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“Yes, though it was one of the hardest things to do after seeing you hurt.” He looks past me, like he’s recalling that moment, then snaps back into the current conversation. “For the first time in centuries, Terraguard citizens will be able to walk on the Surface during the day.”

“That’s amazing!” I cannot help but feel joy on behalf of Atlys and his citizens that have been trapped underground for so long.

“I also negotiated for a number of things, including a residency for a Teller, to hear and analog our stories for the other territories. I would like that to be you, Akemi. You can stay here during the summers between your training at the Watch.”

My eyebrows lift with the shock of this request. Atlys is asking me to live here, in Terraguard, with him.

“You don’t have to answer me tonight, but please think about it. You would have a home here.”

The back of my eyes sting. I will owe him my formal response later after I have more time to think, but I know in my heart what my answer will be.

Atlys moves over to the same couch as me and rests a hand lightly on top of mine. “Was there any information you overheard while there? What did he want with you?”

I hesitate, recalling some of the more uncomfortable moments. “He wanted me to be his wife. Take a spot in his court as a Spymaster and Starwatcher.”

Atlys’s face is as calm as the eye of a storm as the earth shakes with a low rumble.

“He was forcing me to use my powers to find a stone—the Cebalrai Stone.”

Eventually, the tremors stop and Atlys takes a deep breath. “So, he is trying to unearth the ancient star stone. I thought his search for power ended long ago, but I know now how wrong I was about that.” He curls a hand through his hair.

“What? Why are you giving that look?”

“This confirms what I have feared. The Cebalrai Stone is ancient, pure Source magic. It’s extremely powerful and a deadly weapon for anyone in possession of it. Jord clans have been raiding many villages over the years, perhaps searching for the star stone. Following any sizable trace of Source magic.”

“But they attacked northern Midland villages, Brown Oak, Ashwood, Redrock, Goldenpine… those are nowhere near the Westland Battle of Kantonog—” No.

My heart races. “Oh no,” I whisper as my voice cracks. “It was me.”

I didn’t know how to use my power yet. I didn’t even know I had a connection to the Source, but that doesn’t mean that I avoided using it. Maybe I had unintentionally wielded it without knowing.

People died because of me.

Marrow died. Row’s, Bane’s, and Rosie’s fates hang in the balance. I cannot bear the weight and yet the truth sings so clearly in my soul that I know this to be true.

My power surges from deep within, a roaring fire that burns until there is nothing left. From the ashes, a sickening clarity arises. I may never fully heal from the grief I have for them, but sometimes wounds are never meant to heal, only to grow as a part of you.

I know what I must do next.

“The Jord attacked because of me, because I’m a Starwatcher and they sensed that magic.”

I watch the flames dance in the fire as the gravity of my next words weighs heavily in the air. I stand and walk toward the doors to the terrace. Below, Baiabella is alive in its perpetual state of night, lit by the glowing streams, glowing shards of crystals, and fires. Waves of teals and blues roll along the shore of the black sand cove in the distance.

“We need to get the Cebalrai Stone before Rollo.”

Atlys nods.

“And I know where to find it.”

11

Someday

Atlys gives me space for the next three days, as I requested. Trix occasionally stops by to “check on me” but essentially shares philosophical life lessons that make my head hurt between stitching on the Teller patch. Flashes of polished red rock, eerie red flames, and a singular hole of light haunt my dreams. Any relief I was meant to feel is stolen by memories of my captor—Rollo. Atlys’s brother.

Ugh. I throw another punch at my target.

“Ouch, that one actually hurt.” Cadex shakes his palms out before returning them to position before me. His shaved blond hair is hidden by a hat, making him resemble a giant boulder even more than usual. “You’re going to have to let him speak to you eventually, Akemi.”