A trill of excitement sped through me. “You found the culprit?”
She grimaced. “Unfortunately, no. Walk with me.” Taking the few steps down from the dais, she veered toward the open courtyard. “Gaige told me he’s getting worse.”
“He is.” I fell in line beside her, and we came upon an outdoor staircase that spiraled up a monstrous oak and connected to the side of the castle. The steps were wide enough for several people to stand comfortably, and we began to ascend together.
“I’m so sorry to hear that.” She reached over and placed a soft hand against my back. “We’re searching night and day for the Charmer responsible.”
Her expression was tight as she studied each step before her, chin tucked to her chest. I was sure it pained her to know that one of her own was out there, deliberately defying the Crown’s pardon on my life. Her hand fell from my back, and she let it drop to her side.
And yet, years of distrust, of not knowing whether or not I’d ever be able to call Hireath home again, kept me from immediately grabbing her hand and offering comfort. She hadn’t been involved in the trial that led to my exile, but at least for now, we were working toward the same goal—my bounty absolved so Noc could be free of the oath. “I know you’re trying, and I want to help.”
Yazmin tilted her head to the side, brows inching together. “How?”
A young boy rushed passed us with a Groober tucked beneath his arm. He giggled, and a hint of valerian and lavender perfumed the air from the tight squeeze he gave his beast. That scent, the boy and his beast, the Charmers going about their day throughout the city—they gave me hope. Perhaps not everyone here was bad. There was the culprit, sure, but that was just one person.
It wasn’t always just one. I fought back a shiver as the memory of Wynn drew to the forefront of my mind. But he was gone. Dead. He’d never hurt me again. And right now, the only thing that mattered was protecting the man I loved. If I had a way to help Noc through this, then I’d do it. No matter the cost.
“I’d like to formally accept your offer to join the Council.”
She came to a full stop on one of the stairs, forcing a few disgruntled Charmers to part around us. “Really? We’d of course be honored to have you. But I know Cruor is your home now.”
Home.My home was with Noc, with my family. If that happened to be in Cruor, then that’s where I belonged. But that didn’t mean I had to give up the part of me that loved Hireath. I would do anything to keep this city, and its people, from harm.
We started up the stairs again as I found my words. “I want to do this. If I can help you find the Charmer responsible for my bounty, if I can save Noc, then I’m protecting my home—both this one and the one at Cruor.”
“Of course. We wouldn’t force you to choose between Hireath and Cruor, though you would need to spend some time here to give the public a chance to become acquainted with you as a member of the Council.” More Charmers passed us on the stairs, and she offered each one a regal nod.
Unexpected excitement sped through my veins. I could do this. Iwoulddo this. “The honor would be mine. This place matters to me too.”
We came to a halt about four flights up. A large platform stretched out across the branches, and vendor stalls with thatched-leaf roofs lined the railing. The sticky-sweet aroma of fresh fruit filled the air, and laughter swelled around us. Small beasts scampered beneath our feet and flitted through the trees.
Once upon a time, this life had been mine. Cruorwasmy home now. But there was still a part of me that longed for Hireath. I didn’t know if I could ever find peace here like I had before, but I couldn’t deny where I’d come from, either.
“You must know that the Council protects its own. You and your family will be safe from harm.” Her voice dropped an octave as she brought her lips close to my ear. “And the person responsible for your bountywillbe dealt with.”
I nodded. Her words reverberated with promise. “So, what happens next?”
“I’ll assemble the others, and we’ll make it official tonight. There’s a bit of a ritual involved.” She gave my shoulder a squeeze, and I glimpsed the pale pink of her Charmer’s symbol. It was much lighter than my own rosewood hue, but still in the same family. Perhaps that’s how faint the difference could be between reddish and currant. As much as I wanted to confront Raven and end this, I’d need something more definitive than a Charmer’s mark.
“Ritual?” I asked.
“You’ll see.” Her smile was genuine. “In the meantime, I think I can help you with Noc. We’ll continue our hunt for the culprit, but in case we don’t turn up answers quick enough, there might be another way.”
All thoughts of Raven faded. “Another way?”
She nodded. “Give me a few hours to sort through my records. I don’t own the beast myself, so it’s not as simple as checking my bestiary. But there’s hope yet, Leena.”
Happiness welled in my chest and threatened to spill over in the form of tears. Hope. I could see it in the shining faces of the kids running rampant around us. In the smiles of vendors and happy calls of beasts.
Maybe Hireath could bring me peace again.
* * *
The ritual to join the Council was a closed affair, attended by only Council members, and I’d never come across records or books detailing the event. Which meant I wasn’t prepared when two attendants whisked me away after Yazmin left, practically appearing from thin air to usher me toward the top floor of the castle. My new housing arrangements, should everything go as planned. The room centered around a circular bed fit for giants with a graphite-colored upholstered headboard. Stacks of plum, amethyst, and violet pillows sat atop silver satin sheets, and soft organza draped from the ceiling like clouds stretching across a dark night.
Apparently, these accommodations had once belonged to Eilan, the longest-sitting member, but when he and Raven announced their courtship, he moved into her quarters several floors below.
Raven.Tonight would be the first time I’d seen her since the battle. I had to be careful. Meticulous. Noc would know what to do, what to look for. But what, exactly, was I looking for? How would I get her to confess and remove the oath? I stewed about Raven for the majority of the afternoon, making it easy for the attendants to prepare me for the ceremony.
