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Taly felt Luck’s eyes on her again. The girl smirked, unspoken words loud in the space between them.

Look at what I can do.

Aneirin leaned back, admiring the illusion. “This tavern has a rich history,” he said. “It’s seen the rise and fall of empires, the clash of magic and technology, the ebb and flow of power. You know, this is where High Lord Valerian ended his reign.”

It appeared out of nowhere as things so often did in dreams. Patrons parted down the middle as a long, shimmering table materialized, figures gathered around it. Their faces glowed with an eerie, silvery light. At one end, a man pulled a crown from his head and set it down, as if to say: I’m done.

“And in that corner there—” Aneirin gestured to where a willowy Fey woman took shape, hunched over a table. The crowd gave her space. “That’s where Archmagus Elowen discovered portal theory over a pot of Earl Grey. If you close your eyes, you can stillfeelthe energies that moved through these rooms, shaping the world. I figured what better place to cement our alliance.”

A second glass appeared in front of her, identical to his. Taly lifted it, sniffing delicately.Champagne. The expensive kind, imported from the human realm that bore the same name.

It smelled real. Not dream-real, not close-enough—real. Like petrichor after a summer rain and briny sea air. The kind of scent that hit memory before it hit the nose.

Who the hell was this kid? How was she doing this?

Taly took a sip. Shards, it even tasted real. “Astral White Gold. Classy.”

At 200 gold coins per glass, it was one of the most expensive champagnes in the world. She’d only ever tasted it one other time. Skye’s family had a beach house in Marin with an extensive wine cellar.

“I knew you’d notice,” Aneirin said, raising his glass. “Wouldn’t want to offend someone with a palate like yours. I hear it runs in the family.”

Laughter rippled through the crowd.

Taly’s brows narrowed. “Why am I here?”

“To have a conversation. Nothing more.” He set his glass down. “You know very little about me, I know. And that’s by design—I’ve been careful about my dealings until now. I am, how should I put this, the figurehead of a coalition of individuals with mutual interests.”

A gesture to the room.

“Our quarrel is not with you,” he assured her. “This island is to me what it has always been since the Fey first stepped foot on its gloomy, hostile shores—merely a waypoint to somewhere else.”

“The human realm,” Taly said. With the Seren Gate down, it was the only place left to go.

“Indeed. And like you, I’m stuck here. Waiting for the Aion Gate to open.Hopingthat your Marquess manages to forge the crossing. He doesn’t always hit the mark, you know. What was it—60 years ago?” he asked the crowd. “He almost got there and then, right at the final moment, let it slip. A third of Lycian trade flows through Aion. Goods were left to rot, deals fell through, businesses went under. Complete economic disaster.”

Around the room, heads shook in disapproval.

“It wasn’t his fault, of course. No matter what his critics might say. Without a time mage, opening a Gate is… well, it’s a bit like trying to thread a needle from a moving carriage—delicate, maddening, and nigh on impossible. Which is why I’m certain you can appreciate how perfectly timed your arrival has been. As if by divine providence, a blessing from the almighty Magnus himself to help us forge our righteous path.”

A hush rolled through the gathering, rising and falling like a whisperedamen. Heads tilted in quiet reverence.

“We were meant to come together.” His voice softened, warm, inviting. “I have no doubt that with you by my side, I willreach my destination. I happen to be a bit of an expert on the Gates.”

Luck, ever the loyal henchman, topped off his glass. “Don’t be modest, boss. He knows everything. Likeeverythingabout the Gates. It’s insane.”

Aneirin chuckled, pleased. “It’s true.” Leaning forward, he rested his elbows on the table. The shift was subtle, practiced—like a spider settling at the edge of its web. “Together, Talya, we will open the Aion Gate. And then I give you my solemn vow—I’ll go. I’ll take my army, and I’ll even let you play the vanquishing hero. We’ll put on a show. You’ll kick me off the island, win yourself a bit of goodwill. I can only assume you understand the dangers to your life now that you’ve come into your power. Take it from me, a little goodwill is a fine thing to have when there’s a sword hanging over your head.”

It was an offer—a good offer. On its face.

Taly sat with it for a moment, turning it over in her mind. Testing its shape, its weight.

“There’s something I don’t understand,” she said finally.

“By all means.”

“Why Earth? It has none of its own magic. There’s nothing valuable there.”

“Ah, but that’s where you’re wrong. Earth has an immense resource—humanity.” His expression brightened as he leaned back. “In only a handful of millennia, their population has grown exponentially. Their world is collapsing beneath the strain. And while they may not typically have magic like you and I, there is strength in numbers.”