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“This is outrageous!” Gaiel cried. “She’s just one human!”

“And Aven is just one Meyarin,” Roathus returned calmly. “Yet look at what calamity he has brought upon us. A solitary rock shifting from the top of a mountain can snowball into an avalanche. Do not underestimate the power of a strong-willed individual, Gaiel—human, Meyarin, or otherwise. ”

Seething, but unable to argue in the face of Roathus’s composed wisdom, Gaiel let out a snarl and spun on his heel, stomping from the tent without looking back.

Cykor followed closely behind, but only after a respectful nod to Roathus—and a calculating look at Alex that made her feel like a specimen under a microscope.

When it was just four of them left, Roathus turned to Alex.

“I sincerely hope you live up to our expectations, Alexandra Jennings,” he told her, his ancient eyes locked on hers. “Know this: the battle within is often greater than the battle without. Much of this war will be fought amongst those claiming to be friends, with words rather than swords. Do not let the politics discourage you, and never forget who you are truly fighting—and what you are fighting for.”

With those sage words, he bowed his head and then turned and walked from the tent.

“You know,” Alex said pensively to Kyia and Zain once they were alone, “I only came here because I found your note and figured I should prove I was still alive. I wasnotexpecting any of that.”

“Consider it an unanticipated boon, little human,” Zain said, dropping a hand onto her shoulder and giving her a friendly shake—one that was so forceful that it rattled Alex’s bones. “We scored a great victory today: the assurance that Meya—those of us who remain free—will side with you in the coming war.”

“Not to sound ungrateful, but ignoring the whole sacrificial-me offering, unless you all planned on staying up here forever, your options were limited,” Alex pointed out. “Fight Aven, or join him.”

“Alternatively, we could have attempted to dislodge Aven on our own,” Kyia said. “In which case, had we prevailed and banished him again, he would still then be free to exact vengeance on mortals, just without his throne.” She paused. “Though, the likelihood of our success would have been minimal without you.” She paused again. “And he still would have had an entire city of our people bound to him.”

“We all know the outcome of us officially aligning ourselves with the mortals was inevitable,” Zain said, crossing his bulging arms, “but just appeal to our egos and accept the victory.”

Alex grinned. “That I can do.”

“Good,” Kyia said. “Now, do you want to tell us why we haven’t heard from you for a week?”

“I’m sorry,” Alex said, meaning it. “I should have come sooner. It’s just… things have been somewhat…hectic… since I last saw you.”

Zain raised an eyebrow. “Would you like to be more vague, little human? Because really, we’re not at all curious.”

Alex offered a shrug of contrition and looked down at her feet. In doing so, she saw the satchel she’d dropped and bent to collect it.

“Peace offering,” she said, handing it to Kyia. “Consider it my apology for neglecting you.”

Kyia opened the bag with interest, but her features hardened when she saw what was inside. “Alex, Itoldyou—”

“I swear, I didn’t go into Silverwood,” Alex said, holding up her hands.

“Then how—”

“Please don’t ask me that,” Alex interrupted again, quietly. “Because I can’t answer. But I kept the promise I made you, you have my word.”

Kyia looked deep into Alex’s eyes as if testing the truth of her claim before she sighed and relaxed. “Then, thank you,” the female Meyarin said. “However you have come to be in possession of this, we greatly appreciate it.”

“Let me know if you start to run out again and I’ll see if I can get my hands on more,” Alex told her.

Kyia nodded and placed the satchel on a table at the side of the tent.

“I meant what I said before—I can’t stay long,” Alex said. “I have to head off to Maroo this afternoon.”

“Maroo? You’re going to see the Jarnocks?” Zain asked. He barked out a laugh. “Have fun with that.”

Alex felt a prickle of trepidation. “Care to explain?”

Zain just looked at his boots and chuckled some more.

“Ignore him, you’ll be fine,” Kyia said brusquely. “We need to discuss your training.”