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“Cassial’s plans are simple and – if we do not act – unavoidable,” Duncan said, voice brimming with authority. “He is goading the fey army to attack first, proving to the humans that Cassial’s lies were all true. Once the initial attack occurs, he will do the necessary to use Duwar and lay waste. But he will not do that until the power is safely inside of Althea. Cassial is many things, but he will not risk his own life for the sake of his hopes and wishes. Ego is the crux of a weak man’s downfall.”

And if the world believes we are dead, so would Althea. There was a chance Jesibel already informed Althea of the truth through her dreams, but that was not worth putting all my hope into.

“Cassial is blinded by desires,” Rafaela added. “He will be so entirely focused on the army before him that he will not see us coming in from the back. After all, we have one advantage: he will never expect the dead to attack.”

“So, he must not become aware that we have survived.” Duncan’s white wings flexed outward. “Just as Cassial wants the fey to attack first, solidifying them as the enemies, having our Nephilim attack his Fallen will only confuse the humans. I have no doubt that he will use the mirrors handed out across Durmain to continue spreading his misinformation. If we act at the right time, we can use this to our benefit.”

“That’s why you didn’t stop Gyah from leaving, isn’t it?” I asked, already knowing the answer.

“Gyah is a messenger. She can slip through the realms and reach the people we need. Whereas if we are seen, then it is over.”

I knew, deep down, that was not the only reason. But there was no time to waste arguing.

These next moments were for action only.

I had prevented a war before, only for the promise of it to be back on the playing board. There was no doubt in my mind that Doran and Tarron Oakstorm would be smiling in their graves at the thought.

“Cassial is likely tired of waiting, but he will only make the first move if he feels like there are no other options. What we must do is bring him an option he hasn’t thought of yet.” Duncan straightened, snow-white wings flaring on either of his sides as sparks of power danced around his clenched fists. “Faithful against the Fallen – but to the humans they will simply see Nephilim against Nephilim. That alone will plant a seed of doubt in their minds as to who is therealenemy.”

Erix was silent still, focusing on reaching his gryvern. It had been days since the last time he had managed, but if anything had changed since then, it was Erix’s determination.

I laid a hand on his, offering him my confidence. “You can do it. I believe in you.”

Erix’s eyes widened. Although they were focused on me, it seemed as though he stared right through me for a moment. I held my breath, praying to whatever god would listen that Erix would be successful.

“Duncan,” Erix broke his silence, the lines of concentration smoothing out across his forehead. “Cassial is at the Wychwood border. Finding him will not be difficult, my gryvern informed me that his host is large. I can inform them about Althea, see if they can assist with–”

“No,” I snapped. “If the fey armies feel that Althea’s life is under threat, they will attack, feeding into exactly what Cassial wants. We need more time before we act.”

“Time is already something we have agreed is lacking,” Rafaela reminded me.

I stormed to the wall and drove my fist into the stone. “Fuck.”

Over and over, I continued to punch it, stopping when firm hands pulled me back. Torn fists dripped blood onto the floor.

“Stop it, Robin,” Duncan hushed into my ear, breath cool and tickling.

“I – I can’t save her,” I stammered, fumbling over the words as my deepest fears came out, knuckles cut to shreds. “Althea will never let Cassial use her. She would die by her own blade before…”

“Which is why Gyah had to leave,” Duncan whispered, leaning in close. “Please, trust me.”

“I want to, Duncan, I really do.” My words clogged in my dry throat, making the next thing hard to admit aloud. “But I can’t help but feel like you are not telling me something.”

He rocked back as if physically slapped, then downturned his gaze to the floor between us. When Duncan spoke again, it was with a detached command. “The moment you can get sleep, try and reach for Jesibel. She must warn Gyah that you are coming after her. If you really wish to stop Gyah’s next move, give her a good enough reason. It will be her choice to listen to you. Otherwise you will understand why I, or anyone else, has no right to prevent Gyah from saving the one person she loves. Just as I would not want anyone standing before me when it came to you.”

I heard Duncan, his last words settling on my soul like the kiss of ash. Duncan’s hold on me loosed when he was sure I wouldn’t take my fury out on the wall. Stepping free, it took effort not to turn on him with a fist.

“I have to do it,” I said to him. “I am sorry.”

Duncan didn’t resistant when I turned my back on him, facing Erix for some semblance of strength.

Erix gritted his teeth, fighting his own urge to take me into his arms. “Robin is right, we must make haste. If we wish to use Gyah’s next moves for our benefit, we must follow. Otherwise Robin will be the only Wychwood royal left–”

“That isn’t true,” I interrupted, fixing my eyes to his. “I’m not the only royal by blood left, Erix.”

He winced, turning his head, refusing this part of him. “We follow your command.” Erix placed a hand over his heart. “The gryvern are yours, little bird. Tell me how you need them, and they will act.”

There was so much more I needed him to believe. Erix was more than my guard, he was Oakstorm by blood. We would need an Oakstorm to face what was to come. But the conversation had stunted, disregarded by Erix as he turned his back on his heritage.