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But now he was acting strangely again.

“You know the laws, Tavik,” I told him. “Anyone suspected of a crime must be locked up until the investigation is complete.”

Even if I wanted to, it wouldn’t be wise to let Cerise go. If she had lived with the older witch, there was no way she didn’t know something about the totem I’d found. Frowning, I glanced down at the gold amulet clutched in my hand, the chain wrapped around my wrist to keep it secure. Since I wasn’t wearing anything, I couldn’t exactly keep it in my pocket.

“You can’t just abandon her like that!” Tavik cried.

“I have to!” I argued. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

“I—I can feel her fear, Alaric. It’s potent and cold and all-consuming. I can’t stand it.”

“That’s enough, Tavik. Please calm yourself so I can focus.”

Tavik let out an anguished sound but fell silent. Gods’ breath, what was his problem? Did the witch’s enchantment have lingering effects on him? I would have to ask Dulsa, our healer, when I got the chance.

After meeting with the chiefs.

And somewhere between taking Cerise to the Oracle to conduct the truth spell.

My heart stuttered, and for a moment, I couldn’t breathe. There was just too much going on right now.

And King Nolan was dead.

I hurried through corridors before ducking into the coat room where the spare clothes were kept. After sifting through various items of clothing, I found a ruffled white tunic and black trousers that looked presentable enough.

I put the clothes on, slid the amulet in my pocket, and continued my route to the council room. It was easy to get lost in the maze of corridors in the palace, but I’d grown accustomed to it. I could walk these halls in my sleep.

The doors were already open when I arrived. Before stepping through, I took a deep breath and adjusted my tunic.

When I entered, I found the four chiefs sitting in a semicircle in the middle of the large room, each wearing their ceremonial tawny skirts, their chests bare save for the sacred necklaces representing each tribe: Draconus, Wolven, Rabe, and Vulpes. Each necklace consisted of the coins of our ancestors and the bones of our enemies. My eyes landed on Chief Gorem, the chief of my tribe. He was tall and formidable, with bronze skin and short, gray hair. His golden eyes surveyed me with an unreadable expression.

I bowed deeply before them. “Forgive me for the delay, my lords. I came as swiftly as I was able.”

“Rise, Captain Navier,” said Chief Gorem in his deep, booming voice. “We were not waiting long.”

I straightened, my hands clasped behind my back as I waited for the chiefs to speak. My throat was tight with emotion, my head spinning. My eyes fell to the stone throne sitting in the center of the four chairs. Ordinarily, King Nolan used this room to converse with the chiefs.

Now, that throne was empty.

“You have likely already heard,” said Chief Korvus of the Rabe tribe in his slow, measured voice, “that King Nolan is dead.”

“May Lunaria’s mercy find him,” the chiefs and I murmured reverently.

“It is such a shame,” Tavik said grimly. “His wolf, Balinor, was magnificent. I shall miss him dearly.”

I bowed my head solemnly, remembering Nolan’s bear-like russet wolf. “I have heard. Do we know how he died?”

The chiefs were silent for a moment. A few of them exchanged somber looks.

“We do not,” said Chief Gorem. “He was in the fae lands attempting peace negotiations with the fae royals. He was found dead in the inn he was staying at. There was no sign of a struggle. Not a single drop of blood was spilled.”

My brow furrowed. “Were there any witnesses?”

“None who are willing to come forward,” said Chief Ramathos of the Draconus tribe. He was leaning forward with his muscular arms braced on his knees, his blond hair tied at the nape of his neck. “In the fae lands, anyone willing to help a Wolven Mage is immediately seen as a traitor. Even if that Wolven Mage was the king.”

“We suspect the fae might be involved,” said Chief Gorem. “Perhaps someone who wanted to put a stop to the peace negotiations.”

“So, you would like me to investigate the king’s murder as discreetly as possible?” I presumed. Only Wolven Mages could travel to the fae lands, and as captain, it was my duty to investigate crimes.