Page 31 of A Game of Monsters (Realm of Fey #4)

I was breathless from anxiety the moment we touched ground beyond Wychwood’s border. I hadn’t expected to find the fey encampment so easily, but I was proven wrong. A sea of tents had been erected within the cover of Wychwood forest. Concealed beneath thick foliage, there was no missing it as we flew over the border into fey land.

All around me fey looked up as if they’d seen a ghost. Erix had barely released his hold on me before I was running.

“Where are your leaders?” I shouted at those I passed, no room for the act of a demure king.

It was one soldier, a tall woman with rich skin and eyes of amber, who pointed to the largest tent set in the middle of the encampment. I barely got out my thanks as I forged ahead.

The further I gained into the camp, the more my mind was stunted at what I saw. I’d seen the fey army once before, but never something of this magnitude. In the far north of the Cedarfall Court, when I’d visited Farrador, I’d had my first glimpse of what a fey army could look like. But what waited here, a scar of flesh and armour stationed before Wychwood’s border, was like nothing I’d seen back then.

For the first time in our history, all four courts had come together.

We were a force of destruction and ruin, which was not a good thing.

With a conjured blast of winter winds, the curtained entrance flung open. Between seeing a glimpse of the fey army, and the sheer number of soldiers waiting to advance on Cassial, I was even more eager to share my news and put a stop to any planned attack.

“You must call back our numbers and put a hold to any advancements,” I shouted before the curtain settled at my back. “ Immediately .”

No one replied. Not at first.

I swept my gaze across the tent, across every face. I recognised Lady Kelsey Cedarfall first – Althea’s aunt, whose skin turned an icy white at my arrival. She leaned forwards, hands splayed on the large table before her. Around her stood other fey men and women, each looking up toward me, equally pale and wide eyed. Someone gasped, drawing my attention – Eroan, clutching at his chest as though his heart was seconds from bursting out.

“Robin Icethorn. You’re alive.” Eroan’s eyes widened at the sight of me, blinking rapidly as if the illusion of my presence would dissipate.

I held my chin high, aware that the rustling at my back was Erix catching up. “I am.”

Eroan was the first to bow, a heartbreaking sob bursting beyond his pale lips. He practically folded in half, mumbling his thanks to Altar that I wasn’t dead. Lady Kelsey followed next, just as shocked.

Eroan proudly wore the Icethorn emblem as a pin on his jacket. Lady Kelsey was dressed in the fire reds and rich golds of the Cedarfall court she represented. There were more. A young woman who wore the emblem of the Elmdew court. My eyes went to the familiar man again, trying to discern why I felt as though I knew him. He was older than the rest, with thinning white hair, and bulbous sky-blue eyes enlarged behind round spectacles. His bloated fingers rose to rest upon the symbol over his heart. The symbol of the court he represented: Oakstorm.

I’d last seen him lurking in the back of the church before Cassial’s ambush. And now here he was, poisoning the very space I’d walked into.

“I cannot believe it,” Eroan gasped, hardly looking at me as if the vision before him was too painful to imagine. Questions painted his lips, drawing them in a line of tension. “How is this possible? Erix too–”

“I will explain when we have the time,” I replied, “but for now I need you to listen very closely.”

Eroan bowed again, gasping out another sob. “Time is not something we have, Robin. We were hours away from setting off our campaign to save Queen Cedarfall from enemy hands–”

“No,” I snapped, reaching him in strides, taking his frail arms in my hands and lifting him. “That cannot happen!”

Eroan bowed again as if my words scolded him.

“We have time for bowing and shock later,” I added, scanning the tent. “For now, you must send word to the front lines. Draw back, retreat. It’s important we do not engage with the Nephilim. A war must not proceed under any circumstances.”

“The war has already begun Robin Icethorn,” said the Oakstorm man.

