’rehere,”Embersaidquietly.
Jérômemethersteadygazeandsmiledslowly.
Unflinching,Emberwenton,“Doesthatmeanyoustillhavehonor?”
“I’dliketothinkso.”Jérôme’slaughwasbrittle.“Itrustmyinstincts,andmyheartwhispersthatthe

futureThomasheraldsisforgedofbloodandshadow.IwillnotalignmyselfwiththatwhichItooka
sacredoathtofight.”

“Norshallwe.”Lukaszraisedhiscup.Thistimetheydranktheirtoastinsolemnity.
“Icameheretonighttowarnyou.”Jérômewipedhismouth.“ThehousesofConatusoffernorefuge.

LadyEira’semissarieshavetraveledfarandwide,spreadingtheirmessage.Idoubtthereisanykeep
wherewordofyourarrivalwouldn’tbeswiftlydispatchedtoTearmunn.”

Barrowleanedforward.“Areyoutellingustohide?”
“Fornow,”Jérômeanswered.

“We’renotcowards,”Barrowsnapped.
“I’msureyou’renot,”Jérômereplied.“ButIhopeyou’renotfoolseither.Ifyourwhereaboutsare

known,you’llbehunted.Youcan’thopetomakeastandifyou’reforeverrunningfromEira.”

“He’sright,”LukaszsaidtoBarrow,whosatbackinhischair,thoughhisjawremainedsetinanger.
Jérômespoketothecommander.“Thereareotherslikemewhoseetheevilinthis.Andmorestillwho

havelittlecareforoursacredmission,butseetheriseofapowerfulorderofknights—theTemplars
restored—asworkingagainsttheirinterests.Thesemerchantsandnobleswillaiduswhencalledupon.”

“It’sastart,”Kaelsaid.“Butitsoundslikeyou’repreparingforawar.”
“Isthatnotwhatthisis?”Jérômefinishedhiswine.
Lukaszpassedahandoverhistiredeyes.“Notyet.Itmaycometothat.”
“AndIwouldhaveanarmyready,”Jérômereplied.
Barrowleanedforward.“AnarmywilldonogoodagainstthecreaturesatEira’scommand.These

thingsarenotknowntous,andourweaponscannotharmthem.”

Jérômestraightenedinalarm.“Isthistrue?”
“Itis,”Lukaszanswered.“Wedon’tknowhowtobattlethisnewenemy.”
Takingalongbreath,Jérômesaid,“Thenthatisyourtask.Iwillcontinuetogatherallies,butyoumust

findawaytofightthecreaturesEirahasbroughtintoourworld.Searchforaplacewhereyoucanget
wordtotheEast.TheoldTemplarfortresseshavelibrariesthathousethemysteriesofourorder.You
mightfindtheanswerwithinthoseancienttexts.”

“I’dhopedtoreachKrakdesChevaliersbyship,”Lukasztoldhim.“Butourvesselsankafteritwas

attackedbyLeviathan.”

Jérôme’seyeswentwide.Recovering,hesaid,“LetuspraythatEirabelievesyoulieatthebottomof

thesea.”

“That’sindeedwhatI’vebeenprayingfor.”Kael’sspeechwasabitslurred,andEmbernoticedhe’d

refilledhiswinecupyetagain.

Lukaszrestedhisheadinhishands.“Butwheretogo?”
“Iknowwherewemightfindrefuge,”Emberofferedquietly,herideaformingasshespoke.
Barrowlookedatherinsurprise.“Where?”
EmbermetBarrow’sgaze,steelingherself,forsheknewhewouldn’tlikewhatshewasabouttosay.“I

haveapromisetokeep.”

KaelandLukaszexchangedaworriedglance.
“Youdon’tmean—”Kaelbegan.
“Yes,”Embercuthimoff.“ItoldAlistairIwouldgotomysisterattheChâteaudeLusignan.”
Barrowwasshakinghishead.“Ifhebelievesyougothere,howcoulditpossiblybeasafeplacefor

us?”

“BecauseAlistairexpectsI’llgothereonlyifI’veleftyou,”Embertoldhim.“IcanaskAgnestowrite

tohim,andshe’lltellhimI’vearrivedaloneifIaskherto.Shewouldn’tbetrayyourpresence.”

Lukaszturnedhiswinecupinhishands.“Thatmaywork.”
“IstheCountdeLaMarchefriendlytoConatus?”EmberaskedJérôme.
“Hehaslittleinterestinourwork,”Jérômetoldher.“Ourdealingswithhimhavebeenlimited.”
“Good,”Embersaid.“Thenhe’sunlikelytoreportourarrival.”
Jérômeshrugged.“Trueenough.”
“Idon’tlikeit.”Barrowsulked.
Kaeltradedhishalf-fullwinecupforBarrow’semptyone.“Ofcourseyoudon’t,myfriend.Butthat’s

notbecauseit’sapooridea.”

Barrowtookthecup,butgaveKaelapuzzledlook.
“Drinkup,LordHess.”Kaelwinkedathim.“Jealousydoesn’tlookgoodonyou.”

WHENEMBERWOKE,LukaszwasalreadysittingatthetablewithJérôme.TheFrenchknighthadleft
themtorestwhilehewenttogatheradditionalprovisionsthey’dneedforthetriptoLusignan.

Emberrosefromherpalletandwenttojointhem.Whenshesat,Lukasztoreahunkofbreadfroma

loafandhandedittoher.

“Breakyourfastwithus,LadyMorrow.”
Stilldrowsy,EmberchewedonthebreadwhilethecommanderandJérômecontinuedtheir

conversation.

“Itwilltakeyouthedaytoreachthechâteau,”Jérômesaid.“Butifyoufollowmyadvice,you

shouldn’thavetrouble.”

“That’sEmber’sdecision,”Lukaszanswered.“Iwon’tmakeitforher.”
Emberlookedupfromherbreakfast.“WhatmustIdecide?”
Jérômestoodupandwenttocollectabundlethathadbeenleftnearthetunneltothestables.Barrow

andKaelwerestirringontheirpallets.

“Wakeup,youtwo!”Lukaszcalledtothem.“Weshouldbeontheroadatdawn.”
Withyawnsandsomegrumbling,KaelandBarrowmadetheirwaytothetable.
Kaelgroanedashesatdown.“Ihateridingonasourstomach.”
“Thenyoushoulddrinkless,”Lukaszsaid,offeringKaelaskinofwaterandahardsmile.
“Youcanbeacruelman.”Kaeltookthewater.
Lukasz’ssmilesoftened.“Iknow.”
BarrowsatbesideEmber.Hequietlyacceptedthebreadandcheesesheoffered.Beneaththetablehe

restedhishandonherknee,histhumbgrazingherlowerthigh,andEmberwassuddenlyverymuch
awake.

Attheendofthetable,Jérômeunwrappedthebundletorevealtightlypackedclothing.Heseparated

thepieces.Hepulledoutchaussesandbreeches,shirtsandcloaks.WhatmadeEmberchokeonabitof
breadwastheappearanceofagown.

Jérômeshooktherichemerald-greenbrocadeuntilitunrolledtoitsfulllengthandheldthedressupfor

Embertosee.Shebitbackagroan.

“Doesitpleaseyou?”heasked.“Ithoughtitwouldmatchyoureyes.”
Emberdidn’tanswerhim,insteadholdinghimwithacoldgaze.
Withasigh,Jérômesaid,“Iamnotjesting,LadyMorrow.Ibroughtthegownforapurpose.Youcannot

gotoyoursister’shusbandinthatraggeddressyou’rewearing.”

“Ithoughtnottogoinadressatall,”Emberanswered.
Jérôme’seyebrowswentup.“Well,thatwouldbeinteresting.”
Embermadeasoundofdisgust,andBarrowrose,hishandsbecomingfists.Beforehecouldspeak,

Jérômesaid,“Peace,friend.Imeantnoharm—Ionlythoughttolightenthespiritofthisdarkmorning.”

“Sitdown,Barrow.”KaelthrewahardbreadcrustatBarrow.“It’stooearlyforchivalry.You’re

makingmyheadacheworsewithsuchnobleposturing.”

BarrowstaredinsurpriseatKael,butafteramomenthelaughed.“Ishallspareyourachinghead,

then.”

“Ember.”Lukasztookuptheconversation.“Jérômediscussedatacticwithme,andIthinkyoushould

hearit.”

EmberlookedattheFrenchknight.
“DoyouwanttoarriveatCountdeLaMarche’sestateasanoblewomanorawarrior?”Jérômesaid,

gesturingtothedressandthenthepileofmen’sclothes.“Ileavethechoicetoyou,butconsidertowhom
thecountwillrespondmorewarmly—acontingentofknightsorhiswife’snoblesisterandherretinue.”

Shelookedatthetwosetsofclothing.Resigned,Emberreachedforthedress.
Jérômenoddedhisapproval,buthisexpressionwasn’tgloating—agoodthing,forifhehadwatched

heracquiescencewithasnidesmile,Emberwouldhavewantedtodonapairofbreechesjusttospitethe
Frenchman.

“It’sthewisercourse,Ember,”Lukasztoldher.“Youcandresshere.We’lltaketheclothesJérôme

broughtforusandchangeinthestables.Thenwe’llreadythehorsesandwaitforyou.”

Hestoodup,gesturingtoBarrowandKael.“Comeon,then.”
“Ihaven’tfinishedmybreakfast,”Kaelsaid,pointingtoahalf-eatenwedgeofcheese.
“Bringitwithyou.”ThecommanderdisappearedintothetunnelwithJérômebehindhim,hisarmsfull

ofclothing.

Mutteringunderhisbreath,Kaelboundupthebreadloafandcheeseinaclothandwentafterthem.
“Whatyouweardoesn’tchangewhoyouare,”BarrowwhisperedinEmber’sear.“Neverforgetthat.”
“Thankyou,”shesaid.
Hekissedherlightlyandleftthetable.
“Barrow,”Embercalledafterhim.Whenheturned,shesaid,“Ialsohaven’tforgottenwhathappened

thelasttimeIexchangedmywarrior’sclothesforadress.”

“NorhaveI,”hesaid,smiling.“Wouldthatourcompanionsweren’tawaitingme,orIwouldgiveyou

moretoremember.”

Hedisappearedintothetunnel,andEmberhuggedthesilkbrocadetoherbody,lettingthewarmthof

thememoryshedidhavewashoverher.Afterfinishingherbread,Emberspreadthegownononeofthe
pallets.Shecouldn’tdenythatthedresswasbeautiful.Itsdeepgreenhueremindedherofthedarkpines
thatcoveredScottishhills.

Emberpulledoffherroughwooldressandputitaside.Thesilkbrocadewasaspleasingtoherhands

astohereye.Thegownslidoneasily.Itslow,broadscoopingneckrevealedherchemiseatthebodice
andshoulders.Embergrimaced,knowingthatthedingypaleclothcontrastedpoorlywiththefinenessof
thegreensilk,buttherewasnothingtobedoneaboutit.

ThelacingforthisgownwasatEmber’ssideratherthantheback.Shetightenedthecords,tyingthem

offwhenthesilkwrappedhertorsoinasnugembrace.

Justasshecouldn’timprovethestateofherchemise,Emberhadlittlelucktidyingherhair.Shepulled

herfingersthroughitslengthuntilherauburntresseswerefreeoftanglesanddecidedthatwasgood
enough.

Thesoundofaman’scoughdrewhereyestothetunnelopening.Jérômestoodwatchingher,aplayful

smileonhislips.

“Iseetherewasanoblewomanhidingbeneaththepeasantdress,”hesaid.“Andabeautifuloneat

that.”

Ratherthanreply,EmberbeltedonSilenceandSorrow,fasteningacloakoverherdresssothe

weaponswouldbehidden.

Jérômesteppedasidetogiveherentrytothetunnel.“Yourcompanionsawait.Imustleavebytheother

door,butI’llseeyouatthecanalshortly.”

HeboweddeeplywhenEmberbrushedpasshim,butshedidn’tbothertoacknowledgethegesture.Her

patiencewiththearrogantknighthadworntoothin,andshedidn’ttrusthertonguetobeanythingother
thanvenomous.

WhenEmberreachedthesubterraneanstables,thehorsesweresaddled,bridled,andonceagain

blindfolded.

Lukaszledtheirascent,carryingthewhite-flamedtorchthathadburnedceaselesslysincethe

commanderhadtakenitup.Whenhereachedthetopofthestaircase,thestoneslabgroaneditswayopen.
Theyledthehorsesoutintoacityfilledwiththelavender-graylightthatwarnedofdawn’sapproach.

Returningthetorchtoitssconce,Lukaszspokequietwordsandswepthishandthroughthewhitefire.

Emberblinkedandtheflameshadreturnedtotheirnormalcolors.TheTemplarsealthathidtheir
sanctuaryclosed,restoringtheappearanceofasolidwall.

“JérômeawaitsusatthecanalontheothersideofSaint-Sauveur,”Lukasztoldthem.
Theyretracedtheirstepsalongthenarrowsidepassage,enteringthestreetsofLaRochelle.Athinveil

ofmisthungoverthecanal.Theotherknightsmounted,butEmberstruggledtofindawaytogetherfoot
intothestirrupwithoutpullingherskirtsuptoherwaist.

“Letmehelp.”Barrowhadswungoutofhissaddleandnowwasbehindher.Hegrabbedheraround

thewaistandliftedherup,allowinghertoslipherlegoverthesaddlewithease.

“Thankyou,”shesaid,rearrangingthebothersomeskirtssotheyfellproperlyoverherlegsasshesat

astrideCaber.

Barrowsmiledather.“Ofcourse,mylady.”Hishandslidbeneathherskirt.Foramoment,heseemed

tobemakingsureherfootwassecureinthestirrup,butthenhisfingerswereonherbarecalf.

“Ifindittroubling,”hesaidinalowvoiceonlyforher,“tobesocloseandyetsorarelybeableto

touchyou.”

“Yes.”EmbergrippedthereinsasBarrow’shandmovedslowlyupherleg.“Itistroubling…”
“LadyMorrow,areyouready?”Lukaszcalledtothem.
Barrowlaughedquietly,leavingEmber’slegtinglingwhenhereturnedtohishorse.
Jérômewaitedforthembetweenthechurchandthewaterway,holdingthereinsfornotonebuttwo

mounts.

Thefirst,adarkbrownsteed,stoodquietlybutcastannoyedglancesatitsequinecompanion,afilly

whocouldn’tseemtokeepstill.Thefillywhinniedwhenshesawotherhorsesapproachingandtossed
herheadsothatJérômehadtotakeafirmerholdofherreins.

“You’renotalone?”KaelaskedJérôme.
TheFrenchmanshookhishead.“I’vesimplybroughtthelastoftheprovisionsyouneedforyour

journey.LordHess,couldItroubleyoutoleaveyoursaddle?”

Barrowdismountedandcameforward,leadinghisroan.
Jérômenoddedatthefilly.“HernameisTempête.”
“Thestorm.”Barrowlookedthefillyover.“Appropriateforasilverdapple.”
“Hercoatislesscauseforthenamethanherspirit,”Jérômetoldhim.“Howdoyoulikeher?”
“She’sabeautifulfilly,”Barrowanswered.“Lithe.Iimagineshe’sarunner.”
“Herspeedrivalsthewind.”JérômeglancedatLukasz.“Iwastoldyoulostafinestallion.”

Barrow’sshoulderstensed,buthenodded.
“Pleaseacceptthisfillyasagift,”JérômesaidtoBarrow.“Asymbolofouralliance.”
TakingthereinsofBarrow’sroan,Jérômeofferedthoseofthehigh-spiritedfilly.Emberfoundithard

totakehereyesofftheyounghorse.Thoughthesunhadyettorise,eachtimeTempêtemoved,hercoat
rippledlikelightningflashingwithinthedepthsofathunderhead.

“Yourmountisserviceable,”JérômesaidtoBarrow.“ButaknightofConatusneedsawarrior’ssteed.

Acompanion.ThoughImustwarnyou,Tempêteisasmuchachallengeasanoffering.Perhapsyou’renot
uptothetask?”

Barrowwatchedtheskittishfillydanceonthepath.HeacceptedTempête’sreinsfromJérôme,andthe

silversteedeyedhimasheapproached.Hernostrilsflared,andshegaveashrillwhinny,warningthe
knightoff.

“Lukaszregardsyourhorsemanshiptobethebesthe’severseen.”JérômeobservedBarrow’sslow

movementsashedrewnearertothefilly.“NoneofmyGuardcanmasterTempête.Shefavorsherown
willoverherrider’swishes.Yourcommandersuggestedthatyoumightsucceedwhereothershave
failed.”

“Thattheytriedtomasterherwaslikelytheproblem,”Barrowanswered,thoughhiseyesneverleftthe

horse.

EmberleanedovertoLukasz,whispering,“IsnowthebesttimetogiveBarrowsuchanunpredictable

mount?”

“Heneedsthis,”Lukaszanswered.“OurfriendsuffersgreatlyfromthelossofToshach.Anddespite

Jérôme’snarrowmindtowardthoseofyoursex,IwouldpreferthathebeinBarrow’sfavor.Jérômemay
becarelesswithhisspeech,butheismatchlesswithhissword.”

Tempêtesnortedandstampedtheground.ThoughEmbercouldn’tmakeouthiswords,shecouldtell

Barrowwasquietlyspeakingtothefilly.Whenhewasstandingcloseenoughtotouchher,hepaused,
standingcompletelystillbutmurmuringallthewhile.Tempêtereared,givingashrillwhinny.Herhooves
trampledthegroundahairbreadthfromBarrow’sfeet,buthedidn’tmove.Sherearedagain,herneck
snakingthroughtheair.

Tempêtepawedattheearth,buthersquealdiedinalowwhinnyofconfusionasallheranticsfailedto

provokethetallknightstandingbeforeher.Bowingherhead,shestretchedhernosetowardhim.He
remainedstillasTempêteblewintohisface,shoulders,andchest.Herearsflickedincuriosity.

Asshetookinhisscent,BarrowslowlyreachedupandlaidhishandonTempête’sneck.
“Ithinkhe’sthefirstmanshehasn’ttakenabiteoutof,”JérômesaidtoLukasz.
Thecommandersmiled.“WhenItoldyouofhisskill,Iwasn’texaggerating.”
“Icanseethat,”Jérômereplied.
TempêtewasbobbingherheadwithdelightasBarrowscratchedbetweenherears.
“Afinegift,”Barrowsaidwithoutturningawayfromthehorse.“I’mhonoredtoaccept.”
LukaszclappedJérômeontheshoulder.“Thankyouforofferingshelterandsupplies.Wewereindire

need.”

“Iwishyouwellonyourjourney,”Jérômesaid,handingLukaszasealedletter.“Sendwordthroughmy

sisterofyourwhereabouts.IwillkeepyouinformedasIcontinuetodrawalliestoourcause.”

Theknightsmountedtheirhorses,withtheexceptionofBarrow,whowasstillspeakingquietlyto

Tempête.

“Iwouldleaveyouwithonelastthought,”JérômesaidtoBarrow.“Youwon’tlikemywords,Lord

Hess.ButImeannooffense.”

“Sayon,”BarrowtoldhimashemovedfromstandinginfrontofTempêtetoherside,rubbingherneck

andshouldersallthewhile.

“Youshouldleavetheladywithhersister.”JérômeglancedatEmber.“Inwhat’stocome,there’sno

placeforamaidwhoplaysatswordsbecauseherfatherofferedConatusenoughcointotakeher.Iknow
wellhowsucharrangementswork.”

“Thankyouforthehorse,”Barrowsaid,swingingintoTempête’ssaddle.Thefillyreared,butBarrow

kepthisseatwithease.“Asforthelady,shedoesnotwieldswords,andshe’ssavedmylifetwice.When
youseehertakethefield—asonedayyoushall—youwillbegherforgivenessforyourhastilyspoken
words.”

TurningtoEmber,Jérômesaid,“Ihopehisfaithinyouisnotmisplaced.”
Bitingbacksomechoicewords,EmberinsteadputherheelstoCaber,andthestalliontrottedaway.

ALISTAIRKNEWHEwasn’tashappyasheshouldbe.He’ddoneeverythingthathadbeenaskedof
him.Youngashewas,LordMarandLadyEiralookedtoAlistairforadviceoverthatofanyother
memberoftheCircle.NotevenCianwastreatedwiththeesteemAlistairenjoyed.

HisswiftascensionhadbeennoticedbyhisfellowsintheGuard.Battle-seasonedknightsbowedwhen

hepassed.Theycametohiminprivate,askingforhishelpingainingfavorfromLadyEira.

Allaroundhim,servants,scholars,craftsmen,andwarriorsacknowledgedAlistair’splaceofhonorin

theneworderatTearmunn.

Buthetooklittlejoyinanyofit.
He’dwokenthismorningcoveredinsweat.Theresultofanothernightwheredreamsheldhimcaptive,

tormentinghim.Nomatterwhathadtakenplaceinhiswakinghours,whenAlistairgavehimselfoverto
sleep,hebecameaplayer,actingoutanimpossiblescene.

Itwasthenightthathe’dvisitedEmber’sroomandfoundhergone.Butinthisdream,Emberhadn’t

fledwithBarrow.WhenAlistairenteredhercell,shesatonherpallet,waitingforhim.Herplainsleep
shirthadbeentradedforasheerchemise.

Ashewatched,sherose,andthedelicategarmentslippedfromherbody.Embersteppedoutofthe

chemiseandlayonthebed.Herarmsreachedouttohim,herfacefullofyearning.

Alistairapproachedslowly,savoringthemomentforwhichhe’dwaitedsolongandsufferedsomuch.

Herskinwassopaleintheshadows,butheldaninnergleam,apromisesubtleandalluringasmoonlight.

Hisskinwashotwithanticipationashekneltoverher.Thoughhehadfleetingthoughtsthatheshould

treathergently,bepatient,hecouldn’twaitanylonger.

Butashereachedforherskin,hisfingersfoundnofleshtocaress.HishandpassedthroughEmber’s

body,meetingwiththeroughfibersoftheblanketbeneath.Hecouldstillseeher.ShelaybeforeAlistair,
waiting,wantinghim.Herlipsparted,breathsshortandshallow.

Graspingforhershoulders,Alistaircollapsedagainstthebed.Emberwasthere,butshewasnot.He

couldn’tholdher.Couldn’ttouchher.Longingwrenchedhislimbsasthoughhewerebeingstretchedona
torturer’srack.

Heflungthelengthofhisbodyontopofhers,buthepressedintoanemptypallet.Alistairwrithedand

sobbed,unabletoquellthedesperationofhisheartortheterriblehungerofhisbody.

Itwasn’tthesortofnightmarefromwhichhewokesuddenly,sittinguponhispalletinamomentthat

cleanlyseveredthedreamworldfromthereal.Thisdreamlingered,clingingtohisskinlikeafoulodor.
Ember’sface,thecreamofherskin,thefullnessofherlips—everydetailfollowedhimlongafterhe’d
lefthisbed.Eachtimereignitingtheslowburnofunquencheddesireinhisbody.

Hemovedthroughhisdayswithmethodicprecision.Allhistaskswereaccomplishedwithoutflaw.

Buteachnightthedreamreturned,andthenextdayhefeltmorelikethehuskofasoulthanamanof
muscleandbone.

Onthismorning,Alistairmadehiswaytothegreathall.Eirahadsummonedhimtogaugethefealtyof

craftsmen,whowouldbenexttotaketheiroaths.Ithadgonewellwiththeclerics.Ofthefortymenand
womenwhodevotedtheirlivestostudyingesoterictomes,devisingspells,orimprovingtheirpracticeof
healingarts,mosthadbeenalluredbyEira’spromisesforthefuture.Afewhaddeclined,butThomashad
carefullynotedtheirnames,andappropriatestepshadbeentaken.

Ifanyonehadnoticedthedisappearanceofthreeorfouroftheircompanions,nonefoundcourage

enoughtospeakofit.Aspowershifted,Alistairobserved,theresidentsofTearmunnprovedmorelikely
toletthenewcurrentcarrythemratherthanfightagainstit.

WhentheguardpostedatthedoorstothehallletAlistairpass,hewasn’tsurprisedtofindLordMar

waitingwithin.LadyEira’sabsence,however,wasasurprise.

“Goodday,LordHart.”Bosquestoodbesidethesacredtree.ThoughAlistairhadassumedthedead

treewouldbegintorot,thehugetrunk,alongwithitssprawlingbranchesandroots,hadn’tdeterioratedat
all.Insteadthesacredtreehadossifiedinitsnewform,asthoughalife-sizeivorysculptureofacedarof
Lebanonhadbeencommissionedtooccupythisroom.

AlistairnoddedagreetingtoBosque,butlookedoverhisshoulder,expectingEiratoappearinthe

doorwayatanytime.

“LadyEiracontendswithanunforeseendilemma,”Bosquesaid.“She’llbedelayed.”
Alistairabandonedhiswatchofthedoor,walkingtowardthetallman.“What’swrong?”
“Thewayyoutravel”—Bosquestrokedthebone-whitetrunkofthetreelikeitwasafavoritepet—“has

beendisrupted.”

FrowningashetriedtodiscernBosque’smeaning,Alistairsaid,“Ihaven’theardofanytroubleatthe

stables.”

Withaquietlaugh,Bosquetoldhim,“Theproblemisnotyourhorses.It’syourclerics.”
“Doyoumeantheportalweavers?”Alistair’seyeswidened.“What’shappenedtothem?”
“Theycannolonger,asyouputit,weave.”BosqueshowedlittleconcernoverwhatAlistair

consideredgravenews.

“Yourscholarsandmagiciansaredistraught,”Bosquecontinued.“ButasIassuredEira,theywillsoon

knowmuchgreaterpowerthanthesimpleactofopeningadoor.”

“Thosedoorstakeusallovertheworld—”Alistairbegantoargue,buttakinginBosque’splacid

smile,heinsteadasked,“Didyouknowthiswouldhappen?”

Bosqueleftthetreetostandface-to-facewiththeknight.“Iknewtherewouldbeconsequences.The

powerIgiveisdrawnfromthenether,nottheearth,whenceConatuscalledforthmagic.Wherethereis
one,theothercannotbe,asoilremainsseparatefromwater.”

“Noneoftheoldmagicswillwork?”Alistairasked.Hiseyesfoundtheblackabyssthatmaimedthe

sacredtree.“Becausetheriftisopen?”

“Youhavenewpower.”Bosqueshrugged.“Greaterpowerthatdoesn’trequireconcessionstothis

world.”

Alistairdidn’tfullyunderstand.Asaknight,hehadlimitedexperiencewiththearcanepracticesofthe

clericsandwouldneverclaimtounderstandtheintricaciesoftheirspellcraft.Yetthelossofportalsand,
withthem,theabilitytotravelgreatdistancesinaninstanttroubledAlistair.

SensingAlistair’sagitation,Bosquefoldedhisarmsacrosshisbroadchest.Alistairwas

uncomfortablyawareofhowtallandimposingBosquewas.Hetookastepback.

“Whatdoyouwant,LordHart?”Bosqueasked,hissilvereyesintent.
Alistairtriedtoanswer,butstumbledoverhiswords.Whatdidhewant?Ember’sbodyflashedacross

hismind,leavingbitternessinitswake.Onlywhat’sbeendeniedme.

“Ibelieveyourtalentshaven’tbeenputtoasmuchuseastheycouldbe,”Bosquesaid.“I’dlikethatto

change,butIwouldpreferthatyouchoosethetaskthatfullydemonstratesyourworth.”

“Mylord?”AlistairshookoffthefrustrationthatbuiltfromthoughtsofEmber.
BosquewalkedinaslowcirclearoundAlistair.“Youareoftendistracted,Alistair.Andsomething

clearlypainsyou.”

Alistairnoddedandheatcreptintohisneck.LordMardisplayednoweakness,novulnerability.Shame

athoweasilyhecouldbeprovokedbyunrequitedlovechurnedbeneathAlistair’sribs.

“Passionisagreatforce,”Bosquetoldhim.“Harnessyours,setittogoodpurpose,andIbelievethe

resultswouldbeastonishing.”

Grindinghisteethoutofimpatiencewithhimself,Alistairaskedsullenly,“HowcanIdothatwhenmy

passioniswastedon—”Hestoppedhimself,chokingontheragehefelttowardEmber.

“Itisonlyawasteifyouletitbe,”Bosquesaid.“Asforthewoman—Ican’thelpyouuntilshe

reappears.”

“Ifshe’salive,”Alistairmuttered,hisangerspiralingintoahollowsadness.Itwasalwayslikethis

whenhethoughtofEmber:heloved,hated,andmournedherwithinthespaceofaheartbeat.Itwasagony.

BosqueignoredAlistair’scomment.“Therehavebeenmomentsoftriumph.Yourtriumph.Thatiswhat

youmustbuildyourlegacyupon.”

Alistairstaredathim.“Alegacy?”
“Youwillhaveagreatlegacy,Alistair,”Bosquesaidquietly.“Butitmustbeginwithademonstration

ofyourcunning.”

AsAlistairmulledoverBosque’swords,Bosquecontinued.“Canyoutellmewhenyoufeltstrongest

sinceyoujoinedEira?Themostpowerful?”

“WhenIrodetheshadowhorseandranwiththeLyulf,”Alistairansweredwithoutpause.Thememory

ofrushingthroughtimeonariverofdarkness,ofseeingthefirewolvesputEmberandBarrowathis
mercy,madeAlistair’spulsespike.

Bosquenodded.“Considerthis:I’vetoldyouthattheLyulfarebeyondhumanmastery.”
ThefeverishlightinAlistair’sblueeyesdiminished.“Iremember.”
“Buttherearemanybeastsinmydominionthatarenot,”Bosquesaid.
MeetingBosque’ssearchinggazewithafurrowedbrow,Alistairsaid,“Youwouldhavemecommand

othercreaturesofthenether?”

“Ihavegivenyoupiecestoapuzzle,LordHart,”Bosqueanswered.“Thatisall.EvenIdon’tknow

whatpicturewillemergewhenyouputthemtogether.”

Bosquereturnedtothetree.Hedippedhishandintotheriftanddrewforthshadowthatranfromhis

cuppedpalmlikewater.

“WhatIhaveisyoursforthetaking,”Bosquesaidwithoutturningawayfromthetree.“Tellmewhat

youwilldowiththisgift.”

ArushofimagesfilledAlistair’smind.Shadowandfire.Thehowlofwolves.Avillageinchaos.A

forestofbone.

AndBosque.Summonedbyblood.Yetwithhisownblood,drawingCian’sbrokenbodybackfromthe

edgeofdeath.

WhatIhaveisyoursforthetaking.
I’vebeenactingthechild,Alistairthought.WhenoneaspowerfulasBosqueseesthemanIshould

be.

Thenhesmiled,knowinghisdreamswouldbedifferentthatnight.
ThemanIshallbe.

ONCETHECITYWASbehindthem,Lukaszsettheirpaceataswiftgallop.Emberwassurprisedat
howgladshewastobefreeofLaRochelle.Thewalledcityanditsfortifiedharborwereimpressiveand
beautiful,butwhatshe’dlearnedtherehadleftachillinherbones.

Thehorsesappeareddelightedtobeoutofthecavelikestableinwhichthey’dspentthenight.Whether

itwastheappearanceofthesunorthewarmwindsfulloflushgreenscents,theirhoovespoundedthe
roadeasttirelessly.Despitethefastpaceatwhichthecommanderledthem,Caberremainedrestless.
Grabbingforthebit,sothatEmberhadtotakeextracareinhandlinghim,hemadeitobviousthathe
wantedtorunfasteryet.

“Wouldyousettledown!”Emberchidedthestallion,whoinsistedontossinghishead,pullinghardon

thereins.Intermittentlowwhinniesrumbledfromhischest.

BarroweyedCaber’sarchedneck.“He’sshowingoff.Whenthisfillycomesintoseason,we’llhavea

problem.”

ThesilverhorseJérômehadgiventoBarrowmovedasthoughshewerefloatingabovetheground.Her

strideswereeffortless,thoughthey’dsetoutatafiercegallop.

“Perhapsweshouldlethimburnoffsomeofthataggression,”BarrowsaidtoEmber.
“Whatdoyouhaveinmind?”Emberasked.Tempêtesensedachangeinherriderandsnortedin

anticipation.

Barrowgrinned.“IfIsignalyou,justtrytocatchme.”
Easingthereins,BarrowletTempête’sstridelengthenuntilshewasabreastofLukasz’smare.Ember

couldseethetwoknightsspeaking,buttheirwordsweredrownedbythehorses’hoofbeats.

Thecommanderlaughed,andBarrowturnedinhissaddle.CatchingEmber’seye,Barrowpointedto

theroadahead.TempêteboltedbeforeBarrowhadfullyturnedtofacetheroad.Caberwentwildbeneath
Ember,andshesworeunderherbreath.

“Allright,lad,”shesaidthroughclenchedteethasCaberbucked,hisbacklegskickingatthesky.

“Let’schasethem.”

Sheloosenedthereins,andCaberstoppedthrashingbetweenstrides,startledtofindhenolonger

foughtEmberforcontrol.

“Goon!”shecalledtohim,leaningforward.“Lookhowfaraheadsheis!”
CaberbellowedandhishoovesshreddedthegroundashetookoffinpursuitofBarrowandTempête.

KaelandLukaszgaveshoutsofencouragementasCabertorepasttheirmounts.Ontheroadahead,

Tempêteflashedlikelightning.Herspeedwasasimpressiveasthegracewithwhichsheran.Though
deadlyquick,herlimbsmovedfluidly,herbodyflowinglikeariver.Emberdidn’tknowifCaberwould
catchthefilly.

ButwhereTempêtewasbuiltforspeed,Caberwasdrivenbyprideanddetermination.Embercould

scarcelybelieveit,butstridebystride,hegainedground.LikeEmber,Barrowseemedtohaveassumedit
wouldbesometimebeforethepursuerscaughtthem.WhenCabergaveatrumpetingcallasheclosedon
Tempête’sflank,Barrow’sheadwhippedaroundinsurprise.

Laughingathisstartledexpression,EmberputherheelstoCaber,challengingthestalliontoovertake

Tempête.Thesilverfilly,equallyalarmedbythesuddenraceshe’dbecomepartof,snortedandputona
freshburstofspeed.ShepulledaheadofCaber,butherefusedtoconcede.CabermatchedTempête’s
strideuntilthefillyandstallionwererunningsidebyside,astormofhooves,manes,andtailswhipping
inthewind.

Theriderscrestedahill,horsesstillneckandneck,andBarrowfinallyreinedinTempête.Caber,who

wasmoreinterestedinkeepingclosetothesilverfillythancontinuingathisfuriousgallop,didn’tgive
Emberanytroubleassheslowedhim.Theycontinuedatamilderlope,thenatrot,andfinallyaneasy
walk.Caberwasabitlatheredfromtherun,butTempête,lookingasifshe’donlytakenaquickturn
aroundthepasture,showednosignsofweariness.

Barrowpulledonthereinsagain,bringingTempêtetoastopinthemiddleoftheroad.Helookedback

towardthehillthey’djusttopped.KaelandLukaszwerehiddenontheotherside.

“Goodrun,”Embersaid,abitbreathlesswiththeexhilarationoftheride.
Withasmile,BarrowmaneuveredTempêteclosetoCaberandthenreachedforEmber.Hedidn’tquite

pullherfromthesaddle,butalmost.Embercouldn’tworryaboutfallingfromherhorsewhenBarrow’s
armswerearoundherandhewasbendingtokissher.Hebracedheragainsthimwithonearmwhilehis
otherhandtangledinherhair.

EmberdroppedCaber’sreinssoshecouldrunherhandsoverBarrow’sneckandshoulders.Hiskiss

wasfullofthedesperateachethatovertookherlimbs.Sheneededtobeclosertohim.

Ashrillwhinnysounded,andBarrowwaspulledsuddenlyfromEmber’sarms.FortunatelyEmber

grabbedCaber’sreinsandrightedherselfinthesaddlebeforethestallionbegantopranceinacircle,
snortingatTempête.Fromthewayherearswerepinnedbackandhernostrilsflared,Embercouldonly
guessthatTempêtehadgrowntiredofstandingsoclosetoCaber.

“Whowon?”Kaelshoutedtothem.
Theircompanionshadjustcrestedthehillandlopeduptojointhem.
“Ithinkitwasadraw,”Barrowanswered,offeringEmberaknowingsmile.
Emberlaughed.“Thatsoundsaboutright.”
Settingoutatasteadylope,theirpartycontinuedthroughtheFrenchcountryside.Theymadeidle

chatterastheyrode,jokesandlaughteraccompanyingtherhythmichoofbeatsoftheirmounts.Asthesun
madeitsarcacrossthespringsky,watchingovertheirjourney,Embercouldalmostforgetthattheywere
exiles.

ThefirstshadowsofduskhadfallenwhentheChâteaudeLusignanrosebeforethem.Ember’sbreath

caught.She’dheardherfather’sextensiveboastsabouthowgrandhersister’smatchhadbeen,butEmber
hadtakenmostofhisclaimsasbluster.

She’dbeenwrong.
Thechâteauclaimedabroadswathofthecountryside.Fortifiedbyanouterwallandasecondinner

wallthatfeaturedbarbicantowers,thecastlewarnedawayintrudersandatthesametimeproclaimedthe
wealthandstandingofitsoccupants.

“Yoursistermarriedintogreatfortune,”Barrowobserved.

AllEmbercoulddowasnod.TimidAgneswastheladyofthismassiveestate.Hadmarriageandthe

accompanyingresponsibilitieschangedhersister?HadAgnesfoundjoyinbecomingacountess?

ThechaosofrecenteventshadkeptEmberfromconsideringanythingotherthanherowncircumstance.

NowthatAgnes’shomelaybeforeher,Emberwaseagertobereunitedwithhersister.Thehappinessof
theirreunionwaspairedwithanewspringinghopethattheadvancementofhersister’spositionwould
meanAgnescouldgivethemrealaid.

“Thisbodeswellforus.”EmbervoicedherthoughtstoBarrow.“Mysisterremainsingoodstanding

withmyfather.Perhaps,learningofwhat’shappened,hewillrallytoourcause.”

“Yourfathercastshislotwiththephysicalworld,theworldofmen.”Barrowfrowned.“Notwiththe

mysticalwarwewage.Idoubthecanhelpus.”

“Hehaspowerfulfriends,”Emberpressed.“Evenifhealonecan’tprovideassistance,atleasthe

couldrallytheScottishnoblesagainstEira.”

Barrowstillseemeddoubtful,butLukaszspokeup.“Whateverhelpisoffered,wewillaccept

gratefully.”

Theyreachedtheouterwallsofthecastlejustastwilightovertookthesunset.Passingbythe

householdsthatwereclumpedbetweentheouterandinnerwalls,theymadetheirwaytothegatethatled
tothecount’smanor.Theestatebustledwithactivity.Servantshurriedabouttheirtasks.Theringingofa
blacksmith’shammercaughtEmber’sear.Firesroaredintheopenkitchens.Hensandroostersavoided
crossingpathswiththemassivehuntingdogsthatroamedthecourtyard.

WhenLukaszdismounted,therestofthepartyfollowedsuit.Thecommandercalledtoanearby

servant.Themanapproachedthetallknightapprehensively.Aftertheyexchangedafewwords,the
servanthurriedtothemanor.

“Shouldwefollow?”Emberasked.
“Ifwe’replayingatnobility,wemustwaittobeinvited,”Lukaszsaid.“Thecountshouldofferyouan

officialwelcomeandmakeashowofhishospitality.”

Kaelgrinned,rubbinghisstomach.“Ihopethatshowinvolvesaroastpheasant.”
Emberlaughed,therumbleofherownstomachremindingherthatdinnerwouldbeappreciated.
Themanordooropened,andEmberhandedherreinstoBarrow,expectingtorunintoAgnes’sopen

arms.Buthersisterdidn’tappear,onlyaman.HewasdressedmorefinelythantheservantwhomLukasz
hadsentintothegreathouse,butnotrichlyenoughtobethecount.

HewalkedstraighttoEmber.Athinmanwithaclose-clippedbeardandapinchedface.
ThoughEmberhadafaircommandofFrench,shewasstillrelievedwhenthecount’smanspoketoher

inEnglish.

“Hisexcellencywillnotseeyou,”hetoldher.SomuchdisdainfilledhisgazethatEmberhadtolook

away.ShesensedBarrowmovingcloser,loomingoverhershouldersoastoremindthemanservantthat
hecontendednotonlywithayounglady.

Lukaszcrossedtostandatherelbow.“LadyMorrowmeritsamoregraciouswelcomethanthis.Isyour

mastersolackinginmanners?”

Theservantsnorted,hislipscurling.
“Ifthecountisindisposed,Iunderstand,”Embersaidquickly.“Ionlywishtospeakwithmysister.”
Theservantthrusthischinout,hisfacesour.“Yoursisterisnothere.”
“Nothere?”Emberstaredathim.“Butshemustbe.She’sthecount’swife.Hashesenthertocourt?”
ThatAgnescouldhavegonetoParishadn’tcrossedEmber’smind.Shegroundherteeth,knowingthat

asideexcursiontotheFrenchcourtwasn’tpossible.

“TheladyAgnesisreturnedtoherhomeinScotland,”themancontinued.HebegantosmileatEmber,

hismouthtwistinginwickeddelight.“Onmylord’sweddingnight,hediscoveredtohishorrorthathis
bridewasnot…pure.”

BarrowsteppedaroundEmber,menacingtheservant.“Takecarewithyourwords,sir,lestyoufind

yourselflackingatonguetospeakthem.”

TheFrenchmangrimaced,butdidn’tbackdown.“Mytonguespeaksonlythetruth.”Hesquintedat

Ember.“Yourfamilywastoodisgracedtotellyou?”

“Tellmewhat?”Emberasked,moreanxiousforhersister’swell-beingbytheminute.
“Yoursister,theladyAgnesMorrow,waswithchild.”
Emberrockedback,asiftheservanthaddeliveredablow.
Lukaszspokeinalow,dangeroustone.“Iwillaskthisbutonce:doyoubesmirchtheelderlady

Morrow’sname,orareyouspeakingthetruth?”

TheservanteyedLukasz’sheightandthehiltthatpeekedoverhisshoulders.“Idonodishonortothe

lady’sname,”hesaid.“Thatwasherowndoing.”

“Ember.”Barrowputanarmaroundhershoulders,seeingthatshe’dgoneweakintheknees.
AbitoftheFrenchman’shaughtydemeanorleftwhenhesawhowdistressedEmberwas.Clearinghis

throat,heofferedheraletter.

“Mymasterreceivedthisletterandnowgivesittoyou,forwhomitwasintended.”Withacurtbow,he

halfturnedtowardthemanor.“Andthatwillbetheextentofhishospitality.Youwillfindaninnonthe
roadleadingnorthfromthechâteau.Itshouldprovideaccommodationssuitableforyourparty.”

WhethertheirpurposenowlackeditsformerurgencyoroutofrespectforEmber’sshock,Lukaszled

themonataploddingpace.Emberdidn’trememberBarrowhelpingherintothesaddle,northewayhe
foldedCaber’sreinsintoherlefthand.Herrighthandclaspedtheunopenedlettertoherchest.

Emberhadlittlesenseofhowmuchtimepassedbeforetheyreachedtheinn,onlythattheeveninghad

growndark.Numbly,sheslidfromCaber’sback.BarrowguidedhertotheentrancewhileKaeland
Lukaszmadearrangementsforthehorses.SettlingEmberatatable,Barrowwenttospeaktothe
innkeeper.

Breakingtheletter’sseal,Emberopenedthepagesandrecognizedhersister’shandwriting.Theink

blurredasEmberstaredatthewords,tooafraidtoreadthemandknowwhathadbefallenAgnes.

Acupplunkedinfrontofheronthetable.
“Drinkthis,”Barrowsaid.
Emberstartedtoshakeherhead,herthirstandappetitesmotheredbyworry.
“Drinkit,Ember.”Hetooktheletterfromher,puttingthecupinitsplace.
Tooweariedtoargue,Embertookalargeswallowandimmediatelybegantocough.Theliquidburned

allthewaydownherthroatandlitafireinherbelly.

Wheezing,shepushedthecupawayandglaredatBarrow.
“Youweren’tsupposedtodrinkthatmuch,lass.”Hecouldn’tquitehidehissmile.“Butitdidthejob.”
Temptedtothrowtherestofthedrinkinhisface,Emberhadtoadmitthattheconcoctionhadpulledher

outofherstupor.“Whatisit?”

“Aquavitae,”Barrowanswered.“Muchstrongerstuffthanwine.Youneededabitofajolt.”
KaelandLukaszjoinedthematthetable.Emberglancedaroundthesmallinn.Themainfloorhelda

clusteroftablesandchairs,onlyoneotherofwhichwasoccupied.Theclothesofthepairofmensitting
theresuggestedtheyweremerchants.Alargefireplacewarmedandcheeredtheroom,andtheairhelda
pleasantmixofscents:spice,smoke,andhops.

Theinnkeeperappearedattheirtablewithaplatterofcoldroastduckandapitcherofale.Theyate

quietly.Whenthemeatwasgoneandtheyweresippingattheircupsofale,Barrowplacedtheletterin
frontofEmber.

“You’llhavetoreadit,”hesaid.“Wecan’ttarryinLusignanwhenthecountoffersnosanctuary.”
Embernodded,thoughherheartwashardandcoldinherchest.Shebegantoread.Soonherhands

wereshaking.Thepagesdroppedfromherhandsandtearsescapedfromthecornersofhereyes.

“Youmusttelluswhathastakenplace,”Lukaszsaidtoherquietly.“Whetheritconcernsourfateor

simplytounburdenyourspirit.”

Coveringherfacewithherhands,Embersqueezedhereyestight,willingherselftospeakthroughher

horror.

“Shecarriesanillegitimatechild,”Embertoldthem,“andmyfatherhascastheroutofhishouse.”
“Hecastouthisownchild?Whereisshenow?”Kaelasked,hisusualmirthreplacedbyoutrage.“Is

shedestitute?Withoutshelterorsustenance?”

