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At that, Kyer laughed. “Jarek’s here to make amends, nothing more.”

Lily narrowed her eyes. “You mean Draven.”

“I mean Jarek.”

“Why are you entertaining the name change? It’s still him.”

Kyer pursed his lips, looked up, then away. “Are you still you, Lily?”

She huffed. “I used that name to keep myself safe. He’s using it to cover up what he did.”

Kyer’s response was as warm as his smile. “I haven’t seen Draven since the day I pulled him out of the ice.”

Lily rolled her eyes. Cryptically irritating responses aside, it looked like Amalia was using Draven as well. Getting Lily back, she’d have a full set of Dusk Flares, and for some reason, he was going along with it. Willing to roll over because the Gnaw asked him to.

“I don’t suppose you’ll be kind enough to fill me in with what exactly I’m missing?”

“I’d rather it come from him. In fact, he promised it would. I’ll put some pressure on him to make it happen,” Kyer said. “I will tell you freeing him from the Coffers was a joint decision from both Minerva and Amalia.”

“Fine, but can you at least tell me how they knew he wouldn’t be a threat?”

Kyer paused. “Keara’s body was never found.”

“So?” Why was he bringing that up? It could’ve got mixed up in the aftermath of the war. Maybe Valen discreetly disposed of it. “Anything could’ve happened to it.”

“Or she never died there.” Kyer gazed out toward the sea of tents. “A couple years back, something was discovered that attested to everything that happened that night. Something that painted Draven in a more favorable light. We’ve been sitting on it, debating if the risk of waking him up was worth it. With Reatia gradually pushing off the mountains, we figured it was time. I volunteered for the opportunity, of course. So I could vet him. What I usually do. Minerva gave me her blessing, and here we are.”

Lily couldn’t find anything to say. They believed Draven didn’t kill Keara. No, they were confident he didn’t if they sent him after her—the last of the Evelian bloodline. Something Amalia respected even knowing Lily wanted no part in its legacy. And if he didn’t, what happened to her?

Kyer’s brows furrowed. “If I believed him to be a genuine threat, I would never have let him get this close. I trust my—”

“Instincts,” Lily grumbled.

“My queens,” Kyer clarified. “Turned out to be worth it. I intended to put him to work in Dalhurst, but once we got word of your little “accident,” I figured his shadow walking ability would be the fastest way to find then get you across the border discreetly.”

Lily laughed. “You knew I was there the whole time?”

“I had a hunch. In my most desperate times, I always think of home before anything else.” He nudged her. “Didn’t make it easy. Jarek said you were nowhere to be found in Maivil.”

“I guess where I pictured home was a little different…” She wanted to question Kyer further about the authenticity behind the First Incarnation’s motivations, but if what he said was true—and Draven remained somewhat cordial—he would surprisingly stay at the bottom of her pile of problems. Even better since he seemed keen on keeping his distance.

Lily met Silas’ impatient gaze on the other side of the camp. She stood from the log. “We’ve held up Luka’s terrifying bodyguard long enough.”

Kyer brushed that off with a wave of his hand. “I think you’ve done enough training.”

Lily’s eyes shot open, her heart skipping a beat. “Please don’t tell me you’re sending me to Markoth already.”

“No. We’re still stocking tunnels.”

Lily exhaled. She had a little more time. “And you still need the ghosted weapons.”

He glanced toward the bustling camp, and for a long moment, all that she heard was the rustling of feet and idle chatter. “The more I think about it, the more I think it’s best you get them.”

Confusion replaced her worry. “You’re going to untie me from my post so soon? Why?”

“You worked with them. You know how to handle them, store them… and in the spirit of being transparent, there’s something else you need to know.” He looked right at her, clasping his hands over his knees. “After you left, Perex tracked your movements to Reave’s lower half. While he learned you were no longer there, he discovered just how separated half of his city had become. The subcity found themselves in a situation similar to Markoth.”

Lily stared at Kyer, taking in all of the information. “They’re harvesting souls.”