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Enid couldn’t have that.

“Who’s in charge for you at The Darkened City while you’re out here?” Dryston hated losing control, so she knew it was a low hit, bringing up his anxiety to avoid talking of her own.

He drew in a deep breath. “Salen.”

Enid screwed up her face. Salen was their father’s old advisor. He’d worked alongside the Lord of Shadows for many, many years, even the Cruel Lord. He’d made a convincing case that he’d been forced into the position by the Cruel Lord, so he’d kept his job.

Enid had never liked him. He was an old, always watching male that made her skin crawl. But Dryston had been so young when hetook over as Lord that he’d needed guidance, and Salen had given it to him.

“He’s not the best at handling everything, but he’ll do for now,” Dryston said with a sigh.

“Maybe you’ll let me watch the throne for you sometime,” she said, giving him a playful punch in the shoulder.

He gave her a pursed lip smile, and she laughed. Dryston doing that would mean that he could trust her again, and Enid could barely trust herself. She didn’t blame him for keeping a leash on her. Even if it made her snarl and yank against it like a dog.

Chapter 9: Avenay

Avenay rested her chin on her hand, staring at the rain as it slid down the tracery window.

She would return home tomorrow, as the summit was ending, but she’d already packed, planning on leaving when the rain let up a little more. She’d been looking forward to the topics others would present throughout the week, but she hadn’t had it in her to go or see anyone since her disastrous presentation.

Her sister was dying, and she’d squandered her one chance to get a good-paying position as a researcher.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

She glanced warily at her door. Who would be knocking?

Moving sluggishly, she slid out of the chair and opened the door. An elf stood there, wearing the gleaming armor of the royal guard. Fear trickled down her spine as her mind searched for what illegal thing she could have accidentally done.

“Avenay Claro?” he asked.

She nodded.

He held out a letter addressed to her. “I’ve been instructed to await your response.”

She turned it over in her hand. A seal with a rose in the middle was stamped in the center. Her mouth went dry. The seal of the elf king.

Hastily opening it, she tried not to rip any part of the letter as she did.

To Avenay Claro,

The acolytes of the temple of the Holy Mother have heard about your presentation at the academic summit. Your findings regardingThe Tales of Lemiaare particularly interesting not only to the acolytes but to King Leeth as well, whohas seen fit to endorse this letter. We want to compare your proof of Evolis’ existence with our own.

You’re invited to a meeting with the king and me at your earliest convenience to discuss your findings with the acolytes. We believe this could be a beneficial alliance.

We await your response.

Kindest regards,

Vasu

Acolyte of The Holy Mother

Avenay’s heart pounded. This couldn’t be real, could it? This Vasu said that they had proof of the existence of Evolis, too.

She looked at the guard. “Take me to them now.”

Latticework walls cast framed shadows on the castle floor, the guard in front leading her down long halls that twisted and turned. Servants gave her curious glances, eyes darting to her wings in wonder before bowing in greeting. Avenay’s whole body hummed with nervous energy, and she gripped the strap of her satchel tighter with each step.