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Eilish lowers her head and I reach over and tap her on the shoulder. She looks up at me and I offer her a smile. “You did the right thing—regardless of what you see around you.” I take a deep breath and steel myself against the pain from my wound. “This is just what war looks like.”

When we arrive in the courtyard of the Hall of Clans, King Galmer stands in his garden, long hair blowing in the hot breeze as he turns his gaze on us.

“More mercenaries returned than I had thought possible,” he says. “We feast tonight in honor of the fallen, but rest assured the fae you rescued are safe.”

Eilish and I bow our heads humbly to the king. I do my best to stand unattended, but it’s a feat.

Galmer moves to stand before us. “You and your allies may seek refuge among us. Those who wish to join your cause may do so freely.”

“But?” Eilish asks.

He nods at her. “But... I speak for my own in that we don’t want to be thrown into the thick of war with a false king and a crazed sorceress.” He takes a breath. “The Midnight Queen considers you an enemy and therefore you endanger us all withyour presence.” Galmer takes a deep breath. “I wish for you to understand that, as your flag flies beside the other clans here.”

“Are you asking us to leave?” I demand.

Galmer looks at me. “No, I’m asking you to understand.”

“We do,” Eilish answers and reaches over, taking my hand.

Galmer nods at her again. “Come to the meeting tomorrow night. If the people speak in your favor, we will offer you a more permanent place for you to grow your resistance.” He clears his throat and faces Eilish. “I wish to have your ear for a moment, Lady Fulthain.”

I immediately straighten my posture and Eilish looks over at me. “It’s okay, Dragan. You need to go back and rest.”

She’s right. But I thought I lost her once…

“I promise her protection,” Galmer says with a smile as he faces me. “You have my word that she will be safe.”

“Dragan,” Eilish starts.

I nod and bow to the king as Eilish joins him inside. I stay behind and gesture for Myerdoth to accompany me back to the tent. The gargoyle is quick to comply.

“You can trust the king,” he says and I just nod.

“You mentioned this Stone Grimoire earlier,” I start as Myerdoth supports me with one shoulder. I accept his offer because I’m too weak to continue standing on my own.

“I did.”

“Tell me everything you know about it and where it was last seen.” He looks up at me with an irritated expression. I clear my throat. “Please.”

“To understand, we need to visit the library,” he responds. “Are you capable,” he starts.

“I’m fucking fine!” I insist.

“And fucking stubborn,” Myerdoth adds as he shakes his head. “If you pass out, I’m going to leave you where you drop.”

“Fine.”

We weave through the streets and I’m beyond grateful to have Myerdoth beside me. I couldn’t make this trek alone. When I feel as if I can’t move another inch, Myerdoth announces we’ve arrived.

We make our way to the large library and find a table near the back. Books float from one shelf to the next as mages use spells to replicate texts destroyed in the raids and small fae creatures organize the tomes.

I sit across from Myerdoth and the gargoyle watches the mages with distrust.

“The witch who created us wrote all of her spells in a black, leather journal with the symbol of strength and honor upon its cover.” He traces the symbol onto a scrap of paper. The scratch of the quill causes chill bumps to bloom on my skin. He passes the scrap of paper to me and I study the strange drawing.

“Watch by day, protect by night. Only we can defeat darkness,”he starts.

“With darkness,”I finish as I look up at him. “I’ve known the oath all my life. It was from the grimoire?”