“It’s nearly noon, Rynna.”
“What?” Rynna squinted, her eyes burning against the bright midday sun. “Damn, sorry. I didn’t realize it was so late.”
Takara paused, her gaze sweeping over Rynna, no doubt noticing her disheveled state.
“Rynna,” the woman began, her voice softer now. She hesitated as if weighing her words. “I know this hasn’t been easy for you.”
“Has to be done.” Rynna tried to keep her voice steady. “And it seems to be helping. He’s given good information every day.”
“Yes.” Lady Takara pursed her lips.
Rynna swallowed as a knot formed in her chest.Why is she here?The Ember Warden showing up at her door in the middle of the day wasn’t normal.Please, let Fenn be okay.
“What is it?” she asked, trying to keep the panic from her voice.
“Even with the intelligence Kaelith has provided, it’s not going well.”
Rynna’s fists clenched, dread tightening in her throat. “Describe 'not going well.' Is Fenn…?”
“He’s fine. For now. But the army of the dead is growing daily. Soon, we’ll be overwhelmed on every front. The containment strategy won’t hold much longer, I’m afraid.”
Rynna exhaled, the relief rushing through her body so quickly she barely registered the second part of what Takara had said.
“Okay, good.” She tried to calm her racing heart. “Umm. Do you want to come in?”
“No, no time.” Lady Takara shook her head, already turning away, the ornate gold pins of the delicate headpiece adorning her dark hair catching the light. “I need you back with Kaelith.”
“What? Shit, okay.” Rynna scrambled back into the apartment, grabbing some clothes. The rough material of the pants snagged slightly as she fumbled with the drawstring, struggling as she ran to catch up.
“You said you believe he’s holding something back. Something big,” the Ember Warden continued, not breaking her stride.
“Yes, he’s definitely keeping an ace up his sleeve.” Rynna pulled her hair into a ponytail.
“It fits.” She shot Rynna a sidelong glance. “I’m honestly shocked he’s given us as much as he has. He must have actually cared for you...something I didn’t believe someone like him was capable of.”
“It was a long time ago. A different life,” Rynna muttered. “For both of us.”
Takara let out a dry chuckle. “And yet Ember Reach’s greatest traitor has been sitting peacefully in a cell for the last five days, handing over highly valuable information. Not asking for anything in return except time with you.”
“I can’t speak to his motivations, Ember Warden.” Rynna kept her gaze fixed on the ground.
“Fine. We’ll worry about it later,” Takara said. “Right now, we need that ace.”
“It’s that bad?”
“Worse.” Takara’s face was drawn tight.
Rynna frowned. She should be out there, fighting alongside them. “And Bran? Is he still protected?”
“Yes, for now. But they’re getting closer to his location every day. And who knows how long the boy can sit still while everyone else is fighting.”
“I know the feeling,” Rynna said, her jaw tightening with frustration.
Takara halted mid-step, then glanced upward toward the sky. “Sometimes I wonder if keeping what could be two of our strongest assets off the battlefield is wise.”
“I’m...” Rynna started to protest.
“Oh, don’t you start with that 'I’m only an Awakened' nonsense,” Takara snapped, cutting her off. “The war has begun, Rynna. The world is at risk.”