He stepped around the table, hobbling slightly on a bad foot. It was then I noticed the details of the table, how the oaken top was carved into a familiar map of the realms. Wooden figures had been carved into the shapes of soldiers, some placed on the familiar borderline between the realms, whilst others looked to gather east, far away from this encampment. The only detail missing was the hidden Isles of Irobel.

“Under whose order?” I snapped, seething at the patronising tone he spoke to me with. “Surely not yours, Ailon Oakstorm?”

He blanched at the use of his name, then smiled sickly toward me.

“You are now the second ghost to walk into this tent, King Icethorn,” Ailon said, coughing into a stained hanky. He looked behind me, settling his dominating stare upon Erix, and resting it there. “Are we to expect any more to follow?”

I could read the distrust in his face. It was so distracting I almost missed what he’d said. But Erix didn’t.

A growl built in the pits of Erix’s throat. “Care to expand on that, uncle ?”

“Lord Ailon Oakstorm will suffice, boy. ” He sneered in Erix’s direction, disgustingly turning up the corner of his lip. “Let us not begin to use such titles when you have never bothered with them before. It would not seem appropriate, considering what has happened since we last saw one another.”

I quickly realised that Ailon was not here as a representee of his court, but a replacement to Queen Elinor Oakstorm. And he was loving every minute of flashing his authority before me, just like his brother once had.

Before he was killed.

“Ailon.” I had no energy for manners. “I trust Gyah Eldrae has arrived too, good. I need to speak with her. Someone fetch her–“

“Unfortunately, that will not be possible. You’ve just missed her.”

My ears hammered with the roar of blood, as though oceans crashed within my skull. I spared Erix a glance, sensing his shared desire to flee the tent in chase of her.

“When?” I snapped.

“It has only been an hour since she left.” Lady Kelsey clearly disliked Ailon, but she did her part to play demure around him.

“Then she can be recalled,” I said, frantically looking to Erix, hoping he was already sending out word to his gryvern to locate Gyah and bring her back.

“And leave Althea to die? No, Robin.”

“Cassial needs Althea. I hate to say this but she is far safer in his hands.”

Lady Kelsey’s lower lip trembled. “That is not a hope I can stand behind, Robin. I am sure you are already aware, my niece is currently being held by the Nephilim–”

“Fallen,” I corrected. “They aren’t who we have believed them to be. There is so much you couldn’t possibly begin to understand, nor do we have the chance or time.”

“I am beginning to understand that.” Lady Kelsey recoiled. “But we must not sit back and wait for something disastrous to befall Althea; the time to act is now, as per Gyah’s request.”

The ground fell out from beneath me.

“What did she say?” I leaned on the table for support, lungs aching.

“Gyah brought news to us regarding Althea’s status,” Lady Kelsey explained. “Although it was Eroan who spoke with her, he can best explain. We know he plans to use her, but how, we aren’t sure. But whatever nefarious plans he has must not go forwards.”

“Is this true?” I turned to Eroan.

If he confirmed, that meant that Duncan had given Gyah and Seraphine instruction to mobilise an army. But why give me the hope of trying to stop her, unless he knew we’d never catch up?

I looked to my advisor, recognising how he quickly looked to his feet and refused to look back up. “Gyah did visit me, yes.”

“Alone?” I asked.

After a pause, he replied. I knew he lied the moment his eyes couldn’t meet me. “Yes, Lady Eldrae was alone. Until she reached us, we all had believed she was the only monarch who did not perish alongside Elinor and you. All of you, actually. Of course, now we know this is not true, but advancements have been made. Gyah informed me about Althea and how Cassial wishes to use her. You must understand we only have acted as a means of necessity. We were under the impression that Althea was the last Wychwood royal still living–”

Eroan was lying about two things. One, that Gyah had arrived alone. And two, that he believed she was the only person to survive. I read it then, in his dramatic reaction when I entered the tent, the almost forced emotion. He knew I still lived, but the rest of the room didn’t. And I seemed to be the only one to notice.

“Did any of you see her?” I asked, sweeping my gaze over the tent.

