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“I know.”

“Truthfully, I’ve never seen you dressed as a princess.”

She took a step closer. “And I’ve never seen you dressed like a prince.”

“Too bad I’ll be hiding in shadows, my knives at the ready.”

“I don’t think I mind that either.” She swung the dress over her back and vanished into the bathroom.

I wasn’t sure what game she was playing, but it was nice to see her smirking like that.

Her music played as I dressed in my worn leather armor. I strapped a few knives into place but decided against bulky weapons. My strength lay in the shadows. Satisfied, I swung my cloak around my shoulders, the black fabric attuned to darkness by my sister’s shadow-stitches.

I stepped into the living room of the suite where Rhett lounged upon a couch. The self-proclaimed merchant prince wore a jacket that glistened in jewel tones, contrasting Ayla’s darker dress.

He glanced at me and then looked to the ceiling. His disregard left me acutely aware that the last time we’d met it had been right after Ayla was branded.

“Thanks for your help,” I offered.

Still, he didn’t look at me. “You and Ayla, eh? She told me, but it’s still strange seeing you two together.”

My every instinct railed against me. He was a rival for Ayla’s attention—someone she had trusted for longer than me—and yet, he was not my competition. “Our time in Gloom changed us.”

Finally, he met my glare with one of his own. “I see that.”

“Ayla is lucky to have you as a friend.”

“She is. Nobody in Valterra looked out for her, nobody understood her fae instincts. Until I came along, all she had for company was those soldiers who trained her. Of course I’m protective. Especially with necromantic princes she just met.”

My lips curled.

He continued, “I suppose it’s not your fault you’re a necromancer, but I lost good friends to the shades. I’m sure you understand.”

Despite the barb, I nodded stiffly. “She trusts me.”

“Does she? If I’m honest, she seems skittish as a deer.”

“She’s recovering.” Though I couldn’t deny Rhett was right. Ayla’s confidence had been wrecked by everything.

He stood up, stepping closer to me, and I braced for whatever taunt he had prepared. Instead, he softened. “Her sister’s assassination attempt messed with her head, didn’t it?”

“Yeah, and I—”

“And you came into her life at the worst possible moment.”

I couldn’t deny it.

Rhett didn’t stop. “I’m glad the shades are gone, that your sister can revitalize the Isle of Shadow. It’s what the Isles need. But by Teyr, you’re followed by a force determined to change our world, and you’ve wrapped Ayla up in it.”

“What’s your point?” I growled.

“I don’t trust you.”

“I could say the same, but she trusts both of us. We need to work together.”

He opened his mouth to respond but was interrupted by a bark at the front door. He shook his head, muttering as he went to the door, opening it.

Rimu stormed into the suite, Ninti at his heels. The firewolf wagged her tail, seemingly out of breath. I raised an eyebrow at her.