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“Do you think they rotate positions?” Ninti asked. “Do Shades need rest? Is there a time when they’re inactive?”

“Yes, rest slows down the decomposition,” Zayne replied. “There might be a hidden troop of Shades. They could even have their own Gray General.”

I scanned the valley, wondering where I might shelter a troop. “Would they hide in a cave?”

“That would help slow the decomposition.”

Ninti lifted her nose to the air. “I think I know where they are.”

In the nimble body of a fox, Ninti slipped among the rocks.

Zayne and I waited, continuing our watch of the encampment, studying its routines. I reached out and found his hand; we shared our warmth, but smothered by Gloom, we stayed silent.

Soon Ninti returned. “I found a cave filled with Shades. They’re not far—”

—scraaap—

—scrunnnch—

Sounds of movement filled the valley. I startled, afraid we’d been seen. My heart pounded.

A third of the Shades rose to their feet. One of the Gray Generals walked past the outside circle of guards. They lifted a hand, and all at once, their charges shifted. The troop began to march.

Simultaneously, a fourth troop emerged from a cavern.Thumpsof undead feet filled the valley.

“The watch is vulnerable during rotation,” I realized. “This is our moment.”

“Now,” Zayne agreed. “We don’t know when the next rotation will be.”

Ninti jumped to my shoulder and settled against my neck, resting her belly against the nape. She looked over one shoulder, her hind legs wrapping with her front legs. Her flickering tail kissed my cheek.

Zayne called upon his necromancy, wrapping us tightly in his dark aura. I sensed the death in his magic, the petrichor, and it called to my frustrated Brand. Under his influence, we became like Shades.

Together, we made our move. We joined with the exchanging troops, using the cover of their movement to approach the stronghold.

It was all too comfortable to act like one of them. My Brand strengthened, urging me toward the same barn that had drawn my attention earlier. I clutched my chest.

Zayne saw me. “Let me know if you need ashflower.”

I swallowed my stubborn retort—I won’t need it.I would rather ask for his help than become a Shade. “It’s harder now that we’re close,” I explained instead.

In answer, he squeezed my hand. He said nothing more, but the touch carried his encouragement.

“Stay close,” Zayne instructed.

It was easy to enter the ranks of the dead. Did I actually hear the General’s commands—“march and fall in line”—or was it my imagination? Either way, I did as I was instructed. I blended in.

“Go to the barn,”my Brand insisted.

I shivered. Still, I gritted my teeth and played the part, mimicking the Shades surrounding us. It was easy to obey the programming of my Brand.

The two Gray Generals gave their troops little mind. They stood off to the side, scanning the valley as their charges exchanged places. I held my breath as we crossed their path, afraid it might give me away.

My Brand grew even more insistent. “Onward,” it ordered. “Take your position.”

Zayne by my side, we fell into stride. I focused on the kinder pulse of Zayne’s necromancy, reminding myself I wasn’t alone.

I exhaled only once we passed the Generals. From there, it was easy to approach the stronghold.