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"Where is Lieutenant Fordyth?" she asked, looking over my shoulder.

I swallowed the fear burning in my chest, forcing my face to remain neutral. "He shifted and ran off after we gathered the last volunteers," I said, trying to keep as close to the truth as possible. "A body mage thing, I assumed."

"Hmmm. I see." Frexin pursed her lips and gestured to the mind mage again. The man appeared at our side. "Miss Maderoth, did he perhaps change? Maybe lose control of himself before he ran off? I fear he might have been close to going feral."

"No," I shook my head. "Nothing like that. I think he just needed some space."

She studied me for a few more seconds, then nodded. "Alright. We will worry about Lieutenant Fordyth later. I'm sure he'll turn up."

"Lady Frexin," a familiar voice spoke behind me, and I turned to see that asshole, Japhire, approaching, concern tenting his brows.

As he neared me, his eyes went wide and his nostrils flared. For that brief moment, he almost looked …pleased.

What the fuck?!

He recovered quickly, though, refocusing on Frexin.

"Mr. Blackwood —" she said. "As you can see, I am talking to Ms. Maderoth."

Japhire stopped a few steps away with a nod. "Apologies, Reaper. But you asked me to report if anything changed."

Frexin's face hardened, and she gestured for him to get closer. "Continue."

"He is going wild again," he said, leaning in. "Calling forher."

Frexin's gaze flicked to me for a moment, before focusing back on Japhire. "He will have to wait until tomorrow. He's not going anywhere, and I must finish the preparations for tonight."

Japhire's jaw tensed, but he nodded.

"There's one more thing." His gaze slid to me, then he leaned in so only she could hear what he said.

Frexin's shoulders stiffened, and she nodded. "I see."

Fuck — what was he telling her?

"Thank you, Mr. Blackwood," shefinally said, clearing her throat. "Keep me updated on any new developments."

Japhire nodded, then left.

I kept my gaze on Frexin, forcing long breaths in and out, trying to look more relaxed than I felt.

But gods, it felt like things were beginning to spiral out of control.

"Miss Maderoth," she said, tilting her head to the side. "As I'm sure you've surmised, that monster attacked again last night."

I nodded.

"This time it almost got through to my quarters. Tell me, Kaiya — you've studied it — been close enough to feel its touch. Do you have any theories as to why it's so focused onmeof all people?"

She watched me carefully as I shook my head.

I didn't give a fuck why the creature was attacking her. And what did that have to do with what Japhire had whispered?

"Very well," she shrugged. "Did you see the good news?" She pointed to the group of four people, huddled quietly in a cage on another wagon. "Your idea worked, dear."

My stomach clenched.A cage?! They'd volunteered of their own free will …

"The ballista and troops are on their way to the ambush location," she continued. "And they should be set up by dark. When can we expect the last two volunteers? Soon I hope."