WhenEmberanswered,shelookeddirectlyatBarrow.“AgneshasgonetoTearmunn.”
Lukaszbowedhishead.“Shewritestoyouasahostage,then.”
“No.”Embertriedtokeephervoicesteady.“Shespeaksonlyofthecareshe’sbeengiven…by

Alistairinparticular.”

Sheglancedatthepagesagain.“ThechildwasfatheredbyAlistair’selderbrotherHenry.”
AgrowlofdisgusteruptedfromBarrow’sthroat.“DoesAlistairhopetoprotecthisbrotherfrom

dishonor?”

FrowningatBarrow,Embersaid,“AgnessayslittleofHenry,onlythatshewenttoTearmunnwith

nothingandhasbeentreatedasifsheretainshernoblestation.”

Emberhesitated,thenquietlyshesaid,“MysisteraskswhenIreturntoTearmunn.Sheisafraidand

heartbrokenandbegsformypresence.”

“No.”Barrowstaredatherinalarm.
“Sheismysister,”Emberreplied.“Andshehaswanderedunknowingintoalion’sden.Imustgoto

her.”

Lukaszcoveredherhandwithhis.“Considerthis,Ember.Yoursistermighthavebeencoercedinto

puttingthesewordstothepage.Whatiftheletterisonlyasnaresetforyou?”

“Yes,”Barrowsaidurgently.“Lukaszspeaksreason,Ember.Takeheed.”
“IknowAgneswell.”EmberpulledherhandfromLukasz’s.“Thesearethesecretsandsorrowsofher

heart.Theletterisnotatrap.”

“Thatdoesn’tmeanthatherwelcomeatTearmunnisnotaploytolureyouback,”Kaelargued.
Embersighed.“Ican’targuewiththat,butitdoesn’tchangethatshehasgonetothekeepandImust

follow.”

“Why?”Barrowdemanded.“Howcanyouaidyoursisterbyputtingyourselfindanger?”
Loweringhergaze,Emberspokesoftly.“Iwon’tbeindanger.NotifIreturnonapremisebesidesthat

ofsisterhood.”

“Forwhatotherreasonwouldyouputyourselfinthehandsofourenemy?”Kaelaskedher.
FixinghereyesonLukasz,butnotdaringtolookatBarrow,Embersaid,“ForthereasonsthatAlistair

wishes.Thereasonshedidn’ttakemebacktoTearmunnbyforcethenighthehunteduswithwolvesof
fire.”

“Youcan’tbeserious,”Barrowhissedthroughhisteeth.
“Therecouldbemoretogainherethanmysister’swell-being.”Embercontinuedtospeaktothe

commander,thoughshecouldfeeltheweightofBarrow’sgaze.

Lukasznodded,andshewenton.“We’vebeencutofffromTearmunn,andJérômetellsusthatEira’s

influenceisspreadingwellbeyondourhome.WithoutsupportfromtheothersitesofConatus,youhave
nomeanstocommunicatewiththosewithinTearmunnwhowouldresistEira.”

“Cianwillfindawayintime,”Lukasztoldher,butEmberheardtheedgeofdoubtinhisvoice.“She’ll

sendword…somehow.”

“Butsoonenough?”Emberpressed.“Eiraworksquickly.Whilewehide,sheralliesmoretoherside.

IfIgotoTearmunn,Icanserveasanenvoytoourallieswithinthekeep.”

“Andhowwillyousendwordtous,”Kaelasked,“whentheotherscannot?”

“Theyknownotwhereyouare,orwhatyoudo,”Emberanswered.“Ialreadyhavethemeanstoreach

you—throughJérôme’ssisterinLaRochelle.Ithinkyoushouldreturntothecityandseekrefugeinher
home.Ifshe’salreadyassistingJérôme,itseemsunlikelythatshe’dturnyouaway.”

Quietovertookthetable.Glancingateachman’sface,Embercouldtellshe’dconvincedLukasz,Kael

remaineduneasy,andBarrowwasalostcause.

Whenshecouldbearthesilencenolonger,Embersaid,“InthemorningIridetoCernon.Oncethere,

I’llinformJérômeofwhat’shappenedandinquireabouthissisterprovidingyoushelter.”

“Youwantustohideinamerchant’shousewhileyouthrowyourselfintothefire?”Barrowsaid

angrily.

Embersteeledherselfbeforeshereplied.“Youwon’tjustbehiding.YouwillbeworkingwithJérôme

toconsolidatearesistance.Whenyou’reready,wecanmoveagainstEira.Youfromwithout,Ifrom
within.”

“YouarenottheTrojanhorse,Ember,”Barrowtoldher.
“Thisismywill,”Emberanswered,holdinghisgaze.
Lukasztookadeepbreath.“Barrow,Iknowitpainsyou,butEmberisright.Weneedawayinto

Tearmunn,tounderstandwhatEiraisplanning.”

“Isn’tthatwhyFatherMichaelandCianremained?”Barrowsaid,fistsclenching.“AndwhatofFionn

andLora?”

“Theyknownotwhetherwesurvivedthejourney,”Kaelinterrupted.
“Andwedon’tknowwhathasbefallenthem,”Lukaszcontinued,noddingatKael.“Haveyousosoon

forgottenthatwewerepursuedontheverynightwefledthekeep?Ourrebellionwasdiscoveredbefore
itbegan.Ourfriendsmaybeimprisoned,orworse.”

Barrowpushedhischairbackfromthetable,slamminghiswayouttheinn’sdoorwithoutanother

word.

LukaszandKaelexchangedalonglook.
“I’llgoafterhim,”Kaelsaid,standingup.“Youwouldn’tthinkit,butBarrowhassomethingofa

penchantfordrama.”

HepattedEmber’sshoulder.“You’reabravelass,LadyMorrow.”
Emberofferedhimaweaksmile.She’dspokenwithcertitude,butnowthatBarrowhadstormedout

andtheimplicationsofherwordsweresinkingin,Emberbegantofeelmuchlessthancapableof
followingthepathshe’dsetforherself.

“Hedoesn’t,youknow.”Thecommander’svoicebroughtEmberbacktothetable.
“What?”Sherubbedhertiredeyes,hopingtoclearherthoughts.
Lukaszsmiled.“Haveapenchantfordrama.Neitherishequicktoanger.Barrowfearsforyou,thatis

all.”

“Idon’tmeantohurthim,”Embersaid.
“Heknowsthat.”Lukaszstoodup,leavingheratthetable,andwenttospeakwiththeinnkeeper.

Embertoyedwithheremptycup,wonderingifsheshouldfollowKaelandtrytoreasonwithBarrow.

Lukaszreturnedtohischair,pressinganironkeyintoherhand.“Yourroomisupstairs—thekeyopens

thewesternmostdoor.Andtheinnkeeper’sdaughterwillbringacoppertubandheatedwatersoyoucan
bathe.”

Embershookherhead.“Idon’tneedsuchfinetreatment.”
“Westilltravelasyourladyship’sretinue,”Lukasztoldher.“It’swiserthatwekeepupthat

appearance.”

“IfI’mtoreachCernontomorrow,Imustriseearly.”EmberroseandtookLukasz’shand.“I’llsay

goodnightnow.”

“Goodnight,LadyMorrow.”Lukaszclaspedherfingers.“AndrememberKael’swords.”

“Whatwerethose?”Emberasked,thinkingofKael’sjests.
“You’reverybrave,”heanswered.“Ithinkwemaysoonalloweyourcourageagreatdebt.”
Takingleaveofthecommander,Emberclimbedthestairsandwenttoherroom.Likethesimple

comfortoftheinn’smainfloor,herchamberwassparelyappointedwithabedandatablewithasingle
chair.She’dnosoonersettledontotheedgeofthebedthanatentativeknockbroughthertothedoor.

Openingit,shewasgreetedbyagirlnomorethantenyearsofage.Alittlebitofherbrownhair

peekedoutfrombeneaththekerchiefthatcoveredherhead.ShelookedupatEmberwithlargeeyesanda
shysmile.

Embersteppedbackandthegirlcarriedinacoppertubhalfasbigasshewas.Aftersettingthetub

down,shetookabundlefrominsidethebasinandsetitonthefloor.ThegirlgaveEmberafoldedcloth
thatshe’dheldtuckedunderherarmandthenhurriedfromtheroom,returningafewminuteslaterwitha
pailofsteamingwater.Thegirlpouredthescaldingwaterintothetub.Afterseveraltripsbackandforth,
thetubheldsufficientwaterforbathing.

Thegirllookedatthefulltub,theclothbundle,andthenatEmber.WhenEmbersmiledandnodded,the

girlbeamed,gavealittlecurtsy,andlefttheroom,swingingherpail.

Aloneandexhausted,Emberfoughtherwayoutoftheheavybrocadegownandslippedoffher

chemise.Shesteppedintothecoppertubandthenknelt.ThesteamingwatercoveredEmbertoherwaist.
Goosefleshroseonherarmsfromthechilloftheroomonherbareskin,whileherlowerbodybaskedin
thebath’sheat.Reachingoverthesideofthetub,Embercollectedtheboundcloth,unwrappingitto
revealaroughlumpofsoap.Despiteitsmisshapenappearance,whenEmbersniffedthesoap,shefoundit
burstingwiththescentoflavender.

Embersettoscrubbingherselffromheadtotoe,washingawaydaysoftravelbylandandsea.Withher

skinfreeofdirtandherhairheavy,soppingwet,foramomentEmberletherbodymelt,forgettingthe
fearsandstrainsthatshestillcarried.Thetubwasn’tlargeenoughforhertoliedown,butsheleaned
over,restingherforearmsalongthecurvededgeofthebathandlayingherforeheadagainstthem.Steam
caressedherface,andshetookdeepbreathsofthecleansinghotair.

Anotherreluctant-soundingknockatthedoorrousedEmberfromherdreamyrepose.Assumingthatthe

girlhadreturnedtoseeifEmberwasthroughwiththetub,orpossiblyifshewantedmorewaterheated,
Emberstoodup,gatheredtheplainsheetoflinenthegirlhadprovided,andgaveherselfacursorydrying.
Wrappingherbodyinthecloth,Emberwenttothedoor.

“Whoisit?”
“Barrow.”
Emberglancedoverhershoulderatherdiscardeddress,butswiftlyabandonedtheideaofputtingiton.

Sheopenedthedooronlyslightly,keepingherselfhiddenbehindit.

“Ember?”Barrowasked,stillinthehall.
“Comeinquickly,”shesaid,pullingthedooropenabitfarther.
Barrowsteppedinside,andEmberclosedthedoorafterhim.Hisbrowwasfurroweduntilhelooked

ather.Barrow’ssurprisewasquicklyreplacedbyamischievoushalfsmile.

“Ihadabath,”Embersaid,straighteningsoshe’dlookmoredignified.Asdignifiedasshecouldwhen

wearingonlyasheetofundyedlinen.

Barrowansweredgravely,thoughhiseyesdancedwithmirth.“Icanseethat.”
Hetookasteptowardher,butEmberbackedaway.Shehadn’tforgottenhisangrydeparturefromtheir

table.Hiswordshadleftastingthatstillfestered.

WatchingEmber’sdefensivemovement,Barrowalsotookastepback.Hisgazeavoidedherwarning

glare.“I’msorry.”

“Forwhat?”Emberasked.Shedidn’twanthisapologyifhethoughtshe’dsomehowrevertedto

playingthepartofanoblemaidwhowasoffendedbyhisadvances.

“Forlettingmyloveforyoubecomepossession,”hetoldher.Hisvoicewasquiet,regretful.“WhatI

desirecan’tstandinthewayofthegreaterpurposeweserve.”

Liftinghiseyestomeethers,Barrowsaid,“Iwon’tlietoyou.Idon’twanttoseeyoudothis.”
“Iknow,”Emberanswered.“ButyouunderstandwhyImust?”
Henodded,andshewenttohim.BarrowfoldedEmberinhisarms,restinghischeekagainstherwet

hair.Heheldherquietlyforsometime,butwhenshefelthimtense,Emberasked,“Whatisit?”

“I’mafraidmyjealousyisabeastIfinddifficulttotame,”hesaidwithasigh.
Embersteppedback,liftingherhandtotouchhisface.“Youhavenothingtobejealousof.”
Hiseyesweretightwithstrain,andEmber’sfingersslidalongthetensesetofhisjaw.“Tellmewhat’s

troublingyou.IsitsomethingmorethanmyreturntoTearmunn?”

“It’swhatthatreturnmeansforyou,”Barrowtoldher.Hisarmstightenedaroundherback.
Shesmiledathim.“Idon’tthinkI’llbeinasmuchdangerasyoubelieve.Peoplewouldalwaysrather

seemeasaspoilednobleman’sdaughterthanasoldier.AllIhavetodoisbewhatJérômethinksIam.”

“Thatdoesn’tworryme.”Barrowcontinuedtoholdherclose,buthelookedawayfromher.
“Thenwhatdoes?”
“Alistair.”Barrow’steethwereclenchedwhenhespoketheotherknight’sname,makingtheword

soundlikeagrowl.

Emberstartedtolaugh,butwhenshesawfearinBarrow’savertedeyes,shestopped.Risingtoher

tiptoes,shekissedhischeekandwhisperedinhisear,“YouhavenothingtofearfromAlistair.”

“NotI.You.”OneofBarrow’shandscameuptocradleherhead.“Ifearforyou.”
ThoughapartofEmberwantedtopushhimawayandlaughagain,thewayheheldhersentacool

pricklingoffearthroughherveins.

“Why?”ShewrappedherarmsaroundBarrow’sneck,lettingthefulllengthofherbodypressintohim.
Barrowwassilent,hisarmsstrongaroundhersothat,whilehertoesbrushedtheground,shewasno

longerstandingonherown.

“Tellme.”Shecurledherfingersinhisdarkhair.
“Ember,yougotohimwithwordsofloveonyourtongue.Ofloyaltytohiscause.”Barrowsether

downandwalkedaway.Foramoment,Emberworriedhewouldleave,butheturnedbacktofaceher,
andshesawhowashenhisfacewas.

“Whatwillyoudowhenheseekstoclaimtheloveyouoffer?”
RatherthanwalkingtoBarrow,Emberwenttothebed.Shesettledonit,keepingthelinensheet

wrappedaroundherbodyandtuckingherlegsbeneathher.

“Iunderstandyourfears,butIwouldtrytoassuagethem.”
Barrowstayednearthedoor,frowningather.
“Please,comesitwithme.”Emberheldoutherhand,andBarrowcametothebed.Hetookherhand,

sittingontheedgeofthefeather-stuffedtickbutnotmovingtoembraceher.

Holdinghisfingersinatightclasp,Embersaid,“IwillgivehimonlywhatImusttopersuadehimof

mylove,butnothingmore.”

Staringatthefloor,Barrowaskedinahoarsewhisper,“Andwhatdoyouthinkthatwillbe?”
“Sweetwords,”Embersaidquietly.“Briefembracesandlightkisses.”
Barrowshookhishead.“IworrythatyouunderestimateAlistair’sobsessionwithyou.Hesoughtyour

bedbeforeyouwerewilling.”

“Ihaven’tforgotten,”Emberanswered.“Iwillneverforget,norwillIgiveAlistairanychanceto

attemptsuchfolly.”

“Thenhowwillyou—”Barrowlookedather,frowning.
“Twothingsworkinmyfavor,”Embertoldhim.“ThefirstisAgnes.Herillegitimatechild,fatheredby

Alistair’sownbrother,offerssoundreasonformenottosharemybedwithhimbeforemarriage.The

secondismyownvirtue.AsIwillhavereembracedmyroleasapropernoblewoman,thatservesthe
samepurposeasmysister’smisfortune.”

AlittlecolorreturnedtoBarrow’sface.“Andyouthinkhe’llbepersuaded?”
“Ido.”
Barrowdroppedhishead,coveringhiseyeswithhishands.“Idon’twantthis.IwishIcouldbe

strongerforyou,Ember.ButI’mnot.”

Embercrawledtohimandrestedherchinonhisshoulder.“Iwouldbemoretroubledifyousentmeto

Alistairwithacheerfulheartandgoodtidings.”

AlowsoundrumbledfromBarrow’sthroatthatEmberslowlyrealizedwaslaughter.Whenheturnedto

lookather,hewassmiling.

“Youhaveamarvelousspirit,”hesaid.“LikenoneI’veeverknown.”
Emberleanedin,kissinghim.Hisarmscamearoundherwaist,andshetangledherfingersinhishair

whilehertonguetastedthesweatandspiceofhisjawandneck.

Barrow’svoicewastightwhenhesaid,“Icantarryhere.Orfindaroomofmyown.”
“IfyouthinkIwillspendthisnightwithoutyou,youareafool.”Ember’slipsreturnedtohis.
“Hopefullynotafool,”heanswered,withaslightsmile.“ButIknowtoowellthatmypenchantfor

jealousymakesmeweakwhenImustbestrong.”

“Meaning?”Emberfrowned.
“Iwouldstaywithyou,”Barrowtoldher.“Butweshouldseeksleep.Ifyoukissmeagain,Iwillbe

tootemptedtotakethingsfurtherthanwedare.”

Embernodded,atightnessgrippingherlimbs.Thoughshedidn’tvoiceherthoughts,Emberknewshe

couldn’tovercomethatsametemptation.ShealsoknewBarrowthoughtherresolvegreaterthanitwas.A
partofEmberhadhopedhewouldsharethislastnightmakinglovetoher,possessingherashewantedto
beforeshewenttoTearmunnprofessingafalselove.

Butthosewereimpulsesshecouldn’tgiveinto.Asmuchasshewantedhim,Emberreluctantly

concededherowndesires’defeat.Whatlayaheadborefarmoreimportthanindulginginonenight’s
passion.

SoEmberletBarrowpulltheheavyfursovertheirbodies.Shestayedwrappedinherlinensheet.He

slippedoffhisboots,butotherwiseremainedclothed.Theironeconcessiontolovewastheintimacyof
theirslumber.AsEmber’seyesclosed,shecouldfeelBarrow’sbreathonthebackofherneck.Hisbody
curledaroundthelengthofhers,andhisarmheldherclose.Shetwinedherfingerswithhis.

“Iloveyou,”Emberwhispered,frowningatthestrangeechoshethoughtshe’dheard.Untilsherealized

thatBarrowhadwhisperedthesamewordsinherearwithinthesamebreathshe’dspokenthem.

BOSQUE’STASKOFFEREDAlistairawelcomedistraction,butitwasn’talwaysenough.Though
he’dsethimselftospendinglonghoursinthescribes’quarters,jottingnotesandsketchingvisionsofhis
ultimategoal,hismindstillfoundoccasiontowanderuntilitcameuponEmber.

He’dmadeanefforttoavoidconfrontinghisworstfearsabouther.AsEirasentheremissariesto

entreattheircounterpartsacrossEuropeandAsiatojoinher,they’dhadafewreportsaboutwhatmight
havebefallenthesmallbandofrebelswhofledTearmunn.Arashofshipwreckshadplaguedthewestern
Europeancoast,withthefewsurvivorsrelatingstrangetalesoftheirdoomedvoyages.Somespokeofa
terribleseamonsterthatattackedtheirship,whileothersrecalledonlyamaelstromsuddenlyappearing
beneaththeirvessel,thevortexpullingthecrewandpassengersintoawaterydeathspiral.

Thestoriesofchaosanddeathabounded,butnoreportsofstrandedknightsappearedintheflurryof

news,leavingAlistairtowonderaboutEmber’sfate.Settinghisquillonthedesk,Alistairstretchedhis
armsback.Hismuscleshadgrownsorefrommaintainingahunchedpositionsolong.

“Interestingwork.”
Alistairgaveayelp.Hehadn’theardBosqueenterthelibrary,butnowthetallmanwasleaningover

hisshoulder,peeringatthedrawingsAlistairhadscratchedoutonalengthofvellum.

Recoveringhimself,AlistairturnedtofaceBosque.“Willyousit?IhavesomeideasI’dliketoshare

withyou.”

“I’dbehonored.”Bosquesettledintothescribe’sdesknexttoAlistair’s.
AlistairhandedBosqueasheetofnoteshe’dalreadycutfromthevellumscroll.Hewaitedwhile

Bosque’seyesflittedoverthepage.

“Anambitiousplan.”
“Butpossible.”AlistairconsideredputtinghiswordstoBosqueasaquestion,buthaddecidedtodoso

wouldmakehimsounddoubtfulabouthiswork.

“Yes.”Bosquesetthepageonthedesk.“Whatdoyouneedfromme?”
Pickingupthequill,Alistairstrokedthelengthoftheswanfeathertocalmhisnerves.“Ifyou’vefound

anyoftheclericswhohaveswornfealtytoEiraparticularlyskilled,I’dliketohavetheirnames.”

Bosquenodded,butwatchedAlistairexpectantly.
Ofcourseheknowsthat’snotall,Alistairthought.Bosquehadanuncannyabilitytosensethingsthat

remainedunsaid.

“And…”Alistair’smouthhadgonedry.“Yourblood.”
ThoughAlistairhadn’tknownwhatreactiontoexpect,hedidn’tknowwhattosaywhenBosquesimply

tiltedhishead,asthoughamused.

“It’sthekeytotheirhealing,”Alistaircontinued,tappinghisquillonthepage.
“Iunderstand,”Bosquereplied.“That’sveryclever.”
Alistairduckedhisheadinrespect.“Thankyou,LordMar.”
Rising,Bosquesaid,“Hamishhasconsiderablepower,buthasbeendisconsolatesincelosinghis

abilitytoweave.Heneedsanewfocusforhismagics.Iwillsendhimtoyou.”

Bosqueplacedhishandsbehindhisback,takingaturnaroundthedesk.“Youshouldfindsomewhereto

putyourenchantmentsthroughtrials.Itshouldbehidden.I’dsuggestthecatacombsbeneaththechapel.
FatherMichaelcanshowyoutheentrance;itisknownonlytoafewwithinthekeep.”

“I’dliketobeginthetrials,”Alistairsaid,gazingatthesketchhe’djustfinished.HeglancedatBosque

andhisheartconvulsedwithfear.“Butwho—”

BosqueansweredbeforeAlistairhadfinishedhisquestion.“Thestockadeshavebeguntofillwith

thosewhosereluctancetojoinushasmadethemsuspect.Startthere.”

“Wedon’tneedthemforquestioning?”Alistairasked.
“I’llsendyouthosewhohavenothingtoofferusbutcannotbetrustedtogofree,”Bosquetoldhim.

“Theyareprisonersnowandwillremainprisonersunderyour…care.Bepreparedtoreceivethemon
themorrow.”

Alistairstoodandgaveaquickbow.“Iwill,mylord.”
AshepassedAlistairtodepartthelibrary,Bosquesaid,“I’mpleasedyoudidn’tlimityourvision.

Ambitionisthefertilesoilinwhichtruepowercanbecultivated.”

WhenBosquewasgone,Alistairsettledbackintothedesk.Hefoundhecouldn’treturnimmediatelyto

hisdrawing,duetotheshakingofhishands.Itwasn’tfearthatcausedthetremorthroughhislimbs,but
excitementcracklingbeneathhisskin.NotonlyhadBosquebeenpleasedwithhiswork,buthebelievedit
wouldcometofruition.

Myvision.Mycreation.
Liftinghisstill-tremblinghand,Alistairdelicatelytouchedtheimageonthevellum.Ataglance,the

sketchmighthaveappearedtobesomeone’sdreamofstrangeknightswhorodetowaruponwolves.

ButwolfmountswerenotwhatAlistairaimedtocreate.Notatall.
Alistairopenedandclosedhisfingersseveraltimes,hopingtostillthem.
“LordHart!”Aservantburstintothelibrary.“LordHart!Youmustcome!”
Jumpingtohisfeet,Alistairrushedtomeetthebreathlessservant.“Whatisit?”
“Inthearmory,”theboypanted.“Aportalhasopened.”
“Fromwhere?”Alistairasked.Hegrabbedtheboy’sshirt,tugginghimalongashemadequickstrides

throughthemanor.

“Theydidn’ttellme,”theservantanswered.
Alistairgruntedinfrustration,hismindarushofpossibilities.Eirahadbeenwaitingforaportalto

open.Theywouldsendagroupofemissariesthrough,tocontinuetheworkthatthefirstenvoyshad
begun.NolongerabletoopenportalsatTearmunn,they’dbeenforcedtorelyonconventionalmeansof
travel,slowingtheirabilitytoreachthefurthestoutpostsofConatus.

“HasLadyEirabeenalerted?”Alistairaskedastheycrossedthecourtyard.
Theboywheezed,tryingtocatchhisbreath.“Ithinktheysentanotherservant.”
“Ifyoudon’tknowforcertain,thenmakesure.”Alistairletgooftheboyandshovedhiminthe

directionofthemanor.“Gotothegreathall.”

Theservantdartedaway,andAlistairbrokeintoarun.Heslammedhiswaythroughthebarracks,

ignoringthestartledcriesoftheservantsheplowedoverasheboltedtothearmory.

Aclusterofguardsandclericshadgatheredthere,andAlistairhadtopushhiswaythroughthemto

reachtheportal.Hestoppedwhenhereachedtheedgeofthecrowd,pausingtotakeintheshimmering

doorway.Twoguardswithweaponsdrawnhadtakenupsentinelpostsoneachsideoftheportal.They
stoodupabitstraighterwhenAlistairapproached.

“Whendiditopen?”Alistairaskedthem.
“Abouttenminutesago,”oneoftheknightsanswered.“LadyEira’sorderswerefollowed—twoofthe

Guardwentthroughsotheportalwouldnotbeclosed.”

“Verygood.”Alistairgazedatthegleamingdoor.“Hasanyonecomethrough?”
Theotherknightshookhishead.“Notfromtheirsideyet.Isuspecttheappearanceoftwoofoursonthe

othersidethemomentthedoorwasopenshockedthem,andtheywantedtoknowwhy.Ourmenwill
explainquicklyenough.”

“Whereisit?”Peeringatthedoor,Alistaircouldseethehazyimageofaroomnotunlikethemany

hallsofTearmunn,butnoidentifyingdetailswereinview.

“I’mnotsure,mylord,”theknightanswered.
AknightwearingtheConatustabardcameintosightontheothersideofthedoor,followedbya

hooded,cloakedfigure.Alistairsteppedback,makingwayforthetravelerstopassthroughtheportal.

Whentheknightemergedinthearmory,heeyedthegatheredcrowdandhistwoarmedcounterparts

withsurprise.

“Havethingsgonesobadlyherethatyouexpectenemiestocomethroughourportals?”theknight

asked,hiswordsinflectedwithaheavyFrenchaccent.

Alistairsteppedforward.“Notso,myfriend.Wearewell.IamLordHart,commanderoftheGuardat

Tearmunn.”

TheFrenchman’smouthtwitchedwhenAlistairnamedhimselfcommander,buthedidn’tofferareply.
“MayIhaveyourname?”Alistairpushedhiscloakback,puttinghisswordhiltinplainview.
“JérômeFauré,oftheCernonGuard,”theknightanswered.“Itookituponmyselftoconductalostsoul

backtoyourkeep.”

Jérômemovedaside,beckoningtothehoodedfigurewaitingontheothersideoftheportal.Fromthe

swayofthestranger’ships,AlistairtookJérôme’scompaniontobeawoman.

“Whoseeksus?”AlistairaskedJérôme,frowningasthewomanpassedthroughtheshimmeringdoor.

Hercloakandhoodflaredwithlightassheleftthedoor.

Frombeneaththeshadowofthehood,sheansweredAlistair,“Afriend.”
ThoughthevoicewasfamiliarenoughtomakeAlistair’sthroatconstrict,hisheartdidn’tdaretohope

untilslenderhandspushedbacktheheavywoolhood.

EmbersanktoherkneesbeforeAlistairandbegantoweep.

AGNESHADALWAYSBEENmorelikelytocrythanEmber,butnowEmberfounditalltooeasyto
summontears.She’dbeensavingthem.

AteachmomentbeforeshesteppedthroughtheportaltoTearmunn,Emberhadheldbackherever-

wellingsorrow.Whenshe’ddisentangledherselffromBarrow’sarmsbeforesunlighttouchedtheirroom
attheinn,Emberhadbittenbacktears.Ridingawayfromhercompanions,she’dswallowedthehard
stoneinherthroat.MeetingJérômeatCernon,she’dconveyedtheeventsatChâteaudeLusignanandher
plantoreturntoTearmunnwithoutgivinganysignofherdistress.

Butnowshewashere,facingAlistair,whoneededtobelievethatshecamebacktohimfullofremorse

andperhapsevenshame.SoEmberclosedhereyesandcalledupeachmomentoffearandsorrowthat
hauntedher.Andthetearscame.

Throughherblurredvision,EmberlookedupatAlistair,buthestoodfrozen,staringather.
Emberbowedherhead,suddenlyterrifiedthatshe’dpresumedtoomuchfeelingonAlistair’spart.

Whatifinthespaceofdayssincehe’dlethergo,he’dregrettedhisdecision?Whatifhisbriefmomentof
empathyhadturnedintowrath,andallhewouldofferEmbernowwasretribution?

Asshechokedonasobprovokedbyhernewbornfear,Emberfelthandsgrasphershoulders.
Alistairhelpedherstand.“Itdoesn’tbefitaladyofyourstationtogrovellikeaservant.”
Hiswordswereflat,makingEmberclutchathercloak,heranxiousfingersdiggingintothewool.
Bendingclosetoher,Alistairaskedinalowvoice,“Whyhaveyoucomehere,LadyMorrow?”
EmberdrewAgnes’sletterfromherpocket,givingittoAlistair.“IwenttoChâteaudeLusignanand

wasgiventhis.”

Alistairtooktheparchmentfromherhand.“YouwenttoLaRochelle.”
“Mylord.”JérômedrewAlistair’sattention.“Iwouldreturntomydutiesifyouwilltaketheladyinto

yourcare.”

“Youmayreturn,”Alistairtoldhim.“Buttheportalmustremainopenuntilyoureceiveotherorders.”
Jérômefrowned,glancingattheopendoorwaybehindhim.“LordHart,theclericscannotsustaina

portalforlong.Itsverypresencedrawsfromtheirspirit.”

“I’mawareofthat.”AlistairgaveJérômeahardlook.“Theorderstands.”
Squaringhisshoulders,Jérômeasked,“DoesTearmunngiveorderstoallofConatusnow?”
Embertensed,knowingshecouldn’trisktryingtowarnJérômeoffhislineofquestions.Shesilently

willedthathewouldabandonhisrebellioustonebeforedoinghimselfharm.

“NotTearmunn.”Awoman’sclear,strongvoicefilledthearmory.Thecrowdmassedaroundtheportal

parted,openingapathforEira.“Theordersaremine.”

ToEmber,LadyEirahadalwaysbeenfierceandintimidating,butinthetimeEmberhadbeenaway

fromTearmunn,thosecharacteristicshadbeenamplifiedtenfold.

ThewarriorwomanoftheCircledrewalleyesasshestrodetotheportal.Herbearingwasimperious,

hereyessharperthanahawk’s.AthershoulderstoodatallmanwhoseappearancestruckEmberas
nagginglyfamiliar,butshecouldn’trecallwhereshewouldhaveseenhimbefore.Hishairwasdarkas
freshlyturnedearth,whichemphasizedthegreen-goldtonesofhisoliveskin.Hisfacewashard,sharp
linesandafull,sensuousmouth.AndhiseyeswereonEmber.Silvereyesthatstoppedherbreath.

Besidethem,Jérômebowedlow.“MyladyEira.AllConatusmarvelsatyourdeeds.”
“Dothey?”Eira’ssmilewasknifethin.SheplacedherhandonAlistair’selbow.“Iseeyou’vemetmy

commander,LordAlistairHart.”

“Yes,mylady.”JérômeofferedacursorybowtoAlistair.“Iapologize,mylord.Asyouwereunknown

tome,Itreatedyourwordswithreservation.IfI’dknownyourorderscamefromLadyEira,Iwouldnot
havequestionedthem.”

AlistairmetJérôme’swordswithsilence,butEiraanswered,“Thesesmallconfusionswilldoubtless

happeninsuchatumultuoustimeforourorder.”

“Indeed,”Jérômereplied.
“TellyourCirclethatIwillonlykeeptheportalopenlongenoughtosendanenvoythroughtoCernon,”

EiratoldJérôme.“Theywillbereadywithinthehour.”

Jérômebowedagain.“Iwillgivethemyourmessage.”
“Myorders,”Eirasaid.
“Ofcourse.”WithoutlookingatEmber,Jérômereturnedtothedoorway.
WiththeFrenchknightgone,EiralookedfromAlistairtoEmber.
“LadyMorrow,”Eirasaidquietly,“Ihadn’texpectedtoseeyouagain.”
Emberduckedherheadandtriedtogatherherthoughts.Herpulsewasfrenzied.She’dhopedtohave

sometimetopersuadeAlistairofthereasonsforherreturnbeforeshefacedEira.KnowingthatEira
respondedfavorablytostrengthoverfragility,EmberforcedherselftolookdirectlyintoEira’seyes.

“Ihavereturnedtoreapwhatevermyactionshavesown,”Embersaid,hopingthesteadinessofher

voicecontrastedwithhertear-streakedfacetopresentanimageofremorseandcourage.“Forgoodor
ill.”

“Wewerequitegrievedwhenyouleftus,”Eirareplied.“Whatcouldhaveledyoutosuchareckless

act?”

Emberkeptherchinlifted.“IwasmisledbythoseIplacedmytrustin.Iwaswrong.”
Smiling,Eiraraisedherhand,commandingthosegatheredinthearmorytolisten.“Speakagain,Ember,

foralltohear.”

Theroomfellsilent.Ember’sfistsclenched,butshespokeloudly.“Ifledthiskeepinthecompanyof

menwhospokeillofLadyEira.InthetimeI’vebeenawayfromTearmunn,myhome,I’vepaiddearlyfor
thissinagainstLadyEiraandConatus,andI’vereturnedinthehopesofabsolution.”

“Absolutionrequirespenance,”thetallmanbehindEirasaid,andEmbershiveredunderthesilverlight

inhiseyes.

Sheforcedherselftoanswerhim.“ThenIshalldopenance.”ShelookedatEira.“Asmylady

commands.”

AftergivingEmberameasuredgaze,Eirasaid,“I’llconsideryourwords,butfornowyouareLord

Hart’scharge.”

Embercurtsied,andEiratookAlistair’sarm,pullinghimasideintoaquietconversation.Keepingher

headbowed,Emberstaredatthearmoryfloor,butallthewhileshecouldfeelthetallstranger’seyes

uponher.

Thensuddenlysheknewhewascloser,standingnotahandbreadthaway.
“LordHartspeakshighlyofyou.”Hisvoicewaslowandrich.
Withoutlookingathim,Embersaid,“Thenhedoesmehonor.”
Aquietlaugh,witharingassilverashiseyes,floatedaroundEmber’shead.“Iwonder,LadyMorrow,

willyoushowhimhonor?”

Startledbyhisquestion,Emberlookedup,onlytobemetbyhiseyes,whichflaredlikelightning.The

strangerdidn’tspeakagain,butneitherdidhereleaseherfromhisgazeuntilAlistairreturnedtothem.

“LordMar.”Headdressedthetallman.“MayIintroduceyoutoLadyEmberMorrow?”
Quellingtheshudderthatwantedtoripplethroughherlimbs,EmbergazedatthemanwhomLukaszhad

namedasthesourceofthisrisingdark.LordMar.Emberdughernailsintoherpalms,forcingherselfto
bestill.BosqueMar.

“Youmay,”Bosqueanswered.HiseyesmovedslowlyupanddownEmber,asifsearchingfor

something,andmadeherwanttosquirm.Evenashisexaminationprogressed,Embercouldn’ttellifhe
viewedherasasimplecuriosityorathreat.

“Ember,thisisLordBosqueMar,”Alistairtoldher.Shecouldhearthetouchofaweinhisvoice.“He

providesLadyEiracounsel.”

EmbercurtsiedtoBosque,tryingherbesttomakeitseemshehadnoknowledgeofhim.“Whencedid

youcometoTearmunn,LordMar?”

Bosquedidn’tanswer,andAlistairtookherarm.“Youhaven’tearnedsuchquestionsyet,Ember.Come

withme.”

ThecrowdpartedagainwhenAlistairpulledEmberoutofthearmory.Astheirwhispersfollowedher,

Embersearchedtheirfaces,lookingforanysignofherallies.ShecouldfindneitherCian,norLora,nor
FatherMichael.

Alistair’sgriponherarmwastight,butnotbruising,ashetookheracrossthecourtyard.Thoughshe

hadn’texpectedtoremaininthebarracks,restoredtoherpositionintheGuard,Emberwasrelievedthat
Alistairsteeredhertothemanorandnotthestockade.

WhatunsettledEmberthemostwashissilence.Sincehewasaboy,Alistairhadchattedasconstantly

asababblingbrook.Hehadn’tsaidawordtohersincethey’dleftthebarracks.AccustomedtoAlistair
initiatingmostoftheirconversations,Emberdidn’tknowhowtoreacttohistaciturnity.Sheworriedthat
speakingwouldprovokehisanger,butshealsowasafraidthatifshewaitedtoolongtotellthetaleshe’d
concocted,itwouldloseitssenseofurgencyandverity.

Astheyenteredthemanorandbeganascendingthestairs,Alistairstillhadn’tspoken.
Maybehewantedtohearhertaleonlywhentheywerealone,Emberthought.Butwhythendidhetake

hertothemanorandnottohiscellinthebarracks?

Alistairstoppedinfrontofthefirstdooratthetopofthestairs.Openingthedoor,hesteppedback.
“I’llcomeforyoulater.”
EmberstaredatAlistair,notunderstandingwhyhewouldleaveherinthisroom.Alone.
“Ember?”
Atthesoundofhername,Embersteppedforwardtolookintotheroom.Sittinginachairfacingthe

doorwasAgnes.

ForgettingAlistair,Embergaveasmallcryandrantohersister.Shedidn’thearthedoorcloseand

lockbehindher.

HoldingAgnesclose,Emberwasremindedofhowmanyofhersister’straitsshefoundcomforting.

Thesilkofherpaleblondhair,theroseofherperfume.ButEmbernoticedthechangeinhersisteras
well.Hercheeksandbreastswereplumpandlessgirlish,andwhiletheywerepressedclose,Ember
couldfeeltheswellofAgnes’sstomach.

“Wherehaveyoubeen,Ember?”Agnesaskedwhenthey’dfinallyleteachothergo.
EmberkneltbesidethechairwhereAgnesrested.“Alistairdidn’ttellyou?”
Agnesshookherhead.“Onlythatyouwereawayandthathecouldn’tbesureofwhenyou’dreturn.”
Takinginthisnews,Emberhesitated.Shouldsherevealthetruth?Couldshetrusthersisterwiththese

secrets?

Hermindstilldivided,Emberchangedthecourseoftheirconversation.“Areyouwell?”
Agnes’slowerliptrembled,butshedidn’tbegintoweepagain.“AswellasIcanbe.Thesicknessthat

troubledmewhenwewerelasttogetherhaspassed.”

Sheplacedherhandonherbelly.“SometimesIfeelhimkick.”
“Him?”EmberwatchedAgnessmilesadly.
“OfcourseIdon’tknow,”Agnesanswered.“ButIwishforaboy,onlyforthechild’ssake.Thisisa

worldformen,Ithink.Notwomen.”

Ember’sthroattightened.“Henrytreatedyouwithdishonor.”
“Hedid.”ThehardnessinAgnes’sreplysurprisedEmber.Itwasn’tatoneshe’deverheardinher

sister’svoice.“ButIwasasmuchthefoolforbelievinghiswordsoflovetobeanythingotherthan
flattery.”

“Don’tjudgeyourselfsoharshly,”Embercountered,takingAgnes’shand.“Henryknewyouwere

infatuatedwithhimandtookadvantage.”

“Infatuated.”Agnessighed.“That’sagoodwordforit.”
“Ididn’tmeantoinsultyou,”Embersaidquickly.
Agnessmiledather.“Iknowyoudidn’t.IwishIcouldbelikeyou,Ember.You’resomuchstronger

thanIam.Sounafraidtotakewhatyouwantfromtheworld.”

“Ihavemorefearsthanyouknow,”Emberanswered.“Butmygreatestfearisforyourwelfare.Tellme

what’shappenedsinceyouarrived.”

“Verylittle.”Agnesshrugged.“AlistairaskedthatIstayinmyroomsoasnottobeinthewayofthe

keep’sbusiness.He’sbeensokindtome.”

“Alistair?”EmberwantedtofireabarrageofquestionsatAgnes,butsheforcedherselftobepatient.
“Ofcourse,Alistair.”Agnesgavealittlelaugh.“Icameherehopingtobeshownpity.Iwouldhave

workedformyfoodandshelter,butAlistairwouldhearnoneofit.”

“He’smakingupforHenry,”Embermuttered,unabletokeepthebitternessoutofhervoice.
Agnesblanched,andEmberregrettedherwords.
“I’msorry,Agnes,”Embersaid.“It’sjustthat…sinceI’vebeenatConatus,AlistairandIhavehad

somequarrels.He’smademyroleheredifficultattimes.”

“Ifindthathardtobelieve,”Agnestoldher.“Headoresyou.”
Emberlookedaway,trappedbyherownwords.IfshewastoconvinceAlistairthatshe’dreconsidered

herfeelingsforhim,shewouldneedAgnestobelieveittoo.OrshecouldtellAgnesthetruth.

Forthemoment,Embersimplysaid,“Iknow.”
“Soit’ssimplelovers’quarrelsthen?”Agnes’scheekswererosywithmirth,andEmberwasgladto

seethat,despitehermisfortunes,Agneshadn’tfallenintodespair.

Anglingforambivalence,Emberdidn’tdenyAgnes’squestion.“Soyoustayinyourroom.Whatelse?”
“Therecan’tbemuchelseifI’malwayshere,”Agnesquipped.“ButIhaveamaidservantwhocares

formeandservesmeals.WhenIneedfreshair,shewalkswithmethroughthecourtyard,andAlistair
seemsnottomind.Helooksinonmeeveryday.SometimesevenLordMarcomestoaskaftermy
welfare.”

EmbergrippedAgnes’shandtootightly,andAgnescriedout.Droppinghersister’sfingers,Ember

said,“I’msorry,Agnes.Youstartledme.”

“Withwhat?”Agnesshookherfingerstoloosenthem.

Emberchoseherwordscarefully.“LordMarisastrangertome.Ifinditoddthathewouldtakean

interestinmysister.”

“Ithinkitsimplyakindness,”Agnesanswered.“HeisclosetoAlistairandLadyEira.Perhapshe

takesaninterestinwhatmatterstothem.”

“Perhaps.”
AgnesleanedtowardEmber,hersmileconspiratorial.“He’sratherfascinating,isn’the?”
“LordMar?”Emberwrappedherarmsaroundherself,suddenlycold.
Nodding,Agneswhisperedthoughtherewasnoonetohearthem.“I’veneverseenamanlikehim.So

tallandstrong.He’snotaslovelyassomemen,butstillhandsome.Hisfaceisjust…compelling.Those
eyes.”

Embercouldn’tstopherself.“Theydon’tfrightenyou?”
Ratherthanlaughather,Agnespausedtoconsiderthequestion.“Theymightifhehadn’tbeenso

gallanteachtimeI’vespokenwithhim.”

“Whatdoyoutalkabout?”Emberfrowned,fearingwhattheanswerwouldbe.
“Heasksaboutourfamilyandmyhealth.Hewantedtoknowaboutthefatherofmychild,soItoldhim

aboutHenry.”Agnesblushed.“Iknowitisn’tfittingformetospeakofthesethingstoanearstranger,but
Ihavesofewfriendsnow.”

Emberasked,“WhatdidLordMarsayaboutHenry?”
“Itwasstrange,”Agnesansweredwistfully.“HesaidthatHenry’sdishonorwouldhaunthimallthe

daysofhislife.”

“Youdon’tthinkHenryfeelsanyshame?”Embercouldn’tputsuchheartlessnesspastHenry,butshe

wantedtobelieveotherwise.

Agnesfoldedherhandsinherlap.“Itwasn’twhatLordMarsaid.Itwashowhesaidit.”
WhenAgnespaused,hergazegoingtothewindowwhererainbatteredtheglass,Emberasked,“How

didLordMarsayit?”

Agneslookedathersister.“Likeapromise.”

ALISTAIRSLIPPEDTHEIRONkeyintohispocket,buthedidn’treturntothestairs.Hestoodinfront
ofthedoortoAgnes’schamberforalongwhile,unmoving.

Whydidshereturn?
AlistairhadimaginedEmbercomingbacktohimtoomanytimestocount.Nowthatshewashere,real,

hewasstrickenwithdoubt.Tugginghishandsthroughhisdarkcurls,Alistairresistedtheurgetounlock
thedoorandtakeEmberfromhersistersohecoulddemandtheanswershewanted.

ButAgneswasthereasonEmberwashere.Ithadtobe.AsmuchasAlistaircovetedthethoughtthat

Embercametohim,itwastheletterthathadbroughthertoTearmunn.

Andyet.Andyet.
EmberhadgonetoChâteaudeLusignan,asAlistairhadasked.She’dreturnedtoTearmunnandhad

giventestamenttothosegatheredinthearmorythatherdecisiontoleavehadbeenmisguided.

Andshe’dcomealone.
Wherearetheothers?
TohopeforevenamomentthatEmberhadcomebacktohimandnotsimplyforAgnes’ssakeseemed

toogreatarisk.Forcinghimselfawayfromthedoor,thoughunconvincedhe’daccomplishanythingelse
ofworththatdayduetothedistractionofhismind,Alistairreturnedtothemanor’sgroundfloor.

