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She’d always run with the lot of us, always planned to serve the Dark Watch, and like Auki, it was evident she had honored her vow made long ago to a young prince.

“Call him Roark…gods”—Auki swatted at the wolf when she snarled again—“he doesn’t want pretenses and titles.”

Brynn popped one shoulder in a shrug. “What brings you here?”

At long last, Brynn whistled, drawing her fara away from Auki, whose back was pinned to the wall.

Her brother let out a heavy sigh and dragged his fingers through his hair. “Where’s Nightlark?”

“Here.”

Relief was heady, like a rush of blood from dropping too fast, when Emi appeared behind Brynn. Already securing a belt around her waist, she’d dressed in new clothes, likely Brynn’s and too big, but her face was clear of any lingering dirt and sweat, and my cousin’s pale hair was braided loosely down her back.

I motioned for Emi to join me. I have need of you tonight.

“What’s going on? Where’s Lyra?”

My chamber. I hesitated before going on. We need you to witness something.

Emi’s lips parted. “Damn the gods, you’re serious?”

I swallowed. She and I both agree it is the swiftest and best way to keep her safe here. Until we find a way out.

Emi snorted. “How disappointing you are as a romantic. Sounds very straightforward and dull.”

“Wait. Romantic?” Auki snapped his head up. “What’s happening?”

Emi didn’t respond to him and kept speaking to me. “Tell me you didn’t present this as a mere transaction or a duty. Gods, Roark, I told you—”

I waved a hand. I am not a fool. I spoke the truth of my desire.

“And she shares the same desire?”

Heat scorched the back of my neck from memories of the twisted, sensual, stunning way I’d claimed Lyra not so long ago.

How all of me had claimed her.

Gods, I had not anticipated that the use of my broken soul would stimulate every surface of my flesh like I stepped too near a blaze. She’d wanted me to suffer, a bit of cruel pleasure handed down for the secrets kept.

I would suffer at her hands over and again if she asked.

“Roark?” Emi tilted her head. “She agreed because she feels the same? You know bonds aren’t sturdy if both sides are not devoted.”

Auki’s mouth parted. “You’re sealing your sjeleven bond?”

I frowned at him but spoke to my cousin. Lyra agreed.

For a moment, Emi studied my features, as though searching for the lie. Then, little by little, her grin spread. “Did you at least grovel a bit for not telling her the truth sooner?”

I rubbed the back of my neck with one hand and spoke with the other. Something like that.

“We can stand as more witnesses.” Brynn stepped forward. “You will need us.”

Instinct drew me to begin refusals, but Emi placed a hand on my arm. “She’s right. Their word is respected, where we are both in disgrace.”

I took in the similar features of the twins. Faces from a past I’d yearned to forget. How many moments had I stepped onto battlefields, pleading to meet Salur, so I might be free of my memories from a life ripped away? Those days when I could not even recall why I was shunned by folk I thought cared.

So many seasons I’d simply believed something inside me had grown rotten, depraved, too dangerous to remain in my own clan.