Page 82 of A Court of Wings and Shadows

I raised a brow. “Your fatherlentyou forbidden fae history?”

He winced. “I’m not sure he’s supposed to have access to it either.”

“What’s in it?” Naia asked, voice hushed.

“I didn’t have time to read the full thing,” Cordelle admitted, “but my father gave me the finer points. It mentions… a map.”

My pulse kicked up. “A map?”

He nodded. “Of the Fae Isle before it fell to the Dark. It was part of the Light Court’s recorded geography. The sanctuary, if it still exists, would have been their center of power.”

“You think this map will help us pinpoint the sanctuary?” I asked, trying to temper the hope creeping into my voice.

“With more research… yes,” he said. “It gives structure. A place to start. There were names of regions, old settlements, and even shrine locations.”

I stepped closer. “Where’s the map now?”

Cordelle hesitated.

And then, with a glance toward Zander and a sigh, he said it?—

“…In the vault.”

Of course it was.

Because nothing we needed ever came easy.

Across the training ring, I caught Remy’s eye. The others were still distracted by the sparring match, and Zander was half watching Ferrula deliver a wicked elbow to Jax’s ribs, half brooding.

I waited until Remy’s attention sharpened, then lifted my hands, careful, quick.

I need your help,I signed in the Order’s old hand-code, the one we weren’t supposed to use anymore.

Remy didn’t flinch. His expression didn’t change at all as he signed back,To do what?

Break into the vault.

His brow lifted just slightly, like I’d offered him dessert after a long fast.No problem. When?

As soon as possible,I replied.I need a map.

That was all I said. But he stepped toward me, calm as ever, and his hands flicked one last response.

I don’t care what you need. I’ll always help you.

Then, with the kind of practiced arrogance only he could wear like a second skin, Remy strolled over to Zander, stopping just shy of his shoulder.

“The king ordered me to bring Ashlyn for a… visit,” he said, voice low but carrying. “Should I take her to Theron instead?”

Zander swore under his breath. “No. Follow the order. But if he shows any signs of instability, bring her right back.”

Remy nodded. “Understood.”

He turned to me. “Come with me, Prospect Rebec.”

I rolled my eyes at the use of my old false name.Smart,I signed as we walked.

Did the king really ask for me?