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"I went into this with the agreement that we would consider alternative solutions."

"Imade no such agreement with you," he spat.

My eyes shot to Aether, then Vexa, silently pleading for backup. They had promised.

Vexa stepped forward, her voice tempered. "She has intimateknowledge of their military structure, their leadership. That kind of insight could be invaluable."

"She has knowledge of theirGuard," Aether added, his golden eyes fixed on Urkin. "And their decision-makers. A perspective we've never had access to before."

"She's no use to me if she's not supplying my troops with shadows," Urkin snapped.

"I've already told you," I fought to keep my voice steady, "I will not aid you in attacking Sídhe without considering other options first."

Urkin's laugh was cold. "You simple girl. Do you think that's all the shadows do? That we simply use them as weapons?" He sighed, exasperation clear in every line of his face. "They serve far greater purposes than that."

"The shadows allow us to gather intelligence," Rethlyn cut in, stepping away from the wall. "Most of our work involves collecting information without detection. Moving unseen through their territory."

"They've already increased the Guard on the Western border," I said, the words tumbling out before I could stop them. A heavy silence fell over the room.

"And how exactly would you know that?" Aether's voice carried an odd note of curiosity.

"Because that's what Laryk—" I caught myself. "What the Generals would do."

"But why would you think that?" Aether pressed. "We haven't crossed the rip in months."

"Because you tookme."

"Are you really that self-important?" Urkin's tone dripped with disdain.

I felt Vexa's glare from across the desk. She mouthed a harshno, and I realized too late the dangerous territory I'd wandered into. Not just nearly revealing my first-hand knowledge of Laryk'sintentions I saw through Mercer's eyes, but also verging on admitting my rather intimate relationship with a Sídhe General.

"I'm providing you with valuable information," I redirected quickly. "Is that not what you want?"

Urkin pinched the bridge of his nose, a vein pulsing in his temple. "You want to prove your worth? Fine. But first, you will complete the void-letting. Today. These recruits need to begin their training, and they cannot do that without shadows." His eyes narrowed. "Complete the ceremony now, and I'll give you one week to present an alternative plan. After that, we proceed how I see fit."

The weight of his demand settled in my gut.

"The void-letting ceremony—" I started, but Urkin was already striding toward the door.

"Now," he barked over his shoulder. "All of you."

Vexa stepped forward first, exchanging glances with Aether. "Come on," she said, motioning for us to follow. "Let's just get it over with, Fia."

They led our group deeper into the Citadel, down winding passages of obsidian carved stone. The walls seemed to press closer here, the flames from torches warming my skin. Finally, we entered a circular chamber that made my steps falter.

In the center stood what looked like some kind of raised platform with jilted edges. Channels had been carved into the floor, leading to the contraption like veins to a heart.

"This," Effie gestured with a flourish that seemed at odds with the ominous machinery, "is where the magic happens."

"It looks more like some form of antiquated torture device," Mira muttered, her eyes tracing the sharp angles of black metal.

"Have you managed to conjure any shadows yet?" Effie asked me, ignoring Mira's comment. "Since emerging from the Void?"

The question caught me off guard. I hadn't even tried.

"So this is how you share the shadows?" Lael stepped closer, fascination clear on his young face.

"More or less," Rethlyn said. "The channels help direct the flow, make it more... controlled." He gestured to the intricate patterns carved into the floor. "Otherwise it can get a bit..."