PRAISEFORAnEmberintheAshes

“[AnEmberintheAshes]thrustsitsreadersintoaworldmarredbyviolenceandoppression,yetdoessowithsimpleprosethatcanoffermomentsoflovelinessinitsclarity.ThiscomplexitymakesEmbera

worthynovel—andoneasbraveasitscharacters.”

—THENEWYORKTIMESBOOKREVIEW

“AnEmberintheAshescouldlaunchSabaaTahirintoJ.K.Rowlingterritory...IthastheaddictivequalityofTheHungerGamescombinedwiththefantasyofHarryPotterandthebrutalityofGameofThrones.”

—PUBLICRADIOINTERNATIONAL

“Therecomesamomentwhenit’simpossibletoputitdown.SabaaTahirisastrongwriter,butmostofall,she’sagreatstoryteller.”

—THEHUFFINGTONPOST

“AsettinginspiredbyancientRome;afiercebattleforfreedominthefaceoftyranny;andavillainwhomakesCerseiLannisterandDoloresUmbridgelooklikeapairofpatheticamateurs...AnEmberinthe

Ashesisatthetopofourmust-readlistfor2015.”

—MTV.COM

“Onceyougetcaughtupinthestory,it’saddictive,andthere’snowayyoucanputitdownbeforeyoufigureoutwhathappenstothecharactersyouhavefallenforoverthecourseofthe400some-oddpages.So

Ididn’t.”

—BUSTLE

“AnEmberintheAshesmixesTheHungerGameswithGameofThrones...andaddsadashofRomeoandJuliet.”

—THEHOLLYWOODREPORTER

“PerfectforfansofMaggieStiefvater’sTheScorpioRacesorSarahMaas’sThroneofGlassseries...Thebookisalreadysettobeafilm,whichwillbeEPIC!”

—TEENVOGUE.COM

“ThisepicfantasysetintheMartialEmpirehasitall:dangerandviolence,secretsandlies,strongcharactersandforbiddenromanceandatouchofthesupernatural.”

—THEATLANTAJOURNAL-CONSTITUTION

“Here’soneoftheyear’smostanticipatedyoung-adultdebuts.”

—IO9.COM

“Fast-paced,well-structuredandfulloftwistsandturns,AnEmberintheAshesisanevocativedebutthathasleftmeinvestedinknowingwhathappensnext.”

—NPR

“Anepicfantasydebutaboutanorphanfightingforherfamilyandasoldierfightingforhisfreedom.It’sastorythat’sliterallyburningtobetold.”

—HYPABLE.COM

“Tahir’sdeft,polisheddebutalternatesbetweentwoverydifferentperspectivesonthesamebrutalworld,deepeningbothinthecontrast.Inatalebrimmingwithpoliticalintrigueandhauntedbysupernaturalforces,thetruetensioncomesfromwatchingEliasandLaiastruggletodecidewheretheirloyaltieslie.”

—PUBLISHERSWEEKLY,STARREDREVIEW

“Tahir’sworld-buildingiswonderfullydetailedandthesettingisanunusualoneforfantasynovels.Allofhercharacters,evenminorones,arefullyrealized...ForfansofGameofThronesandofMelina

Marchetta’sFinnikinoftheRock.”

—SCHOOLLIBRARYJOURNAL

“Anoriginal,well-constructedfantasyworld...trulyengaging.”

—KIRKUSREVIEWS

NAMEDONEOFTHEBESTBOOKSOFTHEYEARBY:

AMAZON,BARNES&NOBLE,BUSTLE,BUZZFEED,HYPABLE,LAWEEKLY,THENEWYORKPUBLICLIBRARY,PASTE,POPSUGAR,INDIGO,SUSPENSEMAGAZINE,andTHEWALLSTREET

JOURNAL.

PRAISEFORATorchAgainsttheNight

“Spectacular.”

—ENTERTAINMENTWEEKLY

“Freshandexciting...Tahirhasshownaremarkabletalentforpenningcomplexvillains.”

—A.V.CLUB

“Thissequelhasadarkertoneandevenhigherstakesthanitspredecessor,settingthestageforathrillingconclusion.”

—PUBLISHERSWEEKLY,STARREDREVIEW

“Tahirprovestobeamasterofsuspenseandacannypractitionerofthecliffhanger,rivetingreaders’attentionthroughout...[An]action-packed,breathlesslypacedstory.”

—BOOKLIST,STARREDREVIEW

“Anadrenalinerushtilltheverylastpage.”

—BUZZFEED

“ATorchAgainsttheNightisanunabashedpage-turnerthatscarcelyeverpausesforbreath.”

—THECHRISTIANSCIENCEMONITOR

“Theraresequelthatimprovesontheoriginal...unputdownable.”

—COMMONSENSEMEDIA(FIVESTARS)

“Thestakesherearehighandtheplotrunslikeawell-oiledmachine,ratchetingupthetensionwitheverychapter.”

—NPR.ORG

“Deliversineveryway...Thestakeshaveneverbeenhigher,andthetensionisacutelyfeltasEliasandLaiarunfortheirlives.”

—USATODAY’SHAPPYEVERAFTERBLOG

“Fast-paced,excitingandfullofadrenaline,ATorchAgainsttheNightiseverythingfansofTahir’sdebutcouldpossiblyanticipateinasequel.”

—BUCKSCOUNTYCOURIERTIMES

“Thrilling...Tahirmeticulouslyplotsthesenovels,rampingupthesuspenseandincludingplentyofsurprises.”

—THEBUFFALONEWS

“Letmetellyou,itdoesnotdisappoint.”

—BOOKRIOT

“Atlast,it’shere...It’sasheartbreakingasitisaction-packed,deliveringaworthysecondinstallmentinTahir’sbestsellingseries.”

—PASTE

“Excellent.”

—KIRKUSREVIEWS

#1NEWYORKTIMESBESTSELLER

NAMEDONEOFTHEBESTBOOKSOFTHEYEARBY:

TIME,ENTERTAINMENTWEEKLY,AMAZON,BUZZFEED,BUSTLE,PASTE,POPCRUSH,andPOPSUGAR.

AnImprintofPenguinRandomHouseLLCPenguin.com

RAZORBILL&colophonisaregisteredtrademarkofPenguinRandomHouseLLC.

FirstpublishedintheUnitedStatesofAmericabyRazorbill,animprintofPenguinRandomHouseLLC,2018

Copyright©2018SabaaTahir

PenguinRandomHousesupportscopyright.Copyrightfuelscreativity,encouragesdiversevoices,promotesfreespeech,andcreatesavibrantculture.Thankyouforbuyinganauthorizededitionofthisbookandforcomplyingwithcopyrightlawsbynotreproducing,scanning,ordistributinganypartofitinanyform

withoutpermission.YouaresupportingwritersandallowingPenguinRandomHousetocontinuetopublishbooksforeveryreader.

LIBRARYOFCONGRESSCATALOGING-IN-PUBLICATIONDATAISAVAILABLE

EbookISBN:9780448494524

MapbyJonathanRoberts

Thisisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,places,andincidentseitheraretheproductoftheauthor’simaginationorareusedfictitiously,andanyresemblancetoactualpersons,livingordead,businesses,

companies,events,orlocalesisentirelycoincidental.

Version_1

ForRenée,whoknowsmyheart.ForAlexandra,whoholdsmyhopes.AndforBen,whosharesthedream.

CONTENTS

PraiseforSabaaTahirTitlePageCopyrightDedicationMaps

PARTI:THEKINGOFNONAMEI:TheNightbringerII:LaiaIII:EliasIV:TheBloodShrikeV:LaiaVI:EliasVII:TheBloodShrikeVIII:LaiaIX:EliasX:TheBloodShrike

PARTII:INFERNOXI:LaiaXII:EliasXIII:TheBloodShrikeXIV:LaiaXV:EliasXVI:TheBloodShrikeXVII:LaiaXVIII:EliasXIX:TheBloodShrikeXX:LaiaXXI:EliasXXII:TheBloodShrike

XXIII:LaiaXXIV:EliasXXV:TheBloodShrikeXXVI:LaiaXXVII:EliasXXVIII:TheBloodShrikeXXIX:LaiaXXX:Elias

PARTIII:ANTIUMXXXI:TheBloodShrikeXXXII:LaiaXXXIII:TheBloodShrikeXXXIV:EliasXXXV:TheBloodShrikeXXXVI:LaiaXXXVII:EliasXXXVIII:TheBloodShrikeXXXIX:LaiaXL:EliasXLI:TheBloodShrikeXLII:LaiaXLIII:TheBloodShrikeXLIV:LaiaXLV:Elias

PARTIV:SIEGEXLVI:TheBloodShrikeXLVII:LaiaXLVIII:TheBloodShrikeXLIX:LaiaL:EliasLI:TheBloodShrikeLII:LaiaLIII:EliasLIV:LaiaLV:TheBloodShrikeLVI:Laia

PARTV:BELOVEDLVII:TheBloodShrikeLVIII:TheSoulCatcherLIX:TheNightbringer

AcknowledgmentsAbouttheAuthor

PARTI

THEKINGOFNONAME

Y

I:TheNightbringer

oulovetoomuch,myking.Myqueenspokethewordsoftenacrossthecenturieswespenttogether.

Atfirst,withasmile.Butinlateryears,withafurrowedbrow.Hergazesettledonourchildrenastheytoreaboutthepalace,theirbodiesflickeringfromflametoflesh,tinycyclonesofimpossiblebeauty.

“Ifearforyou,Meherya.”Hervoicetrembled.“Ifearwhatyouwilldoifharmcomestothosewhomyoulove.”

“Noharmshallbefallyou.Ivowit.”Ispokewiththepassionandfollyofyouth,thoughIwasnot,ofcourse,

young.Eventhen.Thatday,thebreezesofftheriverruffledhermidnighthairandsunlightpouredlikeliquidgoldthroughthesheercurtainsofthewindows.Itlitourchildrenumberastheytrailedscorchmarksandlaughteracrossthestonefloor.

Herfearsheldhercaptive.Ireachedforherhands.“Iwoulddestroyanywhodaredhurtyou,”Isaid.

“Meherya,no.”IhavewonderedintheyearssincethenifshealreadyfearedwhatIwouldbecome.“Swearyouwouldnever.YouareourMeherya.Yourheartismadetolove.Togive.Nottotake.Thatiswhyyouarekingofthejinn.Swearit.”

Isworetwovowsthatday:toprotect,always.Tolove,always.Withinayear,Ihadbrokenboth.

TheStarhangsfromthewallofthecavernfarfromhumaneyes.Itisafour-pointeddiamond,withanarrowgapatitsapex.Thinstriationsspiderwebacrossit,areminderofthedaytheScholarsshattereditafterimprisoningmypeople.Themetalgleamswithimpatience,potentastheglareofajunglebeastclosinginonprey.Suchvastpowerwithinthisweapon—enoughtodestroyanancientcity,anancientpeople.Enoughtoimprisonthejinnforathousandyears.

