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The world is quiet before the remaking. On the eighth night, even Skyworld holds its breath. The wind softens, and the snow stops falling. The tales that were told around the fireside for all to hear are now whispered or not spoken at all.

This is the night for listening. Listen to what your heart is trying to tell you. It speaks only the truth. Remember that anxiety asks a question, but instinct makes a statement.

On the eighth night of Yule, it is your heart’s truth that demands to be heard.

Beware the dawn, when the Fates wait to see what you have learned.

The Ashen Grimoire

34

Ember was a prisoner in the Wilds.

I had considered it after Kit mentioned her in the Ruckus, but having it confirmed cut deeper. She must have been taken by Zephyr or one of the other Wilds’ Riders as she escaped the library. The nunneries… The thought of what she might be subjected to hit me so violently that bile burned up my throat. I took a long, deep breath. I had killed to make sure she was safe, and she still wasn’t. Ember was trapped in one of the phoenix towers while Riders circled overhead and rogue phoenixes screamed through the night skies, getting madder and wilder as the nights went on.

How was I ever going to get to her?

Think, think, think!

I curled up beside the fire and stared into the embers. Chanting in my mind over and over: She’ll survive it. She always survived. And I’d get her out. Survival in the Barren had never meant safety, and I didn’t believe that the Wilds was any different. After what I’d just been told, it was probably worse.

I sat up. “Which tower?” I asked, my voice too sharp. “Did the other girl say exactly which tower?”

Tavin leaned back at my tone but answered. “Perhaps the disused western tower overlooking the mountains. It’s rumoured to connect underground tunnels with the palace and the long tunnels to the old hatchery.”

The hatcheries. I went very still.

Kit had said that there weren’t any hatchlings left. Every child in Annatalia knew the stories. The phoenixes nested in volcanic caverns, and every Yule the boys travelled to the Choosing Cave to be selected. So, if there weren’t any left, then why was she there?

Sera pushed herself upright and crossed toward the shelves carved into the stone wall. “I know what you’re thinking, but you can’t go after her.”

“I can.” Because I couldn’t leave her there. “At first light.”

“You’ll die.”

“I’ll die anyway.” The Riders were tracking me, and when they caught me, they would burn me. But until that time, I would keep going, and I wouldn’t stop.

The woman slammed a jar down harder than necessary. “And rushing into a Rider stronghold changes that?”

“It changes Red’s chances. I’m all she has… She is all I have…” Because Thorn was probably dealing with other troubles in getting back to Annatalia.

Silence ebbed around us. I didn’t know these people, and I certainly didn’t trust them, even though they were from home. But I did need them—for now.

Tavin rubbed his beard before speaking. “One scared girl fleeing for her life is not enough information to go on. There are a few redheads around; most of them are Celts. But some in the city might know what the Riders are up to. Many have had enough of their ways—”

“What city?” Was it the one Aster had mentioned, the one the Annatalian had gone to? There were no maps of the Wilds that I had ever seen. They were secretive, paranoid people who allowed people to enter, but I had never heard of any leaving.

“Underground market in the Raven.” He pointed northward. “There are traders there. Smugglers and people with information. If your friend was moved through the Wilds towards the palace, someone saw it.”

The hope hurt deep in my gut, and my gaze locked on him in silent thanks. “Will you show me the road?”

Sera swore beneath her breath in Annatalian. “You really are royal.”

I almost laughed at that. Royal. As if crowns meant anything now except targets. I wanted to pull out the little book and keep reading, but the days and nights on the run were catching up with me, and having a full belly and a roaring fire made me close my eyes.

“Between here and there is toxic land. You’re going to need the tunnels.”

***