“Only Eroan,” Lady Kelsey answered. “And per her requests, we have already sent a legion east of Cassial’s lines, led by Gyah herself. She plans to attack Cassial from multiple sides, then we will be ready to strike.”

Aiding Duncan’s plans.

No, no, no.

I slammed my fist down on the table, knocking wooden figures onto their sides. “It is imperative that no attack is made.”

“It is too late.” Eroan refused to look at me. “Their goal is to free Althea with little bloodshed, but we are prepared in case more force is required.”

“Send word to her. Draw her back. If she knows what awaits her, she will never act.” I blinked and saw the humans, lined out like a shield, the innocent lives that would die. Althea wouldn’t want it; I knew that in my soul. Gyah too.

“Impossible,” Ailon answered. “We are prepared to march, as per the request of the Eldrae. We will not allow you to swan in at a convenient time and lay out demands. Your presence has already spoiled fey plans once before, I will not allow this to happen again.”

Magic stirred beneath my skin, aching for release, pinned to the man who embodied the very people I hated. “Even if you knew that Cassial has put a wall of unarmed humans – children, innocent people – between us and him.”

Ailon took in my question, chewed on it, and then spat out his answer. “As I said, a retreat is too late.”

“If we attack, Gyah will not be met with the force of Nephilim, but the unexpecting terror of innocent lives. They will not survive it, and nor will she.”

“The loss of life is inevitable in war,” Ailon said with as little emotion as his brother once had. “Something you should know by now.”

“If you do not listen to me,” I seethed, finger pointing at Ailon, poised as though it was a sword in my hand. “I will stop this army myself.”

Ailon faltered, his expression morphing from enjoyment to shock. “Is that a threat, Robin Icethorn?”

“ King Icethorn,” I corrected. “And I don’t waste my energy on idle threats, Ailon. Surely you have worked that out already.”

I threw his statement back at him, delighting in the way his lips quirked downwards.

“We still have matters to confirm regarding our advancements,” Lady Kelsey swept in, placing herself between us. Her expression was soft and deadly in equal measure. I caught the warning in her widening eyes, telling me to calm myself. “Sit with us, Robin. Your surprising presence may help.”

“I have made my stance clear, Kelsey.”

She gestured to a spare seat, then took her own, leaving the rest of the fey to stand. “And yet there may be time to alter ours.”

“No–” Ailon was cut off as Erix took three strides toward him.

My blood fizzed in my veins, making my skin feel as though I was burning from the inside out. “We must not advance,” I repeated. “No army is marching. No fey is going to engage in a fight. Withdraw our numbers, send word out to those who’ve already been sent. Do anything and everything you can to stop this. Attacking now will only cement that we are the demons Cassial is trying to paint us as. If we attack, it will not only ruin any hope of turning the tides, but any relations between our neighbouring realms. The future will not survive this… and nor will Wychwood once Cassial releases the power he holds.”

“Cassial and his army are no match for us.” Ailon was enjoying this, I read it in every smile line that spoiled his ugly face. “Every day reports show that they advance closer to our borders, they test us daily. We have the power to stop him.”

“You may be right.” An odd calm raced over me. “His army is nothing but innocent humans. You will lay them to waste in a matter of moments with the power you hold. But what happens after that, or do you not care?”

“As long as Cassial dies,” Ailon said, gaze flickering down to the floor. “That is all that matters.”

He was lying, I could read it in his lack of eye contact, the way his worn hands wrung together.

“I find it interesting that both you and Cassial actually want those humans to suffer,” I said, narrowing my eyes on him. “You are only feeding our enemy what he wants. Then again, I suppose your brother petitioned for war no different to this before, what would make your desires so different?”

Ailon’s silence confirmed that he knew. They all knew.

“Children, Kelsey.” I fixed my eyes on her, pleading for her to see sense. “Cassial is using fucking children as a shield. You can give a person a sword and spear, that doesn’t make them a fighter. And if my understanding is correct, Cassial hasn’t provided even that to the humans. He is baiting you – using Althea as a means to start a conflict which he will end in seconds.”