Enoughtosetthemfree.

Asifsensingthearmletclingingtomywrist,theStarrattles,yearningtowardthemissingpiece.AwrenchshuddersthroughmeasIofferthearmletup,anditoozesawaylikeasilvereeltojoinwiththeStar.Thegapshrinks.

ThefourpointsoftheStarflare,lightingthefarreachesofthespeckledgranitecavern,elicitingawaveofangryhissesfromthecreaturesaroundme.Thentheglowfades,leavingonlypallidmoonlight.Ghulsswishatmyankles.Master.Master.Beyondthem,theWraithLordawaitsmyorders,alongwiththeefritkings

andqueens—ofwindandsea,sandandcave,airandsnow.Astheywatch,silentandwary,Iconsidertheparchmentinmyhands.Itisas

unobtrusiveassand.Thewordswithinarenot.Atmysummons,theWraithLordapproaches.Hesubmitsreluctantly,cowed

bymymagic,strainingalwaystobefreeofme.ButIhaveneedofhimyet.Thewraithsaredisparatescrapsoflostsouls,joinedbyancientsorceryandundetectablewhentheywishtobe.EvenbytheEmpire’sfamedMasks.

AsIofferhimtheparchment,Ihearher.Myqueen’svoiceisawhisper,gentleasacandleonachillnight.Onceyoudothis,youcannevercomeback.Allhopeforyouislost,Meherya.Consider.

Idoassheasks.Iconsider.ThenIremembersheisdeadandgoneandhasbeenforamillennium.Her

presenceisadelusion.Hervoiceismyweakness.IprofferthescrolltotheWraithLord.

“SeethatitfindsBloodShrikeHeleneAquilla,”Itellhim.“Andnoother.”Hebows,andtheefritssailforward.Iordertheefritsofairaway;Ihaveaseparatetaskforthem.Therestkneel.

“Longago,yougavetheScholarsknowledgethatledtothedestructionofmypeopleandthefeyworld.”Ajoltofmemoryripplesthroughtheirranks.“Iofferyouredemption.Gotoournewalliesinthesouth.Helpthemunderstandwhattheycancallforthfromthedarkplaces.TheGrainMoonwillrisesixmonthshence.Seeitdonewellbeforethen.Andyou”—theghulspressclose—“glutyourselves.Donotfailme.”

Whentheyhaveallleftme,IcontemplatetheStarandthinkofthetreacherousjinngirlwhohelpedbringitintobeing.Perhapstoahuman,theweaponwouldshinewithpromise.

Ifeelonlyhatred.Afacedriftstotheforefrontofmymind.LaiaofSerra.Irecalltheheatofher

skinbeneathmyhands,howherwristscrossedbehindmyneck.Thewaysheclosedhereyesandthegoldenhollowofherthroat.Shefeltlikethethresholdofmyoldhomewhentherusheswerefresh-changed.Shefeltsafe.

Youlovedher,myqueensays.Andthenyouhurther.MybetrayaloftheScholargirlshouldnotlinger.Ideceivedhundredsbefore

her.Yetuneasegripsme.SomethinginexplicableoccurredafterLaiaofSerra

giftedmeherarmlet—aftersherealizedthattheboyshecalledKeenanwasnaughtbutafabrication.Likeallhumans,sheglimpsedinmyeyesthedarkestmomentsofherlife.ButwhenIlookedintohersoul,something—someone—peeredback:myqueen,gazingatmeacrossthecenturies.

Isawherhorror.HersadnessatwhatIhadbecome.IsawherpainatwhatourchildrenandourpeoplesufferedatthehandsoftheScholars.

Ithinkofmyqueenwitheverybetrayal.Goingbackathousandyears,toeachhumanfound,manipulated,andloveduntiltheyfreelygavemetheirpieceoftheStarwithloveintheirhearts.Againandagainandagain.

ButneverhadIseenherinthegazeofanother.NeverhadIfeltthesharpbladeofherdisappointmentsokeenly.

Oncemore.Onlyoncemore.Myqueenspeaks.Donotdothis.Please.Icrushhervoice.Icrushhermemory.IthinkIwillnothearheragain.

E

II:Laia

verythingaboutthisraidfeelswrong.DarinandIbothknowit,evenifneitherofusiswillingtosayit.Thoughmybrotherdoesnotspeakmuchthesedays.TheghostwagonswetrackfinallyrolltoastopoutsideaMartialvillage.I

risefromthesnow-heavybusheswherewe’vetakencoverandnodtoDarin.Hegrabsmyhandandsqueezes.Besafe.

Ireachformyinvisibility,apowerawokenwithinmerecently,andonethatI’mstillsettlinginto.Mybreathwreathesupinwhiteclouds,likeasnakeundulatingtosomeunknowablesong.ElsewhereintheEmpire,springhasscattereditsblossoms.ButthisclosetoAntium,thecapital,winterstillwhipsitschillfingersacrossourfaces.

Midnightpasses,andthefewlampsthatburninthevillagesputterintherisingwind.WhenIamthroughtheperimeteroftheprisonercaravan,Ipitchmyvoicelowandhootlikeasnowyowl,commonenoughinthispartoftheEmpire.

AsIprowltowardtheghostwagons,myskinprickles.Iwhirl,myinstinctrearinginwarning.Thenearbyridgelineisempty,andtheMartialauxiliarysoldiersonguarddonotsomuchastwitch.Nothingappearsamiss.You’rejustjumpy,Laia.Likealways.Fromourcampontheoutskirtsofthe

WaitingPlace,twentymilesfromhere,DarinandIhaveplannedandcarriedoutsixraidsonEmpireprisonercaravans.MybrotherhasnotforgedasinglescrapofSerricsteel.IhavenotrespondedtothelettersfromAraj,theScholarleaderwhoescapedKaufPrisonwithus.ButtogetherwithAfyaAra-Nurandhermen,wehavehelpedtofreemorethanfourhundredScholarsandTribesmenoverthepasttwomonths.

Still,thatdoesnotguaranteesuccesswiththiscaravan.Forthiscaravanisdifferent.

Beyondtheperimeter,familiarblack-cladfiguresmoveinonthecampfromthetrees.Afyaandhermen,respondingtomysignal,preparingtoattack.Theirpresencegivesmeheart.TheTribeswomanwhohelpedmefreeDarinfromKaufistheonlyreasonweknowoftheseghostwagons—andtheprisonertheytransport.

Thelockpicksarebladesoficeinmyhand.Sixwagonssitinahalfcircle,withtwosupplycartsshelteredbetweenthem.Mostofthesoldiersbusythemselveswiththehorsesandcampfires.Snowgustsdowninflurries,stingingmyfaceasIgettothefirstwagonandbeginworkingthelock.Thepinswithinareenigmastomyfreezing,clumsyhands.Faster,Laia.

Thewagonissilent,asifempty.ButIknowbetter.Soon,thewhimperofachildbreaksthequiet.Itisquicklyshushed.Theprisonershavelearnedthatsilenceistheonlywaytoavoidsuffering.

“Wheretheburninghellsiseverybody?”avoicebellowsnearmyear.Inearlydropmypicks.Alegionnairestridespast,andatendrilofpanicunfurlsdownmyspine.Idonotdaretobreathe.Whatifheseesme?Whatifmyinvisibilityfalters?Ithashappenedbefore,whenIamunderattack,orinalargecrowd.

“Wakeuptheinnkeeper.”Thelegionnaireturnstotheauxhasteningtowardhim.“Tellhimtorolloutakegandpreparerooms.”

“Inn’sempty,sir.Villagelooksabandoned.”Martialsdonotabandonvillages,eveninthedeadofwinter.Notunlessa

plaguehascomethrough.ButAfyawouldhaveheardifthatwerethecase.Theirreasonsforleavingarenotyourconcern,Laia.Getthelocksopen.Theauxandthelegionnairestalkofftowardtheinn.Themomenttheyare

outofsight,Igetmypicksinthelock.Butthemetalgroans,stiffwithrime.Comeon!WithoutEliasVeturiustogetthroughhalfthelocks,Ihavetowork

twiceasfast.Ihavenotimetothinkofmyfriend,andyetIcannotquellmyworry.Hispresenceduringtheraidshaskeptusfrombeingcaught.Hesaidhewouldbehere.

WhatintheskiescouldhavehappenedtoElias?He’sneverletmedown.Notwhenitcomestotheraids,anyway.DidShaevalearnthathesnuckDarinandmebackacrosstheWaitingPlacefromthecottageintheFreeLands?Isshepunishinghim?

IknowlittleoftheSoulCatcher—sheisshy,andIassumedshedidnotlikeme.Somedays,whenEliasemergesfromtheWaitingPlacetovisitmeandDarin,IfeelthejinnwomanwatchingusandIsensenorancor.Onlysadness.Butskiesknow,I’mnojudgeofhiddenmalice.

Ifitwereanyothercaravan—anyotherprisonerwewereattemptingtobreakout—IwouldnothaveriskedDarin,ortheTribespeople,ormyself.

ButweoweittoMamieRilaandtherestoftheSaifprisonerstotrytofreethem.Elias’sTribalmothersacrificedherbody,freedom,andTribesoIcouldsaveDarin.Icannotfailher.Eliasisnothere.You’realone.Move!

Thelockfinallyspringsopen,andImakeforthenextwagon.Inthetreesjustyardsaway,Afyamustbecursingatthedelay.ThelongerItake,themorelikelyitisthattheMartialswillcatchus.

WhenIcrackthelastlock,Icroonasignal.Snick.Snick.Snick.Dartshurtlethroughtheair.TheMartialsattheperimeterdropsilently,leftinsensatebytheraresouthernpoisoncoatingthedarts.AhalfdozenTribesmenapproachthesoldiersandslittheirthroats.

Ilookaway,thoughIstillhearthetearofflesh,therattleofafinalbreath.Iknowitmustbedone.WithoutSerricsteel,Afya’speoplecannotfacetheMartialsheadon,lesttheirbladesbreak.Butthereisanefficiencytothekillingthatfreezesmyblood.IwonderifIwillevergetusedtoit.

Asmallformappearsoutoftheshadows,weaponglinting.TheintricatetattoosthatmarkherasaZaldara,theheadofherTribe,areconcealedbylong,darksleeves.IhissatAfyaAra-NursosheknowswhereIam.

“Tookyoulongenough.”Sheglancesaround,blackandredbraidsswinging.“WhereinthetenhellsisElias?Canhedisappearnowtoo?”

