Page 141 of A Court of Wings and Shadows

A long silence fell over us as we stood shoulder to shoulder with the Lowborn Squad, two groups who’d once been shoved to the edges of the system now staring down the storm brewing beneath it.

We were mid-training in the ring, the sun hot overhead, steel clashing against steel, breaths coming hard and fast as wesparred in rotating pairs. Jax and I circled one another, his blade gleaming in the light, sweat running down his temple.

That’s when I saw her.

A court courier, moving too fluidly for a servant, weaving through the outer path of the Ascension Grounds with purpose, too much purpose. Then she signed, two quick flicks of her fingers near her hip.

I need to speak with you.

My heart kicked in my chest.

Solei.

I faked a stumble. Jax’s blade sliced across my upper arm, a shallow, burning sting.

“Shit, Ashe,” he hissed, immediately dropping his blade. “I didn’t mean to?—”

“I’m fine,” I said quickly, gripping the cut. “That was my fault.”

Zander was already watching, brows pinched with concern.

“Can I go wash up?” I asked, keeping my voice neutral.

He nodded once, but his eyes lingered too long.

I jogged toward the barracks, blood already darkening the sleeve of my training tunic. As soon as I slipped inside, I heard the door click behind me.

Solei stepped in, locking it.

Her hair was cropped short, dyed a dark, dull brown, and tucked beneath the courier’s cap she peeled off. A second later, she yanked off the wig.

“You went to a lot of trouble just to see me,” I said, eyeing her warily.

“You know me,” she said with a half-smile as she pulled the wig from her head. “Subtle entrances are kind of my thing.”

“Why are you here?” I asked, crossing my arms.

Her face shifted, the amusement fading. “Have you heard of the new human movement?”

“I’ve heard whispers,” I said slowly. “Of a rebellion.”

She shook her head. “That’s their mission,but their real name isThe Varnari.”

The word landed like a whisper laced in steel.

“They’re a sect made up of common-born magic users, warders, ex-military, even former assassins,” Solei continued. “They believe the dragons have chosen wrong. That the royal bloodlines are a decaying legacy and Warriath must fall for the continent to survive.”

“So they don’t trust riders,” I said quietly.

“Not yet,” Solei admitted. “But that could change.”

I frowned. “How?”

“It’s too soon,” she replied. “But your influence in the Fourth Guild is growing. If they believe you aren’t bound by crown or class, if they see you as one of them, you might be the bridge.”

I stepped back, heartbeat thudding. “Solei, are you one of them?”

She didn’t answer. Not directly.