Whenhereachedthebottomofthestairs,hewassurprisedtofindBosquewaitingforhim.
“Wouldyoubeinclinedtowardahunt,LordHart?”Bosqueasked.
“When?”AlistairfounditstrangethatBosquewouldsuggestahuntamidsomuchactivityinthekeep.
“Now.”Bosquetookafewstepstowardthemanordoor,thenturned,waitingforAlistairtofollow.“If

you’lljoinme,we’llfindspecialprey.Ourbountywillaidyourworkimmensely.”

Bosqueexitedthemanor,andAlistairhurriedtocatchhim.
“Mywork?”AlistairaskedwhenhereachedBosque.
“Youwillhaveyourprisonersfortrialstomorrowmorning.”Bosquekeptuphisswift,longstrides

towardthestables.“Buttheyalonewillnotbeenough.”

“No.”Alistairhadtojogtokeepupwiththetallerman.“You’retakingmetohuntwolves,then?”
Bosquecastanamusedglanceathim.“Howelsedidyouthinktoprocuretheanimals?”
“Iwasgoingtosendwoodsmenouttosetsnares,”Alistairanswered.
“Thistaskistooimportantforservants,”Bosquesaidwhentheywerejustoutsidethestables.“Ready

yourhorse.”

“Willyoubringthehounds?”Alistairtossedthequestionoverhisshoulderashewenttogather

Alkippe’stack.

Bosquecalledtohim,“We’llhavenoneedofhoundswhoseonlyhopeisthedestructionofour

quarry.”

Alistairgrimacedatthefoolishnessofhisquestion.Tobeginhistrials,heneededwolveswholeand

alive,nottorntopiecesbyapackofhuntingdogs.WhenAlkippewassaddledandbridled,Alistairled
hismarefromthestable.Bosquehadalreadymountedtheshadowsteed.Alkippebalked,snorting,but
Alistairhadn’texpectedthemaretobehaveotherwise.NomatterhowmanytimesAlistairrodeoutwith
Bosque,Alkippewouldn’tsettlewiththeshadowmountnear.

OncewhenAlkippewasparticularlytroublesomeandAlistairhadgrownwearyofbattlingthereins,

he’dsuggestedthatBosquemightbebetteroffusingoneofGuards’mountswheninthecompanyofother
horses.Bosquehadthrownbackhishead,laughingdeepandlong.

WhenhefinallyansweredAlistair,itwastosay,“Wouldyougiveupyourmountupontheofferofa

muchlesserbeast?”

Bosque’squestionhadmadeAlistairhunchupwithshame.AlkippehadalwaysfilledAlistairwith

pride.ShewasasfineamountasanyinConatus’sstables.Evenso,Alistaircouldn’tfaultBosque’s
assertion.Toridetheshadowsteedwastoharnessastorm.

SwingingintothesaddlewhileAlkippesidledawayfromBosque’smount,Alistairasked,“Howshall

wehuntwhenweaimnottokill?”

“Ihadn’twantedtospeakofittoyouuntilIfoundwhatI’dbeenseeking,”Bosquetoldhim.
“Andwhatwasthat?”AlistaircheckedAlkippewhenshebegantossingherhead.
“You’llseesoonenough.”Bosqueglancedattherestlessmare.“Keepherclose.”
Alistairnodded,grittinghisteethasheforcedAlkippetorideabreastofBosque’shorse.Hefound

himselfwishingtherewereawaytoexplaintothemarethatbyfleeingthecompanyofBosque’ssteed,
shewoulddoomherselfandherridertowanderlostinaspacebetweenworlds.Sincereasonwasn’tan
option,Alistairhadtoresignhimselftotheongoingstrugglebetweenhimandhismountastheairaround
themswirled,veilingthetwohorsemeninmist.

“AreyoupleasedbyLadyMorrow’sreturn?”Bosque’squestiontookAlistairbysurprise.
Stillstrugglingtoanswerthatquestionforhimself,Alistairsaid,“I’mgladshelives.”Thatwastrue

enough.

Bosquelaughedquietly.“Thoseweren’tthewordsIexpected.”
Weariedbyhisowndoubts,aswellashismount’sagitation,AlistaircasthisfearsuponBosque.“I

don’tknowifItrusther.ThatshewouldcomeforAgnesIunderstand,andthoughIwantmorefromher,I
darenotassume.”

“Theladymusthavedoneyourbidding,though,”Bosqueoffered.“HadshenotgonetoLaMarche,she

wouldneverhavereceivedhersister’sletter.”

AlistairnoddedatBosque’srecitationofthepossibilitieshe’dbeenmullingoversinceEmber

appeared.

“You’vebeensteadfastandcunning,”Bosquecontinued.“I’vepromisedyourewards.Doyounotthink

LadyMorrowshouldbeamongthem?”

Alistairbarkedalaugh,imaginingEmber’sreactiontobeingcalledareward.Bosquewatchedhim,

waitingforareply.

“Onthatfront,whatIthinkhasnevermattered,”Alistairsaid,hislaughtergrowingtinny.“Ember’s

mindhasruledourfriendship,alwayskeepingitfromgrowingintosomethingmore.”

“Butshehaschanged.ThinkingherselfanAmazon,shediscoveredsheisonlyafrightenedmaid,”

Bosquetoldhim.“Theworldhastreatedherbrutally,andnowsheseeksaprotector.Thewallsofa

fortresswon’tservewellenoughforatremblinggirl.Ibelieveshe’lllooktoyouinherneed…ifshe
speaksthetruthabouthermotivesforreturningtoTearmunn.”

“Andifshelies?”Alistairblewoutafrustratedsigh.“Somuchisatstake.IfearIcan’tindulgemy

hopeswhentheymightundermineEira’splan.”

“Noblyput,”Bosquereplied.“Butwhyshouldtheburdenoftrustfalltoyou?”
“Coulditbeanyotherway?”AlistairglancedatBosque.
Withashrug,Bosquesaid,“Idon’tseewhynot.TakewhatyouwantfromLadyMorrow.Bethehero

shelongsfor.Leavethematteroftruthversusliestome.”

“Doyouthinkshereturnedforloveofme?”Alistairknewhesoundedlikealovesickboy,but

Bosque’swordsenlivenedamadhopewithinhim.

“Idon’tknow.”Bosquedidn’tlookatAlistair,buthesmiledintothemist.“Ishallenjoyfindingout.”
Alistairshiftedinhissaddle,uneasyatthethoughtthatBosquecouldharmEmberasheinvestigated

hertrustworthiness.

“ThereisonemorepieceofadviceIwouldgiveyou,”Bosquesaid,turningtogazeatAlistair.The

silverflareofhiseyesilluminatedthemist.

“Please.”
“Behardonher,”Bosquetoldhim.“Emberknowsofyourloveforherandyettakesitforgranted.

Makeherbelieveyouarelosttoher.Forcehertowinyouback.Whatshehasfoughtforshewillmore
likelytreasure.”

BeforeAlistaircouldquestionhimfurther,Bosqueleanedforward,peeringatthegrayveilthat

envelopedtheriders.“Ah.Thisisit.”

Themistsparted,revealingthickclustersofpinetreesandamossybankthathuggedashallowstream.
“We’llleavethehorseshere,”Bosquesaid,slidingfromtheshadowstallion’sback.Hewaitedas

AlistairdismountedandtetheredAlkippetoatree.

Bosqueledthemacrosstheripplingbrookandupaslope.Theforestgrewquietastheywalked.When

theyreachedthetopoftherise,Bosquehalted.Alistair’seyesfollowedtheotherman’spointingfinger,
whichdirectedhissighttoahollowbeneaththetrunkofagreatfallentree.

“There,”Bosquesaid,hisvoicerichwithsatisfaction.
“Aden?”Alistairfrowned.
“Wolvesaremuchlikemen—theyareruledbykingsandqueens.”Bosquegazedatthegapbelowthe

treetrunk.“Withoutthepackleader,chaosensues.”

BosqueturnedtoAlistair.“Tocompleteyourvision,youneedanalphawolf’sblood.”
“Andthat’swhywe’rehere?”Alistairsquintedattheden,butcouldseeonlydarkness.
“Partly.”Bosqueheldabloodiedrabbitinhishands.Alistairhadnoideawherethedeadrabbithad

comefrom.“Shelieswithin.Andsheishungry.Herpackwenttohuntforher.”

“Andiftheycomeback?”Alistairaskedhim.
“Theyaren’tcomingback.”BosquemotionedforAlistairtobestill.“Waithere.”
WhileAlistairwatched,Bosquelaidhiskilljustbeyondtheden’sopeningandcrepttotheotherside

ofthemassivedeadtree.Theywaited.

Alistaircouldn’trememberthelasttimehe’dbeenstillforsolong.Hislimbstwitched,eagertomove

again.Bosqueheldhispositionasifhe’dbeencarvedofstone.

Aflickerofmovementwithintheden’sshadowdrewAlistair’sgaze.Astirringofshadowsbecamea

shape.Theshapebecameahead.Thefemalewolfemergedfromtheden,hoveringatitsedge.Herbody
washeavy,teatspeekingoutfromthefurofherbelly.

Cubs.Andfromthelooksofthemother,she’dveryrecentlygivenbirth.
Alistairwantedtoshoutintriumph.Itwasexactlywhatheneeded.
Bosqueneverfailedtokeephispromises.Thiswasspecialprey.

Theshe-wolfsniffedtheair.Herearsandeyeswerealert,seekingdanger.Hungerwonoutover

caution,andthewolfproceededfromthesafetyofherden.She’dtakentherabbitcarcassintoherjaws
whenshesuddenlyyelped.Droppinghermeal,shescrambledbacktotheden.Herheadandshoulders
wereengulfedbythedarkopeningwhenherbacklegswentoutfromunderher.Thewolfcollapsedon
hersideandlaystill.

Burstingfromhishidingplace,Alistairrushedtowardtheden.Hedidn’tknowwhathadmadethewolf

fall,buthelamentedthethoughtthathe’dlostheratthesamemomentshe’dbeenfound.Perhapsshe’d
alreadybeensick.

Alistairkneltbesidethetunnelandwrappedhisarmsaroundthewolf.Herfurwasthick,amottlingof

grayhues.Runninghishandsoverherfur,Alistair’sfingersmetwithsomethingcoolandhard.Something
metal.

Wrappinghishandaroundtheslenderobject,Alistairpulleditfromthewolf’sshoulder.Hepeeredat

thedart’sneedlepointtip.

“Takecarenottoprickyourself,LordHart.”Bosquewasstandingbesidehim.
Alistairsworeunderhisbreath,thensaid,“Youmovewithoutasound.”HeofferedthedarttoBosque.

“Thisisyours?”

“Afavoredweapon,”Bosqueanswered.HeshowedAlistairaslimlengthofwoodthathadbeen

hollowedinthecenter.“Poisononthedarttookthewolfdown.”

“Youkilledher?”Alistaircouldn’timaginewhyBosquewouldhavewantedthewolfdead.
“Ofcoursenot,”Bosquereplied.“Moreofthepoisonwouldhavetakenherlife.WhatIusedknocked

hersenseless.Youdidn’twantherchewingthroughthenetsontheridehome,didyou?”

WithoutwaitingforAlistairtoanswer,Bosquecroucheddownandgatheredthewolfintohisarms.He

liftedhereffortlessly.

“Gointothedenandgatherthecubsintoyourcloak,”BosquetoldAlistair.“They’llbesmallenoughto

bundlewithinthefabricuntilwereturntoTearmunn.”

Alistairpokedhisheadintothedarktunnel.Thetinymewlingsoundsofthecubscallingfortheir

motherfilledhisears.Hisshouldersbarelyfitintotheden’sentrance,butthehollowedspacewidenedas
hesquirmeddeeperintotheearth.Blindedbyshadows,Alistairusedhisearstolocatethecubs.Covered
infursoftasdownandbarelylargerthanhishand,thewolveswereeasyenoughtogatherintohiscloak
beforehepulledupthecornersintoasack.

HefoundBosquewatchingtheden’sentranceexpectantlyasAlistaircrawledbackintothedaylight

withthissquirming,whimperingbundle.

“Weshouldreturn.”Bosquestarteddowntheslope.“Ontheridehome,we’lldiscussthemother’s

feedingandtheprocessforweaningthecubsoffhermilk.”

Alistairfollowed,numbedbytheonslaughtofevents.Ember’sarrival.Prisonersandwolvesstashed

beneaththemanor,awaitinghispurpose.Forcinghismindawayfromunwieldyquestionsaboutwhatthe
futureheld,Alistairfocusedonthemundane:hoppingoverthecreek,preparingfortheridehome.

Astheynearedthehorses,Alistairlaughedquietly.
“Whatisit?”Bosqueglancedoverhisshoulder.
“Betweenyourhorseandthewolves.”Alistairgrinned.“IwonderifAlkippewillsurvivethereturn

triptoTearmunn.”

Bosque’ssmilematchedAlistair’s.“Wouldyouliketowageronit?”

EMBERWOKEASAHANDcoveredhermouth.

“Don’tscream.”
ThecrywellinginEmber’sthroatdied,butonlybecausesherecognizedthespeaker’svoice.
WhenCiansawthatEmberwouldn’tpanic,sherosefromhercrouch.TakingEmber’sarm,Cianpulled

herfromthebedwhereshe’dbeensleepingalongsideAgnes.CianhandedEmberaheavycloak,which
theyoungerwomanfastenedoverhersleepinggown.Theyquietlystolefromtheroom.

TheseasonedwarriortookEmberonlysofarasafewdoorsalongthemanorcorridortoanother

chamber.HurryinginsidethedoorthatCianhadopened,Emberclaspedherfingersinfrontofherlipsso
shewouldn’tgiveajoyfulcry.

FatherMichaelsatatadeskonthefarsideoftheroom,watchingherinthesoftglowoflightcastby

thelanternathisside.Thoughshestayedquiet,Emberflungherselfattheelderlypriestwhenhestoodup,
wrappinghiminanembrace.FatherMichaelstaggeredbackfromherunexpectedgreeting,butsoonhe
wasclaspinghertight.

“Myheartisgladtoseeyouwell,LadyMorrow.”
Embarrassedbyherunrestraineddisplay,EmberletgoofFatherMichaelandscuttledback,bowing

herheadinrespect.

“ItakeitthatyourresponsetoFatherMichaelmeansyourlittlespeechthisafternoonwasanact?”Cian

askedfrombehindEmber.

Turningtoanswer,EmbernoticedforthefirsttimethatCianwasfullyarmed,despitethelatehour.And

herhandwasonthehiltofhersword.Emberstiffened,realizingthatCianmighthavebelievedthatEmber
wouldbetraytheirsecret.

“Itwas,”EmbertoldCian.
Cianrelaxedslightly,butkeptaclosewatchonEmber.“Haveyoureturnedonlytoseetoyoursister?”
“IdidcometoensureAgnes’ssafety.”Emberpulledthecloaktighteraroundher.“Butthatisnotall.”
“Sit,child.”FatherMichaelgesturedtoanotherchair,andEmbergratefullyacceptedhisoffer.Cian

remainedclosetothedoor.

Thepriest’skindeyesputEmbermoreatease.
“Whatcanyoutellusoftheothers?”FatherMichaelaskedher.
“Barrow,Lukasz,andKaelareinFrance,”Embersaid.“Sawyerwaslostatsea.Idon’tknowwhat

becameofFitchandMercer.TheyneverjoinedourpartyontheroadfromTearmunn.”

Ciangruntedindisgust.“Fitchprovedspineless.HebetrayedMercerandwouldhaverevealedour

presence.”

“Howdidyoustophim?”Ember’seyeswerewide.
“Ikilledhimbeforehecouldtellhistale,”Ciananswered,andEmberflinched,knowingthatifshe’d

beensuspectedofthesame,Fitch’sfatewouldhavebeenherown.

FatherMichaelfoldedhishandsonthedesk.“Wemustknow,Ember.Doesitgoasbadlyabroadas

LadyEira’sboastswouldmakeitseem?”

Reluctantly,Embernodded.Anycomfortshe’dtakeninseeingCianandFatherMichaelfadedas

quicklyastheglimmersofhopeontheirfaces.

“Theyallgotoher.”Cianshookherhead.“Andthereisnaughtwecando.”
“Wemustnotdespair,”FatherMichaelsaidcalmly,thoughEmbersawagreatsadnessinhiseyes.
Cianmethisgaze,butdidn’tanswer.
“WhatofTearmunn?”Emberasked.“Havewenoallieshere?”
“ThosewhowouldjoinushaveeitherbeencowedbyfearintosubmittingtoEira’swill,”Ciantold

her,“ortheyarelockedinthestockade.”

Emberspoke,thoughshewasafraidtolearnmore.“Lora?Ewan?”
“EwanremainspartoftheCircle,buthecannotdelaytakingtheoathformuchlongerwithoutriskof

beingputinirons,”FatherMichaelsaid.“Lorahasdisappeared.Ipraythatshesimplyfledthekeep,
knowingshewouldbeimprisonedforrefusingtogiveEirafealty.ButIfearsomethingworsehasbefallen
her,forIfindithardtobelieveshewouldhaveleftwithoutsharingherplanwithus.”

Maderestlessbythisnews,Emberstoodup.“Iknowitwouldn’tbeidealtoforswearoneself.”She

glancedwithguiltatFatherMichael.“Butcouldn’ttheoathbetakenfalsely?”

FatherMichaelanswered,“Ifitweresoeasy,Iwouldgladlyabsolvethosewhopledgedthemselvesto

Eira’sneworder,buttheoathismuchmorethanwords.Itchangesthosewhotakeit.”

“Changesthemhow?”Emberfrownedatthepriest.
Cianhissedthroughherteeth.“Itbindsthemtohim.”
Herbrowstillfurrowed,EmberlookedatCian.
“ToBosque,”Ciansaid,anticipatingEmber’squestion.
“LordMar?”Rememberingthereachofhissilvergaze,Emberfidgeted,suddenlyanxious.
“Hecallshimselflord,”Ciantoldher.“Andhewalksandspeaksasaman,buthisbodyandhiswords

areanillusionthatheusedasanettosnaremysisterandthoseguilelessenoughtobedrawninbyhis
promises.”

“Whatdoesheoffer?”Emberasked.
“Whatmendesirethemost,”FatherMichaelsaid.“Aneasypathpavedingold.”
Embershiftedherweight,unabletofightthecoldseepingbeneathherskin.“Buttheremustbeacost.”
“Thecostiseverythingweare,”Ciansaid.“Thesacredtreeisprofaned.Wearecutofffromthe

magicsthatsustainus.”

FatherMichaelnodded,lookingatEmber.“AnywhotakeEira’soathlosethegiftsofferedbythis

earth.Allwe’vestudied.Thecraftswe’vehoned.”

“Thenwhywouldanyonetakethisoath?”Emberasked.
“Thepricewasn’tclearatfirst,”FatherMichaelsaid.“Itwasn’tuntiltheclericsfoundthemselves

unabletoweaveportalsthatwelearnedhowstrongthisBosque’spoisonis.”

Emberlookedbackandforthfromknighttopriest,trappedbyherowndisbelief.“Andtherewasno

outcryagainstthis?”

“BythenEirahadtoomanyfollowersforthosewhobalkedtosway,”FatherMichaelsaid.
“Andmysister’spethadotherenticementstoassuagethosewhoweredisturbedbythelossoftheir

magics,”Cianadded.

Ember’smindbeckonedimagesthatshe’dburied,knowingthattorevisitthemwouldbelikeopening

scabbed-overwounds.Theshadowcreaturesintheforest.

WatchingasEmberwentstill,FatherMichaelsaid,“IwishIcouldallayyourfears,Ember,butyour

mindhassettledonthetruth.ThosewhotakeEira’soathareinstructedinartsdarkerthanthosepracticed
byanyconjurertheGuardeverhunted.”

Appalledasshewas,EmbercouldunderstandhowBosquehadluredsomanyfollowers.Whoever

commandedanarmyofinvinciblewarriorshadnoearthlyenemytofear.

“Buttodothis,EirahasalliedherselfwiththeverythingConatusissworntodestroy,”Ember

protestedweakly.Theappealofpoweraside,Embercouldn’tforgetEira’sstrengthandcourage.Her
thirstforjustice.

Cianslumpedagainstthedoor.LikeEira,CianhadbeenchangedinEmber’sabsence.ButwhileEira

seemedtaller,morealive,Cianhaddiminished.Hereyesweretightwithlinesanddeeplyshadowed,her
skinsallow.

“Thefaultlieswithme,”Ciansaid.
FatherMichaelshushedher.
“No.”Cianlookedawayfromthepriest.“IknewhowthinEira’spatienceworewithCrichton’sabuses

andthefighttogivewomenmorepowerinConatus.Ididn’twatchhercloselyenough.Ididn’tsee.”

Cianclosedhereyes,andatearslippedalonghercheek.
“Eiramadeherownchoices,”FatherMichaelsaid,“asweallmustdo—andonedayshewillanswer

forthem.Butthatburdendoesnotrestuponyourshoulders.”

“Isthereanythingwecando?”EmberthoughtofBarrow,Lukasz,andKael,exiledinFranceand

awaitingnews.Thusfar,Emberhadnothingbutgrieftoofferthem.

FatherMichaelroseandwenttoCian,takingherhandsinhis.“Pleasesit,mylady.Iknowhowrarely

yourest.”

Cianlethimguidehertothechair,andshesat,silentbutsheddingnomoretears.
TurningtoEmber,thepriestsaid,“WesearchdayandnightforameanstodefeatBosque,forheisthe

vesselthatcarriesusintoshadow.”

“That’swhattheothersdoaswell.”Embernodded.“They’reatasafehouseinLaRochelle.”
“Notthehiddensanctuary?”FatherMichaelaskedinalarm.
“No,”Embertoldhim.“Wesoughtrefugethereafterourshipwaswrecked,andalongtimefriendof

thecommander’s,aknightbythenameofJérômeFauré,cametous.Hegaveusaidbutalsotoldusthat
anysiteassociatedwithConatusortheTemplarswouldbeunsafe.”

“Yourshipsank?”Cianbrokein.“WhenyousaidSawyerwaslostatsea,Ididn’tthink…how?”
“Aseamonster,”Emberanswered.“Barrowcalleditakraken,Leviathan.Ittoretheshiptopieces.”
“ByGod’smercyalone,yousurvived.”FatherMichaelmadethesignofthecross.
Embercouldn’tdisagree.Thatshe’dmadeittothebeachwithBarrowintowwasnothinglessthana

miracle.“Wemadeittoshore,butwelosteverythingexceptthehorses.”

“Anothermercy,”FatherMichaelsaid.“Withouthorses,youmightnothavereachedLaRochelle.”
Returningtoherhiddencompanions,Embersaid,“JérômeadvisedLukasztotrytocontacttheclerics

oftheHolyLand.Hebelievesthatonlytheoldest,mostsecrettomeswillrevealthemeanstodefeatour
enemy.”

“Ihopehe’sright,”Ciansaid.“We’vefoundnothinghere.Atleastnothinggood.Sofarwe’velearned

moreaboutBosque’spowerbyhisownhandthanourstudies.”

“HaveyoureceivedwordfromLukasz?”Emberasked.“Willhebeabletosafelycontactyouifthey

findsomething?”

“We’restillworkingonthat,”FatherMichaeladmitted.“ThesuccesswithwhichEirahasrecruited

followerstookusbysurprise.YourfriendJérômewasright.Anyoftheusualplaceswe’dsendword
havebeencompromised.PerhapsthissafehouseinLaRochellewillsuffice.”

“That’swhatLukaszhopedfor,”Emberreplied.
“Howdoyouplantofitinhere,Ember?”Ciansaidbitterly.“DoyouthinktoreturntotheGuard?”
“No,”Emberanswered.“IserveLukasz,notAlistair.”
“YouspeaklikeatrueknightofConatus.”Cian’stoneremainedsharp.
Emberstoodupstraighter.“DoyouthinkIamnot?”
“Eirafavoredyou,”Cianansweredher.“AndthoseEirafavoredhavebecomehergreatest

supporters.”

Nodding,EmbersaidtoCian,“AlistairspokeofEira’shopesforme,butIneveraspiredtowinher

admiration.AllIwantedtodowasserveConatuswithmyblades.”

“AndhowwillyouserveConatusnow?”Cianasked.
“ImustconvinceAlistairthatIreturnednotonlyforAgnes,butforhim,”Embersaidcalmly,thoughher

heartgaveaheavythudasshespoke.Beforeshe’dcometoTearmunn,herplanhadbeennothingmore
thanwordsspokenwithconviction.Nowthatshewashere,shewouldhavetoact.

“That’sadangerousgame.”CianreturnedEmber’ssteadygaze.“Areyoupreparedtoseeitthrough?”
“Ihavetobe.”ItwasthemosttruthfulanswerEmbercouldgive.
FatherMichaelclaspedhishandsasifinprayer,holdingthemtohischest.“It’sagreatriskyoutake,

butifyougainAlistair’strust,itmayhelpusimmensely.”

“Thatthoughtoccurredtomeaswell,”Cianadded.
Emberforcedherselftosmile,affirmingtheirwords.Insideshewasajumbleofdoubtsandsecond

guesses.Sinceherreturn,Alistairhadn’tsomuchaslookedatherwithwarmth.Herofferstoaidthemby
becomingAlistair’sconfidantemightproveempty.

Cianrose,gesturingtothedoor.“I’lltakeyoubacktoAgnes’sroom.You’vehadalongjourney

already,andI’mafraidtheroadaheadgrowsonlyrougher.”

BeforeshefollowedCian’sdirection,Emberasked,“Thisoath.DoesEiranotpresseachofyoutotake

it?”

“Myfaithismyshield,”FatherMichaeltoldher.“Icannottakeanoaththatwouldcompromisethe

vowsI’vealreadytakenintheserviceoftheChurch.”

Embersuddenlywasveryafraidforhim.“AndEiradoesn’tobject?”
“Fortunately,EiraandBosqueseemeasadodderingoldpriestandnotathreat,”FatherMichaelsaid.

“SincetheythinkIhavenothingtoofferthem,theycarenotwhethertheytakesomethingfromme.”

Abitrelieved,EmberlookedatCian.
“Icurrentlyenjoyareprieve,”Ciansaid.“DuetomygeneralstubbornnessandthefactthatIamEira’s

sister.Butmytimewillcome.”

Forseveralheartbeats,EmberfoundhereyeslockedwithCian’s.Sherealizedthattheyshareda

commongoalbeyondthatofsavingConatus:eachwomanremainedwithinTearmunnatherperil,allin
thehopesofsavinghersister.Cianbroketheirgazefirst,reachingforthedoorhandle.

“IfIneedtospeakwithyou…”Embertrailedoff,thinkingherselfilladvisedtogoknockingonCian’s

doororsneakingintoFatherMichael’shumblequartersnearthechapel.

CianandFatherMichaelexchangedaknowinglook.
“Whereelse,mychild?”ThepriestsmiledatEmber.“Confession.”

AWEEKPASSEDBEFOREAlistairsoughtEmber’scompany.Inthosesevendays,Emberbecame
increasinglyconvincedthatshe’dtraveledbackwardthroughtime.Haditnotbeenforthesightofthe
steephighlandslopesthatshecouldspyfromAgnes’s,andnowherown,windoworthefactthatEmber
andhersisterhadgrownintowomenandwerenolongeryounggirls,Embercouldhavebeenconvinced
thatshewasagainatherfather’sestate,livingoutthelifethatshe’dknownmostdaysofherchildhood.
Evenherdresseswerefamiliar.OnEmber’sfirstmorningafterherreturntoTearmunn,allthechestsher
fatherhadinsistedaccompanyEmbertothekeephadappeared.

Emberwasn’thappyathowquicklysherememberedwhyshe’dhatedthedaysspentcoopedupinher

father’smanor.Sincetheirmovementswererestricted,Agneshadsuggestedthattheyembroiderclothing
forherunbornchild.Wantingtopleasehersister,Emberassentedbeforesherecalledhowmuchshe
despisedworkingwithaneedleandthread.

Whenenoughofherfingerswerebleedingfromtiny,invisibleneedlepricks,Embergaveup.Her

embroiderysatinherlap,unfinished,whileAgneschattedorsangsweetsongs.Embergazedoutthe
window,knowingshemustbeinthisroom,inthiskeep,butwishingshewerenot.Afterthefirst
clandestinenightvisit,EmberhadnofurthercontactwithCianorFatherMichael.Thoughsheoffered
Agnesplacidsmiles,Ember’sthoughtsmoreoftenthannotwereofBarrow.Sometimessheclosedher
eyes,tryingtorememberwhatitwasliketopassthenightinhisarms,wakingtothescentofhisskinon
hers.Shecapturedbriefglimpsesofhisfaceinherdreams—thesoftnessofhislipsandtheroughstroke
ofstubbleonhisjaw,thecolorofhiseyesasdarkasthewintersea,thestrengthofhishands.

Knowingshecouldn’tloseherselfinthefantasiesofelsewhere,Embertriedtokeepherattentionon

Agnes.Surprisingly,giventhecircumstances,Agnesblossomedwithherpregnancy.Thesicknessthathad
plaguedherearlyonhadpassed,andwhileherbellygrew,sodidtheglowinhercheeks.ThoughEmber
washappytoseehersisterwell,Agnes’sconditionraisedtroublingquestions.Alistairhadofferedto
careforhernow,butwhendidhishospitalitycometoanend?Wouldheprovideforherchildaswell?
WouldAgnesliveforeveratTearmunn?

Evenifsuchanarrangementhadbeenmade,Emberknewitwasn’tviable.Tearmunncouldneverbea

safeplaceforeitherAgnesorEmber.NotsolongasEiraruledandBosquestoodatherside.Becauseof
this,Embersetherselfanothertask.NotonlymustshefindawayintoAlistair’sgoodgraces,butshealso
neededawayoutofTearmunnforAgnes.

EmberponderedthesetwoproblemswhileAgnesembroideredthehemofaminusculeshirt.Both

sisterslookedupwhenthedooropened.Agnes’smaidcurtsiedandsteppedaside.WhenAlistairwalked

in,Emberjumpedtoherfeet,smoothingherpalebluegown.BosquefollowedAlistairthroughthedoor,
butEmbermanagedtokeepapleasantsmileonherface.

AgnessetherembroideryasideandrosewithmuchmoredignityandgracethanEmberhadshown.

Sinceitwasherroomandshewastheeldersister,EmberdeferredtoAgnes,leavinghertogreettheir
visitors.

“Goodmorning,LordHartandLordMar.”Shecurtsied,andEmbermimickedhersister’saction.
Alistairgaveabriefnod.“Goodmorning,Agnes.Ihopeyouarewell?”
“Iam,Alistair.”Agnesblushedwhenshebeamedathim,pickinguphernearlyfinishedshirt.“Lookat

whatwe’vemade.”

EmberofferedAlistairawrysmile.“Mysisterisbeingtoogenerouswithheruseofwe.”
“I’msuresheis,”Alistairanswered,barelylookingatEmber.
ThesmilevanishedfromEmber’sfaceasquicklyasifAlistairhadslappedher.Shedidn’tunderstand.

Jokinghadalwaysbeentheirway,andhisbrusquemannerwasstrange.Emberwassurprisedathow
deeplyitstungher.

Bosquecameforward,leaningdowntoexaminethehem.“Howlovely.Youmusthavedelicatehands

tocreatesuchfineneedlework.”

Agnescurtsiedagain.“You’reverykind,LordMar.”
“Ihatetotroubleyou,Agnes,butI’dliketoaskforabitoftimealonewithyoursister.”Alistairdidn’t

lookatEmber,thoughhewasspeakingabouther.

Underanyothercircumstances,EmberwouldhaveshoutedatAlistairuntilhisearswereredfor

treatingherthus.Butnowshefelthelpless;shecoulddonothingbutstandquietlywhileplansweremade
abouther.Hernightmaresofferedmorekindnessthanthis.

“Ofcourse.”Agnesputtheshirtdown,butclearlydidn’tknowwhattodowithherself.
Bosqueofferedherhisarm.“IthoughtIcouldtakeyouforawalkaroundthegrounds.Thedayisfine,

andsomeairwoulddoyougood.”

Agnessmiledupatthetallmanasthoughhewerethesunitself.Emberwantedtostompherfeetand

scream.Woodenandmiserable,shewatchedBosqueleadhersisterfromtheroom.Beforehepassed
throughthedoor,BosquecastaglancebackatEmber,onecornerofhismouthcurvingupinawaythat
madeEmber’slegsquake.Shedroppedbackintoherchair,feelingcoldandbreathless.

“Areyouill,LadyMorrow?”Alistairhadn’tmovedfromwherehestood.
“No.”Embersatup,pretendingshewasn’tasunsettledasshefelt.“Isleptpoorly,that’sall.”
“I’msorrytohearthat.”Alistairmadeashowoflookingthechamberover.“Perhapsyourequirea

separateroom.”

Emberchewedherlip.Aroomofherownwouldgiveherprivacy,bothforattemptingtowinAlistair

andforsneakingoutinthenightifneedbe.ButshewasalsoinstinctivelyprotectiveofAgnesand
reluctanttocreatedistancebetweenthem.

“I’vesharedaroomwithAgnesallmylife,”Embertoldhim.“Youneedn’tmakespecialarrangements

formenow.”

“Noarrangementswouldbeneeded,”Alistairreplied.“Wehaveanemptyroomthatyoumayuseifyou

like.”

“I—”AgaincaughtoffguardbyAlistair’scolddemeanor,Emberstruggledforanewapproachtotheir

conversation.

“AndyoumightconsiderthatwhenyousharedaroomwithAgnes,youwerebothgirls,”Alistair

continued.“Ifyouhaven’tnoticed,yoursisterisawomanwithchild,andyou…well,Ican’tsaywhat
youare.”

Emberblanched,completelyunsureofherself.Themanspeakingtohernowwasnothinglikethe

Alistairshe’dknown.Gonewastheteasingboywho’dtaughthertofightwithasword.

Alistairgaveheratiredlook.“You’llstillhaveampletimetospendinAgnes’scompany,butyou’ll

conductyourselfasawomanofyourstationshould—atleastonthesurfaceofthings.”

“Ifyouthinkitbest—”Emberbegan,butthenshecouldnolongerhelpherself.Asobwelledfromthe

verypitofherstomach,bringingwithittearsthatrequirednoplayactingtosummon.“Whyareyouacting
likethis?”

ShefeltexactlylikethepetulantlittlegirlAlistairaccusedherofbeing.
Stiffly,Alistairsaid,“Ember,collectyourself.You’rebetterthanthis.”
ThatonlymadeEmbersobagain.Notonlywassheconfused,shewasmortifiedbyherownunexpected

outburst.

Withanoiseofdisgust,Alistairfinallybrokefromhiswatchfulposeandcametoher.Grabbingher

arms,heforcefullyliftedhertoherfeet.

“Stop,Ember.”Alistairgaveheralightshake.“Youshameyourselfwiththisdisplay.”
Embercouldn’thalthertears,butshechokedbackanothersob.Throughherblurredvision,shemet

Alistair’ssky-blueeyesandfoundthemjudgingher.

Heheldontoherarmwithonehandwhiletheothertookherchin.Histhumbrakedteartracksfromher

rightcheek.Shakinghisheadindisappointment,Alistairfrowned.“Whydidyoucomeback?”

Emberstaredathim,hereyesbrimming.“Ithoughtyouwanted—”
“WhenhaveyouevercaredaboutwhatIwant?”Alistairsnapped.
“Iwaswrong.”Emberhadbeguntotrembleallover.“Ididn’tknow.”
Alistair’sarmslidaroundherback,grippinghertightatthewaistandhip.“Wheredidyougo?”
“ToLaMarche.”Embertriedtofocus,torecallthestorysheneededtotell.Hermindwasdrowningin

tearsandcruelwords.Shecouldbarelysensetheroomaroundthem.Allshecouldseewasthepiercing
blueofAlistair’sgaze.

Alistair’slipcurled,haughty.“Why?”
“Youtoldme…yousaid…”Emberwasshakingsobadlythatshecouldn’tstandup.Shedidn’tneedto,

asAlistairwasnowholdingheragainsthim.

“DiditeveroccurtoyouthatImighthaveregrettedwhatmerciesIofferedyouthatnight?”Alistair

hissedintoherear.“Didasinglethoughtcrossyourmindotherthanwhatwouldmakeyourlifethe
easiest?Whatyouwanted?”

“Stop.”EmbergraspedAlistair’sshirt,clingingtohim.“Please.”
“Tellmewhyyoulefttheothers.”Alistairspokeinalow,harshvoice.“Aretheydead?”
Ember’sthroatclosed.Herheadwasspinning.Whatwasshesupposedtosay?Whatshouldhave

befallenhercompanions?Whatstorywouldkeepthemsafe?

“Ordidtheyleaveyoubehind?”ThesweetnessofAlistair’squestionwaslikevenom.“Didyouprove

toogreataburden,themaidwhoheldbacksuchgreatknightsofConatus?”

Shuttinghereyes,stillburningfromhertears,Embersaid,“Ileftthem.”
Wasthatwrong?ShouldshehavetoldAlistairthey’dperished,drowned?Barrow’sfaceglaredather,

accusing.EmberburiedherheadagainstAlistair’sshoulder.

“You’relying.”Alistair’slipswereatherear,hotandunrelenting.“Tellmethetruth.”
Embertwistedherhandsinhisshirt,pullingherbodyclosertohis.“Ileftthem.”
“Why?”
Hisfacewaswarmagainsthers,andEmberdidn’tknowhowthey’dcometobesoclose.Shecouldn’t

besureofanything,exceptthatifshelethimgo,shewouldfall.

“BecauseIwaswrongtoleave,”shewhispered,hervoicecracking.
Alistairlaughed,hisbreathbeatingagainstherneck.“Youexpectmetobelievethat?”
“I’mherenow.”EachwordEmberspokefeltmorepatheticthanthelast.
“You’rehereforAgnes,”Alistairtoldher.“Whichistheonenobleactyou’veaccomplishedsinceyou

firstsetfootinConatus.Icanhonorthat.”Hisfingersliftedherchin.“Butyouarenothereforme.”

Emberopenedhermouth,butherprotestdiedinherthroat.She’dfailed.Failedbeforesheevermade

thedecisiontoreturn.Alistairdespisedher.

Moretearsstungastheygatheredatthecornersofhereyes,andEmberhatedherselfforit.Shelether

eyelidscloseindefeat.Amomentlater,shefeltAlistair’slipsonhers.Thesuddenwarmthandsilken
touchofhismouthprovokedaninstinctivereactionfromEmber;herhandsreleasedhisshirt,sliding
aroundhisnecktopullhimcloserstill.Whenhistongueslippedintohermouth,shedidn’tfighthim,
desperatelyneedingareprievefromhishostility.Seekinganysignthathestillwantedher,shewasnot
readytofacewhatitwouldmeanifhedidn’t.

Alistairbrokeoffthekisssuddenly.Ember’seyeswerestillclosedwhenhepushedherbackintoher

seat.Helefttheroomwithoutspeakingorlookingbackather.

Embersat,grippingthearmsofthechair.Herbodystilltrembledaswavesofheatandcoldcoursed

throughher.Shestaredatthedoor,terrifiedbythefactthatshehadnoideawhathadjusthappened.

ALISTAIRHADKNOWNTHEencounterwouldbeastruggle,butithadbeenmoretryingthanhe’d
imagined.Hehadn’tplannedtokissEmber,ormoreaccurately,hehadplannedtoavoidkissingher.Inhis
firstrealinteractionwithEmbersinceherreturn,Alistairhadhopedtoshowheronlydisdain.

Temptationhadprovedtoogreat.ThekisshadbeenprovokednotbecauseEmberhadbeenmolded

againsthim,norbecausehewatchedthewayherbreastsroseandfellwitheachshortbreathshetook.It
washerdesperationthathadpushedhimovertheedge.Thewayshe’dheldontohimasifherlife
dependedonit.

Insomeways,Alistairsupposed,Ember’slifediddependonhim.Butthewayshehadneededhimto

givehersomething.Thesmallesttokenthatsheremainedofsomeworthtohim.Emberhadalwaysbeen
defiant.Toseeherquakingwithfearmadehimfeelstronger,morealive.Andmoredetermined.

ThoughhehungeredformoreofEmber,Alistairknewthatgivingintohisdesiremeanthewouldhave

tokeephimselfawayfromheragain.Atleastforalengthofdaysthatwouldleaveherillatease.He
neededhertobeunsureofhim.

Asusual,Bosque’sadvicehadprovenwiseandeffective.Alistairmeanttospendthemajorityofhis

hoursbecomingtheprotégéthatwouldgiveLordMarthemostpride.

Makinghiswaytothecatacombs,AlistairnoddedashepassedFatherMichaelworkingatascribe’s

tableinthechapel.Thepriestbowedslightlyinresponseandthenreturnedtohisstudies.

Alistairenteredthecellardoor,rapidlydescendingthestaircase.Hehurriedpastthewinecasks.He

hatedbeinginthisdark,mustyroom,sofilledwithmemoriesoffearandhumiliation.Histrialagainst
thosewretchedhobgoblinshadbeenanexerciseincruelty,Alistairhaddecided.Anunfairgamesetup
fortheentertainmentofLukaszandBarrow,whowerepredisposedtodislikeAlistairbecauseofhis
nobleblood.

ThoughKaelhadleftwiththem,Alistairfoundithardtofaulthismentor,insteadpreferringtobelieve

that,likeEmber,Kaelhadbeendeludedbytheirlies.Behindtherowsofwoodencasks,Alistairranhis
handsovertheflooruntilhisfingersfoundtheironring.Alistairtuggedhardonthering,andthetrapdoor
groanedopen,revealinganother,mucholderstaircase.

Happytoleavethecellarbehind,Alistairdisappearedbeneaththefloor,pullingthetrapdoorshut.He

wasplungedintodarknessbutdidn’tmind,knowingitwouldsoonabate.Alistairhadmadethisjourney
oftenenoughthathenolongerhadtofollowthecurveofthewall.Heknewthepreciseangleanddistance
ittooktoreachthenextdoor.Eveninthepitch-black,Alistairhadnotroublefindingthedoorhandle.He

pushedthedooropenandenteredtherealmofthedead.

BeforeBosque’sinstructiontousethem,Alistairhadn’tknownofthecatacombs’existence.He

gatheredthatfewinTearmunndid.Theever-curvingpassageslopedsteeplydownasifthecorridorled
toHadesitself.Alistairhadwondereduponhisfirstentryintothecatacombshowmanyyearshadpassed
sinceanymanhadfiredthetorchesthatnowlithispath.

Alistairkeptuphisquickpaceuntilhereachedthelowestandlastsection.Herethenarrow,tomb-

linedcorridorwidenedintoanopenchamber.Morehollowshadbeencarvedintherockofthechamber’s
fourwallstoofferholdingplacesforsarcophagi.Themostornaterestingplacesforthedeadwere
featuredoncarvedplatformsatregularintervals.

Steppingintothebroadchamber,Alistairtookadeepbreath,lettingtensionmeltfromhisbody.This

washisworkplace.TheonlysolacehecouldfindfromEmber’spull.

Hamishwasalreadyatwork.Amortarandpestle,bundlesgivingoffpungentscents,andcopperbowls

ofvaryingsizeswerespreadbeforethecleric.

Withoutlookingupfromhisnotes,HamishsaidtoAlistair,“Thefirstoneisdead.”
“Butyouexpectedthat,”Alistairanswered,leafingthroughhisownpileofscribbled-uponparchment.
Hamishnodded.“Theproblemwasinthemerge.Toomanyorgansortoofew.Iwon’tknowuntilI

openhimup.”

“You’lldothattoday?”
“Beforetherotsetsin,”Hamishreplied.“Doyouwantmetowaittobeginthethirdtrial?Toseewhat

Icanlearnfromtakingapeekinsidethefirst?”

Alistairgrunted,notlikingthedelay,butconcedingthatitwasprudent.“Yes.”
“Verywell.”Hamishpickedupaserratedblade.“I’llgettoit.”
Ahigh-pitchedyippiercedthechamber,bouncingoffthecatacombwalls.Soonachorusofwhining

barkswereringingintheair.

“They’rehungry,”Hamishsaid,lookingatAlistair.
“Thatonlymeansthey’reawake,”Alistairanswereddrily.“Theyhavetwowaysofbeingrightnow.

Asleepandhungry.”

Hamishturnedtoleave,butAlistaircaughthisarm.“How’sthemother?”
“She’sabitch,”Hamishanswered.
Grimacing,Alistairtoldhim,“Eventhefirsttime,thatjokewasn’tveryfunny.”
Hamishgrinnedinreturn.“Istilllikeit.”
Alistairkeptstonyeyesonthecleric.“Howisshe?”
“Notfondofme,asusual.”Hamishliftedhischintowardoneofthewalls.“ProbablybecauseIkeep

stealingherblood.”

“She’snotweakening,though?”Alistair’sgazemovedtothesealedearthenwarecarafesthatlineda

shelf.Inanotherplacetheymighthavebeenusedtoservewine,butnothere.

Hamishshookhishead.“She’safighter.”
“Good,”Alistairsaid.
Stickingafingerinhisear,HamishshooktheknifeatAlistair.“Nowwillyoushutthemup?”heasked.

Hewalkedoff,mutteringunderhisbreath.

Thecleric’sperpetualsourmoodmighthavedissuadedAlistairfromtakinghimonasacollaborator.

SomedaysitstillgratedonAlistair’snerves,butAlistaircouldn’tdenythatBosquehadbeenrightin
identifyingHamish’spotential.

TheclerichadstudiedAlistair’snotesandsketchesexhaustively.WithinaweekofhisjoiningAlistair,

Hamishhadalreadybroughttheknight’svisiontolife.

Oraroughrenderingthereof.
Alistairrefusedtobefrustrated.Trialsofthissortrequiredpatience,thewillingnesstofailandbegin

again.