EliasfinallytoldAfyaoftheWaitingPlace,ofhisdeathinKaufPrison,ofhisresurrectionandhisagreementwithShaeva.Thatday,theTribeswomancursedhimroundlyforafoolbeforefindingme.Forgethimnow,Laia,shehadsaid.It’sdamnedstupidtofallforaonce-deadghost-talker,Idon’tcarehowprettyheis.

“Eliasdidn’tcome.”AfyaswearsinSadheseandmovestowardthewagons.Sheexplainssoftlyto

theprisonersthattheymustfollowhermen,thattheymustmakenonoise.Shoutsandthehightwangofabowechofromthevillage,fiftyyardsfrom

whereIstand.IleaveAfyabehindandsprinttowardthehouseswhere,inadarkenedalleyoutsidethevillageinn,Afya’sfightersdanceawayfromahalfdozenEmpiresoldiers,includingthelegionnaireincommand.Tribalarrowsanddartsfly,deftcounterstotheMartials’deadlyblades.Idashintothefray,slammingthehiltofmydaggerintoanaux’stemple.Ineedn’thavebothered.Thesoldiersgodownquickly.

Tooquickly.Theremustbemoremennearby—ahiddenforce.OraMasklurking,unseen.“Laia.”Ijumpatmyname.Darin’sgoldenskinisdarkwithmudtohidehis

presence.Ahoodcoverstheunruly,honey-coloredhairthathasfinallygrownin.Lookingathim,noonewouldeverknowhe’dsurvivedsixmonthsinKaufPrison.Butwithinhismind,mybrotherbattlesdemonsstill.ItisthosedemonsthathavekepthimfrommakingSerricsteel.

He’sherenow,Itellmyselfsternly.Fighting.Helping.Theweaponswillcomewhenhe’sready.

“Mamieisn’there,”hesays,turningwhenItaphisshoulder,voicehaggardwithdisuse.“Ifoundherfosterson,Shan.Hesaidthesoldierstookherfromherwagonwhenthecaravanstoppedforthenight.”

“Shemustbeinthevillage,”Isay.“Gettheprisonersoutofhere.I’llfindher.”

“Thevillageshouldn’tbeempty,”Darinsays.“Thisdoesn’tfeelright.Yougo.I’lllookforMamie.”

“Oneofyoubleedingneedstofindher.”Afyaappearsbehindus.“BecauseI’mnotgoingtodoit,andwehavetogettheprisonershidden.”

“Ifsomethinggoeswrong,”Isay,“Icanusemyinvisibilitytoslipaway.I’llmeetyoubackatthecampassoonasIcan.”

Mybrotherraiseshiseyebrows,consideringmywordsinhisquietway.Whenhechoosestobe,heisasimmovableasthemountains—justlikeourmotherwas.

“Igowhereyougo,sis.Eliaswouldagree.Heknows—”“IfyouaresochummywithElias,”Ihiss,“thentellhimthatthenexttimehe

commitstohelpingwitharaid,heneedstofollowthrough.”Darin’smouthcurvesinabrief,crookedsmile.Mother’ssmile.“Laia,Iknow

you’reangryathim,buthe—”“Skiessavemefromthemeninmylifeandallthethingstheythinkthey

know.Getoutofhere.Afyaneedsyou.Theprisonersneedyou.Go.”Beforeheprotests,Idartintothevillage.Itisnomorethanahundred

cottageswiththatchedroofsthatsagbeneaththesnow,andnarrow,dimstreets.Thewindwailsthroughneatlytendedgardens,andInearlytripoverabroomabandonedinalane.Thevillagersleftthisplacerecently,Isense,andwithhaste.

Itreadcarefully,waryofwhatmightlurkintheshadows.ThestorieswhisperedintavernsandaroundTribalcampfireshauntme:wraithstearingoutthethroatsofMarinersailors.Scholarfamiliesfoundinburned-outencampmentsintheFreeLands.Wights—tinywingedmenaces—destroyingwagonsandtormentinglivestock.

Allofit,I’mcertain,isthefoulhandiworkofthecreaturethatcalleditselfKeenan.

TheNightbringer.Ipausetopeekthroughthefrontwindowofadarkenedcottage.Inthe

stygiannight,Icanseenothing.AsImovetothenexthouse,myguiltcirclesintheoceanofmymind,scentingmyweakness.YougavetheNightbringerthe

armlet,ithisses.Youfellpreytohismanipulation.HeisastepclosertodestroyingtheScholars.WhenhefindstherestoftheStar,he’llsetthejinnfree.Thenwhat,Laia?

ButitcouldtaketheNightbringeryearstofindthenextpieceoftheStar,Ireasontomyself.Andtheremightbemorethanonepieceleft.Theremightbedozens.

Aflickeroflightahead.ItearmythoughtsfromtheNightbringerandmovetowardacottagealongthenorthedgeofthevillage.Itsdoorstandsajar.Alampburnswithin.ThedoorisproppedwideenoughthatIcanslipthroughwithoutdisturbingit.Anyoneplanninganambushwouldseenothing.

Onceinside,ittakesamomentformyvisiontoadjust.Whenitdoes,Istifleacry.MamieRilasitstiedtoachair,agauntshadowofherformerself.Herdarkskinhangslooselyonherframe,andherthick,curlyhairhasbeenshavedoff.

Ialmostgotoher.Butsomeoldinstinctstopsme,cryingoutfromdeepwithinmymind.

Abootthumpsbehindme.Startled,Iwhirl,andafloorboardcreaksbeneathmyfeet.Icatchatelltaleflashofliquidsilver—Mask!—justasahandlocksaroundmymouthandmyarmsarewrenchedbehindmyback.

N

III:Elias

omatterhowoftenIsneakoutoftheWaitingPlace,itnevergetseasier.AsIapproachthewesterntreeline,aflashofwhitenearbycausesmystomach

toplunge.Aspirit.Ibitebackacurseandholdstill.IfitspiesmelurkingsofarfromwhereI’msupposedtobe,theentirebleedingForestofDuskwillknowwhatI’mupto.Ghosts,itturnsout,lovetogossip.

Thedelaychafes.I’malreadylate—Laiawasexpectingmemorethananhourago,andthisisn’taraidshe’llskipjustbecauseI’mnotaround.Almostthere.IlopethroughafreshlayerofsnowtotheborderoftheWaiting

Place,whichglimmersahead.Toalayperson,it’sinvisible.ButtomeandShaeva,theglowingwallisasobviousasifitweremadeofstone.ThoughIcanpassthroughiteasily,itkeepsthespiritsinandcurioushumansout.Shaevahasspentmonthslecturingmeabouttheimportanceofthatwall.

Shewillbevexedwithme.Thisisn’tthefirsttimeI’vedisappearedonherwhenI’msupposedtobetrainingasSoulCatcher.Thoughsheisajinn,Shaevahaslittleskillindealingwithdissemblingstudents.I,ontheotherhand,spentfourteenyearsconcoctingwaystoskipoutonBlackcliff’sCenturions.GettingcaughtatBlackcliffmeantawhippingfrommymother,theCommandant.Shaevausuallyjustglowersatme.

“PerhapsItooshouldinstitutewhippings.”Shaeva’svoicecutsthroughtheairlikeascim,andInearlyjumpoutofmyskin.“Wouldyouthenappearwhenyouaresupposedto,Elias,insteadofshirkingyourresponsibilitiestoplayhero?”

“Shaeva!Iwasjust...ah,areyou...steaming?”Vaporrisesinthickplumesfromthejinnwoman.

“Someone”—sheglaresatme—“forgottohangupthewashing.Iwasoutofshirts.”

Andsincesheisajinn,herunnaturallyhighbodyheatwilldryherwashedlaundry...afteranhourortwoofunpleasantdampness,I’msure.Nowondershelookslikeshewantstokickmeintheface.

Shaevatugsatmyarm,herever-presentjinnwarmthdrivingawaythecoldthathasseepedintomybones.Momentslater,wearemilesfromtheborder.My

headspinsfromthemagicsheusestomoveussoswiftlythroughtheForest.Atthesightoftheglowingredjinngrove,Igroan.Ihatethisplace.Thejinn

mightbelockedinthetrees,buttheystillhavepowerwithinthissmallspace,andtheyuseittogetintomyheadwheneverIenter.

Shaevarollshereyes,asifdealingwithaparticularlyirritatingyoungersibling.TheSoulCatcherflicksherhand,andwhenIpullmyarmaway,IfindIcannotwalkmorethanafewfeet.She’sputupsomesortofward.Shemustfinallybelosingherpatiencewithmeifshe’sresortingtoimprisonment.

Itrytokeepmytemper—andfail.“That’sanastytrick.”“Andoneyoucoulddisarmeasilyifyoustayedstilllongenoughformeto

teachyouhow.”Shenodstothejinngrove,wherespiritswindthroughthetrees.“Theghostofachildneedssoothing,Elias.Go.Letmeseewhatyouhavelearnedthesepastweeks.”

“Ishouldn’tbehere.”Igivethewardaviolentifineffectualshove.“LaiaandDarinandMamieneedme.”

Shaevaleansintothehollowofatreeandglancesupatthesnippetsofstarandskyvisiblethroughthebarebranches.“Anhouruntilmidnight.Theraidmustbeunderway.Laiawillbeindanger.DarinandAfyatoo.Enterthegroveandhelpthisghostmoveon.Ifyoudo,Iwilldropthewardandyoucanleave.Oryourfriendscankeepwaiting.”

“You’regrumpierthanusual,”Isay.“Didyouskipbreakfast?”“Stopstalling.”Imutteracurseandmentallyarmmyselfagainstthejinn,imaginingabarrier

aroundmymindthattheycannotpenetratewiththeirevilwhispers.Witheachstepintothegrove,Isensethemwatching.Listening.

Amomentlater,laughterechoesinmyhead.Itislayered—voiceuponvoice,mockeryuponmockery.Thejinn.Youcannothelptheghosts,foolmortal.AndyoucannothelpLaiaofSerra.

Sheshalldieaslow,painfuldeath.Thejinns’malicespearsthroughmycarefullyconstructeddefenses.The

creaturesplumbmydarkestthoughts,paradingimagesofadead,brokenLaiabeforemeuntilIcannottellwherethejinngroveendsandtheirtwistedvisionsbegin.

Iclosemyeyes.Notreal.IopenthemtofindHeleneslainatthebaseofthenearesttree.Darinliesbesideher.Beyondhim,MamieRila.Shan,myfosterbrother.IamremindedofthebattlefieldofdeathfromtheFirstTrialsolongago—andyetthisisworsebecauseIthoughtIleftviolenceandsufferingbehindme.

IrecallShaeva’slessons.Inthegrove,thejinnhavethepowertocontrolyourmind.Toexploityourweaknesses.Itrytoshakethejinnaway,buttheyholdfast,

theirwhisperssnakingintome.Atmyside,Shaevastiffens.Hail,traitor.TheyslipintoformalspeechwhentheyspeaktotheSoul

Catcher.Thydoomisuponthee.Theairreeksofit.Shaeva’sjawtightens,andimmediatelyIwishforaweapontoshutthemup.

