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I glanced at the wooden stakes along the riverbank, the tips glinting darkly. “Can these barriers be removed? These restrictions?”

“They seem impervious to our efforts—they keep us from the waters, except to feed. Lord Dalian claims this way, no one can tamper with the river to cause mischief.”

Except for him. But I kept it to myself, letting her speak.

“He’s also decreed a harsh punishment for anyone who tries to remove the barriers. According to him, the Wangchuan’s power must be rationed, though he hoards most for the army and those close to him.” Her eyes flashed with suppressed anger.

“The Wangchuan River doesn’t belong to him alone,” I said.

“Who will dare tell him? Only fools would risk getting their allotment cut—not just for themselves but their families, too.” Her gaze flicked to the bronze bell by her waist. “I spoke up once, and my sister and I suffered.”

“Why are you telling me this?” Though I wanted to trust her, I had to be careful. We weren’t friends, and it was not just me at risk.

“Because you helped my sister and me,” she replied. “Not many would have chosen defeat to aid a stranger.”

“You helped me too—not just when he asked you to heal me but for what you didn’t tell him.”

“Many of us keep secrets from Lord Dalian; it’s safer that way. And if anyone valued that little help I gave, it means they were worth helping. Someone who appreciates the gifts of others rather than just seeking to take.” Her expression turned serious. “Even here, you’re still fighting for your people. You want to help them; you don’t just think of what they can do for you.”

I studied her, trying to decide how far I could trust her. “Why did you stop Captain Rao from attacking us in Tianxia?”

“Something didn’t seem right with the God of War, but it wasn’t a risk I was prepared to take. Needless slaughter turns my stomach. Unlike what you’ve been told, we don’t only want to feed on suffering.”

We walked slowly, nearing the entrance with the guards. There wasn’t much time left. “What do you want of me?” I asked bluntly.

Her gaze was bright. “Swear that this discussion will remain between us. If you repeat any of this, I’ll carve your tongue out.”

“I’ll tell no one, whether you threaten me or not—as long as you swear the same,” I said tersely. “I have as much to lose.”

“I didn’t mean to offend you; we’re used to threats here,” she said with a half-smile. “Threats, bribes, and coercion.”

“It shouldn’t be that way.”

She sighed. “It didn’t used to be. Lord Dalian’s mother was a good ruler, if only her son took her advice. You remind me a little of her—someone who cares, who listens rather than punishing all who question.”

“If I do, it’s because I had the benefit of her advice,” I admitted—though it was hard to remember how Aunt Shou had once guided me, without resentment or anger.

“So did Lord Dalian,” she pointed out.

“Why did no one protest his rule before?” I asked.

“In the turmoil of our exile, we grew reliant on our leadership. Those who disagreed were easily silenced, and we became accustomed to obeying.” She frowned. “But now the stakes are too high. With this invasion, Lord Dalian risks us all. And we don’t even know what we’re really fighting for.”

My pulse quickened. More vital than their discontent was their mistrust—an ember to be stoked, an opportunity to seize. “With the Wangchuan weakening, isn’t the invasion vital for survival?” I asked, still guarded, even as I wanted to draw her out.

She chewed her lower lip as though weighing her words. Were they treacherous? How I hoped so.

“Where is the proof that it’s weakening?” she asked softly. “All we have are Lord Dalian’s claims, and those of his trusted advisors. Many of us doubt, but we don’t dare say anything. And even if it’s true . . . if Lord Dalian shares the wealth of the Wangchuan River rather than hoarding most for his select few, there should be enough.”

I glanced at the gold bell fastened by my waist. Guilt pricked that while others were going hungry, I didn’t even need it. “If only the power of the river could be restored, or shared—this war could be averted.”

“If not, many of us will die,” she said. “If the Immortal Realm unites against us this time, the Wangchuan River will run red with our blood.”

“Are there others who think like you?” I probed, thinking of the general and captain who’d argued with Dalian.

“Yes.” She didn’t elaborate, as cautious as me. “However, Lord Dalian has the support of most of the army. Captain Rao is a favorite, as they share the same ambitions.”

“If you weaken his standing in the army, you weaken his position.”