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“When did Zuleeka realize she had magic?” Kiva asked.

Galdric hesitated, before answering, “Soon after your family joined us. But she kept it hidden, only telling Tilda, who of course told me.”

“And when did she start using death magic?”

This time, Galdric’s hesitation was longer. “I can’t know for sure, but I think she understood what she could do almost straightaway. She only trained her healing magic with your mother, though, which is why she hasn’t yet succumbed to the blood illness like Tilda did — that, and because she’s not repressing it like Tilda was, plus she’s younger, so her body is able to restore itself faster. It took a few years before she began to actively use her death magic, and that’s when your mother chose to cover for her.”

Kiva looked out into the now fully dark oasis, the moonlight kissing the leaves of the date palms and shading them silver. “So, if Zuleeka knew what she could do, and whatIcould do, then she could probably have guessed what my power might do against hers.”

“She was young,” Galdric said softly. “But if I had to speculate, then yes, I assume that may have given her another reason for wanting to keep you away. That, and...”

“And what?”

Galdric sighed. “Zuleeka has always struggled with jealousy. I saw it time and again in the rebel camps, especially when your brother grew into himself and began to excel in his training. She never liked when someone else received more attention or praise than she did. And I think, because of that, she considered you a threat for your mother’s affections. Tilda was always saying how powerful you were, even before you’d had a chance to properly use your magic. I think Zuleeka feared that if you were released from Zalindov, she might be pushed to the side.”

That heavy feeling on Kiva’s chest was still there, now worse than before. She looked into the darkness once more, automatically turning in the direction of the watering hole. She would have given anything to talk to Jaren about what Galdric had just shared, knowing that, once upon a time, he would have held her until the pain eased.

She missed that — she missedhim.

Maybe Torell was right. Maybe itwastime she talked to Jaren. Tipp had forgiven her, as had Naari. And Caldon hadn’t maintained his anger long enough toneedto forgive her. After nearly two weeks of being back together, of Jaren witnessing her heal Naari —twice— and watching her battle alongside their friends in the arena, all for a ring that would return his magic and prevent the loss of his kingdom,surelyhe would be willing to hear her out?

Kiva wasn’t confident, but she felt hope flutter in her heart, especially when she remembered how he’d helped her that morning, how he’d been within touching distance of her — by choice.

She knew better than to expect his comfort for what she’d just learned, but maybe they could start working to get back to that place, if only she could find the courage to face him and begin mending what was between them.

Small steps are still steps.

Caldon’s wisdom came to her again, solidifying her decision.

“Thank you for telling me all of that,” Kiva said to Galdric, wanting to seek out Jaren before she lost her nerve. “And thank you for caring about my mother — and trying to protect her. I don’t agree with your actions, but I can appreciate that you were in a difficult position, and you did what you thought was best.”

Galdric seemed stunned by her acceptance, his hand frozen on Fury’s back.

“If you’ll excuse me,” Kiva went on, “there’s something I need to do.”

She turned and headed toward the waterhole, her heart pounding as she navigated the desert shrubbery until she saw a glimpse of the surface rippling beneath the moonlight.

I can do this,she told herself, even if she was shaking on the inside.

This was Jaren — she knew him.

He would listen to her.

Hehadto.

But when Kiva finally reached the shore, he was nowhere in sight.

The courage bled out of her as she realized he must have already returned to the fire.

For a minute, she considered pulling him away for a private talk, but that would only result in unwanted attention — from everyone.

No, Kiva would have to wait for another opportunity.

Tomorrow — she would find a chance to talk to him tomorrow.

Nodding to herself, she stared at the water, allowing it to calm the turbulence she felt after her conversation with Galdric. Only when she was at peace again did she rejoin her friends, accepting the stew Tipp had saved for her and doing everything she could to not look at Jaren for the rest of the night, lest he see the longing on her face.

Chapter Twenty