Shehasenoughonhermindwithoutthemtauntingher.ButtheSoulCatchersimplyliftsahandtothenearestjinntree.ThoughI

cannotseeherdeploythemagicoftheWaitingPlace,shemusthave,becausethejinnfallsilent.

“Youneedtotryharder.”Sheturnsonme.“Thejinnwantyoutodwellonpettyconcerns.”

“ThefatesofLaiaandDarinandMamiearen’tpetty.”“Theirlivesarenothingagainstthesweepoftime,”Shaevasays.“Iwillnot

behereforever,Elias.Youmustlearntopasstheghoststhroughmoreswiftly.Therearetoomany.”Atmymulishexpression,shesighs.“Tellme,whatdoyoudowhenaghostrefusestoleavetheWaitingPlaceuntiltheirlovedonesdie?”

“Ah...well...”Shaevagroans,thelookonherfaceremindingmeofHelene’sexpression

whenIdidn’tshowuptoclassontime.“Whataboutwhenyouhavehundredsofghostsscreamingtobeheardallat

once?”Shaevasays.“Whatdoyoudowithaspiritwhodidhorrificthingsinlifebutwhofeelsnoremorse?DoyouknowwhytherearesofewghostsfromtheTribes?Doyouknowwhatwillhappenifyoudonotmovetheghostsfastenough?”

“Nowthatyoumentionit,”Isay,mycuriositypiqued,“whatwillhappenif—”

“Ifyoudonotpasstheghoststhrough,itwillmeanyourfailureasSoulCatcherandtheendofthehumanworldasyouunderstandit.Hopetotheskiesthatyouneverseethatday.”

Shesitsdownheavily,sinkingherheadintoherhands,andafteramoment,Idropbesideher,mychestlurchingunpleasantlyatherdistress.ThisisnotlikewhentheCenturionswereangrywithme.Ididn’tbleedingcarewhattheythought.ButIwanttodowellforShaeva.Wehavespentmonthstogether,sheandI—carryingoutthedutiesofSoulCatchermostly,butalsodebatingMartialmilitaryhistory,bickeringgood-naturedlyaboutchores,andsharingnotesonhuntingandcombat.Ithinkofherasawiser,mucholdersister.Idon’twanttodisappointher.

“Letgoofthehumanworld,Elias.Untilyoudo,youcannotdrawuponthemagicoftheWaitingPlace.”

“Iwindwalkallthetime.”Shaevahastaughtmethetrickofspeedingthroughthetreesintheblinkofaneye,thoughsheisfasterthanI.

“Windwalkingisphysicalmagic,simpletomaster.”Shaevasighs.“Whenyoutookyourvow,themagicoftheWaitingPlaceenteredyourblood.Mauthenteredyourblood.”Mauth.Isuppressashudder.Thenameisstillstrangeonmylips.Ididnot

knowthatthemagicevenhadanamewhenitfirstspoketomethroughShaeva,monthsago,demandingmyvowasSoulCatcher.

“Mauthisthesourceofalltheworld’sfeypower,Elias.Thejinn,theefrits,theghuls.EvenyourfriendHelene’shealing.HeisthesourceofyourpowerasSoulCatcher.”He.Asifthemagicisalive.“Hewillaidyouinpassingontheghostsifyoulethim.Mauth’struepower

ishere”—theSoulCatchergentlytapsmyheart,thenmytemple—“andhere.Butuntilyouforgeasoul-deepbondwiththemagic,youcannotbeatrueSoulCatcher.”

“Easyforyoutosay.You’rejinn.Themagicispartofyou.Itdoesn’tcomeeasilytome.InsteadityanksatmeifIstraytoofarfromthetrees,likeI’mawaywardhound.AndifItouchLaia,bleedinghells—”Thepainisexcruciatingenoughthatthinkingofitmakesmegrimace.See,traitor,howfoolishitwastotrustthismortalbitoffleshwiththesoulsof

thedead?Attheintrusionofherjinnkin,Shaevaslamsashockwaveofmagicinto

theirgrovethatissopowerfulevenIfeelit.“Hundredsofghostswaittopass,andmorecomeeveryday.”Sweatrolls

downShaeva’stemple,asifshe’sfightingabattleIcannotsee.“Iammuchdisturbed.”Shespeakssoftlyandglancesintothetreesbehindher.“IfeartheNightbringerworksagainstus,stealthilyandwithmalice.ButIcannotfathomhisplan,anditworriesme.”

“Ofcourseheworksagainstus.Hewantstosetthetrappedjinnfree.”“No.Isenseadarkintent,”Shaevasays.“Ifharmshouldbefallmebefore

yourtrainingiscomplete...”Shetakesadeepbreathandcollectsherself.“Icandothis,Shaeva,”Isaytoher.“Iswearittoyou.ButItoldLaiaI’d

helphertonight.Mamiemightbedead.Laiamightbedead.Idon’tknow,becauseI’mnotthere.”

Skies,howtoexplainittoher?She’sbeenawayfromhumanityforsolongthatshecan’tpossiblyunderstand.Doesshecomprehendlove?Onthedayswhensheteasesmeabouttalkinginmysleep,ortellsstrange,funnytalesbecausesheknowsIacheforLaia,itseemsasifshedoes.Butnow...

“MamieRilagaveupherlifeformine,andbysomemiracleshestilllives,”Isay.“Don’tmakemewelcomeherhere.Don’tmakemewelcomeLaia.”

“Lovingthemwillonlyhurtyou,”Shaevasays.“Intheend,theywillfade.Youwillendure.Everytimeyoubidfarewelltoyetanotherpartofyouroldlife,apieceofyouwilldie.”

“YouthinkIdon’tknowthat?”EverymomentstolenwithLaiaistheinfuriatingevidenceofthatfact.Thefewkisseswe’vehad,cutshortbecauseofMauth’soppressivedisapproval.Thechasmopeningbetweenusasthetruthofmyvowsinksin.EverytimeIseehersheseemsfurtheraway,asifIpeeratherthroughaspyglass.

“Foolboy.”Shaeva’svoiceissoftwithempathy.Herblackeyeslosefocus,andIfeelthewarddrop.“Iwillfindtheghostandpasshimon.Go.Anddonotbecarelesswithyourlife.Full-grownjinnarenearlyimpossibletokill,exceptbyotherjinn.WhenyoujoinwithMauth,youtoowillbecomeresilienttoattack,andtimewillceasetoaffectyou.Butuntilthen,bewary.Ifyoudieagain,Icannotbringyouback.And”—shekicksatthegroundself-consciously—“I’vegrownusedtoyou.”

“Iwon’tdie.”Igriphershoulder.“AndIpromiseI’lldothedishesforthenextmonth.”

Shesnortsherdisbelief,butbythen,Iammoving,windwalkingthroughthetreessorapidlyIcanfeelthebranchescuttingmyface.Ahalfhourlater,IhurtlepastShaeva’sandmycottage,throughthebordersoftheWaitingPlace,andintotheEmpire.ThemomentI’mclearofthetrees,stormwindsbuffetmeandmywindwalkingslows,themagicweakeningasIleavetheForestbehind.

Ifeelapullatmycoretuggingmeback.Mauth,demandingmyreturn.Thepullisalmostpainful,butIgritmyteethandcontinueon.Painisachoice.Succumbtoitandfail.Ordefyitandtriumph.KerisVeturia’straining,drilledintomyverybones.

BythetimeIarriveoutsidethevillagewhereIwastomeetLaia,midnightislongpastandmoonlightpushesmeeklythroughthesnowclouds.Pleaselettheraidhavegonesmoothly.PleaseletMamiebeallright.

ButtheinstantIenterthevillage,Iknowsomethingisoff.Thecaravanisempty,thewagondoorscreakinginthestorm.Athinlayerofsnowhasalreadysettledonthebodiesofthesoldiersguardingthecaravans.Amongthem,IfindnoMask.NoTribalcasualties.Thevillageissilentwhenitshouldbeinanuproar.Trap.Iknowitinstantly,assureasI’dknowmyownmother’sface.IsthisKeris’s

work?DidshelearnaboutLaia’sraids?

Ipullmyhoodup,drawonascarf,anddropintoacrouch,observingthetracksinthesnow.Theyarefaint—brushedaway.ButIcatchsightofafamiliarbootprint:Laia’s.

Thesetracksaren’thereoutofcarelessness.IwasmeanttoknowthatLaiawentintothevillage.Andthatshedidn’tcomeout.Whichmeansthetrapwasn’tsetforher.

Itwassetforme.

“C

IV:TheBloodShrike

urseyou!”IkeepanirongriparoundLaiaofSerra,butsheresistsmewithallherstrength.Sherefusestodropherinvisibility,andIfeelasif

I’mgrapplingwithanangry,camouflagedfish.IcursemyselffornotknockingheroutthemomentIgrabbedher.

Shelandsanastykicktomyanklebeforeelbowingmeinthegut.Myholdonherweakens,andshe’soutofmyhands.Ilungetowardthesoundofherbootscrapingthefloor,savagelysatisfiedatthehuffofherbreathleavingherlungsasItackleher.Finally,sheflickersintobeing,andbeforeshecanplayherlittledisappearingtrickagain,Itwistherhandsbackandtrusshertighterthanafestival-daygoat.Stillpanting,Ishoveherintoachair.

Shelooksattheotheroccupantofthecabin—MamieRila,boundandbarelyconscious—andsnarlsthroughhergag.Shekicksoutlikeamule,herbootconnectingbeneathmyknee.Igrimaceatthepain.Don’tbackhandher,Shrike.

Evenasshefights,afeypartofmymindtrillsatthelifewithinher.Shehashealed.Sheisstrong.Thefactshouldirkme.

ButthemagicIusedonLaiabindsustogether,atiethatrunsdeeperthanI’dlike.Ifeelreliefathervigor,asifI’dlearnedthatmylittlesisterLiviaishealthy.Whichshewon’tbeformuchlonger,ifthisplandoesn’twork.Fearlances

throughme,followedbyaharshstabofmemory.Thethroneroom.EmperorMarcus.Mymother’sthroat:cut.MysisterHannah’sthroat:cut.Myfather’sthroat:cut.Allbecauseofme.

IwillnotseeLiviadietoo.IneedtocarryoutMarcus’sordersandbringdownCommandantKerisVeturia.IfIdon’treturntoAntiumfromthismissionwithsomethingIcanuseagainsther,Marcuswilltakehisrageoutonhisempress—Livia.Hehasdonesobefore.