“You are quite wrong, Robin.” Ailon grinned further at me, and for a moment I thought I was looking into the eyes of Doran Oakstorm again. “It is the hate within a person that makes them a weapon. And it is clear what the humans see us as. Monsters. Demons, as you put it.”

“Ailon is not wrong, Robin,” Kelsey said, eyes downcast. “They have taken my niece and use her as a pawn in this game. I will – we will – do anything to ensure another fey royal is not taken from us.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “You can’t begin to understand what is happening.”

“Gyah has updated us on Cassial’s use of Duwar,” Kelsey said. “We are prepared for force. But one man is no match compared to an army of us.”

“He is no man,” I whispered, finding myself suddenly weak against this resistance.

“Nor is he a god,” Ailon added, stepping around the table, coming to stop before me. “What matters is that we save Althea Cedarfall, and thus save the fey realms from Cassial. I will soon be following with Oakstorm warriors, once we know that Althea is no longer in Cassial’s grasp.”

My mind whirled like a maelstrom, but something in Ailon’s words sparked a thought. “You would willingly put yourself in Cassial’s line of sight, when he will be without a fey to host Duwar.”

Again, Ailon looked away sharply. Before I could read further into his reaction, he seethed in his response. “This is an issue created by your hands, Robin. It was your names written in ink across the treaty between the humans. You signed Wychwood over to Cassial. We are simply trying to right the wrongs you have all–”

Ailon swallowed his next words as a bout of frozen winds shot through the tent. At my back, my power gathered, building into a force that would rival even the wings of a Nephilim.

“You want to offer yourself to Cassial, don’t you?” I asked.

Ailon’s sky-blue eyes flared wide. “How dare you. How very dare you, Robin Icethorn.”

“Perhaps, but you have not told me I am wrong,” I said, oddly calm, whilst the cold winds picked up my words and amplified them. “Duwar, the source of life and power, chaos and destruction. What an incredible tool for a man as weak and desperate as you.”

I was no longer Robin Icethorn. I was a bundle of fury in flesh, ready to unleash it upon someone.

“You know, Elinor warned me about her advisors. She warned me about men like you . If you think for a moment that your presence is required, then you are wrong. I have returned, and as the final remaining fey royal this side of Wychwood, I will decide how we move. You can either listen peacefully in your chairs or face the wrath that has been building inside of me. So, Ailon, what will it be?”

“There is no need for this. Ailon will never give himself willingly to Cassial–” Kelsey stopped in her tracks as I snapped my eyes to her. “Fighting amongst ourselves when the enemy is outside these tent walls.”

“No, not to Cassial. But he would willingly give himself to Duwar, which is exactly what the power requires for the transference.”

Kelsey was shocked to silence. As was Ailon. The difference between them both, was Ailon simmered in his disdain for me, whereas I recognised hesitation in Kelsey.

Ailon’s silence was incriminating.

Eroan spoke up, the gentle lilt of his voice a comfort. “Now, more so than ever, we must keep our fey relations aligned. Arguing will not solve the danger before us.”

My voice darkened as magic still swirled around me. “Recall Gyah Eldrae. I will not ask again, nor is it up for a vote. It will be done.”

Ailon glowered, taking an unsteady step closer to me. “No.”

“I stand with Robin Icethorn,” the Elmdew representative said. I hadn’t caught her name yet, but I could see from the strength in her gaze that she, like me and Eroan, was keen not to encourage the unnecessary murder of innocent people. She was not the same woman I’d seen in Lockinge. She was likely held by Cassial still, alongside the Elmdew heir. But regardless of her unknown status, I was glad someone had finally stood beside me. “I expressed my concern when this was agreed, and it fell on ears who didn’t wish to hear it. Our heir is in the hands of Cassial and his people, and yet no one mentions saving the child who will one day become King of Elmdew. I am with Robin. There is time to recall Gyah, before more mistakes are made.”

