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“I don’t have a plan,” she said in a whisper as they rushed past forests and lakes, heading towards the safety of Akarnae. “I’m not stupid—I know I can’t face Aven and win, especially not like this.” She indicated to her still-healing body that was covered by slashed, bloodstained clothes. “But I also can’t sit back and leave Graevale to its fate. I promised them that if the time came when they needed help, we’d be there.”

“You’re leaning against me half dead, and I’m not feeling all that wonderful myself,” Niyx said with clear exasperation. “What good do you think we can offer against an army of immortals and gifted humans?”

“It won’t just be us,” Alex said, lifting her hand for him to see the Beacon tattoo on her wrist as a very slim hope started forming.

“An army of human reinforcements won’t stand long against the forces of Meya,” Niyx pointed out.

“But coupled with the Shadow Walkers and Dayriders, they’ll help add strength in numbers,” Alex said. “And don’t forget, some of them will be gifted, too.”

“Kitten—”

“We have to dosomething, Niyx,” Alex said, desperate. “I’ll never be able to forgive myself if we don’t at least try.”

“Aven’s too powerful for you to fight,” Niyx said, straight up. “Despite how competent you’ve become, you’re still thousands of years behind him when it comes to training and experience. And that’s not even factoring in his additional power from harvesting the strength of other Meyarins.”

“I’m fully aware of that,” Alex said softly. Then she reached towards him and squeezed his arm. “I’m also fully aware that I won’t be fighting on my own.”

Niyx didn’t offer confirmation, but they both knew there was no way he would leave her side. Instead, he tipped his head down to look intently at her. “Your training with Athora—are you anywhere near ready to try and share your gift?”

Alex hesitated, knowing that the mysterious man’s odd tasks hadn’t magically taught her how to free those Claimed by Aven. Athora had told her it would take time, but time was a commodity she didn’t have anymore.

It was an effort, but she forced herself to admit the truth. “No.”

Niyx sighed loudly. “At least you’re honest.”

Alex waited, feeling her strength start to return as her body continued healing, but slowly, too slowly. Just when she was about to keep arguing her case, theValispathdid a U-turn so sharp that she would have slammed against the transparent barrier if Niyx hadn’t still been supporting her.

“What are you doing?” she asked. “Where are we going?”

“If we do this, you will doexactlywhat I say,” Niyx said, his voice unyielding.

Alex felt her hopes tentatively begin to rise, along with the nerves now fluttering in her stomach.

“We’ll go to Graevale, call in your human troops and lend our support,” Niyx said, “but you will not goanywherenear Aven. If he so much as looks in your direction, you’ll take off without hesitation and get as far away from him as you can. You will not, under any circumstances, engage him in battle. Is that understood?”

Despite Niyx’s earlier accusations, Alex didn’t have a death wish. “I understand.”

“Swear it to me,” Niyx demanded.

“I promise, Niyx, I’ll do everything I can to avoid being anywhere near Aven.”

Jaw clenched, he looked like he was already regretting his decision to take her to Graevale. But she didn’t give him the chance to renege, and instead drew out her ComTCD—amazed by the arrogance of Aven that he hadn’t had anyone check her pockets. Then again, it wasn’t like she could have called anyone, trussed up as she’d been.

Alex opened a secure connection using the details Jeera had given her in Tryllin and waited impatiently for the call to connect. She angled the Device so that only she was in the frame, not Niyx, just in time for a holograph of the sleep-rumpled Warden to appear.

“S’early, Alex,” Jeera said around a yawn, rubbing her eyes. “Ev’rything ’kay?”

It was then that Jeera focused enough to notice Alex’s pale, tattered and bloody self, which prompted her to become instantly alert. Concern flooded her features and she opened her mouth, but Alex jumped in first.

“I’m okay,” she said quickly. “But I need to warn you.”

Alex went on to explain what was about to happen—or perhaps already happening—in Graevale, saying that she was on her way there to confirm that the attack was indeed occurring.

“I’ll notify the commander and generals and make sure everyone is ready for deployment,” Jeera promised, all business now. She was moving with purpose, the edges of the holograph blurring around her. “Graevale is heavily warded so we can’t Bubbledoor in until you’ve activated your Beacon tattoo—that will give us the coordinates to your exact location, so make sure you’re right where the action is happening.” Her eyes hardened. “If it’s a battle Aven wants, then it’s a battle he’ll get.”

Nauseous, Alex somehow managed a nod.

Jeera paused long enough for her tone to gentle as she said, “No heroics today, Alex. If Graevaleisunder attack, activate the Beacon and then get yourself to safety.”