ButtheCommandantappearsunassailable.Thelow-classPlebeiansandMercatortraderssupportherbecauseshequelledtheScholarrevolution.ThemostpowerfulfamiliesintheEmpire,theIllustrians,fearherandGensVeturia.She’stoowilytoallowanassassinclose,andevenifIdidtakeherout,herallieswouldriseupinrevolt.

WhichmeansImustfirstweakenherstatusamongtheGens.Imustshowthemthatsheisstillhuman.

Andtodothat,IneedEliasVeturius.Thesonwhoissupposedtobedead,whoKerisclaimedwasdead,butwhois,Irecentlylearned,verymuchalive.PresentinghimasevidenceofKeris’sfailureisthefirststeptowardconvincingheralliesthatshe’snotasstrongassheappears.

“Themoreyoufightme,”IsaytoLaia,“thetighteryourbondswillget.”Iyankontheropes.Whenshewinces,Ifeelanunpleasanttwingedeepwithin.Asideeffectofhealingher?Itwilldestroyyouifyou’renotcareful.TheNightbringer’swordsaboutmy

healingmagicechoinmymind.Isthiswhathemeant?ThatthetiestothoseIhealedareunbreakable?

Icannotdwellonitnow.CaptainAvitasHarperandCaptainDexAtriusenterthecottagewe’verequisitioned.Harpergivesmeanod,butDex’sattentionflitstoMamie,hisjawtight.

“Dex,”Isay.“It’stime.”Hedoesn’tlookawayfromMamie.Unsurprising.Monthsago,whenwe

werehuntingdownElias,DexinterrogatedMamieandothermembersofTribeSaifonmyorders.Hisguilthasplaguedhimsince.

“Atrius!”Isnap.Dex’sheadjerksup.“Getintoposition.”Heshakeshimselfanddisappears.Harperwaitspatientlyfororders,

unruffledbyLaia’smuffledcursesandMamie’smoansofpain.“Checktheperimeter,”Itellhim.“Makesurenoneofthevillagerswandered

back.”Ididn’tspendweekssettingupthisambushsoacuriousPlebecouldruinit.

AsLaiaofSerrafollowsHarper’sprogressoutthedoor,Ipulloutadirkandparemynails.Thegirl’sdarkclothesfitherclosely,huggingthoseirritatingcurvesinawaythatmakesmeconsciousofeveryawkwardlyjuttingboneinmybody.I’vetakenherpack,alongwithawell-worndaggerIrecognizewithajolt.It’sElias’s.HisgrandfatherQuingaveittohimasasixteenthyear-fallgift.

AndElias,apparently,gaveittoLaia.ShehissesagainstthegagashergazedartsbetweenmeandMamie.Her

defianceremindsmeofHannah.Iwonderbrieflyif,inanotherlife,theScholarandIcouldhavebeenfriends.

“Ifyoupromisenottoscream,”Itellher,“I’lltakeoffyourgag.”Sheconsidersbeforenoddingonce.ThemomentIpulloffthegag,shelashes

out.“Whathaveyoudonetoher?”Herseatthumpsasshestrainstowardanow

unconsciousMamieRila.“Sheneedsmedicine.Whatkindofmonster—”

ThecrackthatechoesthroughthecottagewhenIslapherintosilencesurprisesevenme.Asdoesthenauseathatalmostdoublesmeover.Whattheskies?IgrabthetableforsupportbutstraightenbeforeLaiacansee.

Shejutsoutherchinassheliftsherhead.Blooddripsfromhernose.Surprisefillsthosegolden,catlikeeyes,followedbyahealthydoseoffear.Abouttime.

“Watchyourtone.”Ikeepmyvoicelowandflat.“Orthegaggoesbackin.”“Whatdoyouwantfromme?”“Justyourcompany.”Hereyesnarrow,andshefinallynoticesthemanaclesattachedtoachairin

thecorner.“I’mworkingalone,”shesays.“Dowithmewhatyouwish.”“You’reagnat.”Igobacktoparingmynails,stiflingasmilewhenIseehow

thewordsirritateher.“Atbest,amosquito.Don’tpresumetotellmewhattodo.Theonlyreasonyouhaven’tbeencrushedbytheEmpireisthatIhaven’tallowedit.”

Lies,ofcourse.She’sraidedsixcaravansintwomonths,freeinghundredsofprisonersintheprocess.Skiesknowhowlongshe’dhavecontinuedifIhadn’treceivedthenote.

Itarrivedtwoweeksago.Ididn’trecognizethehandwriting,andwhoever—orwhatever—delivereditavoideddetectionbyanentirebleedinggarrisonofMasks.

THERAIDS.ITISTHEGIRL.

I’vekepttheraidsquiet.WealreadyhavetroublewiththeTribes,whoareenragedattheMartiallegionsdeployedintheirdesert.Inthewest,theKarkaunBarbarianshaveconqueredtheWildmenclansandnowheckleouroutpostsnearTiborum.Meanwhile,aKarkaunwarlockbythenameofGrímarrhasralliedhisclans,andtheylurkinthesouth,raidingourportcities.

MarcushasonlyrecentlysecuredtheloyaltyoftheIllustrianGens.IftheylearnthataScholarrebelroamsthecountrysidewreakinghavoc,they’llgrowrestive.Iftheylearnit’sthesamegirlMarcuswassupposedtohavekilledintheFourthTrial,they’llsmellbloodinthewater.

AnotherIllustriancoupisthelastthingIneed.EspeciallynowthatLivia’sfateistiedtoMarcus’s.

OnceIgotthenote,connectingLaiatotheraidswaseasyenough.ThereportsoutofKaufPrisonmatchedthereportsabouttheraids.Agirlwhoappearsonemoment,disappearsthenext.AScholarrisenfromthedead,wreakingvengeanceontheEmpire.

Itwasnotaghost,butagirl.Agirlandoneuniquelytalentedaccomplice.Westareateachother,sheandI.LaiaofSerraisallpassion.Feeling.

Everythingshethinksiswrittenonherface.Iwonderifsheunderstandswhatdutyevenis.

“IfI’magnat,”shesays,“thenwhy—”Understandingflashesacrossherface.“You’renothereforme.Butifyou’reusingmeasbait—”

“Thenitwillworkeffectively.Iknowmyquarrywell,LaiaofSerra.He’llbehereinlessthanaquarterhour.IfI’mwrong...”Itwirlmydirkonmyfingertip.Laiapales.

“Hedied.”Sheseemstobelieveherownlie.“InKaufPrison.He’snotcoming.”

“Oh,he’llcome.”Skies,IhateherasIsayit.Hewillcomeforher.Healwayswill.Asheneverwillforme.

Ibanishthethought—weakness,Shrike—andkneelinfrontofher,knifeinhand,runningitalongtheKtheCommandantcarvedintoher.Thescarisoldnow.Shemightseeitasaflawagainstthatglowingskin.Butitmakesherlookstronger.Resilient.AndIhateherforthattoo.

Butnotformuchlonger.ForIcannotletLaiaofSerrawalkfree.NotwhenbringingMarcusherheadcouldbuyhisfavor—andthusmorelifeformylittlesister.

IthinkbrieflyoftheCookandherinterestinLaia.TheCommandant’sformerslavewillbeangrywhenshelearnsthegirlisdead.Buttheoldwomandisappearedmonthsago.Shemightbedeadherself.

Laiamustseemurderinmyeyes,becauseherfacegoesashenandsheshiesback.Nausealashesthroughmeagain.Myvisionflasheswhite,andIleanintothewoodenarmrestofherchair,theknifetippingforward,intotheskinoverherheart—

“Enough,Helene.”HisvoiceisasharshasoneoftheCommandant’slashes.He’scomein

throughthebackdoor,asIsuspectedhewould.Helene.Ofcoursehe’dusemyname.

Ithinkofmyfather.Youareallthatholdsbackthedarkness.IthinkofLivia,coveringupthebruisesonherthroatwithlayeruponlayerofpowdersothecourtdoesnotthinkherweak.Iturn.

“EliasVeturius.”MybloodgoescoldwhenIseethat,despitethefactthatIsettheambush,hehasmanagedtosurpriseme.Forinsteadofcomingalone,EliashastakenDexprisoner,bindinghisarmsandholdingaknifetohisthroat.Dex’smaskedfaceisfrozeninagrimaceofrage.Dex,youidiot.Iglareathiminsilentrebuke.Iwonderifheeventriedtofightback.

“KillDexifyouwish,”Isay.“Ifhewasfoolenoughtogetcaught,Iwon’tmisshim.”

ThetorchlightreflectsbrieflyinElias’sface.HelooksatMamie—atherbrokenbodyandsaggingform—andhiseyessharpeninrage.Mythroatgoesdryatthedepthofhisemotionasheshiftshisattentionbacktome.Iseeahundredthoughtswritteninthesetofhisjaw,inhisshoulders,inthewayheholdshisweapon.Iknowhislanguage—I’vespokenitsincetheageofsix.Standfirm,Shrike.

“Dexisyourally,”hesays.“You’reshortonthosethesedays,Ihear.Ithinkyou’llmisshimverymuch.ReleaseLaia.”

IamremindedoftheThirdTrial.OfDemetrius’sdeathbyhishand.Leander’s.Eliashaschanged.There’sadarknesstohim,onethatwasn’ttherebefore.Youandmeboth,oldfriend.IhaulLaiaupfromthechairandslamheragainstthewall,puttingmyknife

toherthroat.Thistime,Iampreparedforthewaveofsick,andIgritmyteethasitwashesoverme.

“Thedifferencebetweenus,Veturius,”Isay,“isthatIdon’tcareifmyallydies.Dropyourweapons.You’llseemanaclesinthecorner.Putthemon.Sitdown.Shutup.Ifyoudo,MamielivesandIagreenottopursueyourbandofcaravan-raidingcriminalsortheprisonerstheyfreed.Refuse,andIwillhuntthemdownandkillthemmyself.”

“I—Ithoughtyouweredecent,”Laiawhispers.“Notgoodbut...”SheglancesdownatmybladeandthenatMamie.“Butnotthis.”That’sbecauseyou’reafool.Eliaswavers,andIdigtheknifeindeeper.Thedooropensbehindme.Harper,daggersdrawn,bringsawaveofcold

withhim.Eliasignoreshim,hisattentionfixedonme.“LetLaiagotoo,”hesays.“Andyouhaveadeal.”“Elias,”Laiagasps.“No—theWaiting—”Ihissather,andshefallssilent.I

don’thavetimeforthis.ThelongerIwaver,themorelikelyEliasistothinkofawaytoescape.Imadesurehe’dknowLaiaenteredthevillage;IshouldhaveexpectedhimtocatchDex.Youidiot,Shrike.Youunderestimatedhim.

Laiatriestospeak,butIdigmybladeintoherthroat,purposefullydrawingblood.Shetrembles,herbreathsshallow.Myheadpounds.Thepainstokesmyrage,andthepartofmebornfromthebloodofmydeadparentsroars,clawsunsheathed.

