“No.” My voice is sharp.
“Mayah—”
“Let me brief you on my mission.” His mouth tightens into a scowl, but he dips his chin.
I recount as much as I can. The mounting Rebellion attacks, Zev leaving for the border. My carefully laid plans for the Equinox.
Father nods, his gaze pensive, a gnarled hand stroking his neat, white beard. “All of the attacks were not Rebellion—we staged most of them.”
My brows knit together, and Father explains, “To lure the Dark Commander away. When you didn’t make contact with Daak, Sorka deduced that you were being closely monitored. Without the Commander hovering, we hoped it would give you more freedom to achieve your goals. How were you discovered?”
“Ze—he returned unexpectedly. Found me in the tunnels with Daak. With his guards,” I lie, glancing at Sorka whose spine goes rigid. “I tried to fight back, but he summoned a storm, and I fain—”
“Enough,” Father interjects sharply, his features severe. My weakness has always embarrassed him. I bow my head, throat tight. “Sorka informed me of the rest. Luckily for you, the tidesdamned idiot Commander stopped so close to the Tundrayni camp. I can’t imagine what horrors he had planned for you at the border.” When I don’t say anything, he adds, “I’m glad you are safe, Daughter.”
Tears prick my eyes, Zev’s bloodied face flitting through my mind.
“What is your command?” I ask woodenly, still looking at my lap. My gaze snags on the pale sliver of skin where my betrothal ring rested.
“Varad knows we have his son. If he wants him back, he’ll need to meet our terms.”
“And what are our terms?” I whisper.
“Expand our borders to include fertile land, for one. Anything else he’ll give me for his son. And Varad and his heir must come here to finalize the agreement and collect his Commander.” Varad would never agree to something so risky. Would he?
An icy smile frosts over Father’s face.
“Where we’ll kill them. Our revenge is near, Daughter. Your efforts will not be in vain.”
Chapter Sixty-One
Idon’tsleepthatnight.After Vy drifts off on her narrow cot, I tiptoe quietly to the tent’s canvas flap. Peeking outside, my eyes find Zev’s silhouette.
The camp is deserted. Except for the two guards flanking Zev.
Tides damn them.
With a quick glance at Vy’s sleeping form, I cast out my power, sensing the water flowing through the earth.
A beat, then—
Twin cracks echo through the camp, the noise sounding from opposite directions. The guards startle and share a quick glance, then hurry off to investigate the disturbance.
They’ll find trees fissured in half, much like Zev did months ago.
Tides, let it be enough time.
The hood of my cloak is pulled low over my head, my steps silent as I cross the camp.
This is potentially the stupidest thing I’ve ever done.
Zev is restrained right in the middle of camp. Anyone could peer out from their tent and see me—myfathercould see me.
It’s a risk I’m willing to take, apparently.
Under the silvery moonlight, his hair shines almost blue except where it’s matted with blood. Both eyes are closed, and there are fresh bruises marring his torso. Right before I reach the platform, his eye snaps open.
I freeze.
