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Through the thread that connected her to him, she called, "Blaidd."

For a heartbeat, there was nothing.

Then, the thundering of boots on packed earth. His emotions raged between surprise, rage, hope, and fear.

He came running like a demon unleashed, just the way Fae had always hoped he would greet her after an absence, like she was everything to him.

The guards stepped aside instinctively. He stopped only when he saw her. The whites around his eyes showed, stark against the gold burning in them. His massive chest rose and fell too fast. His scent—relief, disbelief, fury—all tangled together.

For a second, he simply stared as if he was not sure she was actually there.

Then he crossed the remaining distance in three long strides and reached for her, pulling her into him without hesitation.

His arms locked around her shoulders as hers went around his chest. She could feel his heart thudding frantically against her ear. She felt it immediately—he had lost weight. The solid breadth of him was still there, but he was leaner now.

His face stayed buried in her hair for a moment before he pulled back just enough to look at her. "Why did you come? What did I tell you about staying there?" he demanded, voice rough. "It's not safe."

The fear beneath the anger was unmistakable.

She placed her hands on either side of his face, her eyes holding his. "My lifemate is here," she said steadily. "My sister is here."

"I cannot sit somewhere safe while you face this alone. I need to be here with you. How can I let you have all the fun?"

His eyes softened. There was a saucy side to her that he had never experienced, and he treasured every moment. He placed a soft, lingering kiss on her forehead. Before he could answer, rapid footsteps approached.

Lisna came running. A quiet radiance clung to her despite the tension in the air. In her arms, wrapped in pale wool, was a small bundle.

Lisna smiled faintly and adjusted the cloth so they could see her face.

"I told Blaidd you wouldn't stay. Here, come meet your niece. She's called Rue," Lisna said with a smile despite the new lines of strain on her face. Gentle Maxon followed her, his face looking haggard.

The babe blinked up at the world with solemn blue eyes, blissfully unaware of the darkness and fear gripping the land.

Fae held the babe close, aware she had missed the birth. But she would just have to make up for it.

"Your auntie has a little jewel box just for you," she told little Rue, who was rooting around, hoping to be fed. Fae laughingly handed her back.

Blaidd's grip around Fae tightened slightly, not in possession, but in silent acknowledgement of what they were fighting for.

Lisna's joy lingered only briefly.

When the quiet settled again, Fae turned to Blaidd. "We cannot continue like this, can we?" she said. "We need to try to speak to the changelings. Ask them why they are doing this."

Blaidd's jaw tightened instantly as if he knew what she would say next. "I was planning on that tomorrow. We cannot afford any more deaths. But I need you to stay here."

She did not relent. "Maxen and Lisna have children; we cannot let them risk themselves. Someone needs to lead the pack if something happens. And I don't know what you have been smoking if you think I will let you do this without me. I think you have made enough decisions on your own."

Blaidd tried to reason with her desperately. "That does not mean you need to come with me."

"You are the former alpha," she pressed as if she hadn't heard him. "You have the standing to speak for the pack. You can demand an audience with their leader."

"And you?" he asked.

"I will stand beside you. We will do this together," she said, squeezing his hand with a smile.

Understanding stretched between them without another word spoken.

Finally, he relented with a huff.