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The mage peers at me, bushy brows drawing together thoughtfully beneath his ragged hood. “Welcome, child.” His gravelly voice holds no malice, only curiosity.

My nerves settle slightly. Perhaps he does not recall me after all.

Draven clears his throat. “Master Eodan, may I present—“

“The witchling Thorn. Yes, yes.” Eodan waves away the introduction impatiently.

My heart sinks. He knows.

The mage’s keen gaze bores into me. “You only shared half the story when last we met, child, but I knew.”

I clench my trembling hands in my skirts, unsure whether to plead for mercy or flee this exposed perch. Draven’s steady presence at my side keeps me rooted in place.

Eodan smiles then, a creaky but kindly expression. “Peace, girl. Your secrets are safe with me.” He shuffles closer and pats my hand with one of his gnarled, age-spotted ones. “I am glad to see you well after so long. Last we met, your exit was… dramatic.”

Before I can gather my scattered wits to respond, Draven interjects, “You two have met before?” He looks between us, brows drawn together in confusion.

Eodan chuckles, a raspy sound like dry leaves skittering across stone. “Oh, yes, though she went byanother name at the time. Came to me near a century ago seeking arcane knowledge, concealing her true hybrid nature.” He gives me a knowing look over his hunched shoulder. “You thought yourself clever with that herbal concoction, but you couldn’t fool my Sight.”

I flush, embarrassment and unease swirling within me. Back then, I was so cautious, so mistrustful of any who might divine the truth. If Eodan chooses to expose me now before the prince…

But the old mage simply pats my hand again. “Fear not, child. Your secrets were safe with me then, as they remain now, but you shouldn’t keep all of your secrets to yourself. Tomorrow’s the anniversary of renewal winter solstice.”

Tomorrow? I nearly forgot.

I glance at Draven and see a myriad of emotions play across his handsome features—surprise, curiosity, and, most unexpectedly, hurt. He must feel stung that I kept even part of my past hidden from him.

Impulsively, I grasp his hand, uncaring of propriety in front of Eodan. “Forgive me,” I implore softly. “I only wished to leave that haunted, distrustful versionof myself buried firmly in the past. I see now that was foolish.”

Some of the tension eases from Draven’s posture. He entwines our fingers and squeezes gently. “I understand. All is well.” Turning back to the mage, he asks politely, “What prompted your previous acquaintance, if I may?”

I take a steadying breath as I feel both sets of eyes turn to me expectantly. I cannot keep this final secret any longer, not if there is to be true trust between us.

“Draven, there is more I must confess about my time here before,” I begin hesitantly. “I was not merely a student of Eodan’s. I… I lived at court for a time under a false identity. I went by the name Vivian then.” I look down, ashamed. “Everyone believed me harmless, just another court diversion, but I had a secret purpose.” I meet Draven’s intense gaze. “I discovered ancient records about a ritual used to cement the royals’ power—the Winter Solstice reaping. It drained turned vampires to enhance the king’s magic. I was investigating how to stop it without getting caught.”

Understanding dawns on Eodan’s face. “That is why you had to disappear so suddenly back then. You were close to exposing the ritual.”

I nod, misery squeezing my heart. “Yes. I intended to find a way to stop it after learning more, but I was found out too soon. There was no choice but to fake my death and flee. I had started to prepare, but I couldn’t finish it. I didn’t know when to set the trigger. I did discover that it usually happens in the ballroom. It’s why the castle was built here specifically. The stones the dungeons are carved out of work as a sort of conductor for this spell to draw the power for this.”

To my surprise, Draven enfolds me in a fierce embrace. “We can work on this together. I also found some records of this recently, and Anthony and I have some plans in the works. Plus, it’s a bit of a relief to no longer need to look for Vivian. I had heard that she held some knowledge that could constrain my brother after he took the throne. I was following a lead suggesting that she wasn’t dead when you found me in the snow. Who could have possibly guessed that I found her when I found you.”

I cling to him, tension draining away. The full truth is finally revealed, and I am still accepted. It feels like absolution.

Over Draven’s shoulder, I meet Eodan’s eyes.

The old mage merely nods, approval shining in his wizened gaze. “Well done, child. The truth shall set you free.”

I offer him a tremulous but grateful smile.

After bidding farewell to Master Eodan, Draven leads me up a winding staircase to the castle ramparts. Snow flurries around us, the icy air nipping at my cheeks, but his hand at my back radiates warmth even through his glove.

We walk in pensive silence for a while, both absorbing the truths laid bare in Eodan’s tower. I know much still lies unspoken between us, but the revelations shared today feel like a promising start.

Draven halts at an overlook spot, the mountains rising majestically around the castle. He gazes out at the snow-capped peaks, brow furrowed in thought.

“We don’t have much time,” he says at last. “The solstice ritual happens tomorrow night during the ball. Now that we understand its dark purpose, we may have a chance to stop it.” He turns to me, silver eyes blazing with conviction. “With your knowledge and Eodan’s guidance, do you think we can find a way to prevent the ritual from absorbing power from my people?”

I consider for a moment, weighing our limited options as the icy wind tugs at my braid. “Perhaps. I learned enough last time to know the foundations of the spellwork, but I will need access to the magic I have set in the ballroom and a way to disrupt the ritual at just the right moment.” I chew my lip anxiously. “It will be difficult with so little time.”