Page 103 of Storm of Ink and Blood

“Fire. It says the most effective way to remove the collars is with fire.”

She frowned at the page, wondering what that meant. Fire as in an anchor? Or regular old fire? Could it be that easy?

“This is…” Row said. “I had no idea.”

“How has this remained hidden for a thousand years?” she asked.

“Everyone has been so scared for so long that they all refused to admit the sixth anchor still existed.”

“But surely someone must have talked.”

He shrugged. “It has obviously been a very closely guarded secret.”

Row opened his mouth as though he were about to say something else and then snapped it shut with a shake of his head.

“Is something like this hereditary?” Yasen asked.

“It can be,” Row answered. “But like all genetics, it’s not a guarantee.”

“So, does that mean her mother might have had it?”

Row shook his head. “If Asha did, I’m sure she would have…” He trailed off and rubbed a hand over his face. “Or maybe she wouldn’t have told me. I can’t say for sure at this point.”

“My father does,” Zarya said as everyone around the table went very still. “Rabin told me.” She looked at Rabin who offered her a slight dip of his chin.

“Is this true?” Row demanded. “He never shared that with me.”

Rabin shrugged. “It is true. And is further proof that he has no need of Zarya’s magic. He will simply be proud his daughter bears his lineage.”

Row’s eyes narrowed, clearly still doubting his claims. He turned to face Zarya. “So, what do you want to do with this information?”

“I think we need to expose the Jadugara for the liars they are. And we need to figure out what it means when it says ‘fire’ can help remove the collar. It reacted violently with the ink during my testing.”

“Zee,” Yasen said. “Not your fire anchor. Your nightfire.”

She blinked. “You think?”

He waved a hand at her. “Your talking necklace said it: she will be the one to free them all. This has to be connected.”

Zarya wrapped her hand around the jewel. “I can’t shoot nightfire at anyone. That would kill them.”

“Then I guess you’d better start practicing how to control it,” Row said, laying a hand on her shoulder.

“Control it. So I can use it on someone?”

She exchanged a look with Row and saw the apology in his expression. Like he didn’t want her burdened with all of this, but it was clear it had already gone beyond anyone’s choice. She was committed now, and there would be no turning back.

They continued talking for a while longer. Zarya asked for updates on Farida’s condition and Operation Starbreak, but everything was the same as when she’d left. They could barely keep their eyes open after being awake all night, and eventually, they all fell silent.

“So, where’s everyone sleeping?” Yasen asked. “We only have one extra bedroom.”

“Koura and I can share for now,” Row said. “We’ll find alternate lodging as soon as possible. This place is a bit small for so many of us.”

“What about him?” Yasen asked, glaring at Rabin. “Toss him into the dumpster out back where he belongs?”

“I’ll stay with Zarya,” Rabin snarled.

“No, you won’t,” she said. “You can take my room, and I’ll stay with Yasen.”