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They stared at one another, a battle of wills, neither one of them budging.

Cordelia broke the silence. “Perhaps I could tell her⁠—”

“No.” There was a note of command in Araxis’s voice that Brand had never heard. “No. I’m sorry, Lunara, but there are things you cannot know until the right time, and we aren’t ready. I swear on my own mother’s life that we’re keeping our silence for good reason.”

“I don’t give a shite about whatever ancient practices and old ways you’re hiding,” Luna hissed. Araxis and Cordelia both recoiled, gaping at her. “What, that surprises you? You thought you could beg me not to bleed for the Evesong and I wouldn’t put some of it together? My mother was Almaura the Bonewhisperer. Blood was her domain, and I’m well aware of the banned magic she sometimes manipulated for good. Magic that is apparently still in wider use, regardless of being prohibited.” A pause, then, “Where’s the blade I was given?”

Araxis produced the blackened dagger from that night, wary as he presented it.

She summoned it to herself and examined every inch, before pinning Brand with a look. “Did I bleed at the Occurrence?”

“No, little moon. I made sure of it.”

“And you.” She turned on Araxis. “What about the blood you took from Brand?”

“Used only to allow him access to the top of the spire, so he could help us,” Araxis answered. “I swear it.”

“I see. Good. Then we are still…us,” she murmured, sending the blade to the ether.

There was the slightest twinge of her hurt in his own chest, Luna no doubt realizing he’d avoided recounting the events of that night at Araxis’s request, but she shook it off.

“So, which is it—is the Council an evil entity that wields the Elder Tier and its Keeper monsters, bent on domination regardless of all else, or are they innocent and to be pitied as you’ve been trying to convince me? Give me that, at least, so I may finally put my mind at rest. And do try to be convincing about it.”

“Those who fit the former description are dead.” There was a chilling note of confession in Araxis’s flat tone. “Their…lingering influence remains, but that’s an issue I’m dealing with. Alone. The Council of today largely falls within the latter, unaware of what surrounds them. They are innocent, because I have made it so. Because I’ve spent the last five decades trying to atone. That’s all I can say.”

“I see.” Against all odds, a sort of peace came through the bond as Luna nodded. “So, the ten of you left from my past are magically rendered safe and trustworthy because the great Araxis has made it so. Noted.”

“That’s not what I⁠—”

“Thank you for finally telling me some of it,” she interrupted. “I look forward to the day I’m deemed worthy of the rest. Have you any other news for your Blessed Keeper?”

The beat of silence was so deafening that it actually hurt.

Araxis finally dipped his chin, as if all was normal. “The volunteers for the Westrealm multiplied after Brand’s display of allegiance. Vann assured me he can accommodate the new numbers quickly. Once all is settled and distributed, we’ll be ready to lend our aid to the Wolflords. A few days, at most. As it is, all Council gatherings will be suspended from now until the war there is over and our people are returned for good.”

“Excellent.” Luna brushed her skirts down and smoothed her hair. “If that is all?”

“Wait. Lunara⁠—”

“Forgive me, Cordelia, but I’m quite spent.” Luna misted over to Brand. “Where’s Stirling?”

“Here, with me.” Brand untucked Stirling from his hold, the fox climbing up to his shoulder.

Luna gave his head a scratch. “If there’s an emergency and I am needed, you may find me through the Demon King. Otherwise, I will see you in a week.”

The ether’s oily tendrils wrapped around them before the others could respond.

Brand released a long sigh, his shoulders sagging when they landed in the Montrealm. In the warm, afternoon sunlight streaming through the balcony doors and glass dome above. This was the relief he expected earlier, when he returned home to find Luna—whose hand was currently squeezing like a vise, nails digging into his forearm.

“Luna?” He released Stirling and turned into her, shielding her from the world with his larger body. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have forced that confrontation.”

“I’m glad you did,” she murmured, voice far too calm for the trembling in her body. “At least I understand some things a little better. There’s a semblance of sense where there wasn’t before.”

“There is?” He ran his fingers over her hair, kissing the top of her head. “Shite, I think I’m more confused than before.”

“None of it matters, anyway.”

“What do you mean?”