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“One of your camps was discovered in Rydeon,” Mordecai continued. “Instead of killing them all, they were taken to the Necropolis.”

“For what?” Callan asked, the grip on his sword tightening involuntarily.

“I told you the innocent were being used,” Nuri said. Her voice didn’t carry the usual arrogance, but there was an edge of accusation.

“We are doing the best we can,” Callan replied.

“Then your best is not enough.”

“She’s coming,” Azrael said. “Scarlett is coming.”

“And she will be too late,” Nuri said simply.

“If you two want to come with us, I can take you. Drop you in a secluded area, but we need to go now,” Mordecai said.

“Go to Rydeon?” Callan repeated.

The seraph nodded. “Not sure what you’ll be able to do, but I’m told you know the Necropolis better than most.”

“I have only been there a handful of times.”

“Which is likely a handful more than the rebels being held there,” Nuri replied. “They’ll never find their way out on their own. They’d at least have a chance with someone there to follow.”

“We should get Drake then. He is their king,” Callan said. “He should go with us.”

“Drake is not available,” came Juliette’s voice as she appeared with Arantxa and—

Ezra?

Callan took a step towards him. “Is Tava here?”

The guard shook his head. “It’s why I am here. Drake and Tava have been locked away at the Lairwood house.”

“Excuse me?” Callan said, and even he didn’t recognize the viciousness that rang in his tone.

“The Rydeon and Toreall kings are here to discuss the growing rebellion with Mikale, Alaric, and Balam,” Ezra explained. “Balam refused to have Drake or Tava at the castle or the manor. He didn’t want them anywhere near the other Maraan Lords. Mikale offered to have them kept at his home, where they are now locked below. Balam is growing suspicious, and refused to let me accompany Tava.”

“Are you saying he has them locked in a cell?” Callan asked.

“Yes. I came here to get you. See if the Earth Fae can possibly Travel there to get them,” Ezra said, glancing between Callan and Azrael.

“Are they in danger?” Azrael asked. “Aside from being locked in a cell?”

Ezra appeared to hesitate, scratching at the back of his head. “I don’t know. There has been tension at the manor. Drake and the Lord have been arguing a lot. I’ve overheard bits and pieces. Something about wards and costs. Things have gotten heated on more than one occasion, and I was ordered to escort Tava from the room. I think the disagreements have contributed to the Lord’s suspicions. What’s more, Alaric and Mikale have picked up on the tension. I think Mikale offering his home is a cover, but I don’t have proof.”

Callan had to use every ounce of control to clamp down on the surge of panic that rose up in him. The thought of Tava in a cell. What he knew Mikale was capable of. What he knew all the Maraan Lords were capable of.

“We have to go,” Mordecai said, holding out a hand for Nuri to take.

“Make a choice, Callan,” Nuri said.

And he felt every pair of eyes settle on him.

The woman he loved or innocent lives in a kingdom that was not his.

He’d like to think he would have made the same choice a year ago, but he knew that wasn’t true. A year ago, he would have chosen the woman he loved. Hehadchosen the woman. The choice would have been easy.

It was easy now too, but not in the way he expected it to be.