TakinganoppositecoursefromHamish,Alistairmovedthroughthechamber.Thepipingcallsforfood

greweverlouderasAlistairwalked.Pausingatthelarder,Alistaircollectedstripsofvenisontofillthe
hungrybellies.Therewereothersoundsintheroomtoo,comingfromthecagesthatwerehiddenina
cornerchamberthatwasasmallerversionofthemaintomb.Alistairignoredthosesounds,unpleasantas
theywere.

Whentheyipsbecamemoreferventandfaster,Alistairknewthey’dspottedhimcoming.Hedeposited

thevenisoninthehollowclosesttotheholdingpen,thencontinuedonhisway.

Alistairpausedattheedgeofthepen.Smallpawstriedtoscrambleupthesidesofthepenastails

waggedfuriously.Sixfurryfacesandshinyblacknoseslifted,seekinghisattention.Lookingdownatthe
wolfcubs,Alistairmarveledathowmuchtheychangedwitheachday.Thecubs,fourmalesandtwo
females,stilltotteredabitastheyjostledagainsteachother,tryingtoreachhim,buttheymovedwith
muchgreatercontroloftheirfeet.Theireyeswerebrightandalert,everobservingtheirworld.

Alistairopenedthegateandjoinedthecubs,whoswarmedaroundhisfeet.Theywereanarrayof

shadesrangingfrommottledgrayliketheirmothertothesilver-whiteofthemoon.Alistairscoopedup
themalewhohadsteel-grayfuronhisbackbutawhitechestandstomach.Hecouldeasilyholdthecubin
onehand.Thelittlebeastwriggled,itsyipsmixingwithtinygruntsandmewling.Alistairletthecubrest
againsthischest,anditgaveitselfovertolickinghisneckincessantly.Theticklingsensationmade
Alistairlaugh,andthecubbarkedinreply.

Hecarriedthecubintothechamberfromwhichplaintivecriesemerged,pickinguphisstashof

venisonstripsontheway.

Concentrate,Alistairremindedhimselfasheforcedonefootinfrontoftheother.Focus.
Thefeedingwasn’ttroubling,buttheplacethemealhadtooccurwas.Thecriesfellsilentwhen

Alistairenteredtheroom.Sixcageshadbeenplacedinthechamber,threealongeachwall.Thevillage
children’swide,frightenedeyesfixedonAlistair.Thoughherefusedtolookathiscaptives,Alistair
couldfeeltheirstares,sensethequiveringoftheprisoners’limbsashereachedthecenterofthechamber.

Settlingontothefloorwiththecubinhislap,Alistairtookhistimefeedingthecubsmallmorselsofthe

rawmeat.Thegray-and-whitewolfgulpedthevenisondowngreedily,hisattentionfullyconsumedbythe
bloodyflesh.Notoncewasthecubdistractedbythecagedchildrenwhoshrankagainstthebarsatthe
backoftheircages,awayfromthemanandyoungpredatorinhisarms.Alistairwaspleased.

Afterthecubhadhisportionofmeat,Alistairsatwiththewolf.Heletthecubplayatchasinghimor

wrestlingwithhisarmuntilittired.Onlywhenthelittlewolfclimbedintohislapandcurledintoaball
tosleepdidAlistairreturnhimtothepen.Settingthesleepycubdown,Alistairpickeduphissister.He
wentthroughthesamecyclewitheachofthesixcubs.He’dbeenwiththemeachdaysincetheirbirth.He
wouldcontinuetobethereeachdayastheygrew.Andwitheachmeal,they’dbecomeaccustomedtothe
scentsofthesixcagedchildren,astheyneededtobe.

ItwasHamish’stasktobringAlistair’svisiontolife.ButAlistair’sworkwouldensureitssuccess.

EIRAHADHEARDASMANYcomplaintsasshecouldbearforthatday.Thescragglyshepherdbowed
asshepromisedforthetwelfthtimethatdaytoaddresssomevillager’sconcern.Mostoftheirfearswere
petty,bornofsuperstitionsthathadrunwildsinceBosque’swraithshadattackedthevillage.Since
Bosquekeptherinformedofwhatcreatureshadcrossedoverfromthenethertotheearth,Eiracould
quicklydiscernthoseofthevillagers’talesthatweretrueandthosethatwereonlytheirnightmares
spokeninthelightofday.

OtherpleasbroughtbeforeEirawereofamoreseriousnature.Thosepetitionswerewhatprovoked

EiratoaskBosquetoaccompanyhertoherchamberaftershe’dheldcourt.

“Isufferthroughthisonyouradvice,”Eiratoldhimafterhe’dclosedthedoor.
Bosquenodded.“AndthoughI’msorryforyourpain,Iwouldgivethesamecounselifaskedagain.”
“Whydoyouthinkthevillagersmatter?”Walkingbackandforththroughtheroom,Eirastretchedher

armsandneck.She’dbeensittingfartoolongthatday.Castinghergazetowardthewindow,Eira
wonderedwhereCianwasandifhersistermightbegameforanhourortwoonthepracticefield.

“Thevillagersdomatter,”Bosquetoldher.“Iftheyfearyou,theywillsubmittoyou,butiftheylove

andfearyou,theywillfightforyou.”

“Withpitchforksandbrooms?”EiraarchedherbrowatBosque.
“Don’tunderestimatethem,”Bosquereplied.
“Verywell,”Eirasaidwearily.“Whataboutthechildren?”
“Whataboutthem?”
Eirafrowned.“Don’tbecoy.”
“Childrengomissingallthetime,”Bosquesaid.“Theydrowninthelake.Theyfallfromcliffs.They

arelostinthewoods.”

Pursingherlips,Eirasaid,“WhatareAlistairandHamishdoingwiththem?”
“Makingprogress,”Bosqueanswered.
“Areyoutryingtoannoyme?”Eira’shandswenttoherhips.
Bosquesmiledather.“Perhaps.ButmorelikelyIseektodelayyou.”
“Whywouldyoudothat?”Shewenttoherdesk.Thestackofparchmentsgrewtallereachday.Each

newletterconfirmingthespreadofhermessageacrosstheknownworld.

“YouknowLordHartasasoldier,”Bosquesaid.“ButI’veaskedhimtobecomeanartist.Thisishis

greatwork.Iwouldn’thaveitspoiledforyoubecauseyousawanunfinishedmasterpiece.”

“Hmmm.”Eiralookedup.“WestillhavelittlenewsfromtheHolyLand.”
Bosquemadeanoncommittalsound.“Iexpectthey’llresistthelongest.Theplaceswherethingsbegin

oftenprovethemostreluctanttoletthosethingsgo.”

WhenEiradidn’treply,Bosquelaughed.“WhydoIsuspectyoulongforanuprising?”
Eira’sfurrowedbrowgavewaytoasmile.“Isthatwhatyouthink?”
“Ithinkyourhandwouldrathergripaswordthanaquill,”Bosquereplied.“AndIdon’tfaultyouforit.

Thebusinessofpoliticsisoftendull.”

Lookingathimwithcuriosity,Eirasaid,“Aretherepoliticsinyourworld?”
“Thereisnowarwithoutpolitics,”hesaid.
Turningawayfromherletters,Eiraasked,“WillyouspeculateastowhenIcanseethismasterpiece

thatAlistaircreates?”

“Anotherweek,”Bosqueanswered.“Perhapsafewmoredaysthanthat,butnotlong.”
“I’mintrigued,”Eiratoldhim.“You’veguardedthissecretlikeahoardoftreasure.”
“Iassureyou,”Bosquesaid,“it’smuchbetterthantreasure.”
Eiralaughed.“Ifyouwanttokeepmefromspoilingyourgreatdayofrevelation,youshouldn’tentice

mewithsuchpromises.”

“Alistair’sworkpointstothefuture,”Bosquesaid,brushingasideherplayfultonewithhisnewly

seriousmanner.“Itbringstomindsomethingyoushouldalsobeconsidering.Somethingtodowith
politics.Andwar.”

“Howso?”Eirabegantounbraidherhair,whichshe’dboundtootightlyinthemorning;ithadcaused

herheadtoache.

Bosquewatchedaswaves,copperbright,fellsectionbysectionuponEira’sshoulders.“Yourlegacy.I

wouldseeyousecureit.”

“Mylegacy,”Eiramurmured.Sherubbedhertemples.
“Whowillrulewhenyouaregone?”Bosquecontinued.“ThoughIassureyou,thatwillbemanyyears

fromnow.”

Thoughhereyeswereclosed,Eirasmiled.“Youarealwayssocertain,LordMar.”
“Iam.”Hisvoicewasmuchcloser.Eiraopenedhereyestofindhimstandingbeforeher.
Bosque’sgazelingeredonherface.“Iwouldlikeyoutothinkaboutyourheir.”
Eiralaughed.“Anheir?”
WhenBosqueshowednosignofjoiningherboutofmirth,Eirasaid,“YouspokeofAlistair.Isityour

wishthatIshouldnamehimmysuccessor?”Shedidn’tdisliketheidea.Thoughheoftenfrustratedher
withhisyouthfulwhimsandirritatingobsessionwithEmberMorrow,EiraheldAlistairinhighregard.
Heraffectionforhimgrewdaily.

AhintofasmiletouchedBosque’smouth.“YouneedAlistairtobeyourgeneral,andinthatrole,he

willserveyouwell,butsomeoneelseshouldtakeyourthrone.”

Eirafrownedathim.“Who?”
“Whynotyourownchild?”Bosqueasked.
Shetookastepback,halfturningfromhim.Twistingherfingersinherloosehair,shesaidquietly,“My

yearstobearchildrenarepast.Ichoseanotherlifethanthatofwifeandmother.”

Unsettled,Eirasmoothedherhairback,intendingtobraiditoncemore.ButBosquewassuddenlyat

herside,pushingherhandaway.

“Leaveitdown,”hesaidinavoicethatreachedbeneathherskin,makinghertremble.
Shedrewastartledbreathwhenheplacedhispalmlowonherbelly.Leaningclose,hemurmured,

“Lifewouldstillquickenwithinyou.”

“Whydoyouspeaktomeofthis?”Eiracouldn’tmove.Nomanhadtouchedher,desiredtodrawclose

toher,beforenow.

Butheisn’ttrulyaman.
Hermindtriedtograspthatsmall,fearfulvoice,butherbodyrespondedtothewarmthofBosque’s

handandthecaressofhisbreathonherneck.Whensheclosedhereyes,attemptingtofocus,theimageof
Bosqueappeared,emergingnakedfromthewaters,rivuletsofseawaterchasingeachotherdownthe
carvedlinesofhischestandabdomen.

Eira’seyelidsflutteredopenandsheshookherhead,tryingtodispelthememory.
“Doesmytouchoffendyou?”Bosqueasked.Hisfingerspressedintoherasheslidhishandfromher

stomachtograspthecurveofherhip.BosquedrewEiraclose.Herbackfittedagainsthischest,andshe
couldfeelthestrengthofthebodyhermind’seyehadmemorizedsowell.

“Iaskedaquestion,”Eirasaid,notwantinghimtoknowhowfaroffbalancehe’dputher.Shelaidher

handoverhis,thinkingtopushitawayfromher,butthemomentherfingerstouchedhiswarmskin,they
curledaroundhishandasifbyinstinct.

“Yourfutureisalsomine,Eira.”Hewoundloosestrandsofherhairaroundhiswristlikeaserpent.

“Andourbondisalreadyformed,joiningourtwoworlds.Isuggestonlythatthereisafurtherpathwe
mightwalktogether.”

“Doyouwantmeasalover?”Eirapulledawayfromhim.“Ordoyousimplywishformetobearyour

child?”

“IsthereareasonIcan’tdesireboth?”Bosqueasked.Shekeptherdistance,andhedidn’tattemptto

drawnearagain.“Andthechildwillnotbemine,butours.”

“I—”EirastaredatBosque.Herskinwasstillflushedandstrangelyhotfromtheirbriefcloseness.
“ConsiderwhatI’vesaid.”Bosqueretreatedtothedoor.“WhenIspeakofthisagain,I’llrequireyour

answer.”

Whenhe’dgone,Eirawenttoherbed.Shelaydownandclosedhereyes,ponderingaquestionshe

neverhadexpectedtobeasked.

DAYAFTERDAYPASSED,butEmbercouldn’tshakeAlistair’svisitfromhermind;norcouldshethink
ofanypriorincidentinherlifethatshe’dgivensuchscrutiny.OnceAlistairwasoutoftheroom,Ember
hadbeenabletocatchherbreathandcollectherwits,onlytofindherselfutterlybewilderedbywhathad
transpired.

Inamatterofminutes,Emberhadbrokendown,beenreducedtoapathetic,weepinglumpofagirl.All

becauseAlistairhadtreatedhermorecoldlythanshe’deverbelievedhewould,orcould.Hiswordshad
bruisedherspiritaswellasherheart.Thoughshedidn’tlovehiminthewayhewished,Alistairhad
beenheronlyfriendbesidesAgnesthroughoutherchildhood.He’dbeentheonlyonewhohadn’t
chastisedherforlongingtowieldaswordandbecomeasaccomplishedahorsemanasanyboy.

Shockedandhumiliatedbyherownnaiveté,Emberhadtoadmitthat,whileshehadbelievedshe

wouldhavetopersuadeAlistairthatshehadreturnedtoTearmunnforhissakeaswellashersister’s,she
hadneverimaginedthatshewouldarrivetofindhimturnedagainsther.

Butwhatbotheredhermostofallwasthekiss.ItwastooeasytorememberthefeelingofAlistair’s

mouthonhersandthewayshe’dresponded.EmberrecalledthefirsttimeAlistairhadkissedher,how
invasivehisardorhadfelt.ThislatestkissEmberhadwanted,butnotbecauseshewantedAlistair.In
beatingherdownwithhiswords,dashingherhopestoinsinuateherselfintohisconfidence,Alistairhad
renderedEmberahollowshell,desperatetobefilledwithsomeaffirmation.Thekisshadservedthat
purpose,andEmberwasdeeplyshamedbyherbehavior.

Evenso,shecouldn’tunderstandwhythekisshadhappened.AsmuchasEmberlongedforsomesign

thatAlistairstillcaredforher,shehadn’tbroughtherlipstohis.Alistairhadkissedher.Ifhedespised
her,ashiswordsandmannerimplied,whywouldhewanttokissherlikethat?Perhaps,believingthat
Emberhadatlastreturnedhisaffectionswhenhisownhadcooled,he’dofferedthekissasafinalinsult.
Areminderofwhatshewouldnowbedenied.

Thethoughthadbeenlikeafistinherbelly.
AllEmbercoulddowaswaitforAlistairtoreturn,andwhileshewaited,shesworetoherselfthata

scenelikethefirstwouldneverbeactedoutagain.

ButAlistairdidn’treturn,leavingEmbertowonderifshewastrulyheldcaptiveinTearmunnbyher

enemiesorifshe’dsimplyimprisonedherself.

ServantscameandrelocatedEmbertochambersofherown.BosqueMardidvisitthemagain,

informingAgnesandEmberthattheywerefreetomovethroughthemanorastheypleased,butifthey
desiredtogoelsewhereinthekeep,theymustbeaccompanied.

Overthecourseofthenextweek,EmberandAgnesshareddaysthatAgnesgreetedwithcheerand

Emberfoundmonotonous.WhileAlistairdidn’tappear,LordMardidvisitthemseveraltimes.Onsome
occasions,hewouldconversewiththemforhourswhileAgnesembroideredandEmbersatwithaneedle
andthreadinherhands.Agneschatteredcontentedly,showingnosignofbeingunnervedbytheman’s
strangeeyesormysteriousorigin.ThoughEmbersupposedAgnesknewnothingofBosque’struenature,
shenonethelessabhorredhoweasilyAgnesacceptedhisinvitationstowalkthegroundsofthekeepor
visitthescribes’library.Forherownpart,EmberfounditdifficulttospeakatallinBosque’spresence.
Shemadeeveryefforttoavoidmakingcontactwithhissilvereyes.WhatLordMar’sassessmentofher
was,Embercouldn’tknow.

WheneightdayshadpassedwithnosignofAlistair,Emberbegantowonderifhewouldevervisit

again.Restingherforeheadagainstthewindow,Emberstareddownatthepracticefield.Shewatched
pairsoftheGuardbattleeachother.Herfingerstwitched,wishingfortheleathergripsofSilenceand
Sorrow.She’dleftherbladesinBarrow’scare,fearingthatiftheyarrivedwithheratTearmunn,the
weaponswouldbelostforever.

Emberdidn’tturnatthelightknockuponherdoor.“Comein,Agnes.”
“Mylady?”Emberwhirledattheman’svoice,theburgundysilkofhergownrustlingwithquick

movement.AGuardstoodintheopendoor.EmberworriedathowmanyoftheGuardwerenowstrangers
toher.Eirahadbeenrecruitingknights,expandingtheGuardwellbeyonditstraditionalnumber.

“Yourpresenceisrequiredinthegreathall.”TheGuardbidherfollowhim.
Emberleftherroomanddescendedthestairsathisheels.Aflurryofpossibilitiesswirledthroughher

mind.Embersuspectedanyleniencyshehadbeenaffordeduponherarrivalhadrunitscourseandnow
shewouldfaceaninterrogation.

TheGuardopenedoneofthedoorstothegreathall,lettingEmberpass,andcloseditbehindher.Only

afewstepsintotheroom,Emberfroze,stunnedbythechangesthathadtakenplacesinceherdeparture.
Structurally,theroomwasthesame,buthadshenotknownthatthishadoncebeentheTearmunnhallin
whichshe’dbegunherinitiationtoConatus,Embermightnothaverecognizedit.

Thehallhadbeentransformedintoathroneroom,LadyEira’sthroneroom.Thewarriorwomansatin

ahigh-backedchairelaboratelycarvedfromebony.WhenEmberentered,Eirabeckonedtoher.Ember
cameforwardbutstoppedagain,gaspingwhenshesawwhatstooddirectlybehindthethrone.

ThecedarofLebanon’slushgreencanopywasgone.Thesacredtree’srichlytexturedbarkhadbeen

strippedaway,asifthetrunkandbrancheshadbeenflayed.Whatstoodinthetree’splacewasa
monstrosity,paleasdrybonesanddevoidoflife.Atthebaseofthetreewasagapingwound.Thetree’s
hearthadbeendestroyed,leavinganemptycarcassbehind.

Gazingatthedesecratedtree,Embersawthatwhatshe’dassumedtobetheguttedtrunkteemedwith

movement.Shadowsrevealededgesofsicklygreenanddullbronzeastheypooledandeddiedwithinthe
deadtree.

“Welcome,LadyMorrow.”
Embergaveasmallcry,jumpingawayfromBosqueMar,whohadappearedwithoutwarningbeside

her.

“I’msorrytohavestartledyou,”Bosquesaid.Hissmilegavenosignofrealconcernforher.Pushing

herforward,Bosquesaid,“Youlingernearthedoorwhenyou’vebeeninvitedtojoinus.”

EmberwalkedquicklytowardEirasoBosque’shandswouldnolongerbeabletoguideher.Histouch

madebeadsofcoldsweatformonthebackofherneck.

Ember’seyeskeptreturningtothenestofshadowsthatmarredthesacredtree.Evenwithoutknowing

whatthedarknesswas,shefearedit.

AlistairwasstandingatEira’srighthand.BosquewalkedpastEmbertotakeupapostonherleft.

EmberdaredtolookatAlistair;hemethergaze,buthisfacegavenoindicationastowhetherhewas
pleasedordispleasedtoseeher.Embercouldn’tstopherselffromsearchingforanysignofemotionin
Alistair’seyes,oranycurveofhislips,andwheretherehadbeencold,heatimmediatelyracedupher
neckandintohercheeks.Staringatthefloor,Emberclenchedherfists.Shedidn’twanttothinkaboutthe
kiss.Shehadn’tenjoyedit.Hadshe?

Keepingherheadbowed,Emberdidn’tbothertoturnwhenthedoortothegreathallopenedand

closedagain.

“Ah,FatherMichael.Thankyouforcoming.”WhenEiraspokethepriest’sname,Emberwasso

relieved,herkneesthreatenedtocave.GratitudefilledherwhenFatherMichaelstoppedatherside,
holdingherwithhiskindeyes.

“Goodmorning,mychild.”
AlistairhadonearmproppedonthetopofEira’sthrone.Heleanedagainsttheornatechair,almost

lounging.“Well,FatherMichael,yousaidyouhadanurgentmatterinvolvingLadyEmberMorrowto
discuss?”

FatherMichaelnodded.“IreceivedamissivefromLordMackenzie.Hecurrentlyplayshostto

Ember’sfatherandofferstoactasamediatorbetweenLordMorrowandhiselderdaughter.”

“Towhatpurpose?”Eiraaskedthepriest.
“Thetonguesofmenlovetowagoverthemisfortunesoftheirfellows,”FatherMichaelanswered.

“MackenzieknowsofAgnes’ssorrowsandwishestoseeherrestoredtoherfather’sgoodwill,provided
foronceagainbyherownfamily.Mackenziehasalwaysbeenaclanleaderwhovaluesloyaltyover
grudges.HebelievesitmorehonorableforAgnesandherunbornchildtobeacknowledgedbyherfather
thanforLordMorrowtocontinuetoshamehisownfleshandblood.”

Bosquefoldedhisarmsacrosshischest.“AndwhatdoesLadyMorrowthinkofthis?”
“OfcourseI—”
“LordMarspeaksofAgnes,notyou,”Alistaircutheroff.
Foramoment,Emberfelttherushofshameandconfusionthathadoverwhelmedherwhenshe’dlast

metAlistair,butbeforeshepulledhereyesfromhim,shecaughtthewayonecornerofAlistair’smouth
hookedupinpleasureatthewayshereeledfromhisreproach.

Ember’sself-doubtdwindledasoutragespreadthroughherveins.Alistairwasenjoyingmakingher

suffer.Wrappingherarmsaroundherwaistandbowingherhead,EmberfeignedthesubmissionAlistair
doubtlesswantedtosee.Intruth,shewasholdingherselfback,longingtopummelhissmugface.

StilladdressingFatherMichael,Bosquesaid,“I’vehadthepleasureofspendingmanyhourswith

Agnesandhavefoundhertobequitehappyhere.Doyouthinkitworthwhiletoevenattemptreunitingher
withafatherwhohasalreadyshownhisdisregardforher?”

EmberlistenedtoBosquespeakofAgneswithrisingalarm.Heshowedfartoomuchinterestin

Agnes’swelfare,andEmbercouldn’tpuzzleoutwhyhersisterwouldbeofanyconsequencetohim.

“Thereiswisdominyourcounsel,LordMar,”FatherMichaelanswered.“ButIamtaskedtorestore

alllostsheeptotheflock.LordMorrowisquick-temperedandstubborn.Hemaywellalreadyregrethis
mistreatmentofAgnes,butmentoofullofprideneedhelpinrightingthewrongsthey’vedone.Iwould
lendmyaidtothiscauseandseethegirlandherfamilyreconciled.”

“Iwon’tsendpoorAgnestoamanwhohasabusedherso,”Alistairtoldthepriest.“Sheisingood

healthandspiritshere.Ifheharanguesheragainforhercondition,itcouldendangertheladyandher
child.”

FatherMichaelbowedhisheadinassent.“Ofcourseyou’reright,LordHart.ThatiswhyIasktogoas

envoytomakepeacewithLordMorrow.AndIwouldbringEmberwithmetospeakonbehalfofher
sister.”

“YouwanttotakeEmbertoMackenzie’scastle?”Eiraleanedforwardonthethrone,likeahawk

lookingdownatpreyfromitsperch.

“IamlittlemorethanastrangertoLordMorrow,”FatherMichaelsaid.“Mywordsalone,Ifear,

cannothopetosoftenhisheart.”

“But—”Emberhesitated;shelookedtoFatherMichaelwithafrown.Thethoughtofleavingthekeep

wasmorethanappealing,thoughEmberfearedshewouldputheelstohermountandruntothecoast
withoutlookingback.

“Sayyourpiece,Ember,”LadyEiraordered.
Keepinghereyesdowncasttoappearastimidasshecould,Embersaid,“Itoowouldseemysister’s

honorrestoredandmyfamily’swoundshealed,butmyownrelationswithmyfatherarehardlyideal.”

FatherMichaeltouchedherarm.Whensheliftedhereyestomeethis,shefoundhissmilemischievous.

“Youforgetyourowntransformation,LadyMorrow.YourfatherragedhiswayoutofTearmunnbecause
youpledgedyourselftotheGuard.Nowyou’veforsakenthatrole.”

Embernodded,andFatherMichaelsaid,“IrememberthatLordMackenzieoncehopedyoumight

becomethewifeofhisson,Gavin.Perhapsthatmatchcouldstillbemade,pleasingyourfatherand
Mackenzie.”

“No!”Alistairstraightened,allthehaughtinessdrainingfromhisface.Withthatsingleword,Ember

knewthatAlistairhadconcealedhistruefeelingsforher.Herpulsejumpedbothwithrenewedfuryanda
thrillofresolve.Bylettinghismaskslipinthatmoment,heaffirmedEmber’sbeliefthatshecouldmake
herwayintohisheartandthusbepositionedtoplayavitalrolewhenthemomentofEira’sdownfallwas
athand.

BosquecheckedAlistairwithasternlook.Recoveringhiscomposure,Alistairsaid,“Emberremains

undersuspicionforcolludingwithtraitors.Doyouthinkmarryingheroffandreleasingherfrom
Tearmunniswise?”

“Forgiveme,LordHart,”FatherMichaelreplied,“butI’dbeenledtounderstandthatLadyMorrow’s

storyhadbeenverifiedbytheCircleatCernon.Areyouquestioningtheirassessment?”

Thoughshewantedtosmirk,Emberkeptherfaceblank.Alistairglaredatthepriest,butdidn’tanswer.
FatherMichaeltookEmber’shandsinhis.“Wouldyouconsidermakingpeacewithyourfatherby

offeringtomarryMackenzie’ssonandfulfillinghisformerwishesforyou?”Hesqueezedherfingers
tight,hisgazeintent.

Ember’seyeswidenedatFatherMichael’squestion.He’dplannedforthismoment,givingheran

opening.Makingthemwaitforheranswer,Emberlookedathershoesandbitherlowerlipwhileher
fingerstangledtogetherasiffromanxiety.

“Iwoulddothisformysister,ifthereisnootherway.”Withthosewords,shestoleaglanceat

Alistair.

Assheanticipated,hisgazewasfixedonher,fearfulandhungry.Whentheireyesmet,Alistair’slips

parted,andheleanedforwardasifhewasabouttocomeforherinthatverymoment.

Emberbroketheirgaze,returningtohertimidpose.
“LadyEira.”FatherMichaelreleasedEmber’shandsandfacedthethrone.“Willyouallowmeto

travelwithEmbertoEileanDonan?”

WhenEirahesitated,thepriestadded,“I’vebeentoldthatanumberofboththehighlandandlowland

clanchiefsareassembledatthecastletosettledisputesanddiscussthesuccession.Theyofferacaptive
audiencetowhichIcouldpresenttheworthinessofyourcause.”

“Icanhandletheclansmyself,”Eiraanswered,hereyesnarrowed.
“Mylady,Ihavenodoubtyoucanandwill,”FatherMichaelreplied.Hegesturedtotheemptychairs

attheCircle’screscenttable.“Butyou’vesenttherestoftheCircleasenvoysintoEuropeandAsia.I
wouldspeakforyouclosertohomeifyouwouldnamemeasanotherofyourmessengers.”

Eirarelaxedintoherthrone.“Verywell,butIdoubtyou’llmeetwithsuccess.LordMorrowisaboor

ofaman.Youcan’ttravelwithoutescort.ThoughItrustourbrethrenofCernon,LadyMorrow’srecent
trespassesstillcastdoubtuponher.Iwouldn’thaveyouattackedontheroadwestandleftfordead,
Father.”

Emberhadtoholdherbreathsoshewouldn’tlaughatthesuggestionthatshecouldeverattackaman

asgoodasFatherMichael.

“I’llaccompanythem.”Alistairhadreassumedhisdisdainfulattitude,butnowthatEmberknewhis

guise,shecouldlookrightthroughit.Still,shequicklyavertedhereyesandbegantofidgetasshehad
whenhe’dsuccessfullyunderminedhersensibilitiesaweekbefore.ThemoreAlistairbelievedhewas
manipulatingEmber,thebettershecouldmoldhisactionstoherowndevices.

FatherMichaeltookastepforward,liftinghishandsimploringlyasifbeggingforreprieve.“Lord

Hart,Iwouldnotinsultyou,butconsiderthis:wegotoLordMorrowinhopesofrestoringhischild.A
daughterwhohasbeenshamedbecauseofyourbrother’sactions.”

“Iamnotmybrother,”Alistairansweredthroughgrittedteeth.
“Noonehassuggestedyouare,”Eirainterjected.“ButFatherMichaelisright.IfyouappearatEilean

Donan,allthatwillcomeofthisisabrawl.”

SilencedbyEira’sjudgment,Alistairwentstill,buthisfistswereclenchedathissides.
“Iwillserveasescort.”Ciansteppedfromtheshadowsbeneaththegallery,andEmberswalloweda

gasp.Herattentionhadbeenheldsofullybythetransformationofthehallandthosewhostoodatits
centerthatshehadnevernoticedEira’ssisterlurkingtothesideoftheirconversation.

CianapproachedEira’sthrone,givingashortbow.“LikeFatherMichael,Ihavenotyettraveledas

yourenvoy.Iamhappytoserveyouthusnow.”

EmberwassurprisedwhenitwasLordMarwhoansweredCian.“Thereisareasonyouhavenotbeen

sentabroad.”Hiswordscarriedmorethanthehintofanaccusation.

OfferinganotherstiffbowtoLordMar,Ciansaid,“Ihavenotadequatelyexpressedmythanksforyour

patienceregardingtheoath.”

“Mypatienceisnotendless,”Bosqueanswered.
Eiraraisedherhand.“Stopthis.”SheturnedtoBosque,andanunspokenagreementseemedtopass

betweenthem.

Addressinghersister,Ciancontinued,“Theclanchiefsknowme.Andasyoursistertheywill

acknowledgemyrighttospeakforyou.”

HoldingCianinaspeculativegaze,Eirafinallysaid,“Yes.”ShelookedtoFatherMichael.“Whendo

youtravel?”

“Ifitpleasesyou,Iwouldtravelonthemorrowatdawn,”FatherMichaelanswered.
“Makeyourarrangements,”Eiratoldhim,thensaidtoEmber,“Speakwithyoursisterofthesethings.If

shewishestoreturntoherfamilyandLordMorrowassentstoreclaimher,Iwillsendhertohim,butI
willnotforcehertoreturntoafamilythatcastheroffunlessshechoosestogo.”

Embernodded,takenabackbyEira’swillingnesstoprotectAgnes.Thewordsweighedheavyon

Ember’sshouldersassherecalledwhyshehadfirstadmiredLadyEira.Thoughshecouldnotunderstand
thenewcourseEiraplotted,EmberstillsawtheferocityanddeterminationthatmadeEirasucha
formidablewarriorandexceptionalleader.

“Mylady.”Embermadealowandgracefulcurtsy.Beforesheturnedaway,shelethergazeflickerto

Alistaironelasttime.Hewatchedher,eyesintent.

LEAVINGTHEGREATHALLalone,Emberclimbedthestairsslowly.Witheachstep,herbodyfelt
moreandmorelikeithadbeenwrungoutasclothesafterwashing.ThestressofstandingbeforeEira,
Bosque,andAlistair,notknowingwhattheywantedofher,wouldhavebeenenough,butnewfissuresin
Ember’sresolvewereopening.

ThesmallglimpseofEira’sformerselfhadstirredEmbermorethanshewantedtoadmit.And

witnessingtheremnantsofthosecharacteristicsEmberhadenviedinEiraprovokedothermemoriesshe’d
storedaway.MemoriesofAlistair.

Itwastooeasytorecallthejoyshe’dfeltwhenhe’darrivedatherfather’smanor,surprisingherinthe

veryplacehe’dsecretlyinstructedherinswordsmanship.HerhopesforrisinginConatushadbeenhopes
forbothofthem.Emberhadalwaysimaginedtheywouldfighttogetherandcareforeachother,notas
loversbutasfriends.SheknewAlistairhadfeltbetrayedwhenshe’drejectedhisprofessionsoflove,but
toEmberitwasAlistairwhohadplayedthetraitor.Alistair’sdesireforherforeveralteredtheir
relationship.Shecouldneverreturnhisfeelings,andhewouldalwaysresentherforthat.

ThoughhehadalliedhimselfwithEiraandBosque,Embercouldn’tforgettheboyshe’dgrownup

with.Aboyshestillcaredforandwasloathtohurt.Thesweettriumphshe’dknownwhensherealized
Alistairstilllovedhernowtastedrotten.Yes,Emberwouldbeabletogoforwardwithherplan—a
strategythatLukasz,Kael,FatherMichael,Cian,andevenBarrowdeemedcunning—butshecouldn’t
stoptherisingdisgustshefelttowardherself.Alistair’slovehadbeentwistedbyhisjealousy.Itwasn’t
theloveBarrowshowedher;thatrarepassionthatcouldonlygrowoutofrespectandadmirationaswell
asthefireofattraction.Butbeneaththesulliedlayersofpossessivenessandlust,EmberbelievedAlistair
didloveher.ThatlovehadspurredhimtoprotectAgneswhenmostwouldhavecondemnedher.Still,any
warmthEmberfelttowardAlistairwastemperedbythelikelihoodthatdesiretoprotecthisfamilyname
hadalsomotivatedhim.

Nevertheless,thatshemustuseAlistair’sloveasanimplementofwarunsettledherdeeply.Andyet

Embercouldseenootherpath.

“Thereyouare!”AgnespeekedoutofherroomandrushedtomeetEmber.“I’vebeenwaitingforyou

allmorning.”

“Iwassummonedtothegreathall,”Embertoldher.“Willyousitwithme?Imustspeakwithyou.”
“Ofcourse.”Agnesbeamedatheryoungersister.“Letmegetmysewing.”
Withagroan,Emberpushedthroughherchamberdoor,leavingitajarforAgnes.Sheslumpedintoa

chair,afloatinhergrowingself-pity.

Agnesclosedthedoorbehindher,settlingintothechairbesideEmber’s.
“Youshouldn’tsitlikethat,Ember.It’suncomely.Andyou’llwrinkleyourdress.”
“Iknow”wasallEmbersaid.
Shakingherheadindisapproval,Agnesreturnedtohersewing.
“I’mridingwithLadyCianandFatherMichaeltothecoasttomorrow,”EmbertoldAgnes.“We’re

goingtoMackenzie.”

“AtEileanDonan?”Agnes’sfingersflewassheembroidered,carryingontheconversationwithout

erringonasinglestitch.“Whydoyougothere?”

“Fatheristhere,”Embersaidquietly.
OnlyaslighthitchintherhythmofAgnes’sneedleandthreadindicatedherdistress.“Ishe?”
“FatherMichaelwishestopleadyourcasetohim,”Embercontinued,watchingAgnesclosely.But

Agnesdidn’tlookup.Herfaceremainedapictureofcalm.“Soyoucanberestoredtoourfamilyand
returntoFather’sestate.”

“IfLadyEiraandLordMarbelievethatwise,Iamhappytogo,”Agnessaid.“ImissMother.”
Emberfrowned.“Youdon’tquestionthecounselofLordMar?”LadyEiradidn’ttroubleEmberhalfas

much.

“WhyshouldI?”Agnes’sneedleslidupanddown,upanddown.“Hehasshownmenothingbut

kindness.Iamgratefulforhim.”

Embersputtered.“Youareasimperingchild,Agnes.Haveyounothingmoretosayaboutyourown

futurethantoleavesuchdecisionstoastranger?Howcanyouspendeachdayhappy?Isallyouneed
fromlifeaspoolofthreadandasilverneedle?”

Theneedlestopped.WhenAgneslookedup,Emberbarelyrecognizedhersister’sface.Gonewasher

pacificsmile;therosyglowofherskinhaddimmed.

“Youhavealwaysbeenimpetuous,Ember,”Agnessnapped,“butIneverthoughtyouafool.”
StaringatAgnesindisbelief,Emberwasrenderedspeechless.Agnes,itseemed,stillhadplentyof

wordstooffer.

“DoyouthinkItakepleasureinthis?”
EmbershrankbackasAgnesthrewherembroiderythefulllengthoftheroom.
“I—”
“Doyouknowwhatitisliketocarrythechildofamanwhocastyouoffandyetstillfeellovefor

him?”Agneshissed.“DoyouthinkIcanhelpbuthatemyselfforthat?

“Ihavenothing,”Agnescontinued,hervoicequietwithrage.“Notitle.Nofamily.Ihavenomeansto

provideformyselformychild.IcametoTearmunnabeggar,carriedherebyanagpurchasedwiththe
littlemoneyMothersecretedtomebeforeFatherdrovemefromhishome.”

Agnescuppedherfaceinherhand,recomposingherexpressionintothatopen,innocentbeautythathad

drawnpraiseaslongasEmbercouldremember.“IwearthismaskbecauseitisallIhavetobarterwith.
WouldAlistairhavetakenmeinifIcametohimbearingbitternessandawitheredspirit?”

EmberreachedforAgnes’shands,butAgnesdrewthemback.“Ifeignhappiness,foritistheonlykind

ofjoythatIhave.”

Thoughshetriedtofightit,Ember’seyesflittedoverhersister’sbelly.
Withabrokensmile,Agnessaid,“No.Idonothatethechild.”Shelaidherpalmagainsttheswellof

herabdomen.“ThoughIamashamedthatIcannotforgetmyloveforHenry,becausehedoesn’tdeserveit,
thischildisinnocentofhisfather’ssin.Ishallnotforgetthat.”

Agneslookedaway,andhervoicehardened.“Andbecauseofthat,IwillgowhereverEirawishesto

sendme,solongasIcanfindprotectionformeandmychild.Whetherthatistoremainhere,toreturnto
Father’shouse,ortobepackedoffbyhimtobecomeanotherman’swife—ifanymanwouldsufferto
raiseabastard.”

“Agnes!”EmberhadneverheardanythingresemblingacursepassfromAgnes’slips.
“IsittoomuchtobearwhenIspeakthetruth,dearsister?”Agnessaid,chastisingEmberwithhergaze.

“ShallIreturntowearingmymaskforyou?”

EmberthrewherselfatAgnes.TearswelledinEmber’seyes.“Whyhaveyoukeptthisfromme?Ilove

you.HaveIbeensopoorasister?”

Withasigh,AgnestouchedEmber’scheek.“Myloveforyoukeptmefromburdeningyouwithmy

heartaches.”

“Yourpainsaremine.”EmberlaidherheadinAgnes’slap.“Iwouldhelpyoubearthem.”
“Oh,Ember.”Agnes’svoicewasthick,butwhenEmberlookedup,hersister’seyesweredry.Tracing

thelineofEmber’stearswithherfingertips,shesaid,“Ihavenotearsleft,Ithink.”

Hervoicedroppingtoahush,AgnessaidtoEmber,“Pleasedon’tpityme.Icouldn’tbeartheshameof

it.”

“Never,”Emberpromised.TakingAgnes’shands,Embersaid,“Imusttellyousomething—”
Shefellsilent,hearingfootstepsapproachingthedoor.Emberquicklyrose,rubbinghertear-stained

cheeks.Agnesalsostoodupandhurriedtocollecttheembroideryshe’dthrownacrosstheroom.

Thesoundstopped,andbothwomenlookedtothedoor,buttheknocktheywaitedfordidn’tcome.

InsteadEmberheardafaintrustlingonstone.

“Oh!”AgnespickedupthescrapofparchmentslippedunderEmber’sdoorbeforeEmberhad

identifiedthesourceofthequietsound.

“Doyouoftenreceivenotesinthismanner?”Agnesraisedherbrow.
Emberhadn’treceivedanyanonymousnotes.Thatwaspartofthereasonshewassoeagertogether

handsontheoneAgneshadclaimed.

Holdingoutherhand,Embersaidcrossly,“Giveittome.”
“That’sveryrude,”AgneschastisedEmberinamockingtone.“IthinkIshouldreadit,don’tyou?”
EmberfrownedatAgnes,surprisedbyhersuddenchangeindemeanor.“Arewesimplymovingon,

then?”

“There’snothingmoretosay,Ember.”AbitofsadnesscreptbackintoAgnes’svoice.
Buttherewasmoretosay.Beforethenote’swriterhadapproachedherdoor,Emberhadbeenonthe

vergeofconfessingeverything:Eira,Bosque,Barrow,Alistair—thecomingviolenceEmbersawnoway
toavoid.ByremainingatTearmunn,Agneswouldbeinterribledanger.Agneshadtoknowthetruth.But
nowEmbercouldonlythinkofwhatmightbewrittenontheparchmentinhersister’shand.

Agnescontinued,“Iwillnotactthehelpless,fallenwomaninyourcompanyanylonger.Notwhenit’s

onlythetwoofus.”

“Good.”
Withoutwarning,EmberleaptforwardandsnatchedtheparchmentfromAgnes’sfingers,twistingaway

fromhersisterandskippingacrosstheroominvictory.Agnesdidn’tbothertoattempttoretrieveit.

“I’daskwhatitsays,butIknowyouwon’ttellme.”Agneswenttothedoor.“I’minneedofanapasit

is.”

“Agnes,wait,”Embersaid,thensheglanceddownatthenoteinherhand.
Standingwiththedoorpartlyopened,AgneslookedbackatEmber,hereyesquestioning.
“Nevermind,”Embermumbled,hereyesfixedontheparchment.“It’snothing.”
Agnesclosedthedoor,leavingEmberalone.Numbnesscreptoverherskin,andshewenttositonthe

edgeofherbed.Shegazedatthesinglelineofwordsscratchedininkontheparchment.

Cometomeinthegreathallwhentheothershavesoughttheirbeds.
Thenotewasn’tsigned.Nordiditneedtobe.

WELLAFTERNIGHTFALL,AlistairstillwonderedifleavingEmberanotehadbeenamistake.He
didn’tknowwhathewouldsaytoher.Whathewoulddo.ButAlistairhadbeenconsumedbythenotion
thathecouldn’tletEmberleaveTearmunnwithoutspeakingtoherfirst.GoingtoEmber’sroomwould
havebeeneasier,butheneededhertocometohim.

ThemanorcorridorswerequietbutforAlistair’sfootfall.Heopenedoneofthedoorstothegreathall,

butleftitslightlyajarasheentered—asignaltoEmberthathewaswithin.Lackingtorchesordaylight,
theemptyhallprovedaseerieasthecatacombsinwhichAlistairspentmostofhistime.

Thinbeamsofmoonlightcasttheirglowonthestained-glasswindows,renderingcolorsduskyas

wiltedflowers.Themoon’spalefaceofferedlightenoughtosee,butAlistair’sgazewasdrawnto
anotherlightsource.

Walkingtowardtheskeletaltree,Alistairpeeredintotherift.He’dbeenreluctanttoexamineitclosely,

knowingitwasagatewaybetweenworlds.Alistairhadnodesiretoriskbeingdraggedfromtheearth
intothenetherfromwhichBosquehailed.Alistairassociatedtheriftwithdarkness,butbycoverofnight
hewitnessedthesubtleplayoflightwithintheundulatingshadows.Metallicthreadsappearedand
disappearedwithinthegapinghole,chasingoneanotherlikeglowingminnowsinablackpond.

“Alistair?”
Emberhesitatedinthedoorway,thetorchlightfromthecorridoroutliningherbody.
Alistairclearedhisthroatandtookadeepbreathbeforeheanswered,“Here.”
Closingthedoor,Embertookcautiousstepsintothehall.
“Youreyeswilladjusttothedimness,”Alistairtoldher.Hisvoicewassteady,unlikethethrummingof

hisheart.She’dcome.Butnowwhat?

EmberstoppedjustshortofAlistair,butshelookedpasthimattherift.“Whatisit?”
“Adoorbetweenworlds,”Alistairanswered.“EiraopenedittosealourfatewithLordMar’s.”
Noddingslowly,Embersaid,“Heisnotofthisworld.”
“Hasittakenyousolongtorealizethat?”AlistairmeanttoteaseEmber,butsheflinched.He’dbeen

tooharshwithher,andnowlikeapupthathadbeenbeaten,sheexpectedmoreabuse.

Alistairtriedtomakeupforhisgaffebygivingherananswer.“ByjoiningforceswithLordMar,Eira

hasincreasedourpowerbeyondimagining.Thebeastsweoncefoughtnowserveus.Itistrulya
marvelousthing.”

Emberdidn’tanswer,butshestaredattheripplesoflightthatmovedthroughBosque’sgateway.

FinallyshelookedatAlistair.“Youaskedmetocomehere.”
“Iknow.”Histhroattightening,Alistairhuntedforhisnextmove.
Ember’sfingerslacedtogether,twistingnervouslyagainsthergown.“Iamsorrytohaveearnedyour

hate,Alistair.Inevermeantittobeso.”

HerwordssurprisedAlistairenoughtokeephimsilent,andshespokeagain.
“I’vewatchedforyouonthepracticefieldeachdayfrommywindow,buthaveyettofindyouthere.”
“Irarelytaketothefield,”Alistairtoldher.“Bosquehasgivenmeamoreimportanttaskthatconsumes

mydays.”

Emberspokewithhesitation,hervoicejustquietenoughtoshowsubmission.“Iwantedtoseeyouand

hadgivenuphopethatyouwouldvisitme.”

“Youwantedmetoreturntoyou?”Alistairasked.
Emberstaredathertangledfingers.“OnlytotellyouthatIunderstandwhyyourheartturnedfromme.I

wasnaivetoconvincemyselfitcouldbeotherwise.”

Lettingherwordssinkin,Alistairturnedtheconversationinanotherdirection.“Doyoulookforward

tovisitingEileanDonan?”

“Ishallenjoytherideandthehighlandair,”Embersaid.“Idonotrelishmyfather’scompany.”
“AndGavinMackenzie?”AlistairwatchedEmber’sfaceclosely,seekinganyreaction.
“I’venevermetLordMackenzie’sson,”Emberanswered,droppinghergaze.“Iknownotwhatto

expect.”

