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Does she regret choosing me?

The thought aggravated the ache in my stomach.

Sighing, I leaned back, stretching out my forearms. “How does your power work, anyhow?”

“Actually—” her ears tucked back in embarrassment “—I can’t use magic, not really.”

“I thought you strengthened the Shadow Throne.”

She shook her head. “Exactly, I gave power to something that was already there—I didn’t make anything new. Deity magic is different than fae magic. Yes, I can move raw power from myself into another, but I can’tshapeany of it. When you lifted Zayne from the underworld, I fueled your effort, but you created the pathway.”

I gaped at her. “So you’re dependent upon someone else using their magic first?”

“Unless I’m trying to shift my form or raise my fire, yes.” Proving her point, the firewolf grew even bigger, towering over me before returning to her wolf size. “Maybe I can’t help you use your magic because I… can’t. And that’s myjob, isn’t it? To be your companion, to help you?” She looked away.

Eager to soothe her fears, I fought the urge to pet her. She wasn’t a normal dog. But seeing me hesitate, she leaned closer, tilting her head in invitation. I began to scratch the space behind her ear. “I need you, Ninti. You’ve always been there for me, long before we could speak.”

“Youwerea very precocious child,” she mused. “Always up to mischief.”

“But you warned me whenever that mischief went too far.” I looked away nervously. “It’s not just you. I worry you think I’m a terrible companion too.”

She laughed, her fur brushing against my cheek. “Ayla, I never wanted anyone else. You’re far too much fun, mischief and all.”

“What does it really mean that we’re companions?”

She shrugged. “It means Leo approves of you. Beyond that? We’re whatever we make it.”

“I like that.” My doubt subsided, replaced with renewed curiosity. I sat a little taller. “So tell me more about your first companion, what powers did he have? Maybe we can learn something that’ll help me.”

Ninti quirked her head. “He grew up fae, as you guessed. He had Dawn powers, the gift for creation.”

“So if he crafted a vision, you could give him the power to complete it.”

Ninti nodded. “Exactly.”

Despite her assurances, jealousy gnawed at me again. Ninti had been so well matched to her last companion, but now, she hadme.

“It wasn’t always easy with Coran,” the firewolf added.

“Coran,” I mused, recalling that name. “He’s mentioned in a few songs, right?Lord Coran of Dawn, carry the banner south. Plant it in Teyr’s ash, break the world in two.”

Ninti smiled as I softly sung the words. “It’s close to the truth. He wasn’t a lord though—at least amongst the fae. He became one on Valterra, though.”

My stomach sank. By that time, Ninti had left with Leo. “Will you leave me too? Once Leo says so?”

“If she has her way, yes.”

“I see.” I met her big green eyes and leaned closer, my forehead meeting hers. It felt wonderful, the brush of her fur, everything a reminder that she trusted me. I still didn’t really understand the nature of my relationship with Ninti, and I wasn’t sure I ever could.

“As for me…” Ninti continued. “I’m tired of watching the world from afar. Ayla, you’ve given me a way to be part of the Isles, and this time is invaluable. So long as you keep that ruby safe, you’re giving me the chance tolive.”

I smiled, remembering the way she had prowled around the stronghold, and now, exploring Mer with Rimu at her side. She seemed so alive, so excited and thrilled to be part of the world.

I couldn’t risk anyone hurting her—I had to protect the ruby, and that meant understanding my magic. With a fresh wave of determination, I reached for the smaller stone. “Let’s try again.”

Ninti wagged her tail. “Actually, I have an idea. What if you drew power from me? I have learned a few tricks for shaping magic, in theory, so maybe if you’re connected to me, I could help you shape the magic.”

“Great!” I was ready to try anything.