“Iknowhersong,Veturius,”Isay.DexandAvitaswon’tunderstandmymeaning.ButEliaswill.“Icanstayhereallnight.Allday.Aslongasittakes.Icanmakeherhurt.”

Andhealher.Idonotsayit,butheseesmyviciousintent.Andhurtheragain,andhealher.Untilyouaredrivenmadbyit.

“Helene.”Elias’sragefades,replacedbysurprise.Disappointment.Buthehasnorighttobedisappointedinme.“Youwon’tkillus.”

Hedoesn’tsoundquitesure.Youusedtoknowme,Ithink.Butyoudon’tknowmeanymore.Idon’tknowmeanymore.

“Thereareworsethingsthandeath,”Isay.“Shallwelearnaboutthemtogether?”

Histemperrises.Treadcarefully,BloodShrike.TheMaskstillliveswithinEliasVeturius,beneathwhateverelsehe’sbecome.Icanpushhim.ButIcanonlypushhimsofar.

“I’llreleaseMamie.”IofferthecarrotbeforeIbrandishthestick.“Agestureofgoodfaith.AvitaswillleavehersomeplaceyourTribalfriendswillfindher.”

ItisonlywhenEliaslooksatHarperthatIrememberhedoesnotknowAvitasishishalfbrother.IconsiderwhethertheknowledgecanbeusedagainstEliasbutdecidetoholdmytongue.ThesecretisHarper’s,notmine.Inodtohim,andmysecondcarriesMamiefromthecabin.

“LetLaiagotoo,”Eliassays.“AndI’lldoasyouask.”“Shecomeswithus,”Isay.“Iknowyourtricks,Veturius.Theywon’twork.

Youcan’twinthisifyouwanthertolive.Dropyourweapons.Getthosemanacleson.Iwon’taskagain.”

EliasshovesDexaway,cuttinghisbondsashedoesso,andthenlevelsapunchthatdropshimtohisknees.Dexdoesn’thitback.Fool!

“That’sforinterrogatingmyfamily,”Eliassays.“Don’tthinkIdidn’tknowaboutit.”

“Bringthehorsesround,”IbarkatDex.Herises,dignifiedandstraight-backed,asifthereisn’tblooddrenchinghisarmor.Afterheleavesthecottage,Eliasdropshisscims.

“YouwillletLaiadown,”hesays.“Youwillnotgagme.Andyou’llkeepyourbleedingdistance,BloodShrike.”

Itshouldn’thurt,himcallingmebymytitle.Afterall,IamnotHeleneAquillaanymore.

ButwhenIsawhimlast,IwasstillHelene.Minutesago,whenhefirstsawme,hesaidmyname.

IdropLaia,andshetakesgreatgulpsofair,colorreturningtoherface.Myhandiswet—atrickleofbloodfromherneck.Adroplet,really.Nothingcomparedtothetorrentsthatpouredoutofmymother,mysister,myfather,astheydied.Youareallthatholdsbackthedarkness.

Isaythewordsinmymind.IremindmyselfwhyIamhere.Andwhateverlittlefeelingwasleftinme,Isettoflame.

“C

V:Laia

heckVeturius,”theBloodShrikesaystoAvitasHarperwhenhereturnswithoutMamie.“Makesurethosemanaclesaresecure.”

TheShrikedragsmetothedoorofthecabin,asfarfromEliasasshecanget.Thethreeofusinthisroomtogetherfeelsstrangeandfullofportent.ButthatfeelingfadeswhentheShrikepushesherbladedeeperintomyskin.

Weneedtogetthehellsoutofhere.IwouldrathernotwaitaroundtoseeiftheShrikewillmakegoodonherthreattotortureme.Bynow,AfyaandDarinmustbeoutoftheirmindswithworry.

Dexappearsatthebackdoor.“Thehorsesaregone,Shrike.”Enraged,theBloodShrikelooksatElias,whoshrugs.“Youdidn’tthinkI’d

justleavethembe,didyou?”“Gofindmore,”theShrikesaystoDex.“Andbringaghostwagonround.

Harper,howlongcoulditpossiblytaketomakesurethosebleedingchainsareintact?”

Experimentally,Itestmybonds,buttheShrikefeelsitandtwistsmyarmssavagely.

Eliassitssprawledinhischairwithpracticedease,observinghisformerbestfriend.I’mnotfooledbytheboredomonhisface.Hisgold-brownskingrowspalerwitheverymomentthatpasses,untilhelooksill.TheWaitingPlacepullsathim—anditspullgrowsmoreinsistent.I’veseenitbefore.Ifhestaysawaytoolong,hewillsuffer.

“You’reusingmetogettomymother,”Eliassays.“She’llseeitcomingamileaway.”

“Don’tmakemerethinkthatgag.”TheShrikeflushesbeneathhermask.“Harper,gowithDex.Iwantthatwagonnow.”

“WhatdoyouthinkKerisVeturiaisdoingrightnow?”EliassaysasHarperdisappears.

“Youdon’tevenliveinthebleedingEmpireanymore.”TheBloodShriketightensherholdonme.“Soshutit.”

“Idon’thavetoliveintheEmpiretoknowhowtheCommandantthinks.Youwantherdead,right?Shemustknowit.Whichmeansshealsoknowsthatifyou

killher,youriskcivilwarwithherallies.Sowhileyou’reoutherewastingyourtimewithme,she’sbackinthecapital,plottingskiesknowwhat.”

TheShrikefrowns.ShehaslistenedtoElias’sadvice—andofferedherowntohim—herwholelife.Whatifhe’sright?Icanpracticallyhearherthinkingit.Eliascatchesmyeye—he’slookingforanopeningjustlikeIam.

“Findmygrandfather,”Eliassays.“Ifyouwanttotakeherdown,youneedtounderstandhowshethinks.QuinknowsKerisbetterthananyoneelsealive.”

“Quin’slefttheEmpire,”theShrikesays.“IfmygrandfatherhaslefttheEmpire,”Eliassays,“thencatscanfly.

WhereverKerisis,he’llbecloseby,waitingforhertomakeamistake.He’snotstupidenoughtouseoneofhisownestates.Andhewon’tbealone.Hehasmanymenstillloyal—”

“Itdoesn’tmatter.”TheBloodShrikewavesawayElias’sadvice.“Kerisandthatcreatureshekeepsaround—”

Mystomachplunges.TheNightbringer.ShemeanstheNightbringer.“—areuptosomething,”theShrikesays.“Ineedtodestroyherbeforeshe

destroystheEmpire.IspentweekshuntingQuinVeturius.Idon’thavethetimetodoitagain.”

Eliasshiftsinhisseat—heispreparingtomakehismove.TheShrike’sloosenedhergriponme,andIsqueezemyhandstogether,bending,pulling,doinganythingIcantowriggleoutofthebindingwithoutgivingitaway.Myslickpalmsgreasetherope.Itisnotenough.

“Youwanttodestroyher.”Elias’smanaclesclink.Somethingflashesnearhishands.Lockpicks?HowthehellsdidhesneakthempastAvitas?“Justrememberthatshe’lldothingsyou’renotwillingto.Shewillfindyourweaknessandexploitit.It’swhatshedoesbest.”

WhenEliasshiftshisarm,theShrikewhipsherheadtowardhim,eyesnarrowing.Atthatmoment,Harperenters.

“Wagon’sready,Shrike,”hesays.“Takeher.”SheshovesmeatAvitas.“Keepaknifeatherthroat.”Harper

pullsmeclose,andIeasebackfromhisblade.IfIcouldjustdistracttheShrikeandAvitasforamoment,enoughforEliastoattack...

IuseatrickEliastaughtmewhenwetraveledtogether.IkickAvitasinthesoftplacebetweenhisfootandlegandthendroplikeahammerfromaroof.

Avitascurses,theShriketurns,andEliasshootsfromhisseat,freeofhismanacles.Hedivesforhisbladesinlesstimethanittakestoblink.Aknifewhooshesthroughtheairabovemyhead,andHarperducks,draggingmewithhim.TheBloodShrikeroars,butEliasisonher,usinghisbulktobowlherover.

He’sgotherpinned,aknifeatherthroat,butsomethingglimmersatherwrist.Shehasablade.Skies,she’sgoingtostabhim.

“Elias!”Ishoutawarningwhensuddenly,hisbodygoesrigid.Agaspburstsfromhisthroat.Theknifefallsfromhishand,andinasecond,

theShrikehaswriggledoutfrombeneathhim,lipscurledinasneer.“Laia.”Elias’seyescommunicatehisrage.Hishelplessness.Andthen

darknessfillstheroom.Iseetheswingoflongdarkhair,aflashofbrownskin.Depthlessblackeyesboreintome.Shaeva.

Thenshe—andElias—disappear.Theearthrumblesbeneathusandthewindoutsiderises,sounding,forasecond,likethewailingofghosts.

TheBloodShrikeleapstowardwhereEliasstood.Shefindsnothing,andamomentlater,herhandisaroundmythroat,herknifepointatmyheart.Sheshovesmebackintoaseat.

“Whothehells,”shewhispers,“wasthatwoman?”ThedoorburstsopenandDexenters,scimdrawn.Beforehecanspeak,the

Shrikeisbellowingathim.“Scourthevillage!Veturiusdisappearedlikeableedingwraith!”“He’snotinthevillage,”Isay.“Shetookhim.”“Whotookhim?”Icannotspeak—theknifeistooclose—butshedoesn’tlet

memoveamuscle.“Tellme!”“Easeupontheknife,Shrike,”Avitassays.Thedark-hairedMaskscansthe

roomcarefully,asifEliasmightreappearatanymoment.“Andperhapsshewill.”

TheBloodShrikepullstheknifebackbynomorethanahair.Herhandissteady,butherfacebeneathhermaskisflushed.“Talkordie.”

MywordsstumbleovereachotherasItrytoexplain—asvaguelyasIcan—whoShaevaisandwhatEliashasbecome.EvenasIspeakthewords,Irealizehowfar-fetchedtheysound.TheBloodShrikesaysnothing,butincredulityiswrittenineverylineofherbody.

WhenIfinish,shestands,herknifelooseinherhand,lookingoutintothenight.Onlyafewhoursuntildawn.“CanyougetEliasbackhere?”sheasksquietly.

Ishakemyhead,andshekneelsbeforeme.Herfaceissuddenlyserene,herbodyrelaxed.WhenImeethereyes,theyaredistant,asifherthoughtshavemovedonfromme.

“IftheEmperorknewyoulived,he’dwanttointerrogateyouhimself,”shesays.“Unlessyou’reafool,you’llagreethatdeathwouldbepreferable.Iwillmakeitswift.”