I thanked her with a nod, feeling my power wane knowing I had someone else behind me.

“Sending our army in now will only jeopardise the success of our mission,” I said.

“You and what army?” Ailon demanded, slapping an aged hand on the table. “Or are Doran’s little pets the only people you have behind you?”

Erix snarled at that insult, baring the points of his teeth in Ailon’s direction. “Careful.”

“Yes, Ailon. Be careful. As you can imagine, ‘ Doran’s little pets’ are an unruly bunch,” I said, lip curling over teeth, matching the fury of Erix who simmered behind me. “If one deems it a requirement to tear you to shreds, there will be little I can do to stop them.”

Ailon was appalled by the threat, which made a part of me rather happy. “Do you know who you are speaking to?”

I stepped closer to him, my shadow cast over the map of the realms. “I have an idea of who you think I’m speaking to, Ailon. But let me make this very clear, you are no one of importance. Without the passing of the Oakstorm key, there is no requirement for another Oakstorm king or queen. And if there was, I can assure you it wouldn’t be you.”

Ailon struck out, snatching my wrist like an adult punishing a disobedient child. “But I am the rightful–”

“Take your hands off him and sit down .” Erix bellowed, his command coming out in cold mist before his lips. I had to withdraw my power before the entire tent was encased in ice, but with Erix unfurling beside me, he was the only power I required.

Ailon released me, then finally he sat. Erix grinned at his uncle, showing him the full mouth of teeth that would, in fact, rip him to shreds if the opportunity arose. “Now that’s a good boy. Keep those lips sealed before King Icethorn sees fit to dismiss you.”

“Thank you, Erix,” I said, laying a careful hand on his arm. “To answer your question, Ailon, we do have an army.”

And so I told them.

I revealed everything that had happened after the wedding and my supposed death. I revealed the story of Altar, the Creator and the power source of Duwar. How the Nephilim had split into two factions – Faithful and Fallen. I didn’t miss a single detail – well, beside the mention of how Erix, Duncan and I celebrated after Duncan successfully passed The Transfiguration.

In the back of my mind, I wondered why Gyah hadn’t mentioned any of this. Was the secrecy at the guidance of Seraphine, aiding in whatever game she was playing. No one had mentioned Gyah arriving with an Asp, but I had to believe Seraphine had been here.

I understood that Eroan had those answers. I just needed a moment with him to extract them.

“If Cassial is encouraged to use Duwar, it will weaken him?” Eroan repeated a question. “The risk of him using the full wrath of that power source is surely not what we want.”

“Cassial will not waste himself,” I replied. “Which is why you’ve not seen a display of power since the wedding. We must coax him. Make him feel as though he must use Duwar, because he has no other choice.”

“I thought we were trying not to risk the lives of these humans you care so much about,” Ailon reminded me, spittle flying past vile lips. “Or do your responsibilities change like the tides? How can we expect this half-human child to make decisions to benefit the fey, when his allegiance is split so clearly? Or, perhaps you are the one who wants Duwar for yourself, after all.”

“I refused Duwar’s offers for months,” I spat. “My will is stronger than you think it is.”

“And yet your will is what stopped Duncan Rackley from dying in the first place, saving us all this problem to deal with.”

Ailon hadn’t learned that his words could lead him into trouble. And he was old enough for me not to warn him again. I felt Erix stir, bristling like a hound behind me, teeth snapping, wings flaring.

I decided to ignore Ailon, speaking directly to the other three. My effort was better given to them. “Once Duncan has removed Althea from Cassial’s grasp, that will remove the chance that she is the next host of the power source. That is why we believe she is being kept: as collateral.”

“Why not let that power transfer?” Ailon asked. “If what you’ve said about Duwar’s compatibility with the fey is correct, is it not best that we have access to the power? Althea can then use it.”

