Zander had returned, and his gaze swept over the squad. “Agreed. But who’s going?”
“Everyone,” Remy replied. “We’ll need full strength once we breach the wards. But we leave Lowborn on the outside.”
I looked up. “To cover our backs?”
Remy nodded. “They’ll be our second net. If we’re compromised, they push from the outer perimeter. Hit hard and pull attention.”
Zander’s jaw twitched as he considered the plan. “It’s smart. They’re a tough squad. And with Camus and Ayda leading the flank, they won’t wait for orders.”
Teren let out a breath. “I trust them more than half the crowned bastards inside the capital.”
Cordelle looked nervous but resolute. “Do we tell Theron?”
“No,” Remy said with certainty. “We leave word with one of the guards after we’re airborne. Theron publicly authorized this mission, but he’s infamous for changing his mind.”
“Or trying to claim credit once it succeeds,” Ferrula muttered under her breath.
I met Zander’s eyes across the table. “We’re doing this on our terms.”
His nod was unhurried, measured. “Then it’s settled. We leave at first light.”
“We pack what we need, travel light, and don’t stop until we’re near the isle,” I added, voice firm. “Once we breach the wards, there’s no going back.”
Riven cracked her knuckles. “Good. I’m sick of waiting.”
Zander looked around at all of us, his voice quiet but commanding. “Get some rest. Tomorrow, we step into the unknown, and we do it together.”
One by one, we nodded.
Because whatever waited on that cursed isle, it would face all of us.
We moved through the room in silence, boots whispering over stone and leather packs slung across our backs. The barracks felt heavier than usual, like the air itself had settled with the weight of what we were about to do. No one said much as we grabbed provisions, just the quiet rustle of gear being packed and armor being unlatched.
Remy and Zander peeled off to their own rooms, both promising to meet us just before dawn. I watched Zander disappear into the shadowed hall and felt that hollow, gnawing tug in my chest. The weight of tomorrow was etched into every step he took.
Ferrula flopped onto her bunk and immediately started sorting her weapons with militant precision, blades gleaming in the firelight. Riven was already double-checking her pack, muttering to herself as she stuffed extra rations and a length of polished wire between her throwing knives. Cordelle wrapped his satchel carefully, pausing to tuck in a folded blanket as if we weren’t about to fly into the most dangerous territory on the continent.
Tae was unusually quiet, perched near the window with his feet on the ledge and his gaze turned toward the night sky. Even he didn’t have a smartass comment, which said more than anything else could.
I packed methodically, but my mind wasn’t on my saddle polish or the bundle of maps I’d stolen from the supply room. It was on her.
Seraveth.
You will come. And if you don’t, I will collect you.
Her voice slithered through my thoughts like smoke, and no matter how tightly I wrapped my gear or how many times I checked my flight straps, I couldn’t push her out.
When I finally curled into my bunk, Kaelith’s presence brushed softly against my mind, a gentle warmth that steadied my breath, but even she couldn’t still the ache in my chest.Why me? Why did she want me?
I turned on my side, stared at the glimmer of light dancing across the ceiling, and let the whisper of Seraveth’s voice follow me into restless dreams.
* * *
We rose in silence, long before the sun dared creep over the castle walls. The barracks were quiet, heavy with sleep, our movements practiced and hushed. Armor was buckled, packs were slung over shoulders, and boots barely whispered against the stone floor. No one needed reminding what today was.
By the time we reached the dining hall, the heavy doors creaked open to reveal First Guild already gathered, eating in silence that felt more ceremonial than casual. Their eyes flicked to us as we moved through, some wary, others curious, but none spoke. I grabbed bread and fruit, something I could eat on the go. Riven snagged three meat pies, stuffing one in her mouth and handing the others to Cordelle and Tae.
Ferrula filled two canteens at the water basin without a word. We weren’t here to linger. Not when Theron’s mind was as shifting as Kaelith’s scales.