Alistairloweredhisvoice.“Irememberatimewhenyouagreedtorunawaywithmeratherthanbe

marriedoffbyyourfather.”

Emberbegantosmile,butthesmallsignofmirthquicklyvanished.“Ihadreasontochoosemywords

withlesscare.Inolongerhavetheluxuryoffloutingmyfather’splans.”

“You’llassenttohim,then.”Alistairhadtroublecontrollingtheangerthatboiledunderhisskin.“And

marryashecommands.”

“WhatamItodootherthanmarry?”Embercried,walkingawayfromhim.“Inolongerfightwiththe

Guard.IforsookmyplaceinConatus.TheonlyadvantageIhaveoverAgnesisthatnoman’schildgrows
inmybelly.”

“Ifyoumustmarry,thenmarryme,”Alistairsaidhoarsely,reelingfromhisownoutburst.
Emberwentverystill.
BloodroaredinAlistair’sears.Whathadhedoneotherthangiveheranotheropportunitytocrushhis

hopes?Whileshestoodsilently,herfacehiddenfromhim,Alistairgroundhisteeth.

“Youarecrueltotauntme,”Emberfinallywhispered.
AwaveofemotionscrashedthroughAlistair.HegraspedEmber’sshoulders,turninghertofacehim.“I

saythistruly.”Alistaircuppedherchininhishand.“Marryme.”

“Afterallthat’shappened”—Ember’svoiceshook—“everythingI’vedone,youwouldstilltakemeas

yourwife?”

“IhavelovedyousinceIwasaboy.”Hestrokedherhair;itsfieryshadehadbecomeraveninthelow

light.“IcanhardlyrememberadaybeforeIlovedyou.”

Emberlookeddown.Tearscaughtinherlashesbeforetrailingoverherpaleskin.
Bendingtoher,Alistairtastedthesaltwateronhercheeks.Hebroughthislipstohers,agentletouch.

Ember’smouthopened,andhedrankinherbreath.Alistairkissedherslowly,waitingwitheach
movementforEmbertorespond.Whenshereturnedhisembrace,Alistairstruggledforcontrol.He
wantedtotakeher.Allofher.

Buthe’derredinthatwaybefore.Pushedhertoosoon.ThewisestchoiceAlistairhadmadeabout

Emberwaslettinghergo.Shecouldn’tberuled,atleastnotknowingly.WhenAlistairhadactedasthe
aggressor,Emberhadpushedhimaway,thinkinghimatyrant.Nowhewasherchampion,andshe

welcomedhiskiss.

Knowingthesethings,AlistairpulledEmber’sarmsfromaroundhisneckandforcedhertotakeastep

back.

“WillyouletyourfathermakeyouthewifeofGavinMackenzie?”
Embershookherhead.“IwillonlybecomethewifeofAlistairHart.”
“Ember,”Alistairbreathed.
“Iwillmarryyou,Alistair.”WhenEmberreachedforhim,Alistairdidn’ttrytostopher.Whenshe

liftedherface,hekissedher.Overwhelmedbythetasteofher,thesoftnessofherskin,Alistairgaveinto
hiscravingforEmber.Hislipsmoveddownherneck,lingeringatherthroat.Butwhenhishandsmolded
totheswellofherbreasts,Emberstiffened.

“Areyouafraid?”Alistairdidn’tmovehishands,butkeptthemstill.Hecouldfeelherheartracing.

“Becauseitisnotinmymindtohurtyou,mylove.”

Emberswallowedhard,herpulsejumpingatherthroat.Notwantingtopushhertoofar,andreminding

himselfthatEmberwasstillamaid,Alistairconqueredhisimpulseandslidhishandstoherwaist.Her
breatheased,andAlistairkissedhertenderly.

“Youhavenothingtofearfromme,”hemurmuredagainstherlips.“Ionlywanttopleaseyou.”
Shenodded,andhereturnedtothepathhislipshadtakenoverherskin.Thenhekneltbeforeher.
“Ember.”Alistairwrappedhisarmsaroundherthighs,hischeekpressedtoherstomach.Heclosedhis

eyes,revelinginthegentletouslingofherfingersinhishair.“MyEmber.”

ForthefirsttimeAlistaircouldremember,hebaskedinthesensethatallwasasitshouldbe.
“Idon’twanttoleaveyou.”Ember’svoicewasthick,whetherwithdesireorregretAlistaircouldn’t

tell.“ButImustreturntomychamberandreadyfortravel.Weleaveatdawn.”

AlistairroseandkissedEmberoncemore.“Ofcourse.Wewillspeakmoreofthiswhenyoureturn.”
Embernoddedandliftedhishandtoherlips.“Iamunworthyofyoursteadfastlove.”
Aftershe’dkissedhispalm,Emberstolefromtheroom.Alistairstoodquietly.Hecouldstilltasteher,

smellher.Alistairwantedtoholdontothisnightforever.

“Welldone,LordHart.”
WhereAlistairwouldhaveswornonlyshadowshadbeen,Bosquestood.
“Howlonghaveyoubeenhere?”Alistairstaredatthetallman.
“IamoftenherewhenIamnotneededelsewhere.”Bosquesmiledathim.“Youmustbeverypleased,

havingwonyourprize.”

Alistairriskedspeakinginanger,realizingthatBosquehadwitnessedtheentiretyofhismeetingwith

Ember.“Youshouldhavemadeyourselfknown.Thesewereprivatemoments.”

Stillsmiling,Bosqueshookhishead.“Itisunwisetokeepsecretsfromme,Alistair.Ouraimsareso

intertwined.”

WhenAlistairdidn’treply,Bosquesaid,“Willyoutrulybegrudgemyinterestinyourhappiness?”
TheinitialshockofBosque’sappearancefading,Alistairquelledhisobjections.“Iwouldbegratefulif

youdidn’tmakeahabitofspyingonme.”

“Iwasn’thidingfromyou,”Bosqueanswered.“Youweretheonetoooccupiedwithhisownthoughts

tonoticeIwasintheroom.”

“That’sonewayoflookingatit,”Alistairsaiddrily.
“Itis,”Bosquereplied.“IamgladforyournewarrangementwithLadyMorrow.Uponherreturn,you

mustdiscoverwhatyoucanaboutthisjourneyshemakestotheMackenziestronghold.”

“Doesitconcernyou?”Alistairasked.“Asinglewordfromyouwouldhavepreventedtheirtrip.”
“Tostopthemisnotmydesire,”Bosquetoldhim.“I’veoftenreapedgreaterrewardsbyassistingmy

adversariesinsteadofhinderingthem.Theclosertheyaretotheirgoal,themorelikelythey’llrevealtheir
intentions.”

Alistairglancedatthedoor,hishappinesscompromisedbytheimplicationsofBosque’swords.“You

thinkEmberisyouradversary?”

“No,”Bosqueanswered.“I’mnotcertainwhatyourLadyMorrowistomeyet.Myconcerniswith

anotherwoman.”

“Cian?”Alistairwentrigid.“Mylord,IknowCianhasbeenreluctanttoembraceyou,butsheisLady

Eira’sownblood.”

“Thatiswhyshemaybeathreat,”Bosquesaid.“CianholdsEiraback,encourageshertoquestionme.

Sheseekstoimpedeourwork.”

“AreyoucertainCianwishestoundermineyou?”Alistairasked.“Shehasacautiousspirit.Idoubther

hesitationregardingthechangesinConatusareanythingmorethanareflectionofthattrait.”

“Ihopeyou’reright,”Bosqueanswered.“LearnwhatyoucanfromEmber.”
“Yourwill,LordMar.”Alistairinclinedhishead,startingtowardthedoor.
“Beforeyouseekyourbed—”
Alistairturned,wonderingifBosqueeverslept.“Yes?”
Bosquewalkedtowardtherift,gazingatitwithwhatappearedtobelonging.“It’sgoodthatyouhave

whatyouwant,butIspokeintruthwhenIsaidIhaven’tyetdiscernedwhatEmber’splacewillbeamong
us.Don’tletyourheartrunaheadofyourinstincts.”

THATTHECHILDHADTOdiemadeAlistairuneasy,butheunderstoodthenecessityofit.He’dbeen
relievedthatHamishhadtakenituponhimselftoselecttheboyoutofthesixchildren,twogirlsandfour
boysallbetweenoneandthreeyearsofage,thathadbeenstolenfromthevillage.Alistairdidn’tknow
thathewouldhavehadthestomachforit.Atleastthetoddler’sdeathhadbeenaskindasitcouldbe.
Aftertheboyhadbeenlulledtosleepbyoneofthecleric’stonics,Hamishhadsmotheredtheslumbering
child.

Thoughtheday’sworkwashardlypleasant,Alistairwasgratefulforit.Theimportofthistaskkepthis

mindfromwanderingtothepreviousnightandhisrancoroverhavingfinallywonEmber’sloveonlyto
haveherrideawayfromhimforseveraldays.

WhileAlistairwatched,Hamishsetaboutdrainingallthebloodfromtheboy’scorpse.Theyoungwolf

besideAlistairsniffedtheair,lickingitsmuzzleatthescentoffreshblood.

“That’snotforyou.”Alistaircrouchedbesidethewolf,anditturnedtolickhischeeks,makingAlistair

laugh.

LordMarstoodnearthesarcophagus,oppositeHamish.
“Willithurtthewolf?”AlistairaskedBosque.
“Thechangewillbeconfusingandnodoubtunpleasant,”Bosqueanswered.“ButifHamishis

successful,noharmwillcometothebeast.”

Alistairfrowned,lookingintothejuvenilewolf’sgoldeneyes.Heheldouthisarmsothewolfcould

chewatthethickleathergauntletAlistairwore.Thiswolfhadfivebrothersandsisters.IfHamishfailed,
theworkwouldcontinue.ButAlistairhadgrowndeeplyattachedtothecubs—allofwhichhadgrown
fromyippingballsoffurintoganglypups.Hewouldmournthelossofanyofthem.

WatchingAlistairwiththewolf,Bosquesaid,“Don’tfearforyourchildren,Alistair.Hamishwillnot

fail.Willyou,Hamish?”

Hamishgruntedinreply,swappingabowlbrimmingwithbloodforanemptyone.
KnightandclerichadgonetogetherseekingBosque’sadvice.Alistair’sworkwiththewolfcubs

couldn’thavebeenmoreedifying.ThatBosquehaddescribedthemasAlistair’schildrenuncannily
echoedthefeelingsthatAlistairharboredforthewolves.Hespenteachdaywiththem.Hefedthem,
playedwiththem,letthemhuddlearoundhimwhentheytiredoftheirwrestlinganddriftedtosleep.

Hamish’sendeavorsofferedanoppositeresult.Despitehistirelessstudiesandinnovationswiththe

trials,HamishcouldnotmanifestaviableformofAlistair’svision.Witheachnewattemptcamenew
failures.AlistairandHamishconsulted,foundfreshinspirations,andstrovetocompletetheirworkagain.
Andagaintheyfailed.

WhenAlistairdecidedHamishteeteredontheedgeofmadnessbecauseofhisfrustrations,theknight

broughtHamishtoLordMar.Bosqueaccompaniedthemtothecatacombstoobservetheirwork.

“Iseetheproblem,”BosquetoldthemwithinminutesofexaminingHamish’snotesandtheoutcomesof

histrials.

“Youdo?”Hamishtuggedathisruddy,gray-streakedhair.Fromthelookofit,Hamishhadn’tpickedup

acombinweeks.

Nodding,Bosquesaid,“Twobodiescannotexistinsamespace.Eachwillstruggleagainsttheotherfor

dominanceuntiltheyarebothdestroyed.That’swhat’shappenedhere.”

AstranglingwhinepouredoutofHamish’sthroat.“Thenweattemptallinvain.Whydidyounottellus

thatAlistair’screationhasalwaysbeenanimpossibility?”

“Becauseitisnot,”Bosquetoldhim.“You’resimplyviewingtheworldintoolimitedaway.”
SinceHamish’seyeswerebulgingdangerouslyatthesuggestionthathisthinkingwaslimited,Alistair

quicklysaid,“Whatdoyoumean,LordMar?”

“You’vebeentryingtoforcewolfandmanintoasinglebeinginthisworld,”Bosqueanswered.“When

yourveryabilitytomanifestthiscreaturerequirestheaidoftwoworlds.”

“Butwehaveyourblood,”Hamishspluttered.
“You’renotusingitcorrectly.”
AlistairputhishandonHamish’sshoulder,restrainingafurtheroutburst.
“Youonlythinkofmybloodforitsvalueinlettingthebeastsrestoretheirhealth,”Bosquecontinued.

“Butyouforgettheotherpurposeitserves.”

“Thegate,”Alistairsaidquietly.
Bosquesmiledathim.“Ofcourse.ConsiderthebloodoaththatallwhofollowEiramusttake.Blood

bindsustogether,strengthensthechannelthatflowsbetweenmyworldandyours.”

Hamish’swhite-faceddisbeliefbegantowaneasfascinationovertookhim.“Bodiesbetweenworlds?”
“Yes.”Bosquepickedupapieceofparchment,gazingatthemonstrousimagesHamishhaddrawn.

“Thewolfinone,themanintheother.”

“Howcanacreaturebethusdivided?”Hamishasked,afeverburninginhiseyes.Hegraspedablank

parchmentandquill.“Woulditnotbedrivenmadtoexistintwoplanes?”

“Onlythebodyisdivided,”Bosqueanswered.“Mindandspiritarealwayspresentinthebodythat

livesintheactiveplane.”

“Theactiveplane?”Alistairfrowned.
“Theworldswheremenandbeastsareborn,live,anddie,”Bosqueexplained.“Wherewecarveour

willsintothefabricofexistence.”

SettingHamish’sbizarresketchesaside,Bosquesaid,“Yourwolveswillbecreatedtoserveyouhere,

inthisworld.Butthebodythatwaits,ahollowvesseluntilfilledwithmindandspiritonceagain,must
bideitstimeinanemptyplane.”

“Suchplacesexist?”HamishscribblednotesasBosquespoke.
“LordHarthasvisitedonesuchplaceseveraltimes.”
“Ihave?”AlistairlookedatBosqueinsurprise.
Bosquelaughed.“Whenyourodetheshadowsteedortraveledinthemistalongsideme.Thespace

between,whichspeedsthejourney,isanemptyplane.Andthatistheplaceyoumustinvoketobringyour
visiontolife.”

Hamishdroppedhisquillashisfingerstrembled.“CanIaccomplishthistask?”
“IwouldnothavesentyoutoLordHarthadIanydoubtthatyoucould.Thepremiseisn’tdifficult,”

BosquetoldHamish.“Inthemagicsyou’vepracticed,youcouldtakefromtheearthbutonlyifyougave
inreturn.Nowyouwilltakewhatyouneedbutkeepit.”

Hisbushyeyebrowshunchingtogether,Hamishsaid,“Forgiveme,mylord.Idonotunderstand.”
“Howdidyouweaveyourportals?”Bosqueasked.“Recitetheprinciplestome.”
“TheoldmagicofConatuswasbasedintheelementsofearth,”Hamishanswered,regretcreepinginto

hiswords.“Thedoorscouldbewovenbypullingvariousthreadsofthoseelementstogether,honoringthe
connectionsthatbindthewholeworldtogether,liketherootsofasinglegreattree.”

Alistairgroundhisteethasanunwantedmemoryofthesacredcedarflashedintohismind.Thetreehad

beenalivingsymbolofthatmagicbeforeithadbeenalteredtoserveBosque.

“Tocompleteyourwork,youwillagainbepullingthreads,”BosquetoldHamish.“Butinsteadofusing

threadsfromtheearth,youwillunravelthethreadsoflife.Youwilltaketheessenceofacreature’sbeing
andbindittothebodyofanother.”

“Bindthewolftotheman?”Hamishspokeinawe.“Butthebodiesremainseparate.”
Bosquenodded,smilinginapprovalatthecleric.“Thereceivingvesselmustbeempty—thespiritgone

andtheblooddrained.Thewolflives,itsessencepossessingthebody.”

“Whytheblood?”Alistairasked.
“Bloodbinds,asI’vealreadysaid,”Bosqueanswered.“Theemptiedbodywillhavetobeinfused

withmybloodtogainentrytotheemptyplane.”

TurninghisgazeonHamish,Bosqueasked,“Doyouunderstand?”
Hamishnoddedeagerly.
“Thenletusseetoit.”Bosqueledthemfromtheroomthatreekedofdeathtothemainchamberofthe

catacombs.

Nowtheystoodaroundthesarcophagus,waitingforthechild’sbodytogiveupthelastofitsblood.
“There,”Hamishsaid,settingathirdbrimmingbowltotheside.Takingalong,hollowedneedlethat

wasthinasahairatitspointandwideasaman’shandatitsbase,Hamishpiercedthecenteroftheboy’s
chestwithitstip.Withcarefultapshehammeredtheslenderspikeintothechild’sheart.Keepingthe
needleinplacewithonehand,HamishsetafunneloverthebaseandlookedatBosque.

Holdinghishandoverthefunnel,Bosqueusedadaggertoopenadeepgashinhispalm.Hisblood

welled,drippingintothefunnel.Bosqueallowedhisbloodtorunfreelyforaboutaminutebeforehe
closedhishand.

“Thatwillbeenough,”hetoldthem,lookingatAlistair.“Nowthewolf.”
Alistairnodded,thoughhisjawwasclenched.Hemovedaroundthesarcophagustostandbeside

Hamish;thewolffollowed.

Goingtoonekneebesidetheyoungwolf,Alistairsaidinafirmvoice,“Bestill.”
Thewolfwatchedhim,earsperkedupincuriosity.Alistairreachedaroundthewolf,loopinghisarms

arounditsbackandchest.Thewolf’stailbegantowaginanticipationofawrestlingmatch.

AlistairlookedatHamishandnodded.Thecleric’smotionsweresomewhatfamiliar,likethedance

thatwoveadoor,butaltered.Hamishmovedmoreslowlythanaweavingclericwould.Hisarmsswept
throughtheairindeliberatemotions,asifheweregatheringobjectsinvisibletotherestofthem.

ClaspedinAlistair’sarms,thewolfgrowledandthenbegantowhine.Steelinghimself,Alistair

tightenedhisholdonthebeastasitbegantostruggle.Itswhiningbecamemoreurgent.Alistairmade
soothingsounds,hopingtocalmthewolf.Heknewitdidn’thelpthathispulsewasflying,whichthewolf
couldsurelyfeel.

Thewolfstoppedsquirmingbutcontinuedtowhine,thesoundofitsdistressgrowingsofter,butmore

plaintive.Alistairbenthishead,thinkingthatifhelaidhischeekagainstthewolf’sshoulders,itmight
soothethebeast.Butashedidso,theanimalinhisarmsbegantoglow.Thewolf’sgrayfurglimmered,
becomingmoltensilver.

“Letthebeastgo,”Hamishsaid,sweatpouringdownhisface.“Thewolfmusttakepossessionofthe

emptybodythatawaitsit.”

Alistairreleasedthecub,anditroseintotheair.Wherefur,flesh,andbonehadbeennowwasa

creatureofpurelight,asifthemoonhadgivenbirthtoawolf.WhileHamishfilledtheairwithasteady
streamofchanting,thewolfcubfloatedawayfromAlistairtohoveroverthesarcophagus.Itbeganto
descend,andwhenitsgleamingpawsmetwiththedeadchild’scoldskin,thewolfvanished.

Hamishdroppedhishandsandbentover,coughingandgaspingforbreath.Alistairleaptupandwentto

thesarcophagus.Thechild’seyeswidenedbeforeitopeneditsmouthandbegantowailinfear.Alistair
gavealowcrywhenhenoticedtheboy’sgoldenirises.Theboyturnedatthesound,hisfrightenedgaze
findingAlistairstandingbesidehim.

Holdinghisbreath,Alistairstretchedhisarmsouttothecryingchild.Withouthesitation,theboy

crawledintohisembrace.

PERCHEDATTHEJUNCTIONofLochDuichandLochAish,theMackenziecastlecalledEilean
Donankeptwatchoverlandandsea.Cian,FatherMichael,andEmberrodeinsilence,theirmounts’
hoovescloppingonthestonebridgethatjoinedthemainlandtothecastle’ssmallisle.

ThejourneyfromTearmunnamountedtolessthanahalfday’sride,butforEmberthetripworeonand

on.Whilethehorsesherodeuponwasasensiblepalfreywithasmoothgait,EmbermissedCaber’s
livelyspirit.Hercompanionstraveledinsilence,notdeigningtospeakoftheirerrandtothewestern
lord’scastlenorofanyothermattersthatburdenedEmber’sthoughts.

Atseveralpointsontheroad,EmberhadlookedatFatherMichaelwiththeintentionoftellinghim

aboutAlistair’sproposal,seekinghisadviceastohowsheshouldproceed.ButEmberfoundthatshe
struggledtobringanywordsfromherthroat.Shedidn’tquestiontheresultofhermeetingwithAlistairin
thegreathallthenightbefore,butspeakingthewordsaloudmadethemrealinawayEmberwasn’t
preparedtoface.ShehadplayeduponAlistair’saffectionsandearnedtheresultshedesired,butnow
Emberwasn’tsuresheknewwhatthatwouldmean.

Mackenzie’sstablehandsawaitedtheridersinsidethecastlegate.Whentheyhaddismounted,oneof

Mackenzie’swarriorsescortedthemtoEileanDonan’smainhall.Thesombergraystoneofthekeep
enclosedcorridorslinedwithdarkwood,givingthecastleanairofsolemnity.

ThehallintowhichtheywereledwouldhavebeendwarfedbyTearmunn’sgreathall,yettheroom

wasfilledtoburstingwithpeople.Embersawquicklythatnotonlywereahandfulofclanchiefsin
attendance,buttheyhadalsobroughtlargecontingentsoftheirwarriors.Searchingthecrowdforher
father,Embercouldn’tfindhimorLordMackenzie.Butamongtheclansmen,threefiguresstoodoutto
her,allwearingdressthatidentifiedthemashailingfromthekingdomsoftheeast.

Twoofthemweremen,eachwearingasteelhelmwithaspikeatthecrownoftheheadandatrainof

chainmailthatcoveredhisneckandshoulders.Theirlong,colorfulrobesofferedonlyglimpsesofthe
platemailgauntletsandgreavesbeneath.Theirfemalecompanionworeaflowinggraygownthatfitmore
looselythantheEuropeanfashion.Herhair,neck,andshoulderswerecoveredbyapaleblueheadscarf.

BesideEmber,Cianmurmured,“Theyhavecome.Idarednothopeitwastrue.”
“Whoarethey?”Emberasked.
“ThemenareMamluks,”Ciananswered.“Thewomanisacleric;theysecretedhertousatgreatrisk

tothemselves.”

“Wearen’theretomeetmyfather,arewe?”Emberasked.
“Yourfatherishere,andwewilldiscussAgneswithhim,”Ciantoldher.“Butthatmeetingprovided

theexcuseforourrealreasonstojourneyhere.”

FatherMichaelhadalreadypushedhiswaythroughthecrowdtogreetthestrangers.Thepriestandthe

womanembraced,andFatherMichaelbeckonedtoCianandEmber.

“LadyEmberMorrowandLadyCian.”FatherMichaelpresentedthetwowomen.“PleasemeetLord

KurjiiandLordTamur,oftheKrakdesChevaliersGuard,andtheirmostreveredcleric,LadyRebekah.”

KurjiiandTamurofferedcrispbows.TheknightsremindedEmberoffalcons,withtheirclear,sharp

eyesandthetalonlikesabersbeltedattheirwaists.Thesightofthewicked,curvingblades,solike
Barrow’ssword,madeEmber’schestpinch.Rebekah’shairwasdarkbrownshotthroughwiththreadsof
silver,herfacedeeplylined,andEmberguessedshewasonlyafewyearsyoungerthanFatherMichael.

Embercurtsied,andCianreturnedtheirbow.
“It’sanhonor,”CiansaidtoKurjiiandTamur.“Yourreputationsinthefieldproceedyou.”
“Asdoesyours,”Tamuranswered.“Andyoursister’s.”
Kurjiinoddedgrimly.“We’redeeplygrievedthatshehasbeenseducedbythisnethercreature,Bosque

Mar.”

“Hegrowsbolderbytheday,”Cianreplied.“Thewayhelooksatmysisterterrifiesme.Shebelieves

heanswershercommands,buthethinksonlytoruleher.”

“Fromwhatwe’vebeenabletodiscoverofBosqueMar,yoursuspicionsaretrue,”Rebekahtoldher.
FatherMichaelclaspedhishandstogetherprayerfully.“Godbepraised.Youhavefoundsomething,

then?”

Rebekahsmiledatthepriest,butitwasn’tamirthfulexpression.“Wehave,butIfearwedon’tbring

goodtidings.”

“Butyouhavefoundawaytodefeathim?”Cianaskedthecleric.
“Possibly,”Rebekahanswered.“Butonlybycobblingtogetherlorefromsomeofthemostancienttexts

inourarchives.Thereisnowaytobecertainitwillconquerhim.”

“Howisitthatyou’vecomehere?”Emberasked.
KurjiiandTamurexchangedaglance,andCiansaid,“EmberisoneoftheGuard,forcedtohideher

trueallegianceforourpurpose.Youmayspeakfreely.”

Withacurtnod,Tamursaid,“Hidingiswhatmanyareforcedtodonow.Thosewhoopenlyholdtothe

truemissionofConatushavebeenlabeledtraitors.Theyrotinourdungeons.Orworse.”

“Worse?”Emberasked.
“LadyEira’sclerics-turned-conjurersdemandallegiancewhileshadowbeastshoverattheirside,”

Kurjiisaid,mouthturneddownindisgust.“Anywhoresistorrefusetosweartheirfealtytoherruleof
ourorderarehandedtothewraiths.Mostwhowitnessthetormentabandontheirconvictionsinorderto
avoidasimilarfate.”

Tamursighed.“Upontheirfirstarrival,Eira’semissariesimpliedtheoathtakingwouldbevoluntary,

butnowtheyhavenoqualmsaboutforcinganimmediatechoice.TheorderscamefromEirathatanywho
questionordelayjoiningwithherareenemies.Shedismantlesaresistancebeforeitcanbegathered.”

“Thenwhatareyou?”EmberaskedTamur.“Ifnotresistance?”
“Thelastchance.”RebekahansweredEmber,thoughhergazemetFatherMichael’s.“BeforeConatus

islost.”

AstirringofthecrowdnearthehallentranceturnedEmber’sattentiontothedoor.Thegathered

warriorsquieted,steppingbackasLordMackenzieenteredtheroomwithEmber’sfatherathisside.

ButEmber’seyesfixeduponthetriothatfollowedthetwoScottishlords.
Tamurleanedforward,murmuringintoherear,“Youaskedhowitwasthatwecamehere,Lady

Morrow.Itwasduetotheeffortsofyourformercompanions.”

Lukasz,Kael,andBarrowhaltedjustinsidethedoor.LordMackenzieliftedhishands,commandingthe

attentionofallassembled.

Payingtheclanchiefnomind,Emberwasalreadypushingherwaypastburlywarriors,elbowingthem

roughlytogetthrough.Asmengruntedwhenshejostledandshovedthem,Ember’sadvancegained
notice.

Barrowsawhertryingtoreachhim.Hisfacepaled,andheranforward.Emberbrokethroughthe

crowdandthenshewasinBarrow’sarms.Withthecastle’slord,herfather,andahundredsomeof
Scotland’sbattle-hardenedmenwatching,EmberdrewBarrow’sfacetohers.Barrowheldhergazefora
momentbeforehekissedher.Herfingersdugintohisshouldersasshebreathedthescentofhisskin.

TheyonlypartedwhenKaelsaidloudly,“AndIthoughtwe’dcomeheretofight.”
Hiswordsdidn’tmakeEmberblush,andwhilesheforcedherselftostepoutoftheembrace,shetook

Barrow’shand,holdingittight,needingtofeelthathewashere,alive,safe.

“Well,then.”LordMackenzienoddedatBarrow.“Atleastnotalloftheday’stalkwillbeofsorrow.”
Emberriskedlookingatherfather.Tohersurprise,hehadn’ttransformedintoared-facedtroll,but

insteadappearedtobeonthevergeoflaughter.WhenhewinkedatEmber,shegasped.

Followinghergaze,Barrowwhispered,“I’vebeenspeakingwithyourfatherandamhappytoreport

I’moutofhisillfavor,asareyou.”

Emberglancedupathim,wonderingexactlywhatBarrowhadtoldherfather.
“Wouldyouliketokissthelassagain,LordHess?”LordMackenziecalledtoBarrowwithaguffaw.

“Orcanwegettothebusinessofwar?”

Heartylaughterfilledtheroom,andBarrowsaid,“IwillalwayswanttokisstheladyMorrow,butout

ofrespecttoyourlordship,Iwillwait…forawhile.”

Atthat,Emberdidblush,andthewarriorsroared,snickeringandslappingoneanotherontheback.

Emberduckedherhead,butBarrowslidhisarmaroundherwaist,holdingherclose.

“Rebekah!”LordMackenziestretchedhishandout,andtheclericcametojoinhim.Addressingthe

crowd,Mackenziesaid,“ThoughIamproudtocallmyselfchiefofmyclan,Iamnotsuchafoolasto
believemyselfmasterofspiritsanddevils.Wheneverthosefoulthingsthatarenotmen,yetpreyupon
them,havetroubledthoseundermyprotection,IhavecalleduponConatusforaid.Nowtheveryorder
thathaskeptthedarkestofthingsfrominfestingourlandsfallsundertheswayofnefariousforces.”

LordMackenzie’sarmswepttheroom.HepausedtopointatFatherMichael,Cian,theMamluk

knights,EmberandBarrow,andlastly,KaelandLukasz.

“Afewbravesoulswouldresistthisrisingdarkthatthreatensnotonlytheirorderbutthefutureofall

men.Ihavecalledyoutothiskeepaskingthatyourbrawnandsteeljoinintheirfight.”

Hisfacedarkening,theclanchiefcontinued,“Youmaynoticethatnotallofyourclanbrethrenarehere.

SomehavealreadypledgedtheirheartstoLadyEiraandherdevilishhordes.ButIknoweachofyou,
knowthatyourclanshavebeensteadfastintheoldways.Thisnew,risingtidewilldrownusall.Those
whowelcomeitarefools.”

Asomber,butaffirmingtitterpassedthroughthecrowdandMackenzienodded,pleased.
TheScottishlordpushedwarriorsasideuntilhestoodnexttoRebekah.Restinghishandonher

shoulder,theclanchiefsaid,“Thiswomanbringsushope.Wordsdrawnfromtheoldestoffaithsandthe
chancetobeatbackwickednessthatwouldruleus.”

BowingtoRebekah,Mackenziesteppedback,andtheclericliftedhervoice.
“Theysurroundmanonallsidesastheearthdoestherootsofthevine;athousandareonhisleft,and

tenthousandonhisrightside.”

Pausing,Rebekahletheraudienceabsorbthewords,thensaid,“Sooursacredtextsspeakofdemons.”
Warriorsshiftednervously,glancingaroundtheroomasifthehordesRebekahspokeofmight

materializeatanymoment.

“Wemakethemistakeofpresumingthattheworldsinvisibletouscanbenothinglikethisearth,”

Rebekahtoldthem.“Butthroughourstudy,weknowthatthosestrangeworldstouchingoursshouldbe
seenasadarkerreflectionofourown.Weknowwellhowkingsandprincesstriveforpower.Whenhas
therebeenatimewithoutwarintheland?”

Murmursandnodsansweredher.
“Soitisforthosecreaturesthatinhabitthenetherrealm,”Rebekahsaid.“Likeours,theirlivesare

ordered.Somebeastslivelikepeasants,othersmakewarinthewayofknights.Andlikeus,theyserveat
thepleasureofkings.”

Rebekahbowedherhead,asifovercomebygreatsadness.“Oneofoursistershasfallenunderthe

swayofsuchacreature:akingofthenetherwhoseekstowinthewarsofhisworldbyinfiltratingours.
LadyEiraservesacreaturewhonameshimselfLordBosqueMar.Itishewhomwemustdefeat.”

Agrizzledwarriorwithtwoaxesstrappedacrosshisbackcalledout,“IdonotlikewhatLadyEirahas

done,butwehaveallheardthetalesoftheshadowarmyshecansummon.Thiscreaturesheserves
imbuesherwithpower.Allsaythatsheisbecomeinvincible.”

“Noweaponcanharmherwraiths!”anotherwarriorshouted.“IfwegotowaragainstEira,weoffer

ourselvesupforslaughter.”

Uneasywhispersandsullenexpressionsfollowedtheobjections.
Mackenziemotionedforsilence.“Ourswordsmaynotkillthesecreatures,butRebekahoffersaway

bywhichwemaydrivethembackwhencetheycame.”

“How?”Thequestionwasshoutedfromsomewhereinthecrowd.
“Theoldestofmagics,drawnfromtheearthherself,”Rebekahreplied.“Anywhoallythemselveswith

Eiraaretainted.Thepoweruponwhichtheydrawisadiseasetothisworld,andtheearthwouldseethe
infectionpurged.BosqueMargainedpurchaseofthisworldbyopeningagatetothenether—arifttornin
thefabricofcreation.Wemusthealthewoundandtherebyridourselvesofthisplague.”

“Wearenotmagicians,”theax-bearingwarriorobjected.
Mackenzierepliedtohim,“Norneedwebe.ButthegateofwhichRebekahspeakslieswithin

Tearmunn.”

“DoyousuggestwelaysiegetoTearmunn?”thewarriorshotback.“Eirawillsummonherwraithsto

destroyusbeforewereachthekeep’swalls.”

Noddinggravely,Mackenzieanswered,“Yourwordsaretrue.Theattackmustbeasurprise,orweare

defeatedbeforethebattlebegins.”

Theroomgrewquiet.Emberlookedatthesternbutfearfulfacesoftheassembledwarriorsandsether

jaw,knowingwhatshehadtodo.

SlippingawayfromBarrow,Embertookafewstepstowardtheclanchief.“IfImay,Lord

Mackenzie.”

“LadyMorrow?”Mackenzie’sbushyeyebrowswentupinsurprise.
Ember’sheartwasslammingagainstherribs.Sheclenchedherfists,wishingshecouldhavespoken

privatelywithBarrowbeforethismoment.

“IbelieveIcanofferawayfortheclansmentoenterTearmunnwithoutraisingsuspicion.”
Mackenzienodded,waitingforhertocontinue.
“LordEdmundMorrowwillsummonthemtothekeep”—Emberlookedatherfather—“toattendhis

daughter’swedding.”

“GoodGod,lass,”herfathersaid,thunderstruck.“HowdidyoufindahusbandforAgnes?”
Embershookherhead.“NotAgnes.Ispeakofmyownwedding.”
Mackenzieandherfatherexchangedadoubtfulglance.Behindher,Barrowcoughed.Whensheturned,

hewassmilingather.

“I’mpleasedyou’reeagertomarryme,LadyMorrow,butIdon’tthinkI’dbewelcomeatTearmunn.

Evenasyourbridegroom.”

“No.”Embercouldn’tmeethisgaze.“Idonotspeakofamarriagetoyou,LordHess.”
FacingMackenzieandherfatheragain,Embersaid,“LastnightIagreedtobecomethewifeofLord

AlistairHart.”

EMBERWASGLADHERbackwasturnedtoBarrow.Shecouldn’tbearseeinghisface.

“Alistair?”Herfather’sfacegainedamottledpurplehue.“YouthinkIwouldgivemyyoungerdaughter

totheworthlessbrotherofthecurwhoshamedmyelderdaughterbyputtingabastardinherbelly?”

“Ofcoursenot.”Emberwasgladtoshout,wantingBarrowtohearwhatshewasabouttosay.“Idonot

wishtomarryAlistair,onlytoinsinuatemyselftohistrust.Hehaslongadmiredme.Byassentingto
becomehiswife,IgainfreedomfromsuspicionaboutmyreasonsforreturningtoTearmunn.”

EdmundMorrow’sfacereturnedtoanormalcolor,buthelookedtoMackenzieforguidance.
Theclanchiefscratchedathisbeardwhilehethought.“Awedding.Youareanobleman,Edmund.You

dohavetherighttocalltheclanstohonoryourdaughteratamarriagefeast.”

“Iwouldgivemysupporttothisstrategy.”ItwasLukaszwhospoke.ThecommandercametoEmber’s

side.“Thefestiveairofaweddingwillprovideampledistractionsothatwecaninfiltratethekeep.”

“Areweonlytobeweddingguests,then?”Theever-doubtfulwarriorlaughed.“ShallIleavemyaxes

athome?”

Rebekahansweredhimcoolly.“Ifearnot,mylord.Thespellworkrequiredtoclosetherifttakestime.

YourweaponswillbeneededtodrawEira’sforcesawayfromasecond,stealthpartythatwillprotect
mewhileIperformthenecessaryrites.”

“Makenomistake,”Mackenzieadded,“evenwiththeadvantageofsurprise,thefightwillbehard,our

lossesmany.”

Lukaszsaidtothemansofullofobjections,“Considerthechoices.Riskyourlifenoworwaitforthe

wraithstopreyuponyourfamilies.”Thecommanderraisedhisvoice.“Ibearwitnesstotheslaughterof
Dorusduain!Anentirevillageemptiedofmen,women,andchildren.Notasinglesoulwasspared—allto
satisfythecravingsofthosebeastsruledbyBosqueMarandwelcomedintothisworldbyLadyEira.”

“Dorusduain!”Areturningshoutfilledtheroom.
“Dorusduain!Dorusduain!”Achorusofboomingvoicesechoedthroughthehall.
Mackenzienoddedhisapproval,lettingthebattlecriesgoonforsomeminutesbeforeheonceagain

liftedhisarmstoquietthewarriors.

“Yourcouragespeaksofyourhonor!”Mackenzielethisgazesweeptheroom.“Returntoyourclans

andawaitnewsofLadyMorrow’swedding.Whenthedateisset,Iwillsendwordofhowtheattackwill
proceed.Now,resthereandenjoymyhospitality.Foodanddrinkwillfillthesetableswithinthehour.”

Acheerwentupfromthecrowd.Asthemoodofthehalltransformedfromtensetojovial,Ember

returnedtoBarrow.Hisfacewasunreadableassheapproached.

“Ihadnotimetoexplain,”Embersaid.“Ortotellyouwhat’stranspired.I’msosorry.”
Barrow’ssmilewasthin.“Youshouldn’tapologize,thoughIcannotfeignhappinessatthisnews.”
“Nordoesitbringmejoy,”Emberreplied.“IdonotloveAlistair,thoughitpainsmetodeceivehimin

thisway.Oncehewasmydearestfriend,buthehasbeentwistedbyEiraandBosque.”

“Itisapettything,butIwouldbemoreateaseifyoudespisedLordHart.”Barrowdrewalongbreath.
“IcannothateAlistair,”Embersaid.“Butmyheartisyoursalone.”
Thoughsadnessstilltouchedhiseyes,Barrowbenttokissher.
“Betrothedtooneman,yetkissinganother?”EdmundMorrowbrokeintothetendermoment.“Conatus

hastrulycorruptedmyyoungerdaughter.”

Emberturnedacoldgazeonherfather.Onceshewouldhavefearedhisjudgment,butnolonger.
Raisinghisbrowatherwitheringglare,Edmundlaughed.
“Iteaseyou,Ember,andyetyouthrowdaggersatmewithyoureyes.”
“Mymemoriesofyourhumormustbefaulty,”Emberanswered.“ForIcanonlyrecallyour

reprimands.”

“Ah,lass,youarehardonyourfather.”Edmundsighed.“ButIsupposeIhaveearnedyourwrath.”
Emberfrownedathim.“Yourgoodspiritsarestrangetome,Father.Atourlastmeetingyoucondemned

mydecisiontojointheConatusGuard.”

“Istillwouldseeyoumarriedratherthanchargingintobattle,”herfatherreplied.“Butthegriefofyour

motheratlosingbothherdaughtersinsuchquicksuccessionhassoftenedthegristleofmyheart.”

“YouwouldrestoreAgnestoyourhome,then?”Emberasked.Shehadnointerestinmakingpeacewith

herfatherunlessheplannedtomakeamendswithhersister.

“Aye,”Edmundsaid,thoughhelookedasifhe’dswallowedsomethingterriblysour.“Ican’thavejoy

inyoursister’scondition,butIknowhertobeasweet,lovinggirl.ThatdamnableHenryistoblamefor
hermisfortune.”

“You’vetreatedherhorribly,”Embersaid,unwillingtoforgivehimtooeasily.“Andshesufferedlong

forit.”

“Willyoutorturemebyharpingonmypoorjudgments,Ember?”herfatherasked.
“Imay,”Emberanswered,meaningit.
“You’reahardlass.”
Embernoddedinanswer.Withagroan,EdmundlookedtoBarrow.“Mydaughterisswayedbyyou,

LordHess.Willyouspeakonmybehalf?”

Barrowsmiledathim.“I’velearnedtotrustinEmber’schoices.Icannotspareyouherwrathforfear

ofearningitmyself.”

“Verywell.”Edmundshrugged.“Iwilldomypenance.”
LordMackenziejoinedthem,saying,“Ibidyoucomewithmetomyquarters.Therearematterstobe

discussedawayfromthisthrong.”

Followingtheclanchieffromthehall,theyweremetbyLukasz,Kael,FatherMichael,Cian,andthe

visitorsfromKrakdesChevaliers.Mackenzieledtheirsmallpartythroughthecastle,thedinofthe
clansmen’sfeastfadingtoamurmur.WhentheywereensconcedinMackenzie’sprivatequarters,theclan
chiefcollapsedintoachair.HiswearygazerolledovertoCian.

“Youhavetheclans,mylady.”
“Andyouhaveourgratitude,”Cianansweredwithashortbow.
“Theweddingshouldtakeplaceasquicklyaspossible,”Mackenziesaid,lookingatEmber.“Willyour

betrothedassenttothat?”

Embernodded,dreadsnakingthroughherbelly.“Ibelievehewill.”
“WeshouldconsiderthatIhavenolovelostforthosewhoruleTearmunn,”Edmundinterjected.“IfI

seemtooamenabletothisarrangement,itcoulddrawsuspicion.”

“Demandtheamountthatwouldhavebeenyourdaughters’dowriesinsteadbepaidtoyou,”Father

Michaelsuggested.“Alistairhasnofortune,butEiraandBosquewillseetoitthathishappinessis
ensured.Theywillagreetoyourterms,andyouwillstillappeartoobjecttothemarriage,butforyour
owngreed.”

“Thatsoundslikeme.”Edmundsmirked.“Doesn’tit,Ember?”
“Yes,”Emberansweredtruthfully.She’dremainedskepticalofherfather’schangeofhearttoward

herselfandAgnes,andasshewatchedhim,sherealizedtherehadbeenlittlechangeatall.WhatEdmund
Morrowtookjoyinwasvengeance.ThwartingEira’splansconstitutedretributionfortakinghisyounger
daughterfromhishomeandofferinghiselderdaughteraplaceofcomfortandhonorwhenhe’ddenied
herthesame.

Wishingshecouldspitbileintoherfather’sface,Emberinsteadkeptsilent.Nomatterhismotivations,

herfather’scooperationwasvitaltotheirsuccess.Untilshecouldberidofhimagain,shewouldhaveto
pretendshebelievedherfamilyfullyreconciled.

“It’ssettled,then.”Edmundbeamedather.“I’llsendforyourmothertojoinmeatEileanDonan.We

willaccompanyMackenzieonthedayofthewedding.”

“You’rebringingMother?”Embergapedathim.“There’snoplaceforherinthis.Whatoftheattack?”
Herfathershrugged.“Idonotwishtoendangermywife,butdoyounotthinkitwouldraisequestions

ifyourmotherwasn’tinattendanceatyourownwedding?”

Shefrowned.“Makeanexcuse.Saysheisillandcannottravel.”
“AndwhatofAgnes?”hereplied.“Willyoukeepyoursisterfromtheweddingaswell?”
Emberglaredathim,caughtbythetruthofhiswordsbuthatingthem.
“LadyMorrow,”Mackenzieofferedgently,“noneofuswantharmtobefallyourmotherorsister.Iwill

assignoneofmymosttrustedmentoprotectthemwhenthebattlebegins.”

Resignedtothestrengthoftheirargument,Emberasked,“Andwhowillgototherift?”
Kaelsmiledather.“Thoseofuswhowouldn’tdareshowourfacestocongratulateyouonyour

wedding.”

“Andhowwillyougainaccesstothekeep?”MackenziefrownedattheConatusknights.“Iknowof

onlytwoentrances,neitherofwhichwouldletyoupassunnoticed.”

“Wehaveunusualmeansoftravelthatwillallowustobypasstheguardedentryways,”Lukasz

answered.

“Hmpf.”EdmundeyedLukaszwarily.“Moreofthismagic,Isuppose.Idonotwishtoknowofit,forI

blamesuchthingsforourcurrentsorrows.Witchesandsorcerersbedamned.”

“Notallmagicsbringeviltotheworld,”Rebekahchided,earningabitterglarefromEmber’sfather.
“We’llrelyonyourstoclosethegate,”Mackenzieadded.
Tamurspokeup,frowningatthegroup.“Youareallfamiliarwiththiskeep.Areyoucertaintheroom

inwhichtheriftisfoundwillbeunguarded?”

“Mysisteronlypostsguardsatthedoorwhensheisholdingcourt,”Ciananswered.
“Eiraholdscourtnow?”Kael’seyeswidened.
Cian’sjawclenched,andshenodded.
“Herlustforpowerhasoverwhelmedallelse,”FatherMichaelsaidsadly.
“Andthiscreature,BosqueMar.”Kurjiifrowned.“Thoughheisnothuman,youexpecthewillbe

presenttowitnessthemarriage.”

“BosquehastakenaspecialinterestinAlistair,”Emberanswered.“Icannotimaginehewouldbe

absentforsuchanimportantevent.”

