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Seated on the other side of the boat, Rythos was quiet. Brooding. I wasn’t used to seeing Rythos unhappy. He was the one who cheered everyone else up. Perhaps I could do the same for him.

When Tibris brooded, distraction was the best approach. Perhaps Rythos was the same.

“Tell me more about the Arslan,” I said.

Rythos pulled his attention from the horizon and cocked an eyebrow. “What do you want to know?”

“Everything.”

That at least earned me an almost-smile. “Let’s just say, if you’re impressed by this boat, you’ll enjoy your visit. Our territory is known as the island of Quorith. When the gods gave the fae our amulets, our territory was too small for the fae king to consider giving one to our people. Now, it is the second most populated region outside of the capital. Many of the fae have been attracted to Quorith over the centuries, making it a diverse, welcoming place.”

“Do you miss it?” Asinia asked.

“Sometimes. Not enough to go back, even if my father would allow such a thing.”

Rythos nodded at the lakeshore as we approached. “You’ll enjoy this next part.”

I’d expected the boat to dock once more, but instead, it seemed to increase its momentum, until we were almost flying toward the shore. My lungs turned to stone, my heart slammed against my ribs, and fear punched into my gut.

Lorian threw his arm around my shoulders, squeezing me to him. Rythos called out a fae word that seemed to rip through the air, echoing over and over.

The boat moved faster. Telean looked as peaceful as if she were in a carriage traveling through some lush park.

Asinia had turned pale, but her chin stuck out stubbornly. She’d decided to trust the fae, and once she gave someone her trust, she didn’t take it back lightly.

The boat cut to the right. And Asinia let out a squeak as we hurtledthroughthe shore. The breath was still frozen in my lungs, or I might have made the same noise myself.

And then it was over, and we were surrounded by trees on all sides, navigating a winding river through the forest.

“How?” I croaked out.

“We’re traveling toward a bay,” Lorian said. “This river leads into the bay, but the Arslan warded it centuries ago as a way to increase security. Only those of their blood can see the ward and unlock it.”

The river narrowed, until low-hanging branches almost brushed against the tops of our heads. But within minutes, the river spat us out into the bay, and the scent of salt water drifted up my nostrils.

The bay was narrow, and nestled at the mouth of it was the mere suggestion of an island. Blurred and indistinct, it was almost difficult to look at, my attention continually diverted by some kind of ancient magic.

Quorith.

Rythos let out a shuddering breath but stood, easily keeping his balance as the boat rocked back and forth along the waves. He said another word, and I gasped at the explosion of light fifty foot-spans ahead of us. He’d taken out another ward.

Awe washed over me as I took in the island. From here, I could only see the main dock and the buildings in the distance—their elegant spires stretching toward the sky—but there wassomethingabout this island that made my heart beat faster in my chest.

Lorian led us off the boat, while Rythos had what seemed like a strained conversation with a fae in uniform.

“Wildcat?”

“One moment.”

Lorian chuckled, but I was barely paying attention. I was too busy soaking in everything I could see.

“I want to live here,” Asinia breathed.

I could see why this island called to someone like Asinia, who adored color. Lush green foliage sprouted from every corner, vivid blossoms dotting the landscape like precious jewels. Flowers hung in baskets from balconies and streetlamps, while the buildings themselves were painted in bright colors that seemed to glow as the sun set behind us.

I breathed deeply, drawing the scent of wild flowers and salt deep into my lungs. It was much warmer here, and the air was heavy, humid. It was the kind of place that would come alive after the sun had set each night.

Lively chatter and laughter reached my ears. Across from the dock, several taverns were open, the fae sitting at tables outside. Most of the Arslan were as dark-skinned as Rythos and all of them in their true forms. It was a shock seeing so many pointed ears after the last few days. Lorian and the others had been wearing their human glamour most of the time, although when I glanced at him, he was back in his fae form. Larger, taller, with his pointed ears, the sharp jut of his cheekbones, and, of course, those green eyes which seemed to glow. And yet, the look in those eyes was so familiar, it removed any lingering fear I might have had from the first time I’d seen his face form at the city gates.