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Except Queen Chunlei forgets that the starfire came from a fallen god… a dead one.

Her voice drops to an insidious whisper for me alone. “If you are lying, death will be the least of your concerns. I will seek out every person you care for and kill them all.”

I join my hands and bow. “Only a fool would defy the Queen of the Iron Mountains, with the power of the gods in her grasp.”

“Then I accept your gift,” she declares warmly, as though we are friends again.

“What of my terms, Your Majesty? My family and friends will be protected, free to live wherever we wish, in comfort? Lord Jin-Yong will be released, the enchantment you placed on him removed?” I speak urgently, like I’m eager to strike this deal.

“I agree to your conditions—except for Lord Jin-Yong. He will not want to leave.” She taps the side of her head. “The mind is a delicate thing; tampering with it can result in it being destroyed. This happened in a few unfortunate cases when I experimented with my abilities. Fortunately, Lord Jin-Yong is stronger than most.” Her smile is cruel, her tone reeking with false sympathy. “If you care for him, why risk his life so recklessly?”

Jin stares at us with icy indifference. It’s like a light has gone out in his mind, this captivity worse than the one Prince Zixin imposed on me. At least then I was free to resent, to hate, to fight for a way out.

“You said you wouldn’t harm him if I brought you the starfire.” My tone is accusing; she would expect anger.

Queen Chunlei touches Jin’s arm in a way that makes my gut clench. To the side, General Xilu’s mouth flattens with rage. “Lord Jin-Yong is unharmed, and far more agreeable now. He remembers what I choose and forgets anything I wish,” she says. “Moreover, he is the true ruler of Thorn Valley. If I can secure his kingdom without bloodshed, isn’t that the key to peace?”

A farce. She intends to invade the Land Beyond to force us into servitude. “Your Majesty, I brought you the starfire. I ask that you pay my price.”

“Do you wish me to kill Lord Jin-Yong to fulfill your demand? Such magic cannot be easily undone. Nor will I force him to go with you when he chooses to stay.” She doesn’t refuse, that would appear deceitful, but offers an impossible choice.

Wrath burns, it crowds and sears. But it’s almost midnight. I have to act now, else risk losing the starfire.

“Your Majesty, let me speak to Lord Jin-Yong.” My voice cracks in seeming despair. “If I can persuade him to leave, will you allow him to?”

“Of course.” She is secure in her hold over him. “As long as you respect Lord Jin-Yong’s choice.”

As I nod, she smiles at him. “Go then. Speak to her.”

“As you wish, Your Majesty.”

Everyone is watching us: the queen, Prince Zixin, the nobles, and soldiers. As Jin comes toward me, his gaze is hostile. Has he forgotten how he kissed me just hours ago? I’m clutching on to a flicker of hope. Because if the starfire is destroyed, along with its power, Jin could be trapped in this curse forever. I want him to remember me, I need him to. Because even if through a miracle our realm is saved… without Jin, it would feel like failure.

“Why don’t you speak to me?” I ask him. “Aren’t you glad to see me?”

“I don’t know you,” he replies icily.

My heart sinks. “Have you forgotten your promise to me?”

A slight frown. “I made you none.”

“When I was trapped in the Palace of Nine Hills—you told me you’d come for me wherever I was.” I look up at him. “I need you now, Jin. I need you to remember me.”

Indifference glazes his features. “Are you finished?” he asks impatiently, as the queen’s smile widens.

Never. But I can’t waste more time, the locket tingling as the Moon Dragon’s enchantment fades. When Jin strides away, the chief advisor approaches to demand the starfire. At once, I rush after Jin—seemingly overcome by emotion—but then intentionally hurtle into the chief advisor.

He staggers back, as I drive an elbow forcefully in his gut—then seize his arm as though I’m knocked off balance with him. My other hand is already darting into the chief advisor’s sleeve, undoing the fastening to switch out the bottles. A blink, and it’s done. At once, I shove myself away, my heart hammering as I brace for discovery, for harsh accusations. But the chief advisor merely straightens his clothes, scowling in exasperation.

The queen’s imperious voice rings out. “Lord Jin-Yong has made his choice. Stop making a scene and give me the starfire.”

Midnight falls, the slip of night into day, the imperceptible shift in the air. I am out of time. The Moon Dragon’s enchantment wanes, the starfire dazzling as it loosens from my locket. I pluck it out, ice-cold between my fingers, fighting to breathe, to silence the doubts in my mind. Prince Zixin is ashen, imagining we’ve lost.

I slump as though defeated, accepting a consolation prize. “I trust in Your Majesty’s honor, to remember everything else promised to me.”

And then I bow as I surrender the last starfire to the Queen of the Iron Mountains.

She takes it eagerly, holding it up. With a quick glance at the chief advisor, she sets the starfire on top of the large stone in her crown, wasting no time. Chief Advisor Mai rushes over, pulling the bottle from his sleeve. He unstoppers it, shaking out a drop of shimmering blood that falls upon the stone—just as before.