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“Do you think we should try and sneak out?” Jordan asked.

“What? Why?” Alex asked.

“We were found trespassing upon a sacred site,” he reminded her. “You heard what Kyia said. We could be facing a death sentence. That’s not my idea of a good time.”

“No one said this journey would be easy, Jordan,” Alex returned softly. “You know we can’t leave yet.”

“Why not?” Bear asked, shifting around with agitation.

“For one thing, just because the door is closed doesn’t mean they can’t hear us,” Alex said. “And for another, I’m here for a reason, remember? I have a message to deliver. I have to stay no matter what. But if you want to attempt an escape, I’ll try to cover for you.”

She wasn’t sure how she would do that exactly, but Jordan’s gift could potentially shield the three of them and help get them out without discovery.

“No way,” D.C. said. “We’re staying together.”

“But—” Alex started but Jordan interrupted her.

“Dix is right. We’re not leaving unless we all go. If you say we stay, then we stay.”

Bear nodded his agreement and they fell into an uneasy silence. After what felt like hours, but was only about threeminutes, Kyia and the king opened the door and stepped back into the room. Neither of them sat down; Kyia started pacing and the king stared intently at Alex and her friends. When his eyes came to rest on Alex, she felt herself trembling under the weight of his lingering gaze. The tension built and she gripped the sides of her chair, waiting to hear what he had to say.

Finally he broke off his stare and nodded to Kyia, who stopped pacing and moved to stand beside him.

“Welcome to Meya, young mortals,” the king said, his voice surprisingly warm. “I’m King Astophe and you’ve already met Kyia, one of my most trusted warriors.”

The king paused and he appeared to be waiting for something, but for what, Alex was unsure. Diplomatic relations weren’t exactly her strong point.

“Follow my lead,” D.C. whispered, motioning them all to their feet. Once they were standing, D.C. bowed low, prompting the others to do the same

“We thank you for your hospitality, King Astophe,” D.C. said regally, rising again. “My name is Princess Delucia Cavelle and these are my friends, Jordan Sparker, Barnold Ronnigan and Alexandra Jennings. We’re honoured to visit your majestic city, and we’re further privileged that you grace us with your presence.”

“You speak well, young princess,” King Astophe said. “But the honour and privilege you describe haven’t come with permission. Kyia tells me she found you at Raelia—a most sacred site. Even more troubling, she tells me that one of your companions has trespassed upon the clearing before this day.” He glanced at Alex and she felt a flutter of apprehension. “Perhaps you would be so kind as to explain yourselves?”

“Certainly, Your Majesty,” D.C. agreed, her voice dripping with honey. Alex had no idea what her friend was about to say,but she had a feeling that whatever it was, it would only cause more damage. “We’ve been sent as a delegation from—”

“Wait, Dix,” Alex cut in.

“Alex…” D.C. whispered, her tone begging Alex to not interrupt.

“It’s my fault we’re here,” Alex told her as quietly as she could—not that it would matter given their super-hearing company. “I’m not going to let you guys take the fall.”

D.C. looked like she wanted to argue, but then her body relaxed and she nodded.

Alex sent her a small smile and turned to the king, meeting his eyes directly. “I brought them here. I brought us all to Raelia. If anyone should be punished, it’s me. But please believe me when I say I had no idea it was a sacred site. And before you chop off my head or hang me or whatever, I have something urgent to tell you. It’s about your son—”

The door burst open, causing Alex to jump and spin around. At the entrance to the room stood the male guard, Zain. His nostrils were flared and his furious eyes were targeted on Alex.

“Sire, forgive my intrusion,” Zain clipped, not taking his enraged gaze from Alex. “But I have reason to suspect this human is in alliance with theGarseth.”

“Zain, you said you wouldn’t speak of this again,” Kyia interrupted, her tone annoyed.

“I said I wouldn’t speak of it without just cause,” Zain argued, and he hauled someone around the corner and into the room with him. It was another Meyarin, but despite his enchantingly dark features, he was dressed in dirty, ripped clothes and looked like he hadn’t showered in some time. He also happened to have his hands and feet chained together with Moxyreel, the impenetrable wire made out of Myrox that could only be damagedbyMyrox.

“What’shedoing here?” Kyia demanded.

“I dragged this traitor up from the dungeons,” Zain said. “He’s my evidence againsther.”

Zain’s finger pointed straight at Alex and she felt her stomach drop. What was going on?