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“She is, usually.” The man took another gulp of ale. “I believe she’s ill today.”

Lux kept his face blank. As an expert liar, that was no problem for him.

But he knew with certainty that Usui wasn’t ill. Those who’d taken from the tree of eternal life could not become ill past a headache or minor sniffle.

They could, however, die.

It wasn’t easy to kill them. It required a specific set of abilities. But many on this land had the skill set required.

Meaning they had the skill set required to kill Lux.

“Of course.” Lux forced a smile and gave a curt nod. “Give her my best the next time you see her then.”

A smile faker than the man’s gold tooth was his only response.

* * *

Lux stayed for the meeting. That was why he was here. Observe the Conclave in preparation for the meeting next week.

Everyone was attending that. Lux’s brother, Nix, his sister, Hana, and almost two dozen others. The idea of a meeting like this was to show unannounced, make sure nothing suspicious had occurred since the last meeting, and then report back to the others with the approval.Yes, it’s safe to arrive. No, they haven’t let our world fall into peril since our last trip. Yes, they’re still assholes. No, they’re not a threat.

But Lux wasn’t so sure this time.

The meeting went on as it always did.

“When will we receive our next grain shipment from the Fae?”

“What’re we doing about the mammoth overpopulation issue?”

“Who’s going to control the inheritance of Lady Nissa since she’s passed and had no children?”

There were quick resolutions for every problem brought forward. And that was what Lux found odd.

People fought. People fought over any and everything. It was the instinct of every living creature. Even the most civilized at least gossiped a bit, if they weren’t at one another’s throats.

But this was effortlessly simple. No bickering. No name calling. No votes that weren’t unanimous.

Pair that with Usui’s absence…

Something wasn’t right.

Lux wasn’t going home until he spoke with Usui to confirm. He trusted few, but he trusted her.

Naturally, he went to the castle. A guard confirmed that Usui was ill and unavailable, but she’d be present for the meeting when the others came.

Fuck no.

He didn’t say that—he just smiled and expressed his understanding—butfuck no.

It was past suspicious into the realm of certain conspiracy now. Lux would not bring his loved ones here until he knew why all was so well, and why Usui wasn’t available for conversation.

Yes, they had rules about illnesses. On the chance that Lux would catch any sickness while he was here, he’d be sanctioned to his house for a month upon returning. He and his friends did not risk the safety of their population under any circumstance.

Usui would’ve met with him through an open window from a safe distance if this was true. She knew these protocols, and she knew she was the one trusted to protect this world and relay its going-ons to its previous rulers.

Quietly, carefully, making sure he wasn’t trailed, Lux ventured into the needled pines. They were beautiful, and he wanted to take a moment to marvel at them, perhaps collect some sap to return home, but he only got a passing glance at the black trees coated in thick white snow as he walked. He needed privacy for what he was about to do.

Once he was deep enough inside the forest, he closed his eyes and scanned the vicinity. His ability over souls gave him power to sense them. If someone had followed him, he’d feel their presence.