“No,” I said. “Our goal is to save Althea. If Duwar is transferred into her, she is at risk of being controlled. The monstrous acts she will be made to do would ruin her. And if not, it will only make her do the right thing. And if you wish to see Althea alive, long past Cassial’s downfall, then she must not host Duwar.”

“Then what are you suggesting we do?” Kelsey leaned forwards.

Eroan straightened in his chair, uncomfortable with the very clear outcome. “Robin means that Althea will need to die if we do not act.”

I didn’t tell him he was wrong. “There is much we don’t know about Duwar. One clear way to remove the power from this playing board, is to ensure the host dies. There is no other known way of dealing with it.” Although I had my suspicions, those were not confirmed. “If Althea takes Duwar into herself, she will soon sacrifice herself.”

I could see from Lady Kelsey’s shifting gaze that she’d worked out what I meant. “Althea will die either way, that is what you are saying.”

“Exactly.” We all knew Althea. Duwar was not a power that should’ve ever been at play in the realms. If Althea knew there was a real chance of returning Duwar to where Altar first stole it from, she would throw herself willingly into the oblivion. We couldn’t let that happen.

“So, we have a plan then?” Lady Kelsey asked, between chewing her nails.

“Send word to Gyah, withdraw any planned attack. Give Duncan Rackley and the Faithful the time they need to slay Cassial without incitement of a war.”

“Do you believe this will work?” Eroan asked.

“I can hope. It is our only option.”

“There will be risks,” Lady Kelsey reminded us.

“Anything worth something comes with risks. I’ve learned that along the way.” I spared a glance at Erix, encouraged by his subtle nod and gentle smile. “Which is why we must show Durmain who the true monsters are. Between our retreat and the clashing of Faithful and Fallen, it will plant a seed of doubt in those who support Cassial.”

Just as Duwar revealed themselves as a demon in the mirror, it was always about perspective. How power was only bad if used as such. If we could change the perspective of the humans – truly show them how Cassial was using the power source with evil intentions – then they would finally see the real demon. It would weaken Cassial’s claim to be the prophesied saviour.

But it was important, before we acted, that we received word that Cassial had been killed.

“Eroan. How long will it take for the remaining occupants in Icethorn to evacuate?”

He pondered the question. “Not long. We’ve already requested that those who dwell close to the border shift northwards. Those who decided to leave have, but it will be impossible to move the rest. It is a lot to ask people who have spent years away from their home, to abandon it again after such a short period of time.”

“I understand.” And I did. “I want you to send as many of our soldiers as possible into Icethorn land. They will guard the populated areas, in case our plans go south. In the meantime, we offer the humans Cassial is using a path to take to safety. Getting them out of danger is our focus.”

“I do not agree with these plans,” Ailon said, as if his opinion mattered. “I have said it before, and I will reiterate it–”

“Shut up, Ailon,” Lady Kelsey interrupted. “I thought we were done listening to that grating voice when Doran died, I do not want to have to survive you too. Robin.” She turned to me after the dramatic roll of her eyes. “You have my support, as well as the support of the Cedarfall numbers. As long as Althea lives, and her life is not under threat, Cedarfall will follow.”

“And me,” Eroan added. “The Icethorn army is ready for you to command.”

“If it required a vote, I would be with King Icethorn,” the Elmdew Fey said. “But a vote isn’t needed. As Robin has informed us, he is the last fey royal this side of Wychwood. We do as he commands.”

“ My army will not follow this pathetic human scum,” Ailon hissed, palms slapping on the table as he stood. “Be it by my last breath, the Oakstorm court will advance and I will deal with this misbalance of power myself–”

Erix strode forwards so suddenly, Ailon choked on his words. With strong hands, Erix wrapped his fingers around Ailon’s throat, nails pinching through skin, and hauled him from the chair. “Robin already told you, the Oakstorm Court does not belong to you.”

“Then… who?” Ailon croaked, wincing as Erix drew his face inches from him.

