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Alex jerked, knowing exactly which other blade Zaylin was referring to. “Vae’varka is made of starlight as well?”

Zaylin’s jerk was much more violent than Alex’s.

“How do you know of the Bearer of Darkness?”

Pulling a face, Alex said, “Why do both these blades have so many different names? Harbinger of Death, Sword of the Shadows, Bearer of Darkness—this is becoming absurd.”

“It’s also referred to as the Bane of Life, if you want to add a final one to your list,” Zaylin said, though her lips were thin and pale. “Now, answer my question.”

Resisting the urge to roll her eyes at the Tia Auran’s demanding tone, Alex answered, “I know about Vae’varka because Aven has the blade in his possession. And judging by the fact that it was flaming with black fire in his hands, I’m guessing he’s bound to it as well.”

Zaylin reared back as if she’d been slapped. “You’re sure of this?”

Alex was surprised Zaylin didn’t know, especially given the return of the Medoran draekons to Tia Auras after Aven had slaughtered so many of their kin with his dark blade. She hadn’t witnessed the massacre, but shehadseen Aven use his fiery weapon to kill many others, including both Lady Mystique and Niyx. The memories flashed across her vision: the fall of the ancient woman; A’enara and Vae’varka meeting in powerful, jarring blows; the blade spearing Niyx’s chest in a lethal wound that refused to heal.

“I’m sure,” Alex croaked. Clearing her throat, she said, “But I was told Vae’varka was made oftraesos.”

“It is,” Zaylin said, running an agitated hand through her hair. “That weapon is pure darkness, with just a single drop of liquid starlight added to allow for its sentience—as opposed to A’enara, which is pure light and made entirely from starlight.” Beginning to pace, Zaylin continued, “If Aven has Vae’varka in his possession, he has the means to kill any immortal being with a single scratch.”

Swallowing, Alex whispered, “I know.”

Stopping in front of her, Zaylin leaned in and, with furious eyes, hissed, “Why didn’t you say anything sooner? This is something my people needed to know!”

Not understanding what seemed to have been taken as a personal affront, Alex tentatively said, “Why?”

“Because if we’re to join in the fight for your world, then our rulers need to be aware of the risks—of what we might be facing. Neglected as our skills now are, the danger is already great. But against the might of Vae’varka…” Zaylin trailed off, her features tight.

Quietly, Alex said, “I didn’t think it would make much of a difference, since when the time comes, I doubt anyone other than me will be fighting against him.”

The look Zaylin sent her was cutting. “And if you lose?”

Earlier, those words would have eaten Alex up on the inside. But now, she just stood taller and returned, “That’s not an option I’m willing to entertain right now. So you shouldn’t, either.”

Zaylin’s anger dissolved and a hint of an approving smile touched her lips. “Very well.” She eyed the weapon Alex still held in her hands and said, “I suppose if anyone is to face Aven and succeed against Vae’varka, it would be one who wields and commands A’enara. Never before in the whole of history have the two weapons crossed blades.”

“Well, as of last week, they have.”

“That, I would have liked to have seen,” Zaylin mused. “Perhaps I’ll yet have the chance to witness the Balance of Power seeking justice against the Bane of Life.”

Alex hoped so, because it would mean the Tia Aurans would have come to her aid. But part of her also recoiled at the idea, since it would mean she’d be fighting Aven again. Despite knowing it had to happen, she wasn’t in a rush for that encounter.

Banishing her weapon, Alex focused on Zaylin. “I said before that I thought A’enara had been created by your people, but you’ve clearly shot that theory down.” A wry grin met her words, and she continued, her curiosity getting the better of her, “So what about the Library?Soraya de lah Torra—‘the Light of the Worlds’?”

Zaylin blinked. “Whataboutthe Library?”

“Did your people create it?”

Another blink. And then Zaylin threw her head back and burst out laughing. It was the purest sound Alex had ever heard from her, full of genuine humour, genuine warmth.

Nevertheless, Alex crossed her arms and said, “Why is that funny?”

It took Zaylin a moment to compose herself, but when she did, she said, “No onecreatedthe Library.”

“Someone must have,” Alex pointed out.

Zaylin shrugged. “The Library justis. It has always been, just as it will always be.”

“That doesn’t make any sense.”