Ohskies.Myfeetarefree,butmyhandsarebound.IcouldwrigglemyrighthandfreeifIpulledhardenough...

Avitassheatheshisscimandbendsbehindme.Ifeelthebrushofwarmskinagainstmywristsandwaitforthemtotightenasherebindsme.

Buttheydonot.Instead,theropebindingmywristsfallsaway.Harperbreathesoneword,so

softlythatIquestionwhetherItrulyheardit.“Go.”Icannotmove.ImeettheBloodShrike’sstareheadon.Iwilllookdeathin

theeyes.Griefripplesacrosshersilverfeatures.Sheseemsolder,suddenly,thanhertwentyyears,withtheimplacabilityofafive-bodyblade.Alltheweaknesshasbeenhammeredoutofher.Shehasseentoomuchblood.Toomuchdeath.

IrememberwhenEliastoldmewhatMarcusdidtotheShrike’sfamily.HelearneditfromtheghostofHannahAquilla,whoplaguedhimformonthsbeforefinallymovingon.

AsI’dlistenedtowhathappened,I’dfeltsickerandsicker.Irememberedanotherdarkmorningyearsago.Iwokeupwithastartthatday,scaredbythelow,chokingcriesechoingthroughthehouse.IthoughtPopmusthavebroughthomeananimal.Somewoundedcreature,dyingslowlyandinagony.

ButwhenIenteredthemainroomofthehouse,therewasNan,rockingbackandforth,Popfranticallyshushingherwails,fornoonecouldhearhermournherdaughter—mymother.Noonecouldknow.TheEmpirewishedtocrushallthattheLionesswas,allthatshestoodfor.Thatmeantanyandallconnectedtoher.

WeallwenttomarketthatdaytosellNan’sjams—Pop,Darin,Nan,andI.Nanshednotears.Ionlyeverheardherinthedeadofnight,herquietkeeningbreakingmemorethananyscreamcould.

TheBloodShrikewasalsodeniedtherighttomournpublicly.Howcouldshe?Sheissecond-in-commandoftheEmpire,andherfamilywascondemnedbecauseshefailedtocarryouttheEmperor’sorders.

“I’msorry,”Iwhisperassheraisesherdagger.Iwhipmyfingersout—nottostopherblade,buttotakeherfreehand.Shestiffensinshock.Theskinofherpalmiscool,calloused.Lessthanasecondhaspassed,buthersurprisehaskindledintoanger.Thecruelestangercomesfromthedeepestpain.Nanusedtosaythat.Speak,

Laia.“Myparentsweremurderedtoo,”Isay.“Mysister.InKauf.Iwasyounger,

andIdidnotwitnessit.Icouldnevermournthem.Iwasn’tallowedto.Andno

oneeverspokeofthem.ButIthinkofthemeveryday.Iamsorryforyouandwhatyoulost.Truly.”

Foramoment,Iseethegirlwhohealedme.ThegirlwholetEliasandmeescapefromBlackcliff.ThegirlwhotoldmehowtogetintoKaufPrison.

Andbeforethatgirlfades—asIknowshewill—Idrawonmyownpoweranddisappear,rollingoutofthechair,racingpastAvitasandtowardthedoor.TwostepsandtheShrikeisshouting,threeandherdaggerslicesthroughtheairafterme,andthenherscim.

Toolate.Bythetimethescimdrops,Iamthroughtheopendoor,pastanunsuspectingDex,andrunningforallIamworth,nothingbutanothershadowinthenight.

S

T

VI:Elias

haevaplungesmeintoadarknesssocompletethatIwonderifI’minoneofthehells.Sheholdsfasttome,thoughIcannotseeher.Wearenot

windwalking—itfeelslikewearenotmovingatall.Andyetherbodythrumswiththetangofmagic,andwhenitspillsovertome,myskinburnsasifI’vebeensetalight.

Gradually,myvisionbrightensuntilIfindmyselfhoveringoveranocean.Theskyaboverages,thickwithsallowyellowclouds.IfeelShaevabesideme,butIcannottearmygazefromthewaterbelow,whichseetheswithhugeformsripplingjustbelowthesurface.Evilemanatesfromthoseforms,amalevolencethatIfeelinthedeepestpartsofmysoul.TerrorfillsmelikeI’veneverfeltinallmylife,notevenasachildinBlackcliff.

Thenthefearlifts,replacedbytheweightofanancientgaze.Avoicespeaksinmymind:Nightdrawsclose,EliasVeturius.Beware.ThevoiceissosoftthatImuststraintoheareverysyllable.ButbeforeIcan

makesenseofit,theoceanisgone,thedarkreturns,andthevoiceandimagesfadefrommymemory.

heknottedwoodjoistsabovemyheadandfeatherpillowbelowittellmeinstantlywhereIamwhenIwake.Shaeva’scabin—myhome.Alogpopsin

thefire,andthescentofspicedkormafillstheair.Foralongmoment,Irelaxintomybunk,secureinthepeaceonefeelsonlywhentheyaresafeandwarmbeneaththeirownroof.Laia!WhenIrememberwhathappened,Isituptooquickly;myheadaches

somethingvicious.Bleedinghells.Ineedtogetbacktothevillage—toLaia.Idragmyselftomyfeet,findmy

scimstuckedhaphazardlybeneathmybed,andstaggertothecottagedoor.Outside,afreezingwindtearsthroughtheclearing,stirringthepackedsnowinto

wild,waist-hightornadoes.Theghostswailandclusteratthesightofme,theiranguishpalpable.

“Hello,littleone.”Oneoftheshadesdriftsclose,sofadedIgetonlythebarestimpressionofherface.“Haveyouseenmylovey?”

Iknowher.TheWisp.OneofthefirstghostsImethere.MyvoicewhenIspeakisarustygrowl.

“I—I’msorry—”“Elias.”Shaevaappearsattheedgeoftheclearing,abasketofwinterherbs

onherwrist.TheWisp,evershy,vanishes.“Youshouldn’tbeupandabout.”“What’swrongwithme?”IdemandoftheSoulCatcher.“Whathappened?”“You’vebeenunconsciousforaday.”Shaevaignoresmyobviousire.“I

reeledushereinsteadofwindwalking.Itisswifter,butmoredetrimentaltoamortalbody.”

“Laia—Mamie—”“Stop,Elias.”Shaevasitsatthebaseofayewtree,settlingintoitsexposed

rootsandtakingadeepbreath.Thetreealmostappearstocurvearoundher,fittingitselftoherbody.Shepullsahandfulofgreensfromthebasketandtearstheleavesviolentlyfromtheirstems.“Younearlygotyourselfkilled.Isthatnotenough?”

“Youshouldn’thavegrabbedmelikethat.”Icannotholdbackmyanger,andsheglaresatme,herowntemperrising.“Iwouldhavebeenfine.Ineedtogetbacktothatvillage.”

“Youimbecile!”Shecastsherbasketdown.“TheBloodShrikehadadaggerinhergauntlet.Itwasaninchawayfromyourvitals.Mauthtriedtopullyouback,butyoudidnotheedhim.IfIhadnotarrived,Iwouldbeshoutingatyourghostrightnow.”Herscowlisfierce.“Iletyouaidyourfriendsdespitemymisgivings.Andyousquanderedit.”

“Youcan’texpectmetoremainintheWaitingPlaceandneverhaveanyhumancontact,”Isay.“I’llgomad.AndLaia—Icareforher,Shaeva.Ican’tjust—”

“Ah,Elias.”Sherisesandreachesformyhands.Thoughmyskinisnumbfromthecold,Itakenocomfortfromherwarmth.Shesighs,andhervoiceisheavywithshame.“DoyouthinkIhaveneverloved?Idid.Once.Hewasbeautiful.Brilliant.Thatloveblindedmetomyduties,sacredthoughtheywere.Theworldsufferedformylove.Itsuffersstill.”Shedrawsbreathraggedly,andaroundus,thewailsoftheghostsintensify,asifinresponsetoherdistress.

“Iunderstandyourpain.Truly.Butforus,Elias,dutymustreignoverallelse:desire,sadness,loneliness.Lovecannotlivehere.YouchosetheWaitingPlace,

andtheWaitingPlacechoseyou.Nowyoumustgiveyourselftoitwholly,bodyandsoul.”Bodyandsoul.AchillrunsupmyspineasIrecallsomethingCainsaidtome

longago—thatoneday,I’dhaveachanceatfreedom.Truefreedom—ofbodyandofsoul.Didheenvisionthis,Iwonder?Didhesetmeonthepathtofreedomknowingthatonedayitwouldbewrenchedfromme?Wasthisalwaysmydestiny?

“Ineedsometime.Aday,”Isay.IfI’mtobechainedtothisplaceforeternity,thenIatleastoweLaiaandMamieagoodbye—thoughI’venoideawhatI’llsay.

Shaevapauses.“I’llgiveyouafewhours,”shefinallysays.“Afterthat,nomoredistractions.Youhavemuchtolearn,Elias.AndIdonotknowhowmuchtimeIhavetoteachyou.ThemomentyoutookthevowtobecomeSoulCatcher,mypowerbegantofade.”

“Iknow.”Inudgeherwithmyboot,smilinginanattempttodispelthetensionbetweenus.“Everytimeyoudon’tfeellikedoingthedishes,youremindme.”Imimichersobervoice.“Elias,mypowerfades...somakesureyousweepthefrontsteps,andbringinfirewood,and—”

Shechuckles.“Asifyouevenknowhowtoswee—sweep—”Hersmilevanishes.Franticlinesformaroundhermouth,andherhands

clenchandunclench,likeshe’sdesperateforweaponsshedoesn’tpossess.Thesnowaroundusslowsitsswirling.Thewindgoessoft,asifcowed,and

thenceasescompletely.Theshadowsinthetreesdeepen,soblacktheyseemlikeaportaltoanotherworld.

“Shaeva?Whatthehellsishappening?”TheSoulCatchershudders,rivenwithdread.“Goinsidethecabin,Elias.”“Whatever’sgoingon,wefaceittog—”Shedigsherfingersintomyshoulders.“Thereissomuchyoudonotyet

know,andifyoufail,theworldwillfall.Thisisbutthebeginning.Remember:Sleepinthecottage.Theycannothurtyouthere.AndseektheTribes,Elias.Longhavetheybeenmyallies.Askaboutthestoriesofthedea—”Hervoicechokesoffasherbackarches.

“Bleedinghells!Shaeva—”“Themoonsetsonthearcherandtheshieldmaiden!”Hervoicechanges,

multiplies.Itisachild’svoiceandanoldwoman’slayeredoverherown,asifalltheversionsthatShaevawasandevercouldbearespeakingatonce.“Theexecutionerhasarisen.Thetraitorwalksfree.Beware!TheReaper

approaches,flamesinhiswake,andheshallsetthisworldalight.Andsoshallthegreatwrongbesetright.”

