Elira
Why, in all the gods’ names, did she want to meethere?
The missive had been clear—my mother and Jasper were waiting at the Moon Gate.
It sounded poetic, almost romantic.
But what itwas… was a platform.
A wide, open span of stone perched atop a towering cathedral. Like a viewing point carved for the stars.
The wind was colder up here. Sharper.
Before me, a crescent-shaped wall arched like a scythe, framing the southern sky. It pointed directly toward Mount Emberflame.
I could see it even now—its peak burning low and steady, a smear of orange fire beneath the morning haze.
We had a choice between an elevator and some stairs, and though I protested, the air was too cold for stairs. A winter chill had settled on the town of Duskfall. It filled me with foreboding.
Just before we went to step inside, Slade pulled me aside.
“Before I forget.” He said. He reached into his pocket and pulled out my dagger, so perfect, it was like he had polished it personally.
He slid it into the sheath at my hip.
“You kept it.” I said, my voice filled with delighted surprise.
“Of course. It saved me. You saved me.” He said. “Thank you Elle.”
I wrapped my arms around him and breathed him in. “I would have jumped with you if I could,”
“I’m glad you didn’t. I love you.”
“I love you more.” I whispered.
“Impossible,” he grinned.
Phoenix watched us with a softness in his face that warmed me. He held out his hand.
“Come on. It will all be over soon.”
Inside the lift I kept my eyes closed. Slade and Phoenix anchoring each side of me. Thorne stood in front like he would take any blow aimed at me with grace.
We made Caelen and Leo stay down the bottom with Lacey and Maddie, in case something was wrong. I had no reason to think this, after all, it was just my mother.
But still. Something was telling me to be cautious.
I would have asked Slade to stay down the base of the tower to protect the others, but he wouldn’t leave me alone with Thorne, even with Phoenix on hand to keep me safe.
Slade’s overprotective instincts were already bristling. That was a problem for another day.
When the doors opened at the top, I froze. Soldiers in a familiar umber tunic greeted us.
King Ivan’s men.
All of us pulled our swords immediately.
A slow clap echoed across the stone.