“I’mafraidthatraisesanothermatter,”FatherMichaelsaid,hisvoicetroubled.“ThoughIknownotif

itaffectsourplans,Iwouldnotbeblindtoathreatthatmayexist.”

“Whatisit?”Lukaszaskedthepriest.

“AsLadyMorrowsays,BosqueMarfavorsLordHart,”FatherMichaelreplied.“Andhehasput

AlistairtoworkwithinthecatacombsandgivenhimtheassistanceofHamish,whowasoncea
formidablecleric.”

Embertiltedherhead,lookingthoughtfullyatFatherMichael.“Alistairspoketomeofthiswork.He

saiditwasaspecialtaskgiventohimbyBosque.”

“IfearwhatoccursinthetombsbeneathTearmunn’smanor,”FatherMichaelsaid.HemetEmber’s

gaze.“LadyMorrow,thoughIdonotwishtofurtherendangeryou,youarethemostlikelypersonto
discoverwhatoccupiesAlistair’sdays.”

“IwilldowhatIcan,”Embersaidquickly.Itwasn’tthatshewaseagertotakerisks,butthatthe

strategythey’dadoptedathersuggestionwouldmeaneverydaywasadayclosertoaweddingshedidn’t
want.UncoveringthemysteryofAlistair’sworkforLordMarwouldofferawelcome,ifdangerous,
distraction.

“Verywell.”Mackenziegrunted,pushinghimselfoutofhisseat.“Ibelievewehavesettledallthatwe

canfornow.Ahardroadliesahead,andIsuggestwefeastwhilewecan.”

Mackenzieleftthechamberandtheothersfiledoutafterhim.Emberbegantofollow,butahandcaught

herwrist,holdingherback.Barrowlookeddownather.He’dbeenunusuallysilent,butEmberdidn’t
havetoaskwhy.

Whentheywerealoneintheroom,heturnedhertofacehim.Hishandsrestedonherhipsandhe

pulledherclose.Insilence,hisfingersmovedupthesidesofherbody,overhershoulders,downher
armstobrieflyclaspherhands.Thenheslidhishandsthroughherhairashebenttokissher.Emberknew
theirembracewouldbebrief,thatneithertheircircumstancenorthiscastleaffordedthemtimeandspace
enoughfortheintimacyshecraved.Nothingcouldbedonetochangethat.Whentheirlipsparted,Ember
feltahollowachebeneathherribs.

Barrowkissedhercheekbeforerestinghisforeheadagainsthers.Theydidn’tspeak,andEmberdidn’t

wantto.Wordswouldn’tbringwhatshelongedfor.

EIRAGAZEDATALISTAIR.Theyoungknighthadbeenholdinghisbreathwhilesheconsideredhis
petition.Shebrieflytoyedwiththeideaofseeingwhetherhe’dturnblueinthefacebeforeshegave
answer.Lovemadesuchfoolsofotherwiseworthwhilemen.

“Thisiswhatyoutrulydesire?”Eiraasked,frowningathim.
“Iknowit’salargesum,mylady.”Alistairgaspedthewords.“I’msorrythatLordMorrowseeksto

punishyoubecauseIwouldmarryEmberinsteadofseeingherthewifeofGavinMackenzie.”

EiratappedEdmundMorrow’sletteronthearmofherthrone.Ember’sfatherwasapathetic,selfish

man,butmoneywasoflittleconsequencetoEira.“Thatisn’twhatIasked.”

“Iloveher,”Alistairsaidquietly,loweringhisgaze.
“Verywell.”EiralookedtoEmber,whostoodalongsideAlistair.Theyoungcouplehadrequestedan

audiencethemomentEmberhadreturnedfromEileanDonan,despitethelatehour.Eirahaddeignedto
seetheminherownbedchamberandhadsummonedBosquetoattendthemeetingaswell.

Thepairkeptstealingglancesateachother,likechildrenwho’dbeencaughtbreakingrules.Eira

observedthemwithamixtureofamusementandbefuddlement.

“LadyMorrow,yourfatherasksfortheweddingtotakeplacewhileheremainsatMackenzie’scastle.”
“Yes,mylady.”EmbersmiledshylyatAlistair.“ButIdonotmind.IwouldsoonerbemarriedtoLord

Hartthanwaitanotherday.”

WhenEmberlookeduponhimwithlove,Alistairthoughthisheartwouldburst.“Ialsodonotwishto

wait.”

Eiracrumpledtheletterinherhandsoshewouldn’tgroanattheirsickeninglysweetwords.
“Aweekfromtodaywillprovideenoughtimeforarrangementstobemade,”FatherMichaeloffered.
“NextFriday?”EiraglancedatBosque,whoasusualstoodtoherleft.“Whatsayyou,LordMar?”
Bosquesmiledather,mischiefdancinginhissilvereyes.“IbelieveLordHartshouldnotbedeniedhis

heart’sdesire.LettheweddingtakeplaceFriday.”

Eiraheldhisintentgaze,wonderingwhathewasupto.
“Ishallmakearrangements.”FatherMichaelbowed.
“TakeLadyMorrowwithyou,”Bosquetoldthepriestabruptly.“Werequireaprivateaudiencewith

LordHart.”

AflickerofdiscontentpassedlikeashadowoverEmber’sface,butshecurtsiedandfollowedthe

priestoutofthegreathall.

Alistairwatcheduntiltheyweregone,thenturnedtoBosque.“Issomethingamiss?”
“Idon’tknow,”Bosqueanswered.“WhathasshetoldyouofthegatheringatMackenzie’scastle?”
“Thatherfatherhaschangedlittle.”Alistair’svoicewasgruff,indignantonhisbeloved’sbehalf.“He

wouldhavemarriedhertoMackenzie’ssonbutforherpleastobewedtome.Andasyouknow,he
assentedtothatonlybypromiseofpayment.”

“Andnothingelse?”BosquefrownedatAlistair.
“There’sthematterofAgnes,”Alistairoffered.
BosquelaidhisarmoverthebackofEira’sthrone.“ThebriberequestedforAgnesshouldbedenied.”
“What?”Alistairrepliedinalarm.
“Don’tfearforyourwedding,LordHart.”Bosquesmiledathim.“Wewon’trevoketheoffertopayto

restoreAgnestoherfatheruntilafteryouandEmberarewed.”

EiraturnedinherseattolookupatBosque.“Youwanttokeepthegirlhere?”
Bosquenodded,hiseyesthoughtful.“Sheremainsvaluable.Particularlyasameansofpreventingany

misstepsonthepartofAlistair’snewbride.”

“YouwanttocontinuetoholdAgnesasahostage?”Alistairasked.
“That’sonewayoflookingatit,”Bosquereplied.“ButAgnesoffersarareopportunityforyou,

Alistair.I’msurprisedyouhaven’tthoughtofityourself.Yourmindistoofulloflove,Isuppose.”

Alistairgrimaced,andEiralaughed.
Straighteninginanefforttorestorehisdignity,Alistairasked,“WhathaveImissedwithregardto

Agnes?”

“You’vedoneamarvelousthing,”Bosquetoldhim.“Andtherewardyoushallreapisaterriblearmy

liketheworldhasneverseen.Anarmyfearsomeforitsstrengthanditsabsoluteloyaltytoyou.”

“Thankyou,mylord,”Alistairsaid,buthisbrowwasfurrowedinconfusion.
“Butnowyouhaveonlysixwarriorstoraiseforthispurpose,”Bosquesaid.“Howdoyouproposeto

increasetheirranks?”

Alistairopenedandclosedhismouth,butcouldgivenoanswer.
BosquesmiledatEira.“AsIsaid,hismindistoofulloflove.”
Eiranodded,butasked,“IconfessIdonotseehowAgnesfitsintohisvision.”
“Submission,duty,andloyaltyarequalitiesnotonlyofwarriorsthatservetheirking,”Bosquesaid,

answeringAlistairratherthanEira.“Suchtraitsareevenstrongerwithinfamilies.”

“Families,”Alistairrepeated.
“WitnessLadyMorrowherself,”Bosquetoldhim.“Sheriskedherlifetoreturntohersister,toprotect

her…andtobewithyou,ofcourse.”

OnecornerofBosque’smouthturnedup,andEirawonderedifBosquewasmockingAlistair.
WhenAlistairstilldidn’tspeak,Bosquebegantoshowfrustration.“Agnesiswithchild.Achildthat

willbedevotedtoitsmotherandtothosetowhomitsmothersubmits.”

Alistair’seyessuddenlywentwide.
“Yes.”AslowsmilespreadacrossBosque’smouth.“Iwantyoutocontinueyourtrials,LordHart…

withAgnes.”

“ButEmber—”Alistairshiftedonhisfeet.
“Ifyouworrythatmycounselwouldangeryourbeloved,”Bosquesaidsmoothly,“considerthis:if

Emberistobeyourwife,shemustserveyou,obeyyou.Howdoyouthinkshewouldrespondtothe
miraculousworkyou’veaccomplishedthusfar?”

Alistairblanched,makingitobvioustoEirathathe’dkepthisloveforEmberstrictlyseparatefromhis

collaborationwithBosque.

“Iagree,”BosquetoldAlistair.“Shemaynotunderstandthegreatnessofit,onlybecauseitwillbe

strangetoher.Butifyoumakehersisterapartofit,shewillbeforcedtoacceptwhatyou’vedone.”

“Iwillthinkonthis,LordMar.”Alistair’sfacehadgonegray,buthebowed.“MayItakemyleave

now?”

“Yes.”
WhenAlistairwasgone,Eiraasked,“AreyouworriedthatLordHartwillfalterinhisloyalty?”
Bosqueshookhishead.“Ifheharborsdoubts,theywillfadewiththenoveltyofhislove.”
“Ihopeyou’reright,”Eirasaid.Shestoodupandstretched,wearyfromthelongday.
“Iam.”
“SoonyouandLordHartmustshowmethismarvelhe’screated.”Eirabegantounbraidherhair,

thinkingtoseekherbed.

“Alistairwilltakeyoutothecatacombssoon.”BosquecameclosetoEira,andwhenhereachedupto

touchherloosecopperwaves,shebecamestill.“Heiswisetoletthebeastsknowhimalone,totrusthim
completely,beforeheintroducesthemtoothers.”

Eiradidn’tanswer.Bosquecontinuedtostrokeherhair.
“Ishouldsleep.”Hervoicehitchedwhenshespoke,andshesteppedawayfromhim.
“Whydoyoushrinkfromme?”Hisvoicewaslikesilk.
“I—”Herheartwasbeatingmuchtooquickly,makingherbreathless.Shelookedaway,gazingatthe

windowbutnotfocusingonanything.

Followingherretreat,Bosquestoodverynear,butdidn’ttouchher.“Eira.”
Layinghisfingersagainsthercheek,heturnedherfacetolookathim.“Ihavenotknowndesirefora

womanbeforeyoucalledmeforthfromthenether.NowIfinditconsumesme.Icanthinkoflittleelse.”

Eirafeltdizzy.ShemovedawayfromBosqueagain,butherpathledhertothesideofherbed.She

turnedaroundandfoundherselffacinghim.

“Willyoudenyme?”
ThedoubtschurningbeneathEira’sribsfinallysurfaced.“Iconfess,LordMar,Ifindyourwordsof

passiondifficulttobelieve.Nomanhaseverspokentomethus.”

“Whatmanwouldhavecourageenoughtobelievehecouldwinyou?”Bosquelaughed.“Youexude

power.Menaresmallcreatures,easilycowedbythosewhochallengetheirsenseofself-importance.”

Heleanedcloser,hisbreathtouchinghercheek.“Menfearyou,butIpromisetheyhavealsowanted

you.”

Sheturnedherface,andhislipsmethers.Bosquepulledback,andEiragaspedwhenhetookoffhis

shirt.

“Ihaven’tassentedtosharemybedwithyou.”Sheputsteelintohervoice,buthergazetraveledover

hisbroadshoulders,thestrengthofhischestandabdomen.

“AndIhaven’tforgottenthat.”Bosquesmiledather.“Butifyouwouldconsenttotouchme,Iwould

liketoknowthefeelingofyourhandsonmyskin.”

Eira’sfingerstwitched,achingtotracethelinesofmusclethatcoveredhisbaretorso.Shedaredtorest

herpalmjustbelowhiscollarbone.Hisskinwassowarmunderherfingers.Heatseemedtoflowfrom
thepointofcontactupherarm,spreadingoverherlimbs.

“Liewithme,Eira,”Bosquemurmured,holdingherinhisgaze.“Perfectourunion.Makeitcomplete.”
Slowly,waitingforhertoobject,Bosquereachedforthefrontofhertabard.Whenshedidn’ttryto

stophim,hepulledthelonggarmentoverherhead.Heleaneddown,kissingthespotwhereherpulsebeat
rapidlyatherthroat.

Eira’shandstolearoundBosque’sneck,herfingertipsbrushinghissofthair.
“IspoketoAlistairoftheloyaltyinherentwithinfamilies,sealedbysharedblood,”Bosquewhispered

againstherskin.“Aslongasachildbornfromthelineofourunionwalkstheearth,agatewaybetween
thisworldandminecanbeopened.”

“HowcanyoubesureI’llconceive?”Eiraplacedherpalmonherstomach.She’dabandonedany

thoughtsofbearingachildyearsago;theideastillstruckherasabsurd.

“Therewillbemoreatworkherethanpassion,”Bosquesaid,liftinghisheadtolookather.“Thereis

alsothepowerthatIbring.Consenttothisunionofbodyandblood,andyouwillbearmychild.”

“Noonehaslimitlesspower,”Eiratoldhim.Whenhiseyesnarrowed,sheworriedshe’dgonetoofar.

“Imeantnoinsult.”

“YouaretheonlycreatureinthisworldormineIwouldletspeaktomethus,”Bosquetoldherwitha

thinsmile.“Yourwordsaretrueenough.Mypowersdohavelimits,butinthematterathand,thoselimits
arenaught.”Regret,orperhapssadness,creptintohiseyes.“WhatIcannotdoisgrantyoueternallife.”

Takenaback,Eirasaid,“Ineverwantedimmortality.”
“Thenyouareunlikemostmenandwomen,”Bosquetoldher.“Whenwizardsandconjurerscallupon

theleastofmycreatures,immortalityisoftenthefirstthingtheydemand.”

Hefoldedherhandinhisstronggrasp.“Icangiveyouthreefoldyearsbeyondothermen,andinthese

years,youwillnotage.Youwillremainasyouarenow.Strong.”

Movinghisgriptoherwrists,hepulledhercloser.“Beautiful.”Hislipsnearlytouchedhers.
Eiraaskedwithhesitation,“IfIwillnotage,whymustIbearthischildnow?”
“Iwouldgiveyouleavetowaitaslongasyoulike,”Bosquetoldher.“Wereitnotfortheriskoflosing

you.”

“YouthinkIwilltrytoseverourbond?”Eiracouldn’timaginewantingtoridherselfofBosque.She

cravedhispresence,feltlostwhenhewasabsent.Shewouldn’tnametheirbondoneoflove,butitwas
nonethelesspowerful,irresistibleeven.

Bosquereleasedoneofherwristsandtracedthelineofhercollarbone.“Youareloyal,Eira.Andwe

desirethesamethings.Idonotfearyourleaving.Iknowyouwouldnotabandonme,justasIwould
neverforsakeyou.”

“Thenwhatdoyoufear?”Eiraasked,tryingnottobedistractedbythelighttouchofhisfingersonher

skin.

“Youareandalwayswillbeawarrior,”Bosqueanswered.“Andtherearemanybattlestocome.

ThoughIcanofferyoupowerfulallies,helpingtosecureyourvictories,whenmyqueengoestowar,she
mayloseherlife.”

Eiranodded.Bosque’swordswonhimyetmoreofheradmiration.Despitehishopesforher,hedidn’t

suggestshestayhiddenawayinakeep,safelydistantfromanybloodshed.Hewouldn’tdenyhertrue
nature,herhungerforthefight.

Asshefellsilent,Bosquebentcloser.Hislipsfollowedthepathofhisfingertips.Thetouchofhis

mouthonherskinstirredanewhungerinEira,oneshe’dneverexpectedtofeel.Bosquetrailedhislips
overherthroatandupherneck.Histongueflickedhercheek,andhisteethclosedlightlyonherearlobe.

“Tellme,Eira.”Bosquerepositionedhimself,placinganarmoneithersideofher,trappingheragainst

him.“Whatisityouwantfromme?”

Adriftinaseaofsensation—thesoundofherquickbreaths,therisingheatofherskin—Eiraknewtoo

wellwhatherbodycraved,buthermindbalked.Sheturnedherfacefromhim,tryingtosteadyherself.

“Yourtouchisthatofaman.”Eiraforcedthewordsout.“But—”
Bosquefinishedforher.“YoufearwhatItrulyam.”
Eiramethisgaze.“Ido…ShouldI?”
“Idon’tknow,”Bosquesaid,hisexpressionthoughtful.“Ican’tpredictwhatyourreactionwouldbeto

theformItakeinmyownworld.”

Heglanceddownathisbarechest.“Butitwouldnotlikelyappealtoyouasthisbodydoes.”
Eirafeltbloodrushtohercheeksasshefacedthetruthofhiswords.Washerdesiresoplain,theache

withinhersoeasyforhimtodetect?

“Fortunately”—Bosquesmiled—“thisisthebodythatwouldenactourunion.Youneedneverlook

upontheother.”

Drawingaquickbreath,Eirasaid,“ButwhenIfirstopenedthewayforyoutobeinthisworld,you

mademeturnaway,forfearofwhatIwouldsee.”

“Myotherformwasrequiredforthecrossingbetweenworlds,”Bosquetoldher.“Thatbodytookyour

bloodasapactsothatthisbodycouldbesustainedhere.Butwiththecrossingcomplete,Imayremaina
manforsolongasIchoose.”

Heleanedforward,movingherontothebed.“Toprovidewhateveryouneed.”Hislipstouchedthe

hollowbetweenherearandherjaw.“Ordesire.”

Eirafeltherwilltoresistgivingway,butthereremainedonethingsheneededtoknow.“Wait.”
Bosquestayedclose,buthebecamestill,nolongerenticingherwithhiskisses.
“Thisunionisadeepeningofourbond,”Eirasaid.
“Yes.”
Sheputherhandtohischest,holdinghimback,thoughhehadn’ttriedtoclosethelittledistancethat

remainedbetweenthem.“Ourbondhasalwayscarriedaprice.”

“Anofferingofblood,”Bosquerepliedcalmly.
“Andnow?”Eiraasked,unsettledbyhiscasualtone.
“Thesamewillberequired.Andasbefore,Icannothealyourwound,”heanswered,hissmilealmost

teasing.“Butyouneeddonothingtomakeyouroffering.Thattaskfallstome.”

Eirastiffened.“Whatwillyoudotome?”
“Onlywhatyouwantmeto.”Reachingdown,Bosquegatheredthehemofherkirtle.“Unless—”
Bosquebegantoliftherkirtle.Eiraclosedhereyes,barelybreathing.“Unless?”
“Hasanothermantakenyourmaidenhead?”
“No!”Hereyelidssnappedup,andsheglaredathim.“Didyouthinkotherwise?”
“Ididnot,”heanswered,stillsmiling.“Butyouweretheonewhopressedmeaboutthenatureofthe

sacrifice.”

“The—”Graspinghismeaning,Eirachokedontheremainingwords.
ThistimeBosquedidbearherdownontothebed,hisfullweightpushingagainsther.Eirabeganto

speak,buthestoppedherwordswithakissthatbegangentlyandgrewinurgency.Herlingering
questionsweresoonforgotten.

EMBERHADWORRIEDthatAgneswouldtakethenewsofherweddingbadly,buttheopposite
provedtobetrue,whichmadeEmbersickwithguilt.

Secretsweighedheavyonthetipofhertongue,readytobeconfessed.Butshefearedthatrevealingthe

comingbattlewouldendangerAgnesmorethanleavingherinignorance.Agneswasn’ttheissue.Bosque
Marwas.

Thetall,silver-eyedmanvisitedAgnesalmostdaily,despitethefactthatthetwosisterswerebusy

withpreparationsforthewedding.Bosquewouldappearwithoutnotice,sometimessittingwiththem,
othertimesinvitingAgnestojoinhimforawalkthroughthecourtyard.Emberhatedit.Butshecould
makenoexcusethatwouldkeepAgnesfromacceptingBosque’soffersofcompanionshipwithouttelling
herabouthisorigins,andthatverysubjectwaswhatmadeEmbersoreluctanttoshareherfearswithher
sister.Bosque’sgazewasuncanny.Embersensedthateachmomenthespentintheircompanywasonein
whichhedelvedforinformation,likeapredatorsniffingoutitsnextmeal.

IfEmberalertedAgnestothedanger,Bosquewouldnoticeherchangedbehavior,throwingsuspicion

onbothsisters.Tryasshemight,Emberfoundnogoodchoicesinthismatter.

Thisparticularafternoon,BosqueandAgnesweredeeplyinvolvedinadiscussionofthemeritsofa

varietyofspringflowers.Whyalordofthenetherrealmwouldhaveanyopinionsonblossoms,Ember
couldn’tfathom,andshewasrelievedwhenaservantappearedwithamessagefromFatherMichael
remindingherthatsheshouldmakeconfessionbeforetheweddingmass.

Hurriedlyexcusingherself,Emberfledthechamberandmadeherwaytothechapel.Shewascertain

thatFatherMichaelhadn’ttrulysummonedhertomakeconfessionordiscussthewedding.Theonly
benefitofsomuchflurryaroundtheeventwasthatthepremiseofpreparationenabledEmbertoavoidher
betrothed.EachinteractionwithAlistairhadbecomemoredifficult.Hewasconstantlytouchingher,
holdingherhands,leaninginforachastekiss.OntheoneoccasionwhenAlistairhadpursuedamore
aggressiveapproachtothephysicalsideoftheirbetrothal,Emberinsistedthatshewouldn’tcompromise
hervirtueandwouldonlysurrendertoherpassionontheirweddingnight.Hadthatbeenmorethanfour
dayshence,Alistairmighthavepersistedinhiseffortstoseduceher.ToEmber’srelief,herelented.

Alistair’stouchdidn’trevolther,norwashiscompanyunpleasant.Butthosetwotruthsmade

everythingworse.ToseehimandknowwhatwascomingtwistedaknifeinEmber’sbelly.Each
interactionburdenedhermorethanthelast,sothatEmberfearedshemightbecomephysicallysickfrom

thetensionmercilesslywringingherbody.

WhenEmberenteredthechapel,shefoundFatherMichaelatprayer.Shewalkedalongthepews

quietly,waitinguntilherosetospeak.

Thepriestmusthaveheardherapproach.Themomenthestood,heturnedtogreether.
“Thankyouforcomingsoquickly,Ember.”Gesturingforhertofollow,FatherMichaelcrossedinfront

ofthestained-glasswindowfromwhichthearchangelthatsharedthepriest’snamewatchedoverthem.

Settlingintooneofthefrontpews,FatherMichaelpattedthewoodenbench.“Pleasesit.”
Embertookherplacebesidethepriest.“Istherenews?”
“That’swhyI’vesummonedyou,”FatherMichaelanswered.“Withyourweddingdaysoclose,you

mustbepreparedforwhatwillhappen.Iwouldnothaveyouenterthebattlelikeablindlamb.”

Emberclaspedherhandstightinherlap.
“Theceremonywilltakeplaceatthecourtyard,”FatherMichaeltoldher.“Atthesignal,yourfather

andMackenziewillbegintheirattack.Cianwillassisttheminleadingtheclanwarriors.”

“Whatisthesignal?”Emberasked.
“WhenAlistairplacestheringonyourfinger.”
Withashudder,Emberdroppedherheadbackagainstthepew.Whiletheclansmenraisedtheir

swords,she’dbeadornedinherweddinggownandflowers.Feelingalighttouchonherarm,Ember
turnedtomeetFatherMichael’sgaze.

“Donotbelittleyourroleinthisplan,Ember,”hesaidgently.
Forcingaweaksmile,Emberasked,“Whatelsewillhappen?”
“Whilechaosreignsoutofdoors,Rebekahwillopenadoorinthegreathall,”FatherMichaeltoldher.

“OurhopeisthatthebattlewillholdEira’sattentionlongenoughforRebekahtocompleteherspell,
closingtherift.”

“AndBarrow?”Emberloweredhereyesasherpulsejumped.
“HewillbewithLukasz,Kael,andtheMamluks,guardingRebekah.”
Emberlethereyesclose.She’dknownitwouldn’tbepossibleforBarrowtostandamongthe

clansmenwhogatheredforherwedding.Thechanceofhimbeingrecognizedwastoogreat.Buta
stubborn,irrationalpieceofEmber’smindinsistedthatsheneededhiminthecrowd,thatoncethebattle
began,shewouldwanttoshoveAlistairawayandrushovertofightatBarrow’ssidesohewouldknow
withoutquestionthattheringencirclingherfingerwasnothingbutaruse.Byheraction,shewouldrefute
theceremonyshe’dtakenpartin,purgingthefalsepromisesshe’dutteredasshefoughtatBarrow’sside.

FatherMichaelmusthavesurmisedthenatureofherthoughts,forhesaid,“Whenthefightingbegins,

youshouldseetoyoursafetyandthatofyourmotherandsister.”

Emberlookedathim,nodding,thoughhermindclungtothehopeofsomehowfindingBarrow.
“Mackenziepromisedmentoprotectyourfamily,”FatherMichaelremindedher.“Whentheyreach

you,stayclosetothem.Justasyouare,theywillbeunhappytobeexcludedfromthebattleatlarge.Let
thesewarriorsfulfillthetasktheirclanchiefhasgiventhem.”

Findingallhercounterargumentsignoble,Emberresignedherselftoplayingtheroleofspectatorinthe

comingfight.

FatherMichaelstoodup.“Beforethatdayarrives,however,Ihaveanothertaskforyou.”
Withoutfurtherexplanation,hewalkedaway.Surprised,EmberhoppedupandfollowedFather

Michaeloutofthechapel,intohisprivatequarters.Hepausedinfrontofatall,narrowbookcase,looking
backather.

“LordHartcametomakeconfession,”FatherMichaelsaid.“Fromwhathesaid,Iunderstandyou’ve

spentlittletimewithyourbetrothed.”

Emberavoidedthepriest’sgaze.“Ifinditdifficulttobeinhiscompany,knowingIdeceivehim.”
“Idonotenvyyou,LadyMorrow,”hesaid.“You’veplacednotonlyyourbodybutyourheartand

spiritatgreatrisk.”

FatherMichaelpulledabookfromthemiddleshelfandreachedintotheemptyspace.“Forthatreason,

Iamsorrytoaskyoutoriskmore,butfearImust.”

Emberheardaclick,andthebookcasewhined.FatherMichaeltookseveralstepsbackasitswung

forward.“DoyourememberwhatIaskedofyouatEileanDonan?”

“YouspokeoffearovertheworkAlistairhadbeendoingforBosque,”Embersaid.
Nodding,FatherMichaelcontinued,“AndsinceyouhavefounditnecessarytoavoidLordHart,I

assumeyouhavenotspokenwithhimofthismatter.”

Mutewithembarrassmentthatshe’dchosenherownneedsoverthepriest’srequest,Embershookher

head.

Seeingthewayhercheekscolored,FatherMichaelsaid,“Don’tchastiseyourself,mychild.Iwouldbe

farmoreconcernedifyoupretendedloveforAlistairwithoutaheavyheart.”

Hereyesdowncast,Embermurmured,“Thankyou.”
FatherMichaelbeckonedEmbercloser.Whenshereachedhisside,Embersawadarkopeninginthe

wallthathadbeenhiddenbythebookcase.“ThispassageleadstothecatacombswhereeachdayAlistair
performshiswork.Heentersthroughatrapdoorinthecellar,butonlyIknowofthisentrance.Alistair
tookLadyEiraintothecatacombsthismorning.”

“Youwouldhavemeenter?”Embergazedatthedarktunnel.“Whentheyarestillwithinthetombs?”
“Theanswersweseeklieinthecorridorsandchambersbeneaththismanor,”heanswered.“Your

weddingtakesplaceinfourdays.Alistairmakesconfessionofhiscarnaldesires,butnotofwhathidesin
thedarknessbelowthismanor.Iftherearesecretsthatwillcompromiseoursuccesswithintheresting
placeofthedead,wemustknow.Stayhiddenintheshadowsandlearnwhatyoucanfromlistening.”

FatherMichaeldrewadaggerfromthefoldsofhisrobes.
“Takethissoyouhavemeanstodefendyourself.”HepressedthehiltintoEmber’shand.“Ipraythat

youwon’tneedtouseit.”

Ember’sfingersclosedaroundthehilt.Shecalledtomindthegatheredwarriorsoftheclans,therisk

theywouldtakebystagingadecoyattack.Shedrewfurtherresolvefromthefacesofherfriends.Lukasz,
Kael,Cian,andBarrowwouldprotectRebekahassheattemptedtoclosetherift.Ifthecatacombshoused
someunknownweapon,itcouldcompromiseeverything.

Takingadeepbreath,shenoddedafarewelltoFatherMichaelandenteredthetunnel.Thelightfrom

thepriest’squartersfadedquickly,leavingEmberindarkness.

Blinkingintothedark,Emberturnedtofollowthedirectionalchangeofthetunnelandnoticedaruddy

glowfartheralongthepassage.Shemadeherwayforwardcautiously.Ashervisionadjustedtothelack
oflight,shebegantoseethecontoursofthepassage.Whenshereachedthelight’ssource,atorchinan
ironsconce,thetunnelcurvedagain,pitchingsharplydownward.Embertookthetorchfromthewalland
continuedonherpath.Themoreshewalked,thenarrowerthepassagebecame,andabruptlyEmberwas
facingadeadend.

Frowning,shegazedatthewallbeforeherandwonderedifFatherMichaelhadeverusedthistunnel

andknewthatitcameoutsomewhere.Sheliftedthetorch,searchingthewallforanythingshe’dmissed—
adepressionorhiddendoor.Whensheexaminedthecornerofthewall,theshadowsdancinginthe
torchlightgrewmorepronounced.

Emberpressedherhandtothewall,feelingitsshape.Withoutwarning,thestoneshetouchedwasgone

andherfingersgraspedatair.Thegapinthewallwasnearlyinvisible,madetotricktheeyeintoseeinga
barrierwhereasmallspaceexisted.Theholebetweenthewallshefacedandtheonetohersidebarely
accommodatedEmber.Shesqueezedthroughandcameoutatthebackofastatue.AneffigyoftheVirgin
MaryatprayerloomedoverEmberanddisguisedtheplacefromwhichshe’dcome.

Slippingaroundthestatue,Embersawthatshe’denteredwhatmustbethemaincorridorofthe

catacombs.Thetunnelwaswider,andthestonewallsfeaturedhollowsatregularintervalsoccupiedby
sarcophagi.Thecorridorhadasteepslope,andEmberbegantofollowthedownwardtiltofthepath.She
kepthereyesahead.Surroundedbysomanysoulslaidtorest,Embercouldn’tshakethesensethatspirits
watchedasshepassedbytheirburialsites.

AsoundrisingfrombehindthecurvingwallinfrontofherbroughtEmbertoahalt.Shelistenedmore

closelyandheardvoices.EveryfoulcursesheknewjumpedontoEmber’stongue,butshedarednotcry
out.Thevoicesweremuchtoocloseforcomfort,andoutofthecornerofhereye,Embercaughtthesoft
glowoflanternlightspillingalongthecorridor.Shesearchedthewalluntilshefoundanemptyiron
sconce.Quicklyrestoringhertorchtoaninconspicuousplaceonthewall,Embercringed,realizingthat
she’dbeforcedtohidebehindasarcophagus.Shescrambledoverthecold,carvedstoneandrolledinto
thecrevicebetweenthewallandthecoffin.Hershoulderdroppedhardagainstthecornerofthetomb,
andshehadtobitehertonguesoshewouldn’tshoutinpain.

Emberhopedtheshadowswereenoughtokeepherhidden.Therewasn’tspacetocurlintoaball.Asit

was,shecouldbarelymoveandworriedshewouldn’tbeabletoleverageherselffromthetightspace.
Panichitherlikeablowtothechest.Whatifshecouldn’tgetout?Fear,rollingthroughherlimbs,almost
madeheryelltowardthesoundoftheapproachinggroup.Bettertobecaughtthantobetrappedbythis
sarcophagusuntilitbecamehergraveaswell.

Forcingherselftoclosehereyesandbreathe,Emberbeatbackheranxiety.Insteadofthinkingaboutthe

roughstone,itscoldtouchreachingthroughherdressandmakinghershudder,Emberlistenedtothe
voicesthatgrewevercloser.

“Imustsay,Alistair,”Eiramused,“Ineverexpectedthis.You’requitetheinnovator.”
Alistair’sreplywasbarelyaudible.“Ionlyhopetopleaseyou,LadyEira.”
“Youneedn’tworryaboutthat,”sheansweredhim.“You’veprovenyourworthmanytimesover.I’ll

readilyadmitthatIfindyouquite…essential.”

“I’mhonored,”Alistairreplied.
“Andwhatdoyouthinkofouryoungknight?”Eiraasked.
Asmooth,lowreplycame.“I’vealwaysseengreatpotentialinLordHart.”
Emberwentrigid.BosqueMar’svoiceneverfailedtomakeherpulsespike.Shewasstartledthathe

wasinthecatacombs.HemusthaveleftAgnesshortlyafterEmberwenttoseekFatherMichael.

Keepingasstillasshecould,Emberprayedthatthedarknesswasenoughtohideher.Shecouldhear

theirfootsteps.Lanternlightslidalongthewalloppositehercrevice.EiraandAlistaircameintoview
first.Bosquefollowed,atallguardianloomingovertheirshoulders.

“Wewon’tknowuntilthey’reunleashed,”AlistairsaidtoEira.“ButIthinktheycouldmakeallthe

differencewhenitcomestoafight.Thetraitorswillneveranticipatethisdevelopment.”

“Iagree,”Bosquesaid.“It’sanincrediblefeat.Somethingtocelebrateatyourweddingfeast?”
BileroseinEmber’sthroatasshewaitedforAlistair’sreply,butitwasEirawhospoke.
“Thoughwecannotshareyourtriumphwiththeweddingguests,weshalltoastyouinsecret,”Eira

replied.

“Iamgrateful,LadyEira.”Alistairadded,“IhopethatRhyswillsoonbeabletojoinmeinthemanor.

Hehasyettolearncontrol,butthechildiseager.”

“Anddeeplyattachedtoyou,”Eiranoted.“Thatservesourpurposewell.”
Therewasapause,thenAlistairasked,“Whenwillshewake?”
“Afteranhourorso,”Bosqueanswered.
Eiraadded,“I’mmoreinterestedinwhenwe’llknowwhetherRhyswasabletocompletetheriteas

youenvisioneditcouldoccur.”

“AsamI.”Alistair’svoicewastight.“Wesimplyhavetowait.”
“Asyouwish,”Bosquereplied.

AblurofquestionsseizedEmber’sthoughts:Whosleptwhilethethreeplottersacted?WhowasRhys,

andwhatritedidtheyspeakof?Sherealizedonlyafterthelanternlightbegantofadethatthetriohad
passedherwithoutincident.Shewaiteduntilshecouldnolongerheartheirvoices,thenbeganthetaskof
dislodgingherselffromthetomb.Asshe’dfeared,inherhastetohide,Emberhadwedgedherselffirmly
betweenthesarcophagusandthewall.Thoughpanictriedtokeepherimprisonedbythecoffin,Ember
methodicallysquirmedandwriggleduntilthestonesgaveuptheirhostage.Hoistingherselfontothe
sarcophagus,Embercrawledbackoutofthetomb.SheglancedinthedirectionthatAlistair,Eira,and
Bosquehadgone.TheirpathledtowardthepassagebywhichEmberhadenteredthecatacombs.

Givenherneardiscovery,Emberbrieflyconsideredreturningtothepassageandgettingawayfromthe

tombsasquicklyaspossible.Butthesnippetsofconversationshe’doverheardweretootroublingto
ignore.WhathadAlistairdonetosogreatlypleaseEiraandBosque?Andhowcouldtheybesoconfident
thatwhateveritwas,itsignifiedthedemiseofEmber’sallies?

Turningherbackonthewaytosafety,Emberinsteadfacedtheslightdownwardpitchoftheground.

Shereclaimedhertorchfromthewallandfollowedthepathdeeperintotheearth.

Thespiralingtunnelheldnothingbutthedead,andEmber’sheadachedwithfrustrationuntilshe

reachedthepointwherethepassageended,openingintoabroadchamber.Atfirstglance,thiswasalso
simplyatomb—albeitalargerone—butthesarcophagiintheroomhadbeenchanged.Theirsurfaces
werecoveredwithobjects,asthoughthey’dbeenusedastables.

Emberwanderedthroughtheroom,takingnoteofjars,vases,tools,knives,herbs,parchment,ink,and

quills.Shecouldn’tmakesenseoftheoddassortmentofitems,sosheleftthelargeroomtosearchthe
adjoiningchambers,whichwereconnectedtothefourcornersoftheroom.

Assheapproachedtheopeningtothefirstsidechamber,Emberslowed,hernosewrinkling.Disturbing

odorswaftedfromthearchedopening—stalebloodandcloyingdecay.Thoughherstomachflopped
unpleasantlyattheonslaughtofsickeningscents,Emberforcedherselfforward.

Therectangularchamberheldfoursarcophagi.Upontwoofthestonecoffinsrestedabodyshroudedin

cloth.Tighteninghergriponthedagger,Embercreptforward.Theodorinthechamberindicatedthat
thesecorpseshadlainhereforsometime,butEmberknewthattheyhadn’tbeenplacedherebecausethey
weremeanttobeburiedinthecatacombs.

Whenshereachedthefirstsarcophagus,Emberforcedherselftopeeltheshroudback.Withashoutof

fear,Emberjumpedbackandthenclenchedherjawforallowingherselftogivesuchaloudcry.

Remindingherselfthatthecreaturewasdead,Emberignoredherscreaminginstinctsandmovedto

examinethecorpse.She’dseennothinglikeit.Fromheadtotail,shewouldhavecalleditawolf.Butits
armsandlegswerethoseofaman,theironlywolfishcharacteristicbeingthethickfurthatcoveredthe
limbsandtheclawlikenailsextendingfromthefingertips.

Aftercoveringthebodyagain,Emberwenttothesecondsarcophagus.Preparedforanothershock,

Emberliftedtheshroud.Thiscorpsewassimilartothefirst,thoughitsanatomyrevealedthecreatureto
befemale.Thefaceofthebeastwaslesswolflikeandmorehuman.Emberpeeredatitsfeatures,a
naggingfamiliaritybuzzingwithinhermind.Bendingclosetogivethefaceamorecarefulexamination,
Embersuddenlyfrozeashorrorcrawledoverherskin.Itcouldn’tbe.

Dizzyandsick,Emberhidthefacethatsodisturbedher,hurryingoutofthechamber.Asshestumbled

towardthenextsideroom,dreadingwhatshe’dfindbutcompelledbynecessitytocontinueher
investigation,Embertriedtoshutoutthewhisperthatchasedafterher.

Lora.Lora.Lora.
Emberwasdesperatetopurgethecleric’snamefromhermind,wantingtodenywhatsheknewtobe

true.Thedeadwoman’sface,thoughmutilatedbybeingsomehowterriblyweddedtothefeaturesofa
beast,hadbeenLora’sface.CianandFatherMichaelsaidLorahadvanished,butanydeathEmbermight
haveimaginedfortheclericseemedpreferabletothis.Howsuchanabominationofmanandwolfcame

tobecreated,Embercouldn’tfathom—thoughshehadnodoubtastowheretheblameshouldfall.
Everythingshe’dlearnedofBosqueMarrevealedthewayhecorruptedtheearth,twistingittohis
purpose.ThatLordMarhadthepowertoeffectsuchahorribletransformationofmenandwomeninto
monstersdidn’tsurpriseEmber,butshedidn’tunderstanditspurpose.Hadthesecatacombsbeenthesite
ofsomehorriblytwistedpunishmentandexecution?WasAlistairapartofit?Thiscouldn’tbethe
creationthathadpleasedBosqueandEira,couldit?

Embershivered,pushingbackthewaveofpanicthatthreatenedtooverwhelmher.Approachingthe

nextchamberwithtrepidation,Emberclungtothesliverofreliefshefeltwhenthenoxiousodorsofthe
lastroomweren’tpresent.Shecreptinside,herdaggerliftedandreadytostrike.

Ratherthanhousingmultiplegraves,thisroomfeaturedasinglesarcophagusuponaraisedstone

pedestal.Itwasn’tthestonetombthatdrewEmber’sgaze,butthecagebesideit.

ThelargeironcageofferedenoughspacethatEmberwouldhavebeenabletostandandwalkasmall

circlewithinitsconfines.Behindthebars,Embersawanestofblanketsandpillows.Curledupasleep
withinthepileofsoftfabricswasachild.

Theboycouldbenomorethanthreeyearsold.Hisdarkbrownhaircurledsoftly,andinthetorchlight,

ithadrichpewtertones.Emberkneltbesidethecage,staringatthesleepingboy.

Whowouldcageachildinthishorribleplace?
Settingthedaggeronthefloor,Embergrippedtheironbarswithherrighthand.Thecagewassturdy

andfreeofrust.Shewouldonlybeabletoopenitwithakey.

Theboy’sfacescrunchedup;hisnosetwitched.Hiseyelidsflutteredandthenopened.Emberstifleda

gasp,notwantingtofrightenthechild.Thecolorofhiseyeswasstartling,agoldshadethatabsorbedthe
lightfromhertorchandgrewbrighter.

“Dearone,”Embermurmured,stretchingherhandintothecage,“I’mheretohelp.Don’tbeafraid.”
Theboyshrankfromherhand.
“Shhh,”Emberwhispered.Shecouldalmostgrasphishand.“Tellmewhobroughtyouhere.”
Blinkingatherwiththosegoldeneyes,theboysnarledandthenhewasaboynomore.Thewolfcubin

thecagesnappedatheroutstretchedfingers.

Emberreeledbackontotheheelsofherhandsandscrambledawayfromthecage.Sherolledover,

strugglingtoherfeet.ThewolfcontinuedtogrowlitswarningasEmberfledtheroom.Sheranuntilshe
reachedthehiddenpassage.Notoncedidshelookback.

EMBERBENTOVER,wheezingasshetriedtofightofftheshockandpanicthatjoinedforcesto
strangleher.Thoughshedesperatelywantedtogetoutofthetunnel,Emberleanedagainstthebookcase
thatledtoFatherMichael’squarterstomakesuretheroomwassilentandlikelyunoccupiedbyanyone
otherthanthepriest.

HerpulsewasstillrattlingwhenEmberpushedthebookcaseforward.“FatherMichael?”
Noanswercame,butEmberwasfilledwithreliefsimplybecauseofthegentledaylightfillingthe

room.

Emberslippedfromthetunnelandmovedthebookcaseagainstthewalluntiltheholewasonceagain

hidden.Thechamberwasempty.Aftertakingafewminutestocollectherself,awareofhowdisheveled
shemustlookafterfleeingthecatacombs,Emberwentinsearchofthepriest.

Makingeveryefforttosteadyherbreath,Embercouldn’tstaveoffthehorrificimagesthatflashed

throughhermindwitheveryblink:Lora’smutilatedfeatures,achildbecomingananimal.Theywere
nightmaresbroughttolife,andEmber’smindwantedtorejectthepossibilityoftheirexistence.She
wantedtopurgeeverymomentshe’dspentinthetomb.

Assheenteredthechapel,herthroatclosedup.Shedidn’tknowifshecoulddescribewhatshe’d

witnessedinthecatacombs—howcouldsheconveythetwistedviolenceofbeastandmanforcedintoa
singleentity?

Voicesthatechoedoffthechapel’svaultedceilingdisruptedEmber’stroubledthoughts.
“Areyoucertainyouwishtokeepthisfromtheothers?”FatherMichaelasked.
ThereplycamefromCian.“Wecan’triskdissent.Thealliancesweclingtonowaretenuousatbest.

AsRebekahexplained,thisistheonlywaytoclosetherift,toridourselvesofLordMar.”

“IagreewithCian.”HavingmetRebekahonlyonce,Emberdidn’trecognizehervoicebutcouldonly

assumeitwasshewhospoke.“Cianmakesanoblesacrifice,buttherearethosewhooutoflovewould
seektostopher.”

FatherMichael’sreplywassad.“IconfessIamoneofthose.LadyCian,youareneededinthisfight.”
“Ifallgoeswell,myfinalbattlewillendthisconflict,”Ciananswered.“Andyouwillneedmysword

nolonger.”

“Howwillyoureachthegreathall?”FatherMichaelasked.“Yourabsenceattheweddingwouldbe

noticed.”

“I’llwaituntilthebattlebegins,”Ciansaid.“Whenfightingtakesoverthecourtyard,I’llslipaway.”
“Trytogetclosetotheriftitself,”RebekahtoldCian.“Ifthespellisdisrupted,thepiecesofthecross

willscatter,returningtothefourcornerswhencetheywerecalled.”

“I’lldoasyousay,”Ciananswered.“Letusbegin.”
“Ifitmustbeso,”FatherMichaelmurmuredsadly.
Emberduckedbehindastonecolumn,peekingoutasfarasshedared.
CiankneltbeforeFatherMichael,wearingonlyherkirtle.RebekahstoodatCian’sback.Thepriest

spokeinlow,rhythmictones,butEmbercouldn’tmakeoutthewordsofhischanting.Heheldacarved
woodenbowlinhishands.

EmberbitherliptokeepfromgaspingwhenCianbowedherheadandpushedherkirtlefromher

shoulders.Thegarmentpooledatherhips,leavinghertorsobare.

