Page 12 of The Reckoning of Starlight

That decision cinched around her throat the moment the first child screamed. Every breath since had drawn it tighter.

The pressure wound around Serenna’s limbs slackened by a fraction. Only then could she shove herself upright.

Ayla allowed that much.

“Why?” Serenna forced out. “What was the point?”

Ayla shrugged, sweeping a strand of crimson hair over one shoulder. “The nobles have grown bold. Flaunting their pets. Whispering of campaigns to rival Elashor’s abroad.” She waved a hand, as if the realm bored her. “They needed a reminder of their place. You gave them one.”

Serenna shook her head. Her mouth opened, but no words came.

“And now that this little reunion has brought us all back together,” Ayla continued, “we have so much more to discuss.”

Before Serenna could answer, Fenn’s growl rumbled across the corridor.

“Taryn.”

The golden-haired female turned.

Fenn went wraith-still where he knelt. His talons scraped against the stone, his knuckles curling tight enough to crack.

Taryn’s mouth curved, flashing white teeth.

No fangs.

Serenna’s stomach dropped.

Fenn’s sister.

The last time Serenna had seen her, Taryn had been an elven-wraith standing at Ayla’s side during the siege of Lykor’s fortress. She’d helped Ayla steal one of the Hearts of Stars in Lykor’s possession—the relic Galaeryn used to control Rimeclaw rather than free him.

The elf in the tunnel had been polished into a stranger, luminescent skin gleaming in the shield’s violet glow. Golden braids framed angular features, and her azure eyes settled on Fenn, bright with jeweled cruelty. Behind them lived the unmistakable hum of an arch elf’s Well.

Stolen magic.

The same kind that radiated from Ayla, stripped from someone else.

Fenn’s wing talons clacked, his lips peeling back. “Haven’t you done enough?”

Taryn lifted one hand, Essence shimmering over her palm. “I did what was required. You chose your side. Now I serve mine.”

“She’s been rewarded,” Ayla clipped. “As have the others who remembered where loyalty belongs.”

Taryn studied Fenn as if measuring what loyalty had failed to make of him. “The reavers are arch elves now, brother. All of us who pledged ourselves. Just like we were promised.” Satisfaction touched her mouth, too cruel to be called a smile. “Just like you could’ve been.”

Ayla’s gaze lingered on Fenn’s wings. “Before I present you to the king, you’re going to explain what you’ve become.”

She approached Serenna until the stolen Starshard glinted in the shield’s glow.

“Saundyl’s missive claims you call yourselves druids. Curious.” Ayla tapped one finger against the gem. “I want names. Numbers. Where your armies are gathered. And which dragons fly free.”

Serenna scoffed. Ayla could wrench her body into compliance, but the stolen Starshard held no sway over her tongue.

“We’re not telling you anything.”

Ayla smirked and snapped her fingers. The violet shields dissolved, leaving both cells open.

Taryn reached beneath her armor, crystal flashing between her fingers.