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“Can I eat while I read?”

Reluctantly, Leto placed the book on the desk, only moving her hands away when Taly picked up a fork and began shoveling food into her mouth.

Leto peered over her shoulder. “I did not know you were studying Relin.”

Taly shrugged. “I thought it might help me with my Sight,” she said around a mouthful of food.

“Perhaps,” Leto conceded. “However, I find his work to be rather… unscientific. I would recommend Adrunn or even Ilu. Their studies on chronal field theory are far more in-depth.”

Taly paused, her fork hovering mid-air. “You know chronal field theory?”

Behind Leto’s blank expression, she could’ve sworn she saw a flicker of amusement. Taly still hadn’t told the fairy she knew what she was—what any of them were. And she didn’t plan to. The fairies were freer with their words when she acted dumb.

“Good afternoon!”

Taly groaned, reaching for her coffee as the door to the apartment opened and shut.

Azura was every inch the queen as she strutted into the library, dressed in a heavy white velvet gown that hugged her tightly at the waist before exploding into a voluminous mass of skirts.She wore a matching robe edged with silver, with a high stiff collar and long stately sleeves that grazed the floor. For the first time that Taly could remember, there was a crown nestled inside the coil of dark curls piled atop her head.

“You’re in a good mood,” Taly grumbled into her cup.

Azura practically floated over to the windows, beaming from ear to ear as she effortlessly maneuvered the maze of books. Her skirts swished and sighed, swirling around her like a cloud. “Well, it’s a beautiful day!” she exclaimed, waving a hand at the window. “The sun is shining, the sky is blue, the gardens are in bloom—”

“It’s like that every day,” Taly pointed out. “It’s literally the same day. We’re in a loop.”

“True,” Azura conceded. “But that doesn’t mean that today isn’t special.”

Taly snorted. “Let me guess—Rhanna invented a new teacake.”

“No,” Azura chirped. “Although that would also be cause for celebration.”

Taly had to rein in the urge to roll her eyes. If she never saw another crumpet, it would be too soon.

“Today,” Azura went on, “is examination day.”

Taly choked on her coffee. “What?” she asked, wiping away the liquid that dribbled down her chin.

“Examination day, my dear!” Azura stooped, examining the piles of books, occasionally picking one up, nodding, and then setting it back on adifferentstack.

Taly made a note of each misplaced book, irritated that she would have to go through and reorganize later.

“You know,” Azura sighed, a dreamy look on her face, “I envy you sometimes. What I wouldn’t give to be a student again. To feel the rush of victory, the agony of defeat. Always walking that razor-thin edge between—”

“Stop.” Taly held up a finger, ignoring the Queen’s pout at being interrupted. Azura’s speeches could get lengthy, and it was best to stop them early. “Let’s go back to the part about the exam. That’s today?”

Azura turned to Leto. “Why do I even bother? Everything I say just goes in one ear and out the other.”

Taly gulped down the rest of her coffee. Her final test—the thing she had been dreading all week. And it was today. “I take it you’re not going to tell me what it is you want me to do. Or what happens if I fail.”

The Queen’s lips twitched. “No and no.”

Taly grimaced, picking up her fork, and then setting it down. She’d suddenly lost her appetite.

“Oh, don’t look so stricken,” Azura said. “I’m sure you’ll manage. There’s a bloodthirsty little imp hiding somewhere deep inside of you, just waiting to come out. Never be afraid to bathe in the blood of your enemies, my dear. It’s highly underrated. In fact, the nephilim believe it has certain health benefits.”

Pushing the tray aside, Taly rested her head on the desk. “I just… I don’t even want to know.”

“Leto.” Azura snapped her fingers. “I want her ready in an hour. And make sure the beast” —she waved a hand at Calcifer, who had retreated to his golden coin throne— “remains contained. I don’t want him to come running if he hears the girl scream.”