FatherMichaeldippedhishandintothebowl.Stillchanting,hebegantomarkherbody.Withred-

stainedfingers,hedrewfirstonherleftcollarboneandherrightlowerabdomen.Hehandedthebowlto
Rebekah,whomarkedCian’srightshoulderandherleftlowerback.

CianremainedstillandsilentasFatherMichaelreturnedtofaceher.
“Youmakethissacrificewillingly?”heasked.
“Igivemybodyandspirittostemtherisingtide,toturnbackthedark.Bloodagainstblood,”Cian

answered.“Icallonthefourcornersoftheearthweseektoprotect.Giveustheaidweneed.”

FatherMichaelandRebekahjoinedhands,theirarmsformingaringaroundCian.
“Cruxancoravitae,”thepairintonedinunison.
Cianbowedherhead.“Cruxancoravitae.”
WithinthecircleofFatherMichael’sandRebekah’sarms,Cian’sskinbegantoglow.Theairaround

hershimmered,comingalivewithcolors:ochreandbronzeshiftedtosilverandpalebluethatdarkened
untiltheywerethedeepestshadesofvioletandsapphire;thoseinturnburnedfromwithinuntilthey
gleamedcrimsonandgold.Thecloudofever-changingcolorsroseaboveCian,veilingherbodywithits
light.Thenebuloushuestwistedaroundeachother,formingadistinctshapethatfloatedaboveCian’s
head.Itappearedtobeacross,butwasunlikeanycrucifixEmberhadseen.Thetwoendsofthelengths
endedinpointssharpasthetipofasword,whiletheoppositeendsofthebeamswereblunt.

ThecrosshungoverCianforamoment,thenitdescended.Oneofthesharptipstouchedthebackof

Cian’sneck,andsheshuddered.Thestrangecrossvanished,butEmbersquinted,convincedthatshehad
seentheidenticalshapebrandedontothebareskinofCian’sneck.

Ciancollapsedtoherhandsandknees,andFatherMichaelcrouchedbesideher.
“Itisfinished,”hesaid.“Letusgetyoutoyourchambers.Youneedrest.”
FatherMichaelglancedatRebekah.“Weaveyourportalinmyquarters.Wecannotriskyourpresence

hereanylonger.”

“Iknow,”Rebekahreplied,thenshebowedtoCian.“Yourcouragehumblesme,mylady.”
Emberpressedherselfagainstthecolumn,holdingherbreathandflatteningherbodyasmuchasshe

couldtoescapenotice.Rebekahstrodepastherwithouthesitation,enteringFatherMichael’schamber
andclosingthedoor.

Whenshepeekedaroundthecolumnagain,FatherMichaelandCianhadleft.Emberhardlybelievedit

couldbepossible,butshewasmoreshakennowthanshe’dbeenwhensheemergedfromthecatacombs.
Theritualshe’dwitnessedfrightenedher.Shedidn’tknowwhatitcouldmean,norwasshepleasedthatit
hadbeenperformedinsecret.

She’dthoughttotellFatherMichaeleverythingaboutherstrangeencountersinthecatacombs,butnow

herconfidenceinthepriestwasundermined.ToomanysecretsandhiddenagendasmadeEmberquestion
thetrustshe’dplacedinothers.

AsEmberleftthechapel,herheadachedwithindecision.Herbodyfeltheavy,encumberedbyfearand

sorrow,butshecouldn’tthinkofanyonewithwhomshemightsharethisburden.Toconfesseverythingto
Agnes,Emberstillworried,wouldplacehersisteringreaterdanger.Shehadnootherfriendsat
Tearmunn.

EmberpausedoutsideAgnes’sdoor,herheartsqueezingtightinpainasshewishedBarrowwerenear,

readytoholdherandhelpherbeartheweightoftheseordeals.Emberletthesorrowanduncertainty
washoverher,weakeningherkneesandmakinghereyesbrim.Then,havinggiveninforafewmoments,
shestraightened,suckedinacool,longbreath,andcarefullyreconstructedtheplaciddemeanorshewas
forcedtoadoptaslongasthesedeceptionswereneeded.

Rappingquicklyonthedoor,EmberwaiteduntilsheheardAgnes’scall.
“Whoisit?”
Emberfrowned,notlikingthethickslurofhervoice.“It’sEmber.”
“Comein.”
Lettingherselfintothechamber,Emberfoundhersisterdrapedacrossherbed.Agnesdidn’tsitup,but

sherolledontoherside,blearilygazingatEmberthroughheavy-liddedeyes.

Emberhurriedtoherside.“Haveyoutakenill?”
“Idon’tthinkso.”Agnesfrowned,hervoicestillwobbling.“I’mnotsure.”
“Howdoyoufeel?”Emberasked.ShepressedherhandtoAgnes’scheekandwasrelievedwhenshe

feltnofever.

Agnesrubbedhereyes.“Itwassostrange.IrememberspeakingwithLordMar,butthenImusthave

fallenasleep.”Sheputherhandonherbelly.“Thischildhasmenappingfartoooften.”

“Youshouldrestasyouneedto,”Embertoldher.
“Yes,”Agnesmurmureddrowsily.“It’sstrange.Idreamedofwolves.”
“What?”Emberaskedinalarm.Herheartbeatplungedintoabreakneckpaceastheboyinthecage

dancedbeforehereyes.

“Wolves,”Agnesrepeated.“Andyetitwasn’tafrighteningdream.Itwasbeautiful.Iwasrunning

besidethem.Ifeltsofree.”

Shelaughed,touchingherstomachagain.“Ithinkmybodyfearsitwillbeweigheddownwiththebabe

forever,enoughthatitprefersthelotofawildbeast.”

“Perhaps.”Emberforcedasmile.
Agnesyawned.“You’llthinkmeaninvalid,butmyeyesaretooheavytokeepopen.”
Embershookherhead.“Youpushyourselftoohard.Thinkofallthetasksyou’vetakenontoprepare

formywedding.”

“Thatisallmypleasure.”Agneslaughed.“Atleastoneofusshouldfindsomejoyinlove.”
Ember’seyesburnedatAgnes’swords.Shequicklylookedaway,buttherewasnoneedtohideher

suddentears.ThesoftsoundofdeepbreathingtoldEmberthathersisterhadalreadydriftedbackto
sleep.

Feelingutterlyalone,Embercouldn’tbearthesolitudeofherchamber,sofullofevidenceofher

imminentmarriageandthefalsenessofherheart.Shecrawledontothebedandcurledupagainsther
sister.Agnesmadeaquietsoundofcomfort.Closinghereyes,EmberpushedawayTearmunnand
Conatus,recallingyearslongbefore,whensheandAgneswerechildrenandshedidn’tfearherdreams.
Withthepresentheldatbay,Emberletherselfdriftoff,hopingthat,unlikeAgnes,nowolveswouldvisit
whilesheslept.

EIRALAYAWAKE,WAITINGforBosque.Shedidn’tcareforit—thewaiting.Abandoningherbedin
frustration,Eiracrouchedbeforethefireplaceinherchamber.Shestirredtheglowingemberswithan
ironpokerandtriedtothinkofsomethingotherthanthemanshehopedwouldsoonjoinher.

Lovewasn’tsomethingEirahadeverlongedfor.Norwaspassionsomethingsheadmired.Bothstruck

Eiraaswastesofstrengthandloyaltybetterspentonthebattlefield.

Sothisnewflutteringbeneathherribs,thesuddenshorteningofherbreathwheneverLordMarwas

near,troubledherdeeply.Everythingshe’ddreamedofbecomingsincejoiningConatuslaywithinher
grasp.

ButEirahadneverdreamedoflove.NowherbodywassubjecttospikesofheatifBosquesomuchas

brushedagainsther.Ifshelethisvoiceorvisageenterherthoughts,herheadwassoonswimmingasif
sheweredrunk.SometimesEirafearedshewaslosingcontrol.WhenBosqueheldherinhisarms,she
didn’tthinkshewouldhavethewilltodenyanythingheaskedofher.Buttherewerealsomomentswhen
theheadinessofhiskissandcaresssatedEiralikenofoodordrinkevercould,andforthefirsttime,she
knewtruejoy.

ButBosquewasoftencalledaway,drawnintohisownaffairsinthenetherortheworkwithAlistair

aboutwhich,beforetonight,he’dremainedsosecretive,leavingEiraaloneor,worse,inthecompanyof
herever-sullensister.Inhisabsence,doubtcreptintoEira’sheart,coldandslippery,makingherunsure
ofherchoices.Withdoubtcameresentment,stirringdeepwithinherlikearestlessbeast.

WhenatlastherdoorcreakedopenandBosque’stallshadowslippedintoherroom,Eirastoodup,

brandishingthepokerlikeaweapon.

Bosqueclosedthedoor,smiling.“Didyouthinkmeanintruder?”
“It’slate.”Eirakeptthepokeraloft.
“IhadtowatchoverAgneswhileAlistaircompletedhisexperiment,”Bosquereplied.Hecame

forward,eyeinghermakeshiftweaponwithamusement.

Eirashifted,hergriptighteninguntilherknuckleswerewhite.“YouareoftenwithAgnes.”
Bosquenodded,continuinghiscautiousapproach.
“Tellme,LordMar,”Eirawhisperedinadangeroustone.“Howisitthatourdisgracedguesthascome

totrustyousomuch?”

OnecornerofBosque’smouthtiltedup.“You’veheardthatshetrustsme?”
Eiralookedaway,fixinghergazeonthecharred,smolderingwoodinthefireplace.“I’veseenyou

walkingtogether.Adayrarelypasseswhenyou’renotwithher.”

“That’strue.”Hepaused,Eiranoted,justoutofreachshouldshetakeaswingathim.
“Andshelooksupatyouwithachildliketrustthatbordersonadoration.”Eirachewedonthe

unpleasantwords.

Bosquefoldedhisarmsacrosshisbroadchest.“You’vebeenveryobservant.Ithoughtyouhadlittle

interestinLadyMorrow’sfate.”

“Icarenotofthegirlandherbastard,”Eirareplied.“Ionlyaskwhyyoushowsomuchcare.”
“Imustsay,Eira”—Bosquelaughed—“jealousybecomesyou.Itputsfireinyourbloodandgivesyour

skinadeliciousscent.Honeyandspice.”

Eirabalkedforamomentbeforesherecovered,thrustingthepokerathischest.“Iamnotjealous.”
“Youare.”Bosquegrabbedtheendofthepoker,payingnoheedtothefactthatitwasstillhotfromthe

fireandsearedhisskin.Withaswifttug,hepulledEiraforward.Whenshewaswithinhisreach,Bosque
grippedherleftarm,holdingherstill.Hewrestedtheironpokerfromherrighthandandreturnedittoits
placebythefire.

Eiratriedtowrestlefromhisgrasptonoavail.
“Whyareyouwrigglinglikeasnaredrabbit?”Bosquegrinnedather.“Areyousoeagertogetaway

fromme?”

“Iwastryingtohaveaconversation,”Eirasaid.Shestoppedfightinghim.
“Youwantedtorunmethroughwiththatironrod,”Bosquecountered.“Ihadnochoicebuttodisarm

you.”

Eiraglaredathim.“Ididnotwanttorunyouthrough.”
“Youdid.”Bosque’sinfuriatingsmilewidened.“Andallbecauseofapale-hairedgirlwholooksupon

mewithdoeeyes.”

“Youadmitit!”Eirasnapped.“Nowletmegoandgetoutofmyroom.”
Hedidn’tlethergo.Insteadheliftedherupandcarriedhertothefireplace.Layingheronthe

sheepskinrugthatwaswarmedbyitsproximitytotheflames,Bosqueheldherstillwhilehelookeddown
ather.

“MylovelyEira,”hemurmured.“Youmistakegratitudeforaffection.Agnesisasorrowfulgirlwho

hasbeenilltreatedbythisworld.Mykindnessisarefugeforher,thatisall.”

“Butwhymustyoubesokind?”Eiraasked.“WhynotletAlistaircareforthegirl?”
“AlistairistoobusytoattendtoAgnes,”Bosquereplied.“Itookituponmyselftoearnhertrust.”
“Towhatend?”Eirafrownedathim.
“You’veseenityourself,”Bosquesaid.“AgneshasapricelessroletoplayinLordHart’scausewith

Ember.Agneswillbeforevertiedtous;thus,Emberwillbeboundaswell.”

Eiraturnedherfacetowardthefireandawayfromhisgaze.Sheshudderedwhenhisfingersstroked

herjaw.

Notwantingtoadmithowhislighttouchaffectedher,Eirasaid,“I’mcold.”
Bosquestretchedhishandtowardthefireplaceandthesmolderingembersroaredintoflames.

“Better?”Bosqueleaneddown,hislipsbrushingherear.

Shenodded.
“WhysomanyquestionsaboutAgnes?”Bosquetookherchininhishand,forcinghertolookintohis

eyes.“Thetruth,Eira.”

Eiraswallowedhard,butansweredhonestly.“Agnesisyoung…andobviouslyfertile.Shecouldgive

youtheheiryoudesire.I—”

Bosquestoppedherwordswithakiss.
“Stop.”Eirapushedhimaway.
Strokingherhair,Bosqueaskedquietly,“Hasyourdesireformewaned?”
“No.Never.”Eirashivered.Shereacheduptotouchhismouth,tracingitsshape.“Youplacesomuch

faithinme.IworryIcannotgiveyouwhatyouneed.Iamolderthanmostbrides.”

“ThisweddingofAlistair’shasmuddledyourthoughts,Ithink.DoyoulongtobeabridelikeEmber?

ShallIprovemylovebymarryingyou?”Bosquelaughed,catchingherwristwhenshetriedtoslaphim
formakingfunofher.

“Youragemeansnothingtome.”Bosquerolleduptoasittingposition,liftingEiraontohislap.“And

nootherwomanissuitedtobearmychild.Onlyyou.”

“Idonotwishtobeanyman’sbride.”Eirakepthereyesdowncast.“ButIwouldbecertainofyour

feelings.”

“HaveIgivenyoucausetodoubt?”Bosqueasked.Hisarmswerearoundher,warmandstrong.
Eirashiftedinhislap.“Doesloveholdswayinyourworldasitdoeshere?”
BosquewasquietuntilEiralookedupathim.
“Inmyworldloveisearned,proven,”Bosquesaid.“Itisnotproclaimedorprofessed.”
Hesmiled,pushingastraylockofhairfromEira’sforehead.“Andifyou’repesteredbythese

questions,Ihavenotdoneenoughtoprovemyaffectionforyou.”

Eiraopenedhermouthtoprotest,buthedrankinherwordswithakiss.
“HowshallIprovemyself?”hemurmuredagainstherlips.“Likethis?”
Bosquekissedheragain.
Ashesettledherbeforethefire,Eiraasked,“Andwhatofmylove?HaveIprovenittoyou?”
“Witheverybreath,Eira,”Bosquesaid.“Witheverybreath.”

ALISTAIRDIDN’TBOTHERtoseekhisbedthenightbeforehiswedding.Heknewsleepwouldelude
himduringthelastnighthehadtosufferthroughbeforeEmberwouldbeinhisarms.Hiswife.Belonging
tohimatlast.

Forsakinghischambers,whichweretoofullofanticipationtobear,Alistairsoughtdistractioninthe

catacombs.Hestrodequicklydownthetunnel,eagertoberidofhisembarrassinglyboyishfixationonhis
weddingnight.

Despitethelatehour,AlistairfoundRhysawake.Theyoungwolfwaschewingcontentedlyonalarge

oxbone.WhenAlistaircrouchedbesidethecage,Rhyslookedup,hisgoldeneyesintent.

“Iwouldspeakwithyou,”Alistairsaid.Heunlockedthecageandopenedthedoor.
Rhyslefttheboneandtrottedtothedoor.Heonlyshiftedintohumanformwhenhewasfreeofthe

cage.TheboysmiledasAlistairsatonthefloor.Rhysdroppedintoacross-leggedsittingpositionbeside
him.

“Soonyou’llleaveyourden,”Alistairtoldhim.“Doyoufeelready?”
Rhys’sbrowknittogether.“WherewillIgo?”
“Outside,”Alistairsaid.“Withme,ofcourse.”
“Ifyouarethere,Father,”Rhysreplied,“Iamhappytogo.MayIstillsleepinmyden?”
Alistair’smouthtwitchedintoasmile.Theboywassowolfishitwasuncanny,butAlistairsupposedit

wasonlylogicalthatheshouldbe,givenhisorigin.

“Ifyoupreferyourden,youmayspendnightshere,”Alistairtoldhim.“ButI’llletyouchoosewhatyou

wishafteryou’veseentheotherplacesyoumightsleep.”

“Anewden?”Rhys’sgoldeneyesgleamedwithcuriosity.
Alistairlaughed.“Yes.Anewden.”
Rhysshrugged,lookingathisironcagewithafondnessAlistaircouldn’tunderstand.“Maybe.”
“Thisdenisn’tlargeenoughtosharewithyourbrothersandsisters,”Alistairpointedout.“Andthey’ll

bejoiningyousoon.Areyoureadytohelpmeteachthem?”

Rhysnoddedeagerly.
“Good.”Alistairsmiled.“Wouldyouliketorunthroughthecatacombs?”
Instantlytheboywasawolfoncemore,wagginghistail.
AlistairjumpedupandwasabouttoleadRhysfromtheroomwhenheheardtheboy’svoice.
“Istheladycomingback?”

Alistairturned,surprisedthatRhyshadshiftedbacktohishumanform.
“LadyEira?”Alistairasked.“I’msureshe’llvisitagain,butshe’sverybusy.”
“No.”Rhysfrowned,histhickpewter-browncurlsframingtherosypoutonhislips.“Nottheserious

lady.Theotheronewhowasafraid.”

“Afraid?”Alistair’sstomachclenched.“Ofwhomdoyouspeak?Didshecomealone?”
“Iwassleeping.”Rhysnodded,wrinklinghisnose.“Butthescentofherfearwassostrong,itwokeme

up.Shewastryingtogetintomyden.”

Alistaircouldbarelyhearovertheroaringofbloodinhisveins.“Tellme,Rhys.Whatdidshelook

like?”

“Shewasyoungerthantheseriouslady,”Rhysanswered.“Butshehadthesamefirehair,onlydarker.”
Alistairhadtobracehimselfinthearchedchamberopening.
Rhyswhimpered.“What’swrong,Father?”
“I’msorry,Rhys,”Alistairsaid,forcinghispanicdown.Thechildwasterriblysensitivetothemoods

ofthosearoundhim,andAlistairdidn’twanttodistresshim.“Butyouwon’tbeabletorunnow.Ihaveto
leaveyou.”

Awolfoncemore,Rhyswhined.Heloweredhisheadinsubmission.
“Youhaven’tdoneanythingwrong,”Alistairreassuredthewolf.“Gotoyourden.IpromisethatI’ll

cometotakeyoutorunsoon.Andyoushallrununderthemoon.”

Rhysstoodup.HelickedAlistair’shandenthusiasticallybeforereturningtothecageandsettlingback

intochewtheoxbone.

Alistairmanagedtolockthedoorandclearthemainchamberbeforehebegantorun.Hisjawwas

clenchedsohard,themusclesshriekedinpain,butAlistairneededthethrobbingachetostayincontrolof
hismindandheart.EveryfiberofhisbodyscreamedthatheshouldgotoEmber’schamber.Hewantedto
pinherwhereshesleptanddemandanswers.Butthatwastheimpulseofaboy,andAlistairhadtomake
thechoicesamanwould.Theknowledgethatshe’dbeeninthecatacombsslicedAlistair’shopesto
ribbons.She’dseenRhys,butwhatelsehadshediscovered?Whyhadshebeeninthetombstobegin
with?

WhenAlistairreachedLadyEira’schamber,hebangedonthedoorhard,expectinghewouldhaveto

wakeher.

Thoughhe’dbeenreadytoburstintotheroom,hewasstartledenoughtotakeseveralstepsbackwhen

Bosqueansweredthedoor.LordMar’storsowasbare,andasheethadbeenhastilywrappedaroundhis
hips.

“LordHart?”Bosquesmiledlazily.“Youlookdistressed.Areyouhavingsecondthoughtsaboutyour

bride?”

TherewasanunintendedbutcrueltruthinBosque’swordsthatsentAlistairpushingpasthiminto

Eira’sbedchamber,regardlessofwhathadbeentranspiringwithin.

Eiragasped,gatheringblanketstocoverherselfwhereshelayonthebed.“LordHart,youdonotenter

withoutpermission!”

“Forgiveme,LadyEira.”AlistairglancedbackandforthbetweenBosque,whoclosedthedoorand

wenttositontheedgeofEira’sbed,andLadyEira,whosecheekswerecoloringwiththerosyblushofa
maid.Despitethenewquestionsraisedbythisstrangescene,Alistairshovedthemaside.“Ihadtospeak
withyouatonce.”

TheamusedexpressiononBosque’sfacevanished.“Whatisit,Alistair?”
Alistairclenchedhisfists,remindinghimselfthathewasn’taloverbetrayedbutacommanderofmen.

TherighthandofLadyEiraandLordMar.

“Wehaveaproblem.”

EMBERWENTTHROUGHTHEmotionsofabridereadyingforherweddingday,butshefeltas
thoughshewatchedfromabove,aspiritfreedfromherbody.Agnesstoodclose,smilinganddabbingat
hereyes,whilemaidservantshelpedEmberintoagownofgoldsilk.Herhairhadbeencarefullyarranged
intoamixofbraidsandcurlsthattumbleddownherback.

“Yourivalthesun,sister.”AgnesbeamedatEmber.“Yourhairisflames,andthegowndaylight.You

haveneverlookedsobeautiful.”

Emberforcedasmile.“Thankyou.”
Agnestookherhandwhiletheservantsdrewthelacesofthegowntight.“Youlookfrightened.”
EmbersqueezedAgnes’sfingers,unabletoanswer.AgneslookedintoEmber’seyesandthensaidto

themaidservants,“I’llfinishthis.Pleasegiveussometimealone.”

Whentheservantshadgone,AgnesstooddirectlyinfrontofEmber.“Iknowmanymaidsfearthefirst

nightwiththeirhusbandsbecauseitisknownthattheweddingnightcanbepainful.”

Ember’seyeswidened.Shewasafraid,yes,butheranxietyhadnothingtodowithanticipationofa

weddingnight.IfEmbereversharedabedwithAlistair,everythinginherlifewouldhavegone
unimaginablywrong.

TakingEmber’sstartledexpressionforconfirmationofherwords,Agnescontinued,“Youneednot

worry,Ember.Alistairlovesyou.Hewillnottreatyoulikesomebrutesmight.Hewillbetenderand
ensurethatyouhavepleasure.”Agneswassuddenlyblushing.“DespiteallthesorrowsI’veborne,Istill
rememberthewondersthatHenrywroughtfrommybody.Atthetime,Ithoughtittobelove,whenitwas
onlylust.”Theblushgavewaytogrief’sshadow,andsheshookherhead.“ButAlistairdoesloveyou,so
youcantakejoyinthesecretsofloveaboutwhichmaidenswhisper.”

Bewilderedbyhersister’sassumptions,Emberjustnodded.Hermindwasfilledwithbladesand

betrayal,whileAgnesspokeoflove.

AgnesturnedEmbertofaceawayfromherandfinishedsecuringthelacesofherweddinggown.

Ember’sguttwistedwithguilt;shecouldbearhersecretsnolonger.

“Agnes,there’ssomethingImusttellyou—”
Alightknocksounded,andAgnescalled,“Comein!”
Thedoorswungin,andoneofthemaidservantscurtsiedbeforesteppingasidetoallowOssiaMorrow

entry.

“Mother!”Agnescried,rushingintoLadyMorrow’sopenarms.
Emberstoodstill,thesoon-to-unfoldplotagainstEiraandBosquewaitingonherlips.Herfatherheld

fasttothenotionthatwomenhadnobusinessinmatterspoliticormilitary,butinthisrarecase,couldhe
havesharedthetruthwithhiswife?IfEmberdisclosedherallies’planstohermotherandsister,would
OssiaMorrowreactwithsolemnknowingorhorrifiedshock?Moreimportantly,ifitwerethelatter,
wouldshebetrayEmber’sconfidence?

OssiastrokedAgnes’shair.“Myheartisfullofjoytoseeyousowell,Agnes.”
Agnesdrewherselfup,leavingherchildishoutburstbehindtoplaythepropermatron.“Iamgreatly

indebtedtoLadyEira,LordBosque,andespeciallytoEmber’sbetrothed.Ihavebeenaffordedevery
comfortsincemyarrivalatTearmunn.”

“Thenweareindebtedtothemaswell,”LadyMorrowanswered.
Ember’smotherleftherelderdaughtertostandbeforeEmber.Emberfeltrigid,unabletorespondwith

warmthtohermother’sarrival,asshecouldthinkonlyoftheperilhermotherwouldfaceoncethe
clansmenbegantheirattack.

OssiatouchedEmber’scheek.“Oh,youarepale,mydear.Don’tbefrightened.Thisisawonderful,

wonderfulday.”

Emberhuggedhermother,buttheembracefeltstiff.She’dseentheshiningdelightinOssia’sgaze;her

fatherhadgivenhiswifenobitoftruthregardingthisshamofawedding.NeitherAgnesnortheirmother
hadanyinklingoftheimminentdanger.ThoughMackenziehadpromisedmentoprotectthem,theonly
smallcomfortEmbertookwasinthestilettoshe’dslippedintohergarterwhenthemaidsandAgneswere
distracted.Ifallelsefailed,Emberwouldprotecthermotherandsisterherself.

“It’stimetojointheothers,”OssiatoldEmber.“I’mheretoescortyoutotheceremony.”
Embertookhermother’sarm,andAgnesfollowedthemfromtheroom.Whentheyreachedthebottom

ofthestaircase,Ember’skneeswentweak.Hermothergrabbedheraroundthewaisttightlyandpropped
herupastheywalked.

“There,there,mydear,”Ossiawhispered.“Don’tletitoverwhelmyou.”
AgnescametoEmber’soppositeside,takingherarmtogivetheirmotheraid.
Thoughrainhadfallenovernight,leavingthecourtyardmuddy,thedaywasthebestMaycouldoffer.A

cloudlessskyheraldedEmber’sarrival.Thelightbreezethattouchedherskinwaswarm,itsbreath
sweetenedbyblossomsthatfestoonedthemanorentryway.

EvenonthemostbustlingdaysatTearmunn,Emberhadneverseenthecourtyardsofull.Dancers

whoseheadswerewreathedwithflowersspunandjumpedwhilepipesandbodhranfilledtheairwitha
soaring,frenziedmelody.

Servantswoveamongtheguests,bearingplattersofroastedmeatsandbrimmingcupsofwine.Men

andwomenjostledeachother,liftingontotheballsoftheirfeettoglimpsetheapproachingbride.Ember
searchedthecrowd,herchesttightening.Theclansmenhadgatheredenmasse.Cian,Ember’sfather,and
LordMackenziestoodatthefrontoftheirranks.

Thewarriorsheldwinecups,butnotoncedidEmberseeamanamongthemdrink.Shefoundlittle

comfortintheirnumbersassherealizedthatgenuineguestswereinattendance.Thesecelebrantsraised
theircupswhenEmberpassed,shoutingblessingsandbawdysuggestionsfortheweddingnight.Ember
bowedherhead,wonderinghowmanyhaplessguestswouldhavetheirbloodspilledthatdayforreasons
they’dnevercomprehend.

Ember’sgazeroamedthefaces,findingmostlystrangers.SheknewshesearchedforBarrowinvain,

butstillshelooked.Meetinghisgrayeyes,ifonlyforasecond,wouldbolsterhercourage,inthefaceof
thishorridday.Nolongerabletobearthehollowingbeneathherribs,Emberabandonedhersearchto
facewhatshefearedmost.

FatherMichaelandAlistairawaitedheronawoodendaisthathadbeenerectedbetweenthemanor

andthebarracks.AtAlistair’sleftshoulderstoodBosqueMar,stillandimposingasamonument.On
Alistair’sright,LadyEirawatchedthebridalpartyapproach,atightsmilefixeduponherlips.Butthe
figurestandingatAlistair’ssidemadeEmberstumble.

Theboyinthecage.Hestooddressedinthefineclothingofanobleman’schild.Alistair’shandsrested

onhisshoulders.

Ember’sglanceshottothestables.Ifshebrokefromhermotherandsisternow,shecouldgettoahorse

andride.CaberhadbeenlefttoBarrow’scareinFrance,butforthispurpose,anyswiftmountwoulddo.
Ifsheran,Alistairwouldsurelychaseher.Maybethatwouldbedistractionenough,servingthesame
purposeastheattackbutavoidingthebloodbaththiscrowdpromised.

“Youmustremembertobreathe,Ember,”Agneswhisperedinherear.“You’reterriblypale.”
Shakingoffhercoward’sdreamofflight,EmberdidasAgnesbid,drawinglong,deepbreathsto

steadyherself.IfEmberweretorun,shewouldhavelittlechanceofmakingitasfarasthestables.Too
manypeoplefilledthecourtyardtogiveheraclearpath,andAlistair’smen,ifnotAlistairhimself,
wouldcatchherbeforeshecameclosetofleeingthekeep.

AgneskissedEmber’scheekastheysteppedontothedaisandthenshepassedhersisterintoAlistair’s

waitinggrasp.AlistairtookbothofEmber’shandsinhis,bringinghergazetohisface.Hebroughther
fingerstohislips.“You’retrembling,mysweet.”

Embercouldonlynod.Suddenlysheblurtedout,“I’mnotwell.IworryIwillfaint.”
“I’llonlykeepyouhereabitlonger,”Alistairreplied.“Itwillallbeoversoon.”
Emberstaredathimashesquelchedherlastploytostoptheceremony.Ithadtobethisway,Ember

desperatelyremindedherself.Theweddingandthesurpriseattackweretheonlythingsthatcouldprovide
Rebekahthetimesheneededtoclosetherift.

Alistairgesturedtotheboyathisside.“Ember,thisisRhys.You’llsoonknowhimasyou’dknowyour

ownchild.”

TheboylookedatEmberwithsolemnyelloweyes.“She’sstillafraid,Father.”
EmbergaspedatthewayRhysaddressedAlistair.Whowasthischild?
Rhyswatchedher,calmandcurious.Emberreturnedhisgaze,wonderingifshe’dimaginedhis

transformation.Howcouldthissweet-facedchildhavebecomeawolf?

AlistairleaneddowntomurmurinEmber’sear.“Oncewearemarried,youwilllearnwhoRhysisto

us,andyouwilllovehimasIdo.”Hespokeasifthewordswereathreat,andEmberblanched.

“Letusbegin,FatherMichael,”Eiracommandedwithasweepofherhandtowardthethrongofguests.
Thepriestutteredthefamiliarwordsoftheweddingceremony,buttoEmbertheywerean

unintelligiblejumbleofsounds.Shestoodstillasstone,trappedinthisnightmare,ableonlytostareatthe
boywhomAlistaircalledRhys.

Whenthepriestpromptedher,Embermanagedtorespondasrequired,butshebecameawareofthe

progressoftheceremonyonlywhenAlistairslippedaringontoherfinger.Shelookeddownasthecool
goldbandtouchedherskin.

Thesignal.
EmbermetAlistair’sgaze.Inhisbrightblueirisesshesawmanythings:lust,possession,regret—but

nothopeorjoy,andcertainlynotlove.Shetriedtopullherhandback,butAlistairsteppedcloser,
grabbingherwristwithbruisingforce.

“Notyet,mylove,”hemurmured,andEmbercouldn’tbreathe.
Heknew.
AbattlecryrosefromthecrowdatEmber’sback,followedbyanother.Thewarcallsmingledwith

shoutsofalarmandfear.Thebrightringofsteelrosetojointhescreams.Wrenchinghernecktolook
behindher,Embersawthemadnessofwarfloodthecourtyard.ClansmenhackedatEira’sguard.
Weddingguestsnotcomplicitintheattackscrambledfromtheflurryofswordsandaxes.Therain-soaked

groundchurnedbeneathtramplingfeet.Bodiesfellinthemud,somedead,otherslivingonlylongenough
tobecrushedinthestampede.

Agnesshriekedandclungtohermother.
Bosquelookedatthehuddledwomenandlaughed.“Don’tbeafraid,dearladies.You’requitesafe,I

assureyou.”

Bosqueliftedhispalmandthemuddygroundinfrontofthedaisbegantoboil.Wraithsbubbledup

fromthemuck,theirshadowbodiesslitheringforwardtotakepostsassentinelsbetweenthewedding
partyandtheembattledmass.

Rhyssnarledattheappearanceofthewraiths—Emberglanceddownandsawtheboy’slipscurlback.

Histeethflashedinthesunlight,caninessharpasawolf’sfangs.

“Bestill,”Alistairsaidtothechild.“Remember.NotuntilIsay.”
Ballinghisfists,RhyslookedupatAlistairandnodded.
SeizingonAlistair’sdistraction,Emberthrustherfootup,sweepinghislegsfrombeneathhim.Witha

cry,Alistaircollapsedtothedais,andEmberwasfree.

Withouthesitation,shewhirledaround,grabbinghermotherandsisteranddraggingthemtowardthe

manor.Mackenziemighthavemencomingtotheiraid,butnowarriorwouldgetpastBosque’swraiths.
EmberhuggedtheouterwallofthebuildingasshepulledAgnesandOssiathroughthemud.Notdaringto
lookbehindherforfearthatBosquewouldsendawraithinpursuit,EmbercouldonlyhopethatAlistair
stillwantedheralive.

“Keeprunning!”Embershoutedassheflungthemanordooropen.Thethreewomenstumbledinside,

andEmbersaid,“Thisway.”

Ember’smotherandsisterweresobbingasEmberpulledthemdownthecorridortothegreathall.All

EmbercouldthinkofwasgettingAgnesandOssiatosafety,andthatmeantawayfromTearmunn.The
onlywayoutwasRebekah’sportal.

Whenshereachedthedoubledoorsofthegreathall,Emberheardrapidfootstepsbehindher.
“Getinside,”Emberhissed,crackingthedoorsoAgnesandtheirmothercouldslipthrough.Onlywhen

theywereinthegreathalldidEmberturntoseeAlistairrunningather.Ayoungwolflopedathisheels.

Emberthrewherselfintothegreathall,slammingthedoorsatherback.Shedesperatelysearchedthe

roomforabarricade.Hergazefelluponthecrescenttableanditsaccompanyingchairs.

“Mother,getachair!”EmbershoutedtoOssia.“Wehavetoblockthedoorway.”
Emberlurchedforwardassomethingorsomeonecrashedintothedoors.Bracingherself,Ember

struggledtokeepthedoorsfromopening.

Itwasn’tenough.
Anincredibleforcecrashedagainstthedoors,andEmberwassentsprawlingacrossthestonefloor.
Thewindknockedfromherlungs,Emberwheezed,rollingontoherside.Thetwodoorshadbeen

blowntosplinters.Inthecloudofdebris,EmbersawEira,Bosque,Alistair,andthewolfstandingover
her.

“Whereverareyougoing,LadyMorrow?”Eiradrewhersword.“Yourweddingdayhasjustbegun.”
Glancingatthewolf,Alistairsaid,“StayhiddenuntilIcall.”Thewolfboweditshead.Withears

pinnedback,itslunkintotheshadowedcornerofthehall.

Emberscrambledtoherfeet,hopingtoreachhermotherandsister,butAlistairlungedintotheroom,

grabbingheraroundthewaistandpullingherback.

“Youwillnotescapeme,”hehissedinherear.
Atthefarsideoftheroom,adooroflightappeared.
Alistair’sgriptightenedonEmberwhenhesawtheportal,andshecoughed,strugglingforbreath.
“Moreguests,”Alistairwhispered.“Howlovely.”
HedraggedEmbertowardthedoor.Shewrithedinhisarms,tryingtofreeherselfandcatchingonly

glimpsesofthefiguresthatemergedfromRebekah’sgleamingdoor.

Abattlecryfilledtheroom,andLukaszrushedfromtheportalwieldinghisclaymore.Kurjiiand

Tamurwereathisflank.

EmberkickedatAlistairashewrenchedheraroundtofaceEiraandBosque.Shetwistedasfarasshe

couldandsawRebekahappearfromwithintheportal,hangingbackwhileKaelstayedatherside.After
Rebekahclosedthedoor,Kaelguidedhertotheshadowedstaircaseatthefarendofthehallthatledto
thegallery,hopingtokeepheroutofharm’swaywhilesheperformedtheritual.Theportalwasgone,but
Barrowwasnowheretobeseen.Emberdidn’tknowifshewasrelievedbyhisabsenceordisheartened.

Alistairhadalmostreachedhiscompanionswhenanewcryofragesoundedfromtheouterhall.Eira

whirled,raisingherswordjustintimetomeetCian’sdeadlystrike.Eira’sfacewhitenedandthenher
eyeshardenedwithfuryassheglaredatCian.

“Youbetrayyourownblood?”Eirahissed.
“Thebetrayalisyours,”Ciananswered.“AndIhavenochoicebuttomakeyouanswerforit.”
FatherMichaelappearedatCian’sback,red-facedandhuffingforbreath.Hetookinthesceneand

triedtoslidepastthesword-lockedpairandintothegreathall.

Bosque’ssilvereyesnarrowed.Takingonelongstride,hisarmshotoutandstruckFatherMichael,

sendingthepriestflyingacrossthechamber.FatherMichael’sbodyslammedintothewallandfelllimp
onthefloor.Pivotingtofacethesisters,BosquestretchedhishandtowardCian,hisfingersclawlike.

“No!”Eirashouted,catchinghismovementbutnottakinghereyesoffCian.“Dealwiththeothers,but

sheismine.”

“Asyouwish.”Bosqueturnedhispalmover,andthreewraithsrosefromthestonefloor,theirbodies

curlinglikesmoke.HeflickedhiswristatLukasz,Kurjii,andTamur.“Killtheintruders.”

Thewraithsoozedliketartowardtheknights.
TwistinginAlistair’sgrasp,Embershoutedtohersisterandmother,“Gettothegallery!Run!”
IfAgnesandhermothercouldreachKael,theywouldatleasthavesomeprotection.Asliverofrelief

stolethroughEmberwhenshesawAgnesstiffenwithresolveandpulltheirmothertowardthegallery
staircase.

Liftinghismassiveclaymore,Lukaszshouted,“Thesecreaturescannotbekilled.Don’tletthemtouch

you.”

Bosquethrewbackhisheadandlaughed.“Ishallenjoywatchingyoutrytorunfrommywraiths.You

willtire.Theywillnot.”

AtanodfromLukasz,thetrioofknightssplit.Thewraithsseparatedtofollowthem,pursuingtheir

victimswithaslowdetermination.

EiraandCian’sfighthadprogressedfromthecorridorintothegreathall.Thesistersdancedaround

eachother,theirbladesflashingthroughtheairlikestreaksoflightning.Eirashovedhard,sendingCian
staggeringback.Eiraleaptfromthethrone,flippingintheairtolandwithdeadlygraceatCian’sback.
Cianwhirledandthesisters’bladesmetagain.Theroomsangwithsteel’sbrightcriesasEiraandCian
rainedblowsuponeachother.

“Cometome,LordHart!”Bosquecalledfromthedoorway.
EmbercriedoutwhenAlistair’sgrasptightened.Heswungheraround,draggingherawayfromthe

swordplay.

LukaszandTamurhadtakentoweavingthroughoutthehall,keepingadistancebetweenthemselvesand

thewraithsthathuntedthem.Kurjii,however,backedtoofarintoacorner,andbeforehecoulddartout
again,thewraithsnakedforward,wrappingitselfaroundtheknight.Hisswordclatteredtotheflooras
hisscreamsfilledtheroom.

“No!”EmbershoutedastheMamlukwarriorthrashedinthewraith’sclutches.
AlistaircuffedEmber,makingherheadringfromtheblow.

“Forgetthem!Youarestillmine,asyoualwayswillbe,”hegrowledather.“Andinmypossession,

youwilllearnthepriceofbetrayal.”

Eventhroughthefogofherblurredvision,Emberwassickenedbythehatredinhiseyes.She’ddone

thistohim,atleastpartly.

“Don’tdothis,Alistair,”shepleaded.“You’rebetterthanthis.”
“You’vebarelybeguntoknowwhoIam.Submittome,andI’llspareyourmotherandsister,”Alistair

replied.“Fightme,andyou’llwatchthemdie.”

EmbersawafigureloomingatherleftsideamomentbeforeAlistairdid.AlistairshovedEmberaway

sohardthatshefell;hereachedforhissword,buthecouldn’tdrawthebladebeforeBarrowslammed
intohim,sendingthembothtumblingalongthefloor.

Scramblingtoherfeet,Emberreachedunderherskirtandwithdrewthestiletto.Lockedinawrestling

match,BarrowandAlistairpummeledeachother,bothstrugglingtogettheupperhand.Emberheldher
daggerlowandspunaroundquickly,surveyingtheroom.Bosqueblockedthewaytotheouterhall.

LukaszandTamurstilldodgedthewraithsthatpursuedthem.Bosquekepthisplaceinthedoorway,

watchinginamusementandseeminglycontenttoletthewraithscontinuetheircat-and-mousegamewith
theknights.

Ember’sgazereturnedtoBarrowandAlistair.Theywerestillatangleoflimbsandfistsontheground.

Grippingherstiletto,foramomentEmberthoughttointervene,butshethrusttheimpulseaside.Barrow
wasinlessdangerthantheotherswhomshelovedhere.Emberrantothestairs,swearingthatwithher
lastbreathshe’dfighttosavehermotherandsister.

EIRADODGEDANOTHERblow,grittingherteethwhenCianparriedhernextstrike.

“I’mhappytoseeyou’llstillfightyourownbattles,”CianspatatEira.“IthoughtI’dbereducedto

slashingatBosque’shideouspets.”

“Iwouldn’tmissthesatisfactionofremindingyouthatI’vealwaysbeenstronger,”Eirasnapped.“In

allways.”

Theirswordsmetagain,steelraspingasbothsisterspushedtowardeachother.
“Youmistakeyourambitionforstrength.”Ciansurgedforward,sendingEirastaggering.
BosquewasimmediatelyatEira’sside,steadyingher.Hissilvereyesflashedasheleveledhisgazeon

Cian.

“Stop.”Eirapulledawayfromhim.“Thisismyfight.”
“Itisanunnecessaryrisk,mylove,”Bosquemurmured,butCianheardhim.
“Whatcanacreaturelikeyouknowoflove?”Cianscreamedathim.“Youseducedmysisterwithlust

andpower.Youhavecorruptedher!”

Withascreechofoutrage,EiralaunchedherselfatCian.Theirbladesmethighintheair,descending

intoaflurryofblows.

Pantingfromtheeffortofherattack,Eirasaid,“Howcanyoubesonaive?Wouldyouliveunderthe

thumbofmenforever?”

“Mendonotruleme,”Cianrepliedastheirbladesgratedagainsteachother.“Mylifehasalwaysbeen

myown,aswasyours.”

“You’reblind.”Eira’sretortcamewithanotherblow.“Gainingpermissiontowieldabladeisnot

enough.Icouldhavegivenyousomuchmore.”

Eirabroughthersworddowninasweepingarc;Cianducked,rollingacrossthefloortoescapethe

fatalblow.

“Youarethepawnoftheenemy,”Ciansaid,breathless.“IwillneverserveBosqueasyoudo.”
“Idonotservehim.”Eirastalkedtowardhersister.“Ilovehim.”
ThoughEirahadn’treachedher,Cianreeledasiffromablow.“Itisnotlove,sister.Lovewouldnot

makeyoubetraywhoyouare.”

Eira’slaughwasbrightasherblade.“YounolongerseewhoIam,Cian.ButIwillshowyou.”
AdvancingonCian,Eirabroughthersworddownwithincredibleforce.Cianrosetomeettheblow.

EirasuddenlytwistedandflickedCian’sswordfromhergrasp.Eira’sfootlashedout,hittingCianinthe
chestandsendinghersprawling.AsEirastalkedtowardher,Cianrose,butonlytoherknees.

“Yield,”Eirahissed.
“Iyieldonlytodeath,”Ciananswered.
LevelingherbladeatCian’schest,Eirasaid,“Whenyoudrawyourlastbreath,rememberthatyou

chosethisfate.”

Cianbowedherhead,whisperingrapidwords.
“It’stoolatetoprayforsalvation,mysister.”
Eirathrust,andastheswordslidintoCian’sheart,sheheardBosquecryout,“No!”
Cian’sbodyslumpedoverEira’ssword.Grimly,Eirawithdrewtheblade.Thebloodthatcoveredher

swordbegantoglow.Withacry,Eiradroppedtheweaponandstumbledbackasthestrangelight
blossomedfromthepoolingblooduntilitsurroundedCian’sbodylikeacocoon.

EirafeltBosque’sarmsaroundher,pullingherawayfromhersister’scorpse.
Anabundanceofcolorssuffusedthespherethatrosefromtheground,carryingCianwithit.Spearsof

lightshotoutfromthegleamingcircle,strikingthewraithsintheroomandmakingthemshriek,theirdark
massbubblinglikepitchuntiltheyburstandweregone.

Bosqueroared,andthesoundreverberatedthroughthehall,itsfuryshakingtheground.Thestonefloor

beneathLukaszandTamurshiftedandcracked,sendingtheknightstumbling.

“Takecover,”BosquegrowledatEira.Hepushedhertowardtheedgeofthehallandadvancedonthe

sphereoflight.

Eirasawthatitmovedwithpurpose,itsbeamsgrowingwiderandbrighterasitapproachedtherift.As

thesphere’slightreachedthemassivedeadtree,Eiragasped.Thescenebeforeherflickered;withone
blink,thetreestoodasitwas—bone-whiteandbearingthegapingwoundoftherift—butinthenext
moment,Eiracouldseethetreeasithadbeen,mightyanddrapedintheemeraldtonesofitsvitality.

Thespherebegantodescend;therecouldbenomistakingitsdestination.Eirasawthatitwouldfillthe

voidperfectly,itslightblockingthedarkness.Sealingthegatetothenether.

