Serenna wondered if those like Fenn—born as wraith instead of transformed by the king—had a Well capable of holding power. Recalling a conversation with Jassyn, she assumed the druids’ curse would’ve prevented Fenn’s parents from conceiving if they’d remained pure-blooded elves.
Serenna’s heart pinched at the thought. The balance of life restored after so much had been stolen still seemed unjust.
The gloomy reality of the wraith’s origins clouded Serenna’s mood further. “What if we could bring an end to our people killing each other?” she dared to ask.
Fenn slid a talon into a crack in the counter, plucking at the wood. “I don’t see how that would be possible.”
Serenna probed, hoping desperation didn’t flood her voice. “What if I could tell those at Centarya the truth?”
“And go back to your island with our location?” Fenn grunted, dislodging a splinter. “Lykor wouldn’t stand for that—or portal you there.” Shoulders sinking, he shook his head. “Would they even believe you?”
Serenna held her tongue, fearing Fenn wouldn’t keep her secret if she divulged her bond with Vesryn.
“It would be too much of a risk,” Fenn continued more strongly, as if convincing himself. “I think the wraith are destined to brave the world alone. Lykor will find us a safe place. Away from the elves.”
“But what if you didn’t have to hide?” Serenna swirled the dregs of tea, gently prodding.As loyal as Fenn is to Lykor, surely he can see that the world doesn’t have to be this way.“The wraith and the elven-blooded could unite and stand against the king. We could stop him from stealing power and put an end to all of this meaningless fighting.”
Fenn grew pensive, picking at his claws. “I don’t disagree with you, but it’s an impossible path.”
Deciding against hounding Fenn with her wishful thinking, Serenna grew quiet, saving that battle for another day. Perhaps in time, she could kindle that spark of agreement flickering in his eyes.
Shoving back from the table, Fenn swiveled off his stool and rose. “Come on, she-elf. I want to show you something.”
Leaving her empty mug, Serenna sighed. In the meantime, she didn’t have anything else to do aside from following him around.
“Is it safe to travel the city?” she wondered out loud.
“We won’t leave my clan’s district—it’s secure here.” Fenn’s actions didn’t align with his words as he shouldered on his bandoliers and strapped his crossbow to his back. “But if anything happens, I’m glad I have your magics by my side.”
Serenna flushed as they wound their way around the dwelling. “Where are we going?” she asked, stepping through the door Fenn held open, out to the open brick street.
Fenn gave her a fanged grin, dulling the edge of her sadness. “Have you ever seen a pocket goat?”
CHAPTER 34
LYKOR
Lykor drew to a halt at the top of the iron staircase before descending to his sitting room. Voices. Aiko shifted on his cloaked shoulders with a contented purr, head-butting his cheek. Lykor scratched behind her tufted ears, grumbling his complaint before stomping down the spiral staircase. It was too early in the morning to tolerate whoever decided to lay siege to his dwelling.
He’d roused in his own bed at least. For the first time in weeks. Lykor could only assume that was Aesar’s attempt of currying a crumb of favor by executing his “bargain” to earn more control during the day.
Losing a battle to intrigue, Lykor burrowed inward, wondering if there was any other explanation for the change. He blew out an exasperated sigh as he delved into their mind, detesting Aesar’s chosen landscape of Kyansari’s library. Having endured enough confinement to last a lifetime, Lykor would rather exist somewhere under an open sky.
He materialized in their mindspace. Silent like a wolf on the prowl, Lykor approached the couch containing Aesar’s sleeping form and hovered a hand over his silvery hair. Cautiouslyslipping into Aesar’s slumbering awareness, Lykor skimmed through his recollection of the previous evening.
Rummaging backward in time, he passed over flashes of Aesar freeing the snow-buried lift before returning to the Aerie.WHY DIDN’T THE GIRL ACCOMPLISH THAT TASK?Lykor nearly ground his teeth to dust. Fenn had one fucking simple order to follow.
Half of his attention on winding down the stairs to the lower chamber, Lykor continued his search. Sifting through memories, conversations with Kal, Fenn, and Mara filtered in and out. Gathered in Kal’s residence, Lykor relistened through Aesar’s ears.
Reavers. The younger warriors boiled the blood in his veins. He couldn’t control them. The turbulence was beyond repair. Amplified by Aesar’s intervention—foolishly withdrawing from the assault.
Aiko pawed at his face. Lykor spared his vulpintera a half-hearted exasperated look before pinning his attention on his sitting room. Staring at him, Kal, Fenn, and the girl had made themselves comfortable, apparently having a communal breakfast inhissuite.
Rolling his shoulders, Lykor didn’t know—or care—how long he’d been standing there, diving through Aesar’s mind while the rest of the world drifted by like dust on the wind. Flicking a strand of hair out of his eyes, Lykor strode toward them.
In the middle of the table, the Heart of Stars glittered like some prized, decorative jewel. Lykor swung his glare to his captain, assuming Kal had conceived the brilliant notion to hear for himself what the girl could parrot back. Aesar had deduced that her tether wouldn’t interfere with whatever she heard, the relic’s secrets tied to her shaman heritage instead of Essence.
Lykor seized an empty chair with his gauntlet. “What the fuck is this?”