“Me,” Erix said, the single word as sharp as a knife. “It is mine, by birthright. You have not said it to our company yet, but we both know who Elinor Oakstorm has named as her successor, don’t we, uncle?”

Erix released his neck, Ailon flopping forwards as he gasped to catch his breath. When he looked up, it was with a danger in his eyes that I hadn’t seen since Doran died. “When I save this realm, and take Duwar for my own, you will all bow before me.”

“At least you do not waste energy lying about your desires anymore,” Erix said, wings flexing to his sides. “Although, I’m afraid honesty is not always as freeing as you think it would be. Bend the knee, uncle. Do not resist me.”

“Over my dead–”

Erix flashed forwards, so quick I blinked, and it was over.

Snap . With the subtle but strong twist of Erix’s wrist, Ailon’s head bent at an ungodly angle. The light drained from his eyes, drawing back like a retreating tide. No one uttered a word, not as his death stretched out across the tent. Then Erix released the body, dropped him and stepped over the slumped body.

“Your wish is my command,” Erix said to himself, glowering down at the corpse at his feet.

The tent was stunned into silence. Erix gathered himself and turned to the crowd, shoulders rolled back as he was aware everyone had just heard his admission.

“Before I’m accused of a war crime myself, Elinor Oakstorm informed me days ago that she named me as her heir to the summer court,” Erix said, authority and command dripping from him in waves. “I am sure Ailon did not make this clear to you, just as I am sure you were not aware that Ailon has been sending letters to Cassial before the arrangement of Althea and Gyah’s wedding. Between that, and his admission of his desires for Duwar, I trust he is a problem now dealt with.”

When no one replied to him, Erix spoke one final statement aloud. “Oakstorm is mine.”

Pride swelled within me, so poignant that I felt myself threaten to burst. Erix had finally accepted that half of him entirely. Not just the monster, the gryvern – but the bloodline that gave him that strength.

“King Oakstorm,” I spoke the name for the first time, loving how it felt in my mouth. I dropped to my knee, not caring for anyone else that followed. But after a few beats, there was not a soul still standing. “As you can see, we all agree that you are rightful heir to the Oakstorm court.”

No one refused Erix. No one offered objection. I spared Eroan a glance to see that he shared in my pride.

“Rise, please,” Erix said, his voice firm and clear. “Bowing may be custom, but it isn’t something I am ready to get comfortable with yet.”

I made sure I was the last to do so. Erix put gentle fingers beneath my chin and lifted me up to face him. “You will never bow to me, not under such circumstances.”

I swallowed hard, unable to look away from him. “If that is what you wish.”

Erix dropped his finger from my chin, addressing the room. “I will visit our front lines, spread word that we are to retreat. Seeking out Gyah is our one focus now. The gryvern have been looking since this conversation even began. In the meantime, we will prepare for the Icethorn border to be unguarded, allowing for the necessary evacuation of as many humans as possible.”

I nodded, longing to take his mouth and place it upon mine. But the time was not right for that.

“We shall all help where we can,” Lady Kelsey said, gesturing to the other woman.

“And I’ll be here waiting for you to return,” I said, offering Erix an encouraging gaze.

Erix nodded, knelt to pick Ailon’s body from the ground, and left the tent first. As the rest began to file out, I looked to Eroan and stopped him with a hand. “Will you stay with me? I have questions and need for council.”

“As I expected you would,” Eroan replied, dropping his eyes to the floor, hands fumbling with one another.

Eroan was never good at keeping secrets. I knew there was more to his visit with Gyah. He’d chosen not to mention Seraphine, so I believed there was a reason for that. I had to find out what that reason was, before I left for Icethorn.

“So,” I started when we were the last left inside the tent, “are you going to tell me about what really happened when Gyah arrived, or shall we continue playing coy?”

Eroan took a deep breath in. I thought it was to give him the confidence to share his secrets, I didn’t realise it was going to break our plans in two.