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“I have many ideas, Keera dear,” he mumbled through his food.

“If you all are able to destroy the ports and the ships while I break the seal then Damien will have no choice but to split up his armada.” I pointed at the large ports at Volcar. “It will be distraction enough for us to break the two other seals and will give us the advantage of forcing Damien’s ships to sail for the east while we attack the west.”

Elaran’s bottom lip protruded slightly as she nodded. “You make a reasonable point.”

“Yes, I do.” I crossed my arms and tried to make my smile less smug. “And I don’t want to provoke Damien so close to theFaelinthuntil we have as much magic as possible to defend it.”

Gerarda nodded her head. “The exact point I was trying to make.”

Elaran cocked her jaw and rested her arm on Gerarda’s shoulder.

The faelight that had been circling her head swirled out from the movement and danced over the map. Syrra’s eyes widened and she pointed at the parchment.

“Could that be correct?” She looked up at Killian.

Killian’s eyes fluttered as he studied the map for something I couldn’t see. “You said they faded over time. Perhaps they can come back.”

The table creaked as Riven leaned on it. His eyes scanned the parchment for a moment before widening. “How many more could reopen?”

His shadows swirled around the new symbol at the Order. It was no longer black, a sign that the portal had stopped functioning. It was inked in gold and silver light, indicating two portals had reopened over the lake.

Syrra shrugged. “We lost dozens when the magic began to fade. These”—she pointed to the two connected portals—“were some of the first to close.”

“Even more reason to break the seals.” I stood up from the map and looked at Nikolai. “How long do you need to make your preparations?”

His dark eyes looked at the ceiling while he did some quick calculations in his head. “Three days.”

“Three days it is. Get Vrail to help you.” I nodded my head at her empty seat. “If she hasn’t found an answer by now she isn’t going to find one.” Riven put a gentle hand on my back.

Nikolai’s brows fell as he glanced between Riven and Killian, but he didn’t argue. “I’m sure she won’t mind.” He tossed his last piece of cured meat onto the table and sauntered out of the room.

I lifted my chin to the others. “Syrra and Gerarda will map out a plan of attack.”

Elaran loudly cleared her throat.

“And you are more than welcome to assist them.”

Her answering smile was poised but smug. “Of course.” She lifted her hand and Gerarda took it before they walked out of the room together.

Syrra’s jaw flexed once before she followed them. “We still train at dawn,” she shouted as she stepped out of the door.

I slumped back down in my seat and cocked a brow at Killian. “Will you be joining us this time?”

“No,” Riven answered before his brother could speak.

“Maybe we should discuss alternatives—” Killian crossed his arms, not even flinching when Riven’s shadows flared.

I tilted my head at him, but Riven’s gaze didn’t leave Killian’s. “Keera, can you give us a moment?”

I nodded and walked out of the door though the curious part of me was screaming to stay. As soon as I stepped through the doorway, Killian’s voice exploded into a barrage of fury. “Riven, how much longer can you expect me to put up with this?”

I could hear the steel in Riven’s reply. “I didn’t realize you thought there was an expiration.”

Killian sighed. “You’re being ridiculous.”

“I have my reasons.” Riven’s words were dark and daring.

My cheeks flushed. I could only think of one thing that would make Riven refuse to allow Killian to accompany us on the mission. Guilt pricked my throat and I swallowed. I had been so happy to accept Riven’s forgiveness that I had never stopped to think that he might not have been so forgiving with his brother.