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“We should also consider increasing the number of scouts we have out on patrol, as well as extending their range,” Drock added. He tipped his head towards Jeera. “I suggest a minimum of one Sword to accompany each unit in case your Wardens detect something the soldiers miss.”

Alex remembered Kaiden telling her that only Akarnae graduates could become Swords. That meant Wardens like Jeera all had gifts—gifts that might help with reconnaissance.

“We should also set up a special task force of trusted Shields dedicated solely to investigating the threat and what we should expect to face,” William put in. He’d grown paler after hearing Alex’s news, making the scar running along the side of his face stand out more than usual. “At the very least, we should attempt to learn what Aven is planning before he decides to make any kind of move against us.”

“And how, exactly, do you plan on doing that?” Jaxon asked in a scathing tone. “Everything we know comes from a pretentious fifteen-year-old who received psychedelic visions of the future from a sentient library, of all things.”

“Excuse me,” Alex couldn’t help snapping, “but I’m seventeen. And a half.”

If she could go back and change one moment of the meeting, that would be it. But of everything he’d accused her of, it was the only part she could confirm as completely factual.

“The greatest leaders of our time are in this room,” Jaxon continued, ignoring Alex entirely. “Surely—surely—you can’t be buying into this girl’s claims.”

His statement was met with silence. Alex knew there was nothing else she could say without appearing desperate for their validation. And while shewasdesperate, she also knew she had to let them make the decision on their own.

“It doesn’t matter what any of us believe,” Nisha eventually said. “A threat has been assumed, so regardless of personal opinions, we are duty bound to follow protocol.” Her eyes locked onto the king and queen. “With your majesties’ permission, precautions will be carried out as suggested by the generals, and with the assistance of the Wardens, we’ll monitor the situation—both in the field and with William’s specialist team. Until we know more, we’ll remain on high alert with around-the-clock surveillance from both the Wardens and the militia.”

“Agreed,” King Aurileous said without hesitation.

Despite Nisha’s plan and the king’s easy acceptance, Alex still didn’t feel as if it was enough.

“What about the others?” she asked.

The king just looked at her. “Others?”

“The other races—the other mortals Aven will target. What will be done to warn and protect them?”

Jaxon snorted but at a searing look from the king, the advisor kept his thoughts to himself.

“Why don’t we wait and see what intelligence William and his team uncover before we discuss a diplomatic means to warn the rest of Medora,” the king said, more a statement than a question.

Alex shook her head. “They need to know. They’re in as much danger as the rest of us.”

“So you say,” Jaxon mumbled under his breath.

Alex ignored the surly man and kept her eyes on the king.

“The inter-species political environment isn’t the most stable at the moment, Alex,” Aurileous said, his tone apologetic but unyielding. “Until we can offer proof of a threat against them, it’s best we keep this to ourselves.”

It took a great deal of courage for Alex to quietly say, “With all due respect, Your Highness, you’re wrong.”

“Insufferable child,” Jaxon said, again under his breath, and again Alex ignored him.

“They need to know what’s coming,” she continued. Her body rigid, she finished, “And if you don’t tell them, I will.”

Jaxon leaned forward. “You do that, and it will be considered an act of treason.” He seemed almost gleeful at the thought.

“Enough, Jaxon,” the king said, rubbing his face before looking sternly at Alex. “But he’s right. If you go against my word on this, Alex, you risk damaging years of diplomatic negotiations. I’m sorry, but I can’t allow you to act—not until we know more. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

Alex looked down at her fisted hands and deliberately relaxed them. Yes, she understood what he was saying. But that wouldn’t be enough to stop her. None of them had seen the future where multitudes of mortals—human and otherwise—suffered and died at the hands of Aven’s forces. Alex would do everything she could to warn as many races as needed—treason be damned.

“I understand,” she said quietly, still looking down.

“Good,” the king said, just as quietly. He did, at least, sound remorseful, and Alex had to remind herself that he too was in a difficult position. The relationships between the various mortal races were a mystery to her, especially when it came to politics. But she was determined to continue with her own plans despite the consequences. She was doing the right thing—she was sure of it.

“I guess we’re done here,” Alex said. “If I hear anything else, who should I contact?”

“Commander, with your permission, I volunteer as a go-between for future communications,” Jeera said. When Nisha nodded her consent, the younger Warden turned back to Alex. “Do you have your ComTCD on you?”