SuddenlyBosqueloomedinfrontoftherift.Hereachedintotheundulatingshadowsathisback,and

fromwithintherift,hedrewasword.TheweaponwaslargerthanevenLukasz’sclaymore,andlike
Bosque’ssteed,thisbladeappearedtobeforgedofshadow.

Asheliftedthesword,Bosqueraspedinfury,“Thiswillnotcometopass.”
Withonestride,Bosquelaunchedhimselfintotheair,everymuscleinhisbodyworkingtopowerthe

strokeofhisblade.Hisswordhitthesphere,barelypiercingthesurfaceofshimmeringlights.

Thesphereshudderedandburst.Theexplosionwasdeafening.ItsentBosquehurtlingthroughtheair

untilhelandedinaheaponthefarsideoftheroom.Thestained-glasswindowsofthehallshattered.
Thickbranchesofthedeadtreecracked,groaningastheyshearedoffthetrunkandslammedtothestone
floor.

Eirafelltoherknees,butnotbecauseoftheexplosion.Wherethespherehadbeen,Cianwasfloating

intheair.Eiraknewitwasn’ttrulyhersister.Whateverthisspiritwas,ithadCian’sfeatures,butthe
hoveringfigurewastransparent.

Cianwasspeaking,herwordsinLatin,fillingtheroomasloudlyasBosque’sroarhad,butnotwitha

furiouscry.InsteadtheairtrembledasCian’swordsbecameasong,amelodythatblendedachingsorrow
andunflagginghope.

Stunnedbyhersister’stransformation,Eiracouldn’tmakesenseofwhatCian’sspiritsongmeant.She

wasonlyabletodiscernthefinalphrases:

Prolemcrucesferat.
Cruxancoravitae.

MaytheScionbeartheCross.
TheCrossistheanchoroflife.

Cianspreadherarmstotheside,andherbodybecamelight,sobrightthatEiracouldbarelylookat

her.AsEirawatched,thelightseparatedintofourdistinctpieces.Theygrewlarger,takingonthe
characteristicsoftheportalsthatConatus’sclericswove.Througheachshimmeringdoorway,Eira
glimpsedadifferentlandscape.Thefirstrevealedapine-coveredslopeandthedarkopeningofacave.

Haldis.
EiraheardCian’swhisper.Ithungintheairforamoment.Thentheportalcurledinonitself,becoming

aflaringballoflight.

ThroughthenextdoorwayEirasawthesnowcappedpeaksofmountainsandthesilver-blueofice.
Tordis.
Likethefirstportal,atCian’swhisper,thedoorshuddered,contractinguntilittoohadbeenreducedto

aballoflight.

ThethirddoorwayopenedtothebluestseasEirahadeverseteyeson.Morelustrousthanthe

Mediterranean,thewatersweresurroundedbydenseforestsofakindEiradidn’trecognize.Thetrees
wereshort,ropelikevinestwistingbetweentrunks.Theleaveswerethickandbroad,gleamingjade
green.

Eydis.
Eiragasped,steppingbackatthevividimageryheldwithinthefourthportal.Glossyblackrockand

riversoffire.Theearthbelchingashandmoltenflame.

Pyralis.
Whenthefinaldoorswirledintoaballoflight,thefourspheresbrightenedtothepointthatEirafound

ithardtolookatthem.Likefallingstars,theyshotfromtheroom,blastingthroughstone,wood,andglass
astheyescapedthegreathall,eachflyinginadifferentdirection.

Andthentheyweregone.Thechamberwassilent,andCian’sbodywasnowheretobeseen.

THEEXPLOSIONFINALLYrippedAlistairandBarrowapart.Theirfighthadbeenrelentlessand
ugly.Afightwithnohonor,onlyanimosity.Toocloseforclearblows,theknightshadbeenreducedto
biting,ripping,andtearingateachotherlikewildbeasts.Neithergainedtheadvantage,butbothwereso
consumedbyhatredthattheywillinglyembracedthefutilityoftheirstruggle.

Alistairdidn’tseeEiraslayhersister.HetooknonoteofthestrangeobjectthatconsumedCian’sbody.

Allhedidseewasthemanhedespised,amanwhowantedtostealwhatwashis.Hekickedandtwisted
inBarrow’sgrasp.Cursingandspitting,theywrangledeachotheralongthestonefloor.

Whentheroomfilledwithlightandsound,anunknownforcethrewAlistairandBarrowagainstthe

wall.Forafewminutes,Alistairwasknockedsenseless.Whenheopenedhiseyes,theroomwas
blurred,andthegroundfeltasifitwereshiftingbeneathhim.

“Fallback!”Lukasz’scommandreachedAlistair’sringingear.“Gettotheportal!”
MoreshoutsandthepoundingoffeetabovehiminthegallerycompelledAlistairtorise,despitethe

waveofnauseaanddizzinessthatcrashedthroughhim.Hestumbledforward,drawinghissword.A
singlethoughthadtakenholdofAlistair’smind.

HecouldnotletEmberleave.
Alistairbegantorun,gulpingairtohelpclearhisheadandclingingtohissingularpurpose.
“Rhys!”heshouted.Thewolfleaptfromtheshadowstorunathisheels.
Reachingthegallerysteps,Alistairtookthemtwoatatime.Atthetopofthestaircase,hethrew

himselfforward,hurtlingwildlyaheadashesawashimmeringdoorappearatthefarendofthehall.

BarrowhadreachedthegalleryjustaheadofAlistair.Embergaveacryofreliefasshethrewherself

intoBarrow’sarms.Heliftedherup,hismouthcrushingintoEmber’sasshewrappedherselfaroundhim,
welcominghisembraceinawayAlistairwouldneverknow.

Alistairopenedhismouthandwhatemergedfromhismouthwasahowlofsuchanguishthatitsounded

inhuman.

Emberbrokefromthekissatthesoundofhiscry.Griefetchedacrossherface.PushingBarrowtoward

hersister,EmbertookasteptowardAlistair.

“Ember!”Barrowcalledinwarning.
Lookingoverhershoulder,Embersaid,“Getmysisterandmothertosafety.”
“I’mnotleavingwithoutyou.”BarrowglaredatAlistair.
“Givemeoneminute.”Embertookanotherstepforward,awayfromBarrow.“I’llberightbehind

you.”

SomethinginEmber’svoicemusthavesilencedBarrow’sprotests.Henoddedgrimly.TakingOssia

Morrow’shand,Barrowguidedhertothewaitingportal.

“Alistair,”Embersaidsoftly,comingtowardhim.HereyesflickednervouslytowardRhys.“Idon’t

knowwhat’shappenedtoyou,howBosquehastwistedyourheart,butIcan’tbelieveyoufullybelongto
him.Iremembertheboywhotaughtmetofight.Iremembermyfriend.”

Alistairloweredhissword,watchingEmberapproach.
“Comewithus.”Emberstopped,justoutofreach,andextendedherhand.“Icannotgiveyouwhatyou

want,butIswearyouwillalwayshavemyloveinfriendship.Isthatnotenough?”

“Enough?”Alistairrepeated.Castinghisgazeuponthewolfathisside,Alistairsaid,“Yourtimehas

come,Rhys.Retrievemyring.”

EmberflinchedwhenAlistairlookedatthewolf,butnotquicklyenough.Inaflashoffurandfangs,the

wolfleaptather.Shethrewherhanduptoguardherthroat,butthatwaspreciselywhatRhyswanted.

Thewolf’sjawsclosedonthefingersofEmber’slefthand.Shescreamed,andRhysjerkedhishead

back.

BarrowhadbeenshepherdingAgnestowardRebekah’sportal,butturnedatEmber’scry.Heliftedhis

sword,butAgnesmovedevenfaster.HereyeshadlockedontheyoungwolfthathadknockedEmberto
theground.

Andsuddenlyitwasn’tEmber’ssisterlungingatRhys,butasnarlingshe-wolf.Herfurshonewith

threadsofpalegold;herbodywasheavywiththebabyshecarried.Agnessnappedherteeth,andRhys
jumpedback.

“Tome!”Alistairshouted,andRhysdartedtohisside,matchingAgnes’ssnarlswithhisown.
Transfixed,Alistairstoppedandthentookastepback,thenanother.Agnesbristled,herteethbaredas

shestaredhimdown.Alistair’sragegavewaytoasurgeoftriumph.

Despiteherwound,Emberutteredatremulouscryofshock.ThesoundbroughtAgnes’sheadaround,

herearsflickingtowardEmber.ThenAgneswasawomanagain,andherbodybegantoshake.

“Barrow!”Lukaszshoutedtothehuddledtriofromtheedgeoftheportal.
BarrowscoopedupEmberwithonearmandstretchedhisotherhandtoAgnes.Shestumbledtoward

Barrow,graspinghisfingers.AlistairwatchedasBarrowdraggedAgnesandcarriedEmbertothe
waitingdoor.Lukaszstoodguardastheyrushedthroughtheportalandthenhefollowed.Thegleaming
doorvanished;theyweregone.

“Yourfriendshipwouldneverbeenough,mylove.”Likeamanentranced,Alistairputouthishand,and

RhysdroppedEmber’stwoseveredfingersintoAlistair’spalm.Onewasencircledbyagoldenband.

THESUNDISAPPEAREDbehindthemountainsasEmberjoinedAgnesatthewater’sedge.

“Thestewisready,”Embersaidquietly.“Ifyou’rehungry.”
Agnesnodded,butherexpressionwasdistant.
“It’snotsodifferentfromhome,isit?”Agnesgazedoutoverthefjords.
“Isupposenot,”Emberanswered,notwantingtodisagreewithhersister,butalthoughtheNorse

countrywaswildandruggedlikethehighlands,theaircarriedunfamiliarscents,theslopeofthehills
wasabittoorough,andtheskywastoobright.Itwasn’thome,andEmberdoubtedshe’deverfeelatrue
senseofhomeagain.

Agnessighed,herhandmovingtoherswollenbelly.
“Areyouunwell?”Emberasked.
“No,”Agnessaid.“Justtired.”
Shehesitated,theskinaroundhereyestightening.“Ember,doyoubelievemychildtobeanythingother

thanamonster?”

Emberthoughtoftheboyinthecage.Theboywhoabruptlyvanishedandleftasnarlingyoungwolfin

hisplace.RhyshadattackedheratAlistair’scommand.Thewolf-childhadtakentwoofherfingers.But
Emberchosetorememberthefearshe’dseenintheboy’slargeyelloweyeswhenshe’dfirstencountered
him.Inamomentofcrisis,Agneshadtransformedfromwomantowolf,butshe’ddonesotoprotecther
sister.Therewasnothingmonstrousinthat.

“You’renotamonster,despitewhatAlistairandBosquedidtoyou,”Embersaid.“Whyshouldyour

childbesocondemned?”

“Theothersareafraidofme,”Agnesanswered.“Iftheyfearme,theymustfearwhatgrowswithin

me.”

“Nooneknowswhetherthemagicsworkedonyouhaveaffectedyourchild,”Embertoldher.“And

theyaren’tafraidofyou,they’reafraidforyou.”

“Youbelievethatbecauseyouaremysister.”Agnessighed.“Butyoudon’tseehowtheylookatme.

Youcan’tsmelltheirfear.”

Findingnoreply,EmbertookAgnes’shand.“Cometothefire.”
AgnesclaspedthefingersofEmber’srighthand,buthergazedriftedtotheslingthatcradledherleft

arm.Herlefthandwasenshroudedwithbandages.“Doyouhealwell?”

“RebekahtellsmeIdo,”Emberreplied.“BarrowthinksthatI’mbestofffightingwithashield

strappedtomyleftarmandaweaponintheright.”

Agnescastasidelongglanceather.“Areyousoeagertoreturntobattle?”
Embernodded,offeringAgnesagrimsmile.Shecouldthinkoflittleelse.Beforethelastbattleat

Tearmunn,she’dbeenpartofaresistance.Nowtheyweretrulyexiles,wanderingtheearthuntilthey
couldfinishtheworkCian’ssacrificehadbegun.

BarrowstooduptomeetEmberwhensheandAgnesreachedtheencircledwarriors.Hekissedher,

andshejoinedhimbesidethefire.Agneswanderedslightlyapart,butRebekahbeckonedtoher.

Emberglancedaroundthefireatthefacesofhercompanions.Theyweresofew.LukaszandRebekah

hadhopedthattheywouldgathermoreallies,warriorsandclericswillingtoaidthemastheysearched
forwhatRebekahcalledtheElementalCross—thekeytosealingtheriftandthemagictiedtoCian’s
deathathersister’shand.

Eachnightastheygatheredfortheeveningmeal,RebekahrepeatedtheLatinwordsthatCian’sspirit

hadintonedbeforeherbodyhadbecomelikefourstars.Thosewordsweretheirhope,Rebekahclaimed,
theirnewpurpose.WhileBosque’sattackhaddisruptedthespellbeforeitcouldbecompleted,thepower
ofCian’sactremained.HerbodyhadbecomethatwhichcouldstilldefeatBosqueandclosethegate
betweentheearthandthenether.

Rebekahfinishedthisnight’srecitationasdarknessclosedaroundthem.
“WithouttheElementalCross,theriftcannotbeclosed.Conatusisnomore,”Lukaszsaid.“Thebattle

lost.”

“Butthewarhasjustbegun,”Emberreplied,andBarrowtightenedhisarmsaroundher.
“Thepieceshaveflowntothefourcornersoftheearth,wheretheywillrestuntiltheScionclaims

them,asCian’sprophecyforetells.”RebekahnoddedatEmber.“Thatiswhenthewarwillend.”

Solemnmurmursofaffirmationansweredher.Itwassuchanimpossiblehopetoclingto.Butitwasall

theyhad.Emberclosedhereyes.Thoughshe’dbeenconsumedbythebattle,shecouldsummonthefinal
melodyandwordsofCian’sspiritatwill.Theyallcould.

OnlyRebekahseemedunruffledbythestrangesongthathadbeenburnedintothememoryofeach

personwho’dbeeninthegreathall.Itwasthenatureofprophecy,Rebekahhadtoldthemaseasilyasif
she’dbeenremindingthemthatthesunroseeachmorning,toensureitsremembrance.

AgneshuddledontheothersideofthefirebesideRebekah.Embernoticedhowoftenhersisterraised

herheadasifcatchingscentsonthewind,orstaredintothedarkforestlikeitwascallingtoher.

Thecampfirespitandcrackled.EmberleanedintoBarrow’schest,nestlingherheadbeneathhischin.

Shegazedintotheleapingflamesandsawonlywolves.

Thebattleragesonin

turnthepageforasneakpeek

ONE

I’DALWAYSWELCOMEDwar,butinbattlemypassionroseunbidden.

Thebear’sroarfilledmyears.Itshotbreathassaultedmynostrils,fuelingmybloodlust.BehindmeI

couldheartheboy’sraggedgasp.Thedesperatesoundmademynailsdigintotheearth.Isnarledatthe
largerpredatoragain,daringittotrytogetpastme.

WhatthehellamIdoing?
Iriskedaglanceattheboyandmypulseraced.Hisrighthandpressedagainstthegashesinhisthigh.

Bloodsurgedbetweenhisfingers,darkeninghisjeansuntiltheylookedstreakedbyblackpaint.Slashes
inhisshirtbarelycoveredtheredlacerationsthatmarredhischest.Agrowlroseinmythroat.

Icrouchedlow,musclestensed,readytostrike.Thegrizzlyroseontoitshindlegs.Iheldmyground.
Calla!
Bryn’scrysoundedinmymind.Alithebrownwolfdartedfromtheforestandtoreintothebear’s

unguardedflank.Thegrizzlyturned,landingonallfours.Spitflewfromitsmouthasitsearchedforthe
unseenattacker.ButBryn,lightningfast,dodgedthebear’slunge.Witheachswipeofthegrizzly’strunk-
thickarms,sheavoideditsreach,alwaysmovingasplitsecondfasterthanthebear.Sheseizedher
advantage,inflictinganothertauntingbite.Whenthebear’sbackwasturned,Ileaptforwardandrippeda
chunkfromitsheel.Thebearswungaroundtofaceme,itseyesrolling,filledwithpain.

BrynandIslunkalongtheground,circlingthehugeanimal.Thebear’sbloodmademymouthhot.My

bodytensed.Wecontinuedourever-tighteningdance.Thebear’seyestrackedus.Icouldsmellitsdoubt,
itsrisingfear.Iletoutashort,harshbarkandflashedmyfangs.Thegrizzlysnortedasitturnedawayand
lumberedintotheforest.

Iraisedmymuzzleandhowledintriumph.Amoanbroughtmebacktoearth.Thehikerstaredatus,

eyeswide.Curiositypulledmetowardhim.I’dbetrayedmymasters,brokentheirlaws.Allforhim.

Why?
MyheaddroppedlowandItestedtheair.Thehiker’sbloodstreamedoverhisskinandontothe

ground,thesharp,copperyodorcreatinganintoxicatingfoginmyconscience.Ifoughtthetemptationto
tasteit.

Calla?Bryn’salarmpulledmygazefromthefallenhiker.
Getoutofhere.Ibaredmyteethatthesmallerwolf.Shedroppedlowandbelliedalongtheground

towardme.Thensheraisedhermuzzleandlickedtheundersideofmyjaw.

Whatareyougoingtodo?herblueeyesaskedme.
Shelookedterrified.IwonderedifshethoughtI’dkilltheboyformyownpleasure.Guiltandshame

trickledthroughmyveins.

Bryn,youcan’tbehere.Go.Now.
Shewhinedbutslunkaway,slippingbeneaththecoverofpinetrees.
Istalkedtowardthehiker.Myearsflickedbackandforth.Hestruggledforbreath,painandterror

fillinghisface.Deepgashesremainedwherethegrizzly’sclawshadtornathisthighandchest.Blood
stillflowedfromthewounds.Iknewitwouldn’tstop.Igrowled,frustratedbythefragilityofhishuman
body.

Hewasaboywholookedaboutmyage:seventeen,maybeeighteen.Brownhairwithaslightshimmer

ofgoldfellinamessaroundhisface.Sweathadcakedstrandsofittohisforeheadandcheeks.Hewas

lean,strong—someonewhocouldfindhiswayaroundamountain,asheclearlyhad.Thispartofthe
territorywasonlyaccessiblethroughasteep,unwelcomingtrail.

Thescentoffearcoveredhim,tauntingmypredatoryinstincts,butbeneathitlaysomethingelse—the

smellofspring,ofnascentleavesandthawingearth.Ascentfullofhope.Possibility.Subtleandtempting.

Itookanothersteptowardhim.IknewwhatIwantedtodo,butitwouldmeanasecond,much-greater

violationoftheKeepers’Laws.Hetriedtomovebackbutgaspedinpainandcollapsedontohiselbows.
Myeyesmovedoverhisface.Hischiseledjawandhighcheekbonestwistedinagony.Evenwrithinghe
wasbeautiful,musclesclenchingandunclenching,revealinghisstrength,hisbody’sfightagainstits
impendingcollapse,renderinghistorturesublime.Desiretohelphimconsumedme.

Ican’twatchhimdie.
IshiftedformsbeforeIrealizedI’dmadethedecision.Theboy’seyeswidenedwhenthewhitewolf

who’dbeeneyeinghimwasnolongerananimal,butagirlwiththewolf’sgoldeneyesandplatinum
blondhair.Iwalkedtohissideanddroppedtomyknees.Hisentirebodyshook.Ibegantoreachforhim
buthesitated,surprisedtofeelmyownlimbstrembling.I’dneverbeensoafraid.

Araspingbreathpulledmeoutofmythoughts.
“Whoareyou?”Theboystaredatme.Hiseyeswerethecolorofwintermoss,adelicateshadethat

hoveredbetweengreenandgray.Iwascaughtthereforamoment.Lostinthequestionsthatpushed
throughhispainandintohisgaze.

Iraisedthesoftfleshofmyinnerforearmtomymouth.Willingmycaninestosharpen,Ibitdownhard

andwaiteduntilmyownbloodtouchedmytongue.ThenIextendedmyarmtowardhim.

“Drink.It’stheonlythingthatcansaveyou.”Myvoicewaslowbutfirm.
Thetremblinginhislimbsgrewmorepronounced.Heshookhishead.
“Youhaveto,”Igrowled,showinghimcaninesstillrazorsharpfromopeningthewoundinmyarm.I

hopedthememoryofmywolfformwouldterrorizehimintosubmission.Butthelookonhisfacewasn’t
oneofhorror.Theboy’seyeswerefullofwonder.Iblinkedathimandfoughttoremainstill.Bloodran
alongmyarm,fallingincrimsondropsontotheleaf-linedsoil.

Hiseyessnappedshutashegrimacedfromasurgeofrenewedpain.Ipressedmybleedingforearm

againsthispartedlips.Histouchwaselectric,searingmyskin,racingthroughmyblood.Ibitbacka
gasp,fullofwonderandfearatthealiensensationsthatrolledthroughmylimbs.

Heflinched,butmyotherarmwhippedaroundhisback,holdinghimstillwhilemybloodflowedinto

hismouth.Graspinghim,pullinghimcloseonlymademybloodrunhotter.

Icouldtellhewantedtoresist,buthehadnostrengthleft.Asmilepulledatthecornersofmymouth.

Evenifmyownbodywasreactingunpredictably,IknewIcouldcontrolhis.Ishiveredwhenhishands
cameuptograspmyarm,pressingintomyskin.Thehiker’sbreathcameeasilynow.Slow,steady.

Anachedeepwithinmemademyfingerstremble.Iwantedtorunthemoverhisskin.Toskimthe

healingwoundsandlearnthecontoursofhismuscles.

Ibitmylip,fightingtemptation.Comeon,Cal,youknowbetter.Thisisn’tlikeyou.
Ipulledmyarmfromhisgrasp.Awhimperofdisappointmentemergedfromtheboy’sthroat.Ididn’t

knowhowtograpplewithmyownsenseoflossnowthatIwasn’ttouchinghim.Findyourstrength,use
thewolf.That’swhoyouare.

WithawarninggrowlIshookmyhead,rippingalengthoffabricfromthehiker’stornshirttobindup

myownwound.Hismoss-coloredeyesfollowedmyeverymovement.

Iscrambledtomyfeetandwasstartledwhenhemimickedtheaction,falteringonlyslightly.Ifrowned

andtooktwostepsback.Hewatchedmyretreat,thenlookeddownathisrippedclothing.Hisfingers
gingerlypickedattheshredsofhisshirt.Whenhiseyesliftedtomeetmine,Iwashitwithanunexpected
swellofdizziness.Hislipsparted.Icouldn’tstoplookingatthem.Full,curvingwithinterest,lackingthe
terrorI’dexpected.Toomanyquestionsflickeredinhisgaze.

Ihavetogetoutofhere.“You’llbefine.Getoffthemountain.Don’tcomenearthisplaceagain,”I

said,turningaway.

Ashocksparkedthroughmybodywhentheboygrippedmyshoulder.Helookedsurprisedbutnotatall

afraid.Thatwasn’tgood.Heatflaredalongmyskinwherehisfingersheldmefast.Iwaitedamomenttoo
long,watchinghim,memorizinghisfeaturesbeforeIsnarledandshruggedoffhishand.

“Wait—”hesaid,andtookanothersteptowardme.
WhatifIcouldwait,puttingmylifeonholdinthismoment?WhatifIstolealittlemoretimeand

caughtatasteofwhathadbeensolongforbidden?Woulditbesowrong?Iwouldneverseethisstranger
again.Whatharmcouldcomefromlingeringhere,fromholdingstillandlearningwhetherhewouldtryto
touchmethewayIwantedtohimto?

Hisscenttoldmemythoughtsweren’tfaroffthemark,hisskinsnappingwithadrenalineandthemusk

thatbelieddesire.I’dletthisencounterlastmuchtoolong,steppedwellbeyondthelineofsafeconduct.
Withregretnippingatme,Iballedmyfist.Myeyesmovedupanddownhisbody,assessing,remembering
thefeelingofhislipsonmyskin.Hesmiledhesitantly.

Enough.
Icaughthimacrossthejawwithasingleblow.Hedroppedtothegroundanddidn’tmoveagain.Ibent

downandgatheredtheboyinmyarms,slinginghisbackpackovermyshoulder.Thescentofgreen
meadowsanddew-kissedtreelimbsflowedaroundme,floodingmewiththatstrangeachethatcoiled
lowinmybody,aphysicalreminderofmybrushwithtreachery.Twilightshadowsstretchedfartherup
themountain,butI’dhavehimatthebasebydusk.

Alone,batteredpickupwasparkedneartheripplingwaterwaythatmarkedtheboundaryofthesacred

site.Blacksignswithbrightorangeletteringwerepostedalongthecreekbank:

NOTRESPASSING.PRIVATEPROPERTY.
TheFordRangerwasunlocked.Iflungopenthedoor,almostpullingitfromtherust-bittenvehicle.I

drapedtheboy’slimpformacrossthedriver’sseat.HisheadslumpedforwardandIcaughtthestark
outlineofatattooonthebackofhisneck.Adark,bizarrelyinkedcross.

Atrespasserandtrendhound.ThankGodIfoundsomethingnottolikeabouthim.
Ihurledhispackontothepassengerseatandslammedthedoor.Thetruck’ssteelframegroaned.Still

tremblingwithfrustration,Ishiftedintowolfformanddartedbackintotheforest.Hisscentclungtome,
blurringmysenseofpurpose.Isniffedtheairandcringed,anewscentbringingmytreacheryintostark
relief.

Iknowyou’rehere.Asnarltraveledwithmythought.
Areyouokay?Bryn’splaintivequestiononlymadefearbiteharderintomytremblingmuscles.Inthe

nextmomentsheranbesideme.

Itoldyoutoleave.Ibaredmyteethbutcouldn’tdenymysuddenreliefatherpresence.
Icouldneverabandonyou.Brynkeptpaceeasily.AndyouknowI’llneverbetrayyou.
Ipickedupspeed,dartingthroughthedeepeningshadowsoftheforest.Iabandonedmyattemptto

outrunfear,shiftedforms,andstumbledforwarduntilIfoundthesolidpressureofatreetrunk.The
scratchofthebarkonmyskinfailedtorepelthegnat-likenervesthatswarmedinmyhead.

“Whydidyousavehim?”sheasked.“Humansmeannothingtous.”
IkeptmyarmsaroundthetreebutturnedmycheektothesidesoIcouldlookatBryn.Nolongerinher

wolfform,theshort,wirygirl’shandsrestedonherhips.Hereyesnarrowedasshewaitedforananswer.

Iblinked,butIcouldn’thalttheburningsensation.Apairoftears,hotandunwanted,sliddownmy

cheeks.

Bryn’seyeswidened.Inevercried.Notwhenanyonecouldwitnessit.
Iturnedmyfaceaway,butIcouldsenseherwatchingmesilently,withoutjudgment.Ihadnoanswers

forBryn.Orformyself.

TWO

WHENIOPENEDTHEFRONTDOORtomyhouse,mybodywentrigid.Icouldsmellthevisitors.
Agedparchment,finewine:LumineNightshade’sscentexudedanaristocraticelegance.Butherguards
filledthehousewithanunbearableodor,boilingpitchandburnthair.

“Calla?”Lumine’svoicedrippedwithhoney.
Icringed,tryingtogathermywitsbeforeIwalkedintothekitchenwithmymouthgluedshut.Ididn’t

wanttotastethecreaturesaswellassmellthem.

Luminesatatthetableacrossfromherpack’scurrentalpha,myfather.Sheremainedimpossiblystill,

postureperfect,chocolatetressescaughtinachignonatthebackofherneck.Sheworehertypical
immaculateebonysuitandcrisphigh-collaredwhiteshirt.Twowraithsflankedher,loomingshadow-like
justoverherslimshoulders.

IsuckedinmycheekssoIcouldbitetheinsides.Itwastheonlythingthatkeptmefrombaringmyteeth

atthebodyguards.

“Haveaseat,mydear.”Luminegesturedtoachair.
Ipulledthechairclosetomyfather,crouchingratherthansittinginit.Icouldn’trelaxwiththewraiths

nearby.

Doesshealreadyknowabouttheviolation?Issheheretoordermyexecution?
“Littlemorethanamonthofwaitingleft,lovelygirl,”shemurmured.“Areyoulookingforwardtoyour

union?”

IletoutthebreathIdidn’tknowI’dbeenholding.
“Sure,”Isaid.
Luminebroughtthetipsofherfingerstogetherinfrontofherface.
“Isthattheonlywordyouhavetoofferaboutyourauspiciousfuture?”
Myfatherbarkedalaugh.“Calla’snottheromantichermotheris,Mistress.”
Histoneremainedconfident,buthisgazefellonme.Iranmytonguealongmycanines,whichwere

sharpeninginmymouth.

“Isee,”shesaid,eyesmovingupanddownmybody.
Icrossedmyarmsovermychest.
“Stephen,youmightteachherbettermanners.Iexpectmyalphafemalestoembodyfinesse.Naomihas

alwayshadtheutmostgraceintherole.”

Shecontinuedtowatchme,soIcouldn’tbaremyteethatherthewayIwantedto.
Finesse,myass.I’mawarrior,notyourchildbride.
“Ithoughtyoumightbepleasedwiththematch,deargirl,”shesaid.“You’reabeautifulalpha.And

therehasn’tbeenaBanemalethelikesofRenierbefore.EvenEmileadmitsthat.Theunionbodeswell
forallofus.Youshouldbegratefultohavesuchamate.”

Myjawclenched,butImethereyeswithoutblinking.
“IrespectRen.He’safriend.We’llbefinetogether.”
Afriend…sortof.RenwatchesmelikeI’macookiejarhewouldn’tmindbeingcaughtwithhis

handin.Andhe’snottheonewho’dpayforthattheft.ThoughI’dbeenstuckwithlockandkeyfromday
oneofourbetrothal,Ihadn’tthoughtplayingpolicemanoverourrelationshipwouldbethathard.ButRen
didn’tliketoplaybytherules.Hewasjusttemptingenoughtomakemewonderwhethergivinghima

tastemightbeworththerisk.

“Fine?”Luminerepeated.“Butdoyoudesiretheboy?Emilewouldbefuriousattheideayoumight

scoffathisheir.”Shedrummedherfingersonthetable.

Istaredatthefloor,cursingtheflamesthatracedovermycheeks.Howthehelldoesdesirematter

whenI’mnotallowedtodoanythingaboutit?InthatmomentIhatedher.

Myfatherclearedhisthroat.“Mylady,theunionhasbeensetsincethechildren’sbirth.TheNightshade

andBanepacksremaincommittedtoit.AsaremydaughterandEmile’sson.”

“LikeIsaid,we’llbefine,”Iwhispered.Thehintofagrowlescapedwithmywords.
TinklinglaughterbroughtmyeyesbacktotheKeeper.Asshewatchedmesquirm,Lumine’ssmilewas

patronizing.Iglaredather,nolongerabletoholdinmyoutrage.

“Indeed.”Hergazemovedtomyfather.“Theceremonymustnotbeinterruptedordelayed.Underany

circumstances.”

Sheroseandextendedherhand.Myfatherbrieflypressedhislipstoherpalefingers.Sheturnedtome.

Ireluctantlytookhervellum-likeskininmyownhand,tryingnottothinkabouthowmuchIwantedtobite
her.

“Allworthyfemaleshavefinesse,mydear.”Shetouchedmycheek,lettinghernailsscrapehardenough

tomakemeflinch.

Mystomachlurched.
Herstilettoheelsstruckasharpstaccatoonthetileassheleftthekitchen.Thewraithstrailedbehind

her,theirsilencemoredisturbingthantheunnervingrhythmofhersteps.Idrewmykneesuptomychest
andrestedmycheekagainstthem.Ididn’tbreatheagainuntilIheardthefrontdoorclose.

“You’reawfullytense,”myfathersaid.“Didsomethinghappenonpatrol?”
Ishookmyhead.“YouknowIhatewraiths.”
“Weallhatewraiths.”
Ishrugged.“Whywasshehereanyway?”
“Todiscusstheunion.”
“You’rekidding.”Ifrowned.“JustmeandRen?”
Myfatherpassedawearyhandoverhiseyes.“Calla,itwouldbehelpfulifyouwouldn’ttreatthe

unionlikeahooptojumpthrough.Farmoreisatstakethan‘justyouandRen.’Theformationofanew
packhasn’toccurredfordecades.TheKeepersareonedge.”

“Sorry,”Isaid,notmeaningit.
“Don’tbesorry.Beserious.”
Isatupstraight.
“Emilewashereearliertoday.”Hegrimaced.
“What?!”Igasped.“Why?”
Icouldn’timagineacivilconversationbetweenEmileLarocheandhisrivalalpha.
Myfather’svoicewascold.“ThesamereasonasLumine.”
Iburiedmyfaceinmyhands,mycheeksonceagainonfire.
“Calla?”
“Sorry,Dad,”Isaid,swallowingmyembarrassment.“It’sjustthatRenandIgetalongfine.We’re

friends,sortof.We’veknowntheunionwascomingforalongtime.Ican’tseeanyproblemswithit.And
ifRendoes,thatwouldbenewstome.Butthiswholeprocesswouldbemucheasierifeveryonewould
justlayoff.Thepressureisn’thelping.”

Henodded.“Welcometoyourlifeasanalpha.Thepressureneverhelps.Italsonevergoesaway.”
“Great.”Isighedandrosefrommychair.“Ihavehomework.”
“Night,then,”hesaidquietly.
“Night.”

“AndCalla?”
“Yeah?”Ipausedatthebottomofthestaircase.
“Goeasyonyourmother.”
Ifrownedandcontinuedupthestairs.WhenIreachedmybedroomdoor,Ishrieked.Clotheswere

strewneverywhere.Coveringmybed,onthefloor,hangingfromthenightstandandlamp.

“Thiswillneverdo!”Mymotherpointedanaccusingfingeratme.
“Mom!”
OneofmyfavoritevintageT-shirts,fromaPixiestourintheeighties,hungfromherclenchedfists.
“Doyouownanythingbeautiful?”SheshooktheoffendingT-shirtatme.
“Definebeautiful,”Ireturned.
Iswallowedagroan,searchingforanyclothesIparticularlywantedtoprotect,andsatontopofmy

RepublicansforVoldemorthoodie.

“Lace?Silk?Cashmere?”Naomiasked.“Anythingthatisn’tdenimorcotton?”
ShetwistedthePixiesshirtinherhandsandIcringed.
“DoyouknowthatEmilewasheretoday?”Hereyesmovedoverthebed,assessingthepileofclothes.
“Dadsaidthat,”Irepliedquietly,butinsideIwasscreaming.
Istrokedmyfingersalongtheropeofhairthathungovermyshoulder,liftedtheend,andcaughtit

betweenmyteeth.

MymotherpursedherlipsanddroppedtheT-shirtsoshecouldextractmyfingersfromthetwisted

hair.Thenshesighed,tookaseatonthebedjustbehindme,andpulledtheelasticfromtheendofthe
braid.

“Andthishair.”Shecombedoutthewaveswithherfingers.“Whyyoubinditupallthetimeisbeyond

me.”

“There’stoomuch,”Isaid.“Itgetsintheway.”
Icouldhearthechimeofmymother’schandelierearringswhensheshookherhead.“Mylovely

flower.Youcan’thideyourassetsanymore.You’reawomannow.”

WithadisgustedgruntIrolledacrossthebed,outofherreach.
“I’mnoflower.”Ipushedthecurtainofhairbackbehindmyshoulders.Freeofthebraid,itfelt

cumbersomeandheavy.

“Butyouare,Calla.”Shesmiled.“Mybeautifullily.”
“It’sjustaname,Mom.”Ibegantogatherupmyclothes.“NotwhoIam.”
“Itiswhoyouare.”Istartedatthewarningnoteinhervoice.“Stopdoingthat.It’snotnecessary.”
MyhandsfrozeontheT-shirtI’dgrabbed.ShewaiteduntilIplacedthehalf-foldedshirtbackonthe

coverlet.Istartedtosaysomething,butmymotherheldupasilencinghand.

“Thenewpackformsnextmonth.You’llbethealphafemale.”
“Iknowthat.”Ifoughtofftheurgetothrowdirtysocksather.“I’veknownthatsinceIwasfive.”
“Andnowit’stimeforyoutostartactinglikeit,”shesaid.“Lumineisworried.”
“Yeah,Iknow.Finesse.Shewantsfinesse.”Iwantedtogag.
“AndEmileisconcernedaboutwhatRenierwants,”shesaid.
“WhatRenwants?”Isaid,wincingattheshrillnessofmyvoice.
Mymotherliftedoneofmybrasfromthebed.Itwasplainwhitecotton—theonlykindIowned.
“Weneedtothinkaboutpreparations.Doyouwearanydecentlingerie?”
Theburninginmycheeksbeganagain.Iwonderedifexcessiveblushingcouldcausepermanent

discoloration.

“Idon’twanttotalkaboutthis.”
Sheignoredme,mutteringunderherbreathasshesortedmythingsintopiles,which,sinceshe’d

orderedmetostopfolding,Icouldonlypresumewere“acceptable”and“tobediscarded.”

“He’sanalphamaleandthemostpopularboyatyourschool.AtleastbyallaccountsI’mprivyto.”

Hertonebecamewistful.“I’msurehe’saccustomedtocertainattentionsfromgirls.Whenyourtime
arrives,youmustbereadytopleasehim.”

IswallowedsourbilebeforeIcouldspeakagain.
“Mom,I’manalphatoo,remember?”Isaid.“Renneedsmetobeapackleader.Wantsmetobea

warrior,notthecaptainofthecheerleadingsquad.”

“Renierneedsyoutoactlikeamate.Justbecauseyou’reawarriordoesn’tmeanyoucan’tbe

enticing.”Thesharpnessofhertonecutme.

“Cal’sright,Mom.”Mybrother’svoicepipedin.“Rendoesn’twantacheerleader.He’salreadydated

themallforthelastfouryears.He’sprobablyboredashell.Atleastbigsiswillkeephimonhistoes.”

IturnedtoseeAnselleaningagainstthedoorframe.Hiseyessweptovertheroom.
“Whoa,HurricaneNaomistrikes,leavingnosurvivors.”
“Ansel,”mymothersnapped,handsonherhips.“Pleasegiveyoursisterandmesomeprivacy.”
“Sorry,Mom.”Anselcontinuedtogrin.“ButBarrettandSashaaredownstairswaitingforyoutogo

withthemonnightpatrol.”

Hereyelidsflutteredinsurprise.“Isitthatlatealready?”
Anselshrugged.Whensheturnedaway,hewinkedatme.Icoveredmymouthtohidemysmile.
Shesighed.“Calla,I’mseriousaboutthis.IputsomenewclothesinyourclosetandIexpectyouto

startwearingthem.”

Iopenedmymouthtoobject,butshecutmeoff.
“NewclothesstartingtomorroworI’llgetridofallyourT-shirtsandrippedjeans.Endofdiscussion.”
Sheroseandsweptfromtheroom,herskirtswirlingaroundhercalvesasshemoved.WhenIheardher

stepsonthestaircase,Igroanedandflippedoveronthebed.ThemoundofT-shirtsofferedaconvenient
placetoburymyhead.Iwastemptedtoshiftintowolfformandripthebedapart.Butthatwouldgetme
groundedforsure.PlusIlikedmybed,andatthemomentitwasoneofthefewthingsthatmymother
wasn’tthreateningtotossout.

Themattresscreaked.IproppedmyselfuponmyelbowsandlookedatAnsel.Heperchedonthe

cornerofthebed.

“Anotherheartwarmingmother-daughterbondingsession?”
“Youknowit.”Irolledontomyback.
“Areyouokay?”heasked.
“Yeah.”Iputmyhandsonmytemples,attemptingtomassagethenewthrobbingpainaway.
“So—”Anselbegan.Iturnedtolookathim.Mybrother’steasingsmilehadvanished.
“Sowhat?”
“AboutRen…”Hisvoicethickened.
“Spititout,An.”
“Doyoulikehim?Imeanforreal?”heblurted.
Icollapsedbackontothebed.Myarmscoveredmyeyes,blottingoutthelight.
“Notyoutoo.”
Hecrawledtowardme.
“It’sjust,”hesaid.“Ifyoudon’twanttobewithhim,youshouldn’tbe.”
Beneathmyarmsmyeyessnappedopen.ForamomentIcouldn’tbreathe.
“Wecouldrunaway.I’dstaywithyou,”Anselfinishedinavoicealmosttoolowtohear.
Isatboltupright.
“Ansel,”Iwhispered.“Don’teversayanythinglikethat.Youdon’tknowwhat…Justdropit,okay?”
Hefiddledwiththecoverlet.“Iwantyoutobehappy.YouseemedsomadatMom.”
“IammadatMom,butthat’sMom,notRen.”Iwoundmyfingersthroughthelongwavesthatspilled

overmyshouldersandthoughtaboutshavingmyhead.

“Soyou’reokaywithit?WithbeingRen’smate?”
“Yeah.I’mokaywithit.”Ireachedout,rufflinghissandbrownhair.“Besides,you’llbeinthenew

pack.SowillBryn,Mason,andFey.Withyouguysatmyback,we’llkeepReninline.”

“Nodoubt.”Hegrinned.
“Anddon’tbreatheawordaboutrunningawaytoanyone.An,that’swayoutofline.Whendidyou

becomesuchafreethinkeranyway?”Myeyesnarrowed.

Hebaredsharpenedcaninesatme.“I’myourbrother,right?”
“Soyourtraitorousnatureismyfault?”Ismackedhimonthechest.
“EverythingIneedtoknowIlearnedfromCal.”
Hestoodupandbeganjumpingonthebed.Ibouncedclosetotheedgeandthenrolledoff,landing

easilyontheballsofmyfeet.Igrabbedtheedgeofthecoverletandgaveitasharpjerk.Anselfell
laughingontohisbackandbouncedonceonthemattressbeforehelaystill.

“I’mserious,Ansel.Notaword.”
“Don’tworry,sis.I’mnotstupid.IwouldneverbetraytheKeepers,”hesaid.“Unlessyouaskedme

to…alpha.”

Itriedtosmile.“Thanks.”

•••

Foracompletelistofthisauthor’sbooksclickhereorvisit

www.penguin.com/cremerchecklist

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Risecameintobeingduringadifficultandtumultuouschapterofmylife.Withoutthedauntlesssupportof
friendsandcolleagues,thewritingofthisbookwouldhavebeenatbestastruggle.Thejoyofworking
withPenguinYoungReadersGroupsuppliesincredibleencouragementforeachstageofproducinga
novel.I’dliketogiveparticularthankstoDonWeisbergandJenLojafortheirunwaveringenthusiasm
andkindness.Theenergyandmadtalentofthesales,marketing,publicity,andschoolandlibraryteams
makemewanttograbpom-pomsandcheerthemonoutsidetheiroffices.ThanksespeciallytoShanta,
EmilyR.,Erin,Elyse,EmilieB.,Lisa,Jessica,Kristina,Molly,Courtney,Anna,Scottie,Jackie,and
Felicia.Abigshout-out,too,toallthesalesrepswhoworksohardtogettheNightshadeseriesinto
readers’hands.

ThebeautifuljacketsonalloftheUSeditionsarethankstoLindaandTheresa,andthestunninginterior

designisthankstoAmyandSemadar.ThelovelyPuffinteam,Eileen,JenB.,andDana,createdthe
gorgeouspaperbacks.ThankyoutoeveryonefortheadviceandencouragementaboutmovingtoNew
York!

MyhomewithinahomeatPYRGisPhilomel.MichaelGreenkeepsmesmilingandoffersconsolation

whenmysportsteamsare(often)inthegutter.Iwouldwaxhyperbolicforseveralpagesaboutmy
amazingeditor,JillSantopolo,butbeingthetalentededitorsheis,shewouldrightlyhavemecutallthat
purpleprose.ThankstoJuliaandKiffinforalloftheirhelpalongtheway,andtoCindy,Rob,Anaand
Karen,whosecopyeditskeptmycharactershonestandmywritingfreeofdoubleentendres.

Myfamilycontinuestosupportmydreamofawritinglifeandkeepmesteadythroughlife’sstorms.

Thankstomybrother,Garth,foralwayscheeringmeon.Thankstomymomanddadforunderstanding
theirsmall-town-raiseddaughter’slongingforthebigcity.EverydayI’mgratefulformyfriendsinthe
writingworld:DavidLevithan,EliotSchrefer,StephaniePerkins,andKierstenWhitemakemyheart
smile.BethRevis,MarieLu,andJessicaSpotswoodaretheBreathlessGodmothersofthisbook,and
theyknowmoreaboutbigtalentthananyoneelse.MydearfriendandcolleagueCaseyJarrinhasmadeall
thedifferenceasItransitionfromtheacademictoacreativeprofession.Sheisastar.

ThisbookisdedicatedtothetrioofagentsatInkWellManagementwho’vetransformedmynovelsfrom

sparkofideatopublishedreality.CharliesavedCallaandthepackfromaslushydeath.IfIfindthe
TARDIS,Charliewillbemyfirstphonecall.Lyndseyenabledglobalexcursionsforthewitchesand
wolves,andIhopesomedaywe’llhaveaninternationaladventuretogether.Richardisthebravestperson
Iknow:hedivesinunderwatercaves—also,Iadorehim.IoftenwonderhowIgotsoluckytobebacked
bythismarvelousteam.Thankyouforallthatyoudo.KnowthatIwouldstormacastleforyouguys.

Document Outline

Title Page
Copyright
Dedication
Table of Contents
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
Seven
Eight
Nine
Ten
Eleven
Twelve
Thirteen
Fourteen
Fifteen
Sixteen
Seventeen
Eighteen
Nineteen
Twenty
Twenty One
Twenty Two
Twenty Three
Twenty Four
Twenty Five
Twenty Six
Twenty Seven
Twenty Eight
Twenty Nine
Thirty
Thirty One
Thirty Two
Thirty Three
Thirty Four
Thirty Five
Thirty Six
Nigh†Shade
Acknowledgments

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