Page 2 of A Court of Wings and Shadows

It was clear he did not agree with my mercy.

“Yes,” she said. “He will. But I will warn him. The dragons will see our interference as a direct assault on them.”

Tell her the entire horde will eliminate the Order within Warriath if you die.

Siergen’s growl rumbled through my thoughts, a thunderclap of intention.

I turned toward her, my voice low. “The dragons are telepathic. They have the knowledge of every rider linked to them, and that now includes commoners. Me. If you include Remy’s memories, then you know the dragons are aware of almost every tunnel and stronghold in Warriath.”

Solei’s face shifted. Just a flicker, but enough. A single, measured step back. Fear. Real fear.

“The Order’s operation is too large to move,” I added. “And it’s not strong enough to withstand a full-scale dragon assault. You know it. And so do I.”

She didn’t argue. She didn’t try to call my bluff.

Because the truth was… I didn’t know if they would do it.

But she didn’t know they wouldn’t.

“I will relay the dragons’ message,” she whispered.

And then she turned.

She slipped through the outer gate just as Gerane returned to his post, oblivious to what had just unfolded.

My hands trembled, but I didn’t let them fall.

Behind me, the wind shifted.

Zander’s voice rang out, sharp and clear. “Ashlyn!”

My shoulders tensed.

Of course he’d show upnow.

Zander’s boots echoed against the stone as he walked toward us, his shadow long and sharp in the moonlight. His gaze lockedfirst on Siergen, who hadn’t moved, his tail still flicking, talons flexing slowly as though daring anyone else to challenge me.

Zander’s jaw tightened. His eyes, usually so carefully guarded, flashed with something wild and dangerous.Not just irritation.Fury.

He turned to me, voice low but edged with steel. “Your sister tried to assassinate you?”

I nodded once. “She won’t do it again.” My voice was tired, cracked. “But my father may send another. Even with Siergen’s warning.”

His expression darkened. “Then he’s a fool.” He paced once, then turned, hands clenched at his sides. “Why, Ashe? Why would Cyran want you dead now, after everything?”

I looked away, the night wind tugging strands of white hair from my braid. “Because I know too much. Because I’ve outlived my usefulness.”

Zander stepped closer, his brows furrowed. “He trained you. Shaped you. He sent you here.”

“To infiltrate,” I said bitterly. “Not to survive. And definitely not to bond with a dragon likeher.” My gaze drifted to the sky. Kaelith wasn’t here, but her presence still hummed in the back of my mind like a coiled storm.

He was quiet for a moment, then asked, “What do you mean?What exactly do you know?”

I opened my mouth.

Then shut it.

I wanted to trust him. Part of me already did. But I was exhausted, bone-deep and soul-worn.