Zyphoro rolls her eyes. “Nothing. Stay below deck and pray that we survive.”
Solena shakes her head, determination burning in her gaze. “I want to fight.”
“You’re a low-caste maid. Unless you plan to hurl your feather duster at them, I’m not sure what you can offer.”
“Zyphoro,” I scold, narrowing my eyes. “If she wants to fight, then she will fight. Give her a weapon.”
Zyphoro glares at me before reluctantly extending her hand toward Solena. A slender black blade with a silver hilt materializes in her grip. “A weapon from the void,” she says, a hint of mockery in her voice. “May it serve you well.”
I refuse to let Zyphoro diminish Solena’s already dwindling resolve, especially since it was Solena who helped me escape Lanneth with nothing but her wits and bravery. Solena takes the sword, and as she holds it, I’m reminded of Arax and his words about Estra—not a noble or a High Fae, but a low-caste Fae, much like Solena. Estra rose to become a Blade, and if Solena wishes it, she can do the same.
“We will win this battle together,” I say, gripping her forearm.
“Or I will die by your side,” she replies solemnly. “Unafraid.”
I nod, a smile breaking through the dread tightening around my heart. “Unafraid.”
“Amara. Jewel of the Tenders,” a voice booms through the darkness. “Welcome home.”
I turn to find Kaelus standing on the balcony, the very image of authority.
“This is not my home,” I yell.
“Then why have you returned?” Kaelus taunts.
I muster my courage, feeling my resolve strengthen with the weight of everything that has brought me to this moment.
“For your crown,” I call back, venom lacing my words.
Kaelus laughs, but I refuse to be underestimated.
“Then I’m afraid this will not end well for you, my dear. But you still have worth. The bargain still holds, and you remain a desperately treasured princess of the Mordorin. Put aside this futile squabbling, and we will receive you with open arms.”
“You plan to kill me to further your own power!” I scream.
Kaelus pauses, lightning illuminating his face in a fleeting flash. “In this life, sacrifices must be made for the greater good. You know this better than most, Amara. But I promise, it will be without pain.”
“There is always pain,” I yell through gritted teeth. “But I have learned to embrace it, and I will gladly share it with you.”
Suddenly, my boldness falters as another lightning strike bathes Lanneth in an otherworldly, spectral glow, revealing her silhouette behind Kaelus.
“Daughter,” she hisses, her elegant face shimmering, her glamor intact. “Igniting this conflict is dangerous, and we cannot risk losing you—not with the precious cargo you carry.” Her hand stretches out, and even from this distance, I feel her malice reach for my stomach, chilling me to the core.
“How does she know?” I mutter.
“The void knows,” Zyphoro replies.
Solena furrows her brow. “Knows what?”
“Zyphoro. Daughter,” Kaelus calls, his voice steady amidst the rain.
Zyphoro turns her head toward him, droplets cascading down his face.
“You are welcome here, too. Join me, and House Mordorin will be the strongest house in all Fae history. Forget this foolishness and rule by my side.”
Silence hangs in the air, and I suddenly fear Zyphoro is wavering. She glances at Solena and me, doubt etched on her face.
“I still love you, daughter. Return to me, and be greater than your traitorous brother ever dreamed.”
