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My eyes fell back on the book, its weathered cover suddenly feeling much heavier than before. This could be it—the missing piece I'd been searching for. The answer to everything.

CHAPTER THIRTY

I shovedthe compact mirror into my pocket and bolted from my quarters. The discovery about the siphon burned in my mind as I raced through the fortress corridors, barely registering the surprised looks from those I passed. I burst into the courtyard just as Aether was dismounting from Nihr, nearly colliding with him in my haste.

His expression shifted from startled to annoyed to confused in the span of seconds. "What?—"

"We have to go back to the Archives," I cut him off.

"I assumed we would return tomorrow." He began removing his riding gloves, studying me with that maddening calm.

"No. Now."

"What did you find?" He raised an eyebrow but started walking toward the Archives, his long strides forcing me to quicken my pace to keep up.

"Have you ever heard of a siphon?"

"Can't say that I have."

"In the book I was reading, it says there was an item—a siphon—that could direct essence. Actually direct it."

"What text did you discover this in?"

"It was in a memoir.The Adventures and Life of Krayken Vindskald."

Aether stopped walking, turning to face me with lifted brows. "The drunk ramblings of a bard?"

"Just hear me out. Right now, the Umbra's only tactic is attacking the arcanite. But what if there's more to it? What if Sídhe is using a siphon?" The words tumbled out faster now. "And better yet, what if we could find our own—redirect the essence back into Umbrathia ourselves?"

He paused, considering my words with unexpected seriousness.

"Let's be honest," I pressed, "the current strategy isn't exactly working."

"What else does the book say?"

"That's the most intriguing part. The rest of the chapter about siphons is ripped out."

Aether's brow furrowed, but he continued walking. "I guess it's going to be a late night then."

I noticed how empty the streets were as we approached the archives, especially the area surrounding the building. When we reached the entrance, I pulled on the handle. It didn't budge.

"It's locked." I turned back to him.

"Well, of course. It's after hours." His tone suggested this should have been obvious.

"Then why did you let us walk all the way here?" Heat crept into my voice.

A smirk pulled at his lips. "Because you're going to unlock it for us."

"And how exactly am I supposed to do that?"

"Your spectre form. You can slide right through the door if you're quick enough."

"You're going to have to give a better explanation than that."

In an instant, Aether dematerialized before my eyes. Where he had stood, only misty shadows remained, twirling like smoke before dissipating completely. A breath brushed my ear from behind, making me jump. I spun to find him there, solid once again, standing far too close.

"Better?"