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Silence fell between them until Alex couldn’t stand it any longer and whispered, “I never meant to hurt your family.”

“You never did hurt my family,” Astophe responded, his tone filled with reassurance. “My son made his own choices. His burden is not yours to bear.”

Alex closed her eyes at his firm, unyielding statement and felt something ease inside her. For the first time, she actually believed the words he spoke—not just on a surface level, as she’d come to accept, but deep within her.

“We don’t have much time,” Astophe said quietly, prompting her to look at him again. “There’s something I need to tell you before you leave this place.”

Alex focused on him, curious what he could have to share.

“My son has done terrible things in the name of his cause,” Astophe said, “there is no denying that. Just as there is no denying the power he now wields. But despite what you might think, he has a weakness. Just the one.”

Her body still, Alex prayed she wouldn’t be swept away before Astophe could finish. But when he went on to explain and then tell her what she would have to do, Alex found herself wishing the Gates had carried her away sooner.

“You want me to kidnapNiida?” Alex hissed. “Are youmental?”

“My wife is the only being in all the worlds whom my son still holds any affection towards. She has grieved him since his banishment, so I know the feeling is mutual. Niida is the leverage you need.”

“Youaremental,” Alex said, shaking her head. “I can’t just waltz into Meya right now—every single immortal there is Claimed by Aven. The second I’m spotted, he’ll know.”

“So don’t let anyone see you.”

Alex made a sound of disbelief. “And then what? Let’s say I manage to sneak into your palace—we both know Niida’s not going to come willingly. Shehatesme.”

“And yet, she loved Aeylia.”

Alex flinched at that, knowing it was true.

“Be that as it may,” she said, somewhat hoarsely, “I doubt she’ll be willing to reconcile my past and present selves. Especially since, like everyone else, she’ll be Claimed. Which means, again, as soon as I even try to abduct her, Aven will know, and he’ll send in everyone he can to stop me.”

It was Astophe’s turn to shake his head. “I don’t believe so. As the sole person left in his life with any kind of love towards him, Aven will want to keep his mother’s feelings as authentic as possible, not manipulated as a result of a blood bond.”

Alex raised her eyebrows. “You’re saying Niida isn’t Claimed?”

“That’s exactly what I’m saying.” His eyes held hers as his face turned grave. “It’s also why I need you to be open to what I’m about to say next.”

Already certain she wasn’t going to like whatever that was, Alex gave a wary nod of agreement.

Once he was done, silence descended upon them, the mist swirling ethereally around the clouded space. It was almost peaceful, until—

“Are you insane?”

Astophe was undaunted by Alex’s incredulous screech.

“Think about it,” the king said. “It’ll mean you can draw Aven out and confront him at a time and place of your choosing.”

“This is yourwifewe’re talking about, theQueen of Meya,” Alex cried. “How can you evensuggestsomething like this?”

“Because this is war, Alex, and sacrifices must be made in order to save lives,” Astophe said, his voice telling of many other difficult decisions he’d had to make over the years. “My wife knows that more than most, and if she were in her right mind and not clouded by millennia of grief, she would be the first to volunteer for what I proposed.”

Alex thought back to the strong, kind-hearted Queen Niida of the past and knew that Astophe was right. But still, she struggled to abide his suggestion.

Seeing that, his tone softened and he repeated, “Just think about it.”

The thing was, she knew that most of what he’d said was valid. His logic was sound, even if she wished it weren’t so. If Niida was Aven’s one weakness, then Alex needed to capitalise on that. Abducting her was a good idea—presuming it could be done. But the rest…

“I’ll think about it,” Alex agreed slowly. “Regardless of what I decide, thank you.” When he looked at her in question, she explained, “Despite who or what he has become, Aven is still your son. None of this can be easy for you.”

Pain flashed in the king’s eyes, enough for Alex to know she was right.