Bram's expression flickered. "A cursed relic? That's your theory?"
"It's more than theory. We've documented evidence of artificial shadow signatures, secondary magical resonance that doesn't match natural witch work." Tristan held up his evidence samples. "Someone found the locket, activated it using Maren's blood, and has been using it to frame her while the construct grows stronger."
"And who would have done this?" Bram asked.
"That's what we're still investigating."
"How convenient. Another extension, more time alone with the accused, chasing myths and legends." Bram turned to the other Council members. "I call for a vote. Binding or extension. Let the Council decide."
Emmett's jaw tightened. "All in favor of extension?"
Miriam's hand rose immediately. Emmett's followed. The other three Council members hesitated, exchanging glances.
One hand rose. Then another.
Four to one.
Bram's face darkened. "You're making a mistake."
"Maybe. But it's ours to make." Emmett met Tristan's gaze. "One day. Find that locket or bring me something concrete. Otherwise I can't protect her anymore."
"Understood."
They left the hall quickly, before Bram could mount another objection. Outside, fresh snow had started falling again, gentle this time, almost mocking.
"One day," Maren said quietly. "That's all we have left."
"Then we'd better make it count." Tristan started toward the path that led to Moonmirror Lake. "Come on. We're losing daylight."
23
MAREN
They'd barely made it past the town limits when Maren realized her mistake.
The protective herbs Freya had given her were nearly depleted after days of warding the safe house and treating Tristan's wounds. If they were heading to Moonmirror Lake to face the doppelgänger, she needed more. Specifically shadowbane and frost-wort, the only plants that grew strong enough in winter to reinforce magical defenses against shadow constructs.
"Tristan, wait."
He stopped breaking trail, turning to look back at her. Snow clung to his dark hair and shoulders, making him look carved from winter itself.
"There's a grove just north of here. I need to gather herbs before we reach the lake." She gestured toward a cluster of bare trees visible through the snowfall. "It won't take long."
"How long?"
"Twenty minutes. Maybe less."
His jaw tightened but he nodded. "I'll keep making trail to the lake. Catch up when you're done."
"You don't have to do that."
"The snow's waist-deep in places. You'll move faster following the path I break." He was already turning away. "Don't take longer than necessary. And stay alert."
Maren watched him continue toward the lake, his broad frame plowing through drifts that would've stopped her cold. Within minutes he'd disappeared into the white, leaving only a clear trail behind him.
She headed for the grove, her shadows spreading wide to test for threats. The trees stood skeletal against gray sky, branches heavy with ice. Snow had piled so deep around their roots that the ground was completely buried.
Perfect for what she needed.