Sheflingsherhanduptothesky,toconstellationshiddenbehindthicksnowclouds.

“Shaeva.”Ishakehershouldersinsistently.Getherinside!Thecottagealwayssoothesher.It’sheronlysanctuaryinthisskies-forsakenplace.ButwhenItrytopickherup,shethrowsmeoff.“Shaeva,don’tbesodamnedstubborn—”

“RememberallthatIsaybeforetheend,”shewhispers.“Thatiswhyhehascome.Thatiswhathewantsfromme.Swearit.”

“I—Iswear—”Sheliftsherhandstomyface.Foronce,herfingersarecold.“Soonyouwill

learnthecostofyourvow,mybrother.Ihopeyoudonotthinktooillofme.”Shefallstoherknees,knockingoverthebasketofherbs.Thegreenand

yellowleavesspillout,thebrightcolorincongruousagainsttheashensnow.Theclearingisquiet.Eventheghostshavegonesilent.Thatcan’tberight.Thethickestconcentrationofghostsisalwaysaroundthe

cabin.Butthespiritsaregone.Everylastone.IntheForesttothewest,wheremomentsagotheshadowswereonly

shadows,somethingstirs.Thedarknessmoves,twistingasifinagony,untilitwrithesintoahoodedfigurecloakedinrobesofpurestnight.Frombeneaththecowl,twotinysunsstareoutatme.

Ihaveneverseenhimbefore.Ihaveonlyheardhimdescribed.ButIknowhim.Bleeding,burninghells,Iknowhim.

TheNightbringer.

A

VII:TheBloodShrike

rowofseveredheadsgreetsDex,Avitas,andmeaswepassbeneathAntium’siron-studdedmaingate.Scholars,mostly,butIspotMartialstoo.

Thestreetsarelinedwithdirtypilesofslush,andablanketofcloudsliesthickoverthecity,depositingmoresnow.

Iridepastthegrislydisplay,andHarperfollows,butDexstaresattheheads,handstightonhisreins.Hissilenceisunnerving.TheinterrogationofTribeSaifstillhauntshim.

“Gettothebarracks,Dex,”Isay.“Iwantreportsonallactivemissionsonmydeskbymidnight.”Myattentionfallsontwowomenloiteringoutsideanearbyguardpost.Courtesans.“Andgodistractyourselfafter.Getyourmindofftheraid.”

“Idonotfrequentbrothels,”Dexsaysquietlyashefollowsmygazetothewomen.“EvenifIdid,it’snotthateasyforme,Shrike.Andyouknowit.”

IshootAvitasHarperaglare.Goaway.Whenhe’soutofearshotIturntoDex.“MadamHeera’sinMandiasSquare.TheHouseofForgetting.Heeraisdiscreet.Shetreatsherwomen—andmen—well.”AtDex’shesitation,Ilosemypatience.“You’relettingyourguilteatatyou,anditcostusinthevillage,”Isay.ThatraidwasmeanttogetussomethingtouseagainstKeris.Wefailed.Marcuswon’tbepleased.Andit’smysisterwhowillsufferthatdispleasure.

“WhenIamdispirited,”Igoon,“IvisitHeera’s.Ithelps.Goordon’t.Doesn’tmattertome.Butstopbeingwoefulanduseless.Idon’thavethepatienceforit.”

Dexleaves,andHarpernudgeshishorseover.“YoufrequentHeera’s?”There’ssomethingmorethanmerecuriosityinhisvoice.

“Readinglipsagain?”“Onlyyours,Shrike.”Harper’sgreeneyesdroptomymouthsoquicklyI

almostmissit.“Forgivemyquestion.Iassumedyouhadvolunteerstomeetyour...needs.ThepreviousShrike’ssecond-in-commanddidsometimesprocurecourtesansforhim,ifyouneedmeto—”

Mycheeksgrowwarmattheimagethatconveys.“Stoptalking,Harper,”Isay.“Whileyou’rebehind.”

Wegallopaheadtowardthepalace,itspearlescentsheenabare-facedliethathidestheoppressivenesswithin.Theoutergatesarebustlingatthishour,IllustriancourtiersandMercatorhangers-onalljockeyingtogetintothethroneroomtoobtaintheEmperor’sfavor.

“AnattackonMarinnwouldgoalongwayin—”“—fleetisalreadyengaged—”“—Veturiawillcrushthem—”Isuppressasighatthenever-endingmachinationsofthePaters.Itdrovemy

fathertodistraction,thewaytheyschemed.Whentheyseeme,theyfallsilent.Itakegrimpleasureintheirdiscomfort.

HarperandIcutthroughthecourtiersquickly.Themenintheirlong,fur-edgedcloaksbackawayfromtheslushkickedupbymymount.Thewomen,sparklingincourtfinery,watchsurreptitiously.Noonemeetsmygaze.Swine.Notoneofthemofferedawordofremembranceinhonorofmy

familyafterMarcusexecutedthem.Notevenprivately.Mymother,father,andsisterdiedastraitors,andnothingcanchangethat.

Marcuswantedmetofeelshame,butIdonot.MyfathergavehislifetryingtosavetheEmpire,andonedaythatfactwillbeknown.Butnowitisasifmyfamilyneverexisted.Asiftheirlivesweremerehallucinations.

TheonlypeoplewhohavedaredtomentionmyparentstomeareLivia,aScholarhagIhaven’tseeninweeks,andaScholargirlwhoseheadshouldbeinasackatmywaistrightnow.

IhearthebuzzofvoicesinthethroneroomlongbeforeIseeitsdoubledoors.AsIenter,everysoldiersalutes.They’velearned,bynow,whathappenstothosewhodon’t.

Marcussitsrigidonhisthrone,bighandsfistedonthearmrests,maskedfaceemotionless.Hisblood-redcapepoolsontothefloor,reflectingluridlyoffhissilver-and-copperarmor.Theweaponsathissidearerazor-sharp,tothechagrinoftheolderIllustrianPaters,whoappearsoftbesidetheiremperor.

TheCommandantisnothere.ButLiviais,herfaceasimpassiveasaMask’sassheperchesonherownthronebesideMarcus.Ihatethatsheisforcedtosithere,butstill,reliefrushesthroughme;atleastshe’salive.Sheisresplendentinalavendergownheavywithgoldembroidery.

Mysister’sbackisstraight,herfacepowderedtohidethebruiseonhercheek.Herladies-in-waiting—yellow-eyedcousinsofMarcus—clusterafewfeetaway.TheyarePlebeians,pluckedfromtheirvillagebymysisterasagestureofgoodwilltowardMarcusandhisfamily.AndIsuspectthat,likeme,theyfindcourtinsufferable.

Marcusfixeshisattentiononme,despitetheobviouslydistressedMarinerambassadorstandingbeforehim.AsIapproach,theEmperor’sshoulderstwitch.

“Youdon’tneedtowarnme,damnyou,”hemutters.Theambassadorfurrowshisbrow,andIrealizethatMarcusisn’trespondingtotheman.He’stalkingtohimself.AttheMariner’sconfusion,theEmperorbeckonshimnear.

“Tellyourdodderingkingthatheneedn’tcower,”Marcussays.“TheEmpireisnotinterestedinawarwithMarinn.Ifheneedsatokenofourgoodwill,havehimprovidemealistofhisenemies.I’llsendhimtheirheadsasagift.”Theambassadorpalesandbacksaway,andMarcusgesturesmeforward.

IdonotacknowledgeLivia.Letthecourtthinkwearenotclose.Shehasenoughtodealwithwithouthalfofthesevulturestryingtotakeadvantageofherrelationshipwithme.

“Emperor.”Ikneelandbowmyhead.ThoughI’vebeendoingsoformonthsnow,ithasn’tgottenanyeasier.Besideme,Harperdoesthesame.

“Cleartheroom,”Marcusgrowls.WhentheIllustriansdonotmovequicklyenough,heflingsadaggeratthenearestone.

GuardsushertheIllustriansaway,andthelotofthemareunabletogetoutfastenough.Marcussmilesatthesight,hisharshchucklejarringagainstthefearthatpervadestheroom.

Liviarisesandgathersthefoldsofherdressgracefully.Faster,sister,Ithinktomyself.Getoutofhere.Butbeforeshestepsdownfromherthrone,Marcusgrabsherwrist.“Youstay.”Heforcesherintoherseat.Mysister’sgazemeetsmineforaninfinitesimalmoment.Isensenofear,onlywarning.Avitasstepsback,asilentwitness.

Marcuspullsarollofparchmentfromhisarmorandflingsitatme.Thecrestflashesintheairasitfliestomyhand,andIrecognizetheKwithcrossedswordsbeneathit.TheCommandant’sseal.

“Goon,”hesays.“Readit.”Besidehim,Liviawatches,warinessinherbody,thoughshe’slearnedtotrainitfromherface.

MyLordEmperor,TheKarkaunwarlockGrímarrhasintensifiedtheraidson

Navium.Weneedmoremen.ThePatersofNaviumareinagreement;theirsealsarebelow.Ahalflegionshouldbesufficient.

Dutyfirst,untodeath,GeneralKerisVeturia

“Shehasanentirelegiondownthere,”Isay.“SheshouldbeabletoputdownapaltryBarbarianrebellionwithfivethousandmen.”

“Andyet”—Marcusyanksanotherparchmentfromwithinhisarmor,andanother,flingingthemallatme—“fromPatersEquitius,Tatius,Argus,Modius,Vissellius—thelistgoeson,”hesays.“Allrequestingaid.TheirproxieshereinAntiumhavebeenhoundingmesinceKeris’smessagecamein.Threehundredciviliansaredead,andthoseBarbariandogshaveafleetapproachingtheport.WhoeverthisGrímarris,he’stryingtotakethedamncity.”

“ButsurelyKeriscan—”“She’suptosomething,youdimbitch.”Marcus’sroarechoesthroughthe

room,andintwosteps,hisfaceisinchesfrommine.Harpertensesbehindme,andLiviahalfrisesfromherthrone.Igivemyheadtheslightestshake.Icanhandlehim,littlesister.

Marcusstabshisfingersintomyskull.“Getitthroughyourthickhead.Ifyou’dtakencareofherlikeIordered,thiswouldn’tbehappening.Shutit,damnyou.”

Hewhirls,butLiviahasn’tspoken.Hisgazeisfixedonthemiddledistancebetweenhimselfandmysister,andIrecall,uneasily,Livia’ssuspicionthatMarcusseestheghostofhistwin,Zak,murderedmonthsagoduringtheTrials.

BeforeIcanthinkonit,Marcusstepssoclosemymaskripples.Hiseyeslookasthoughtheymightpopfromhishead.

“Youdidn’taskforassassination,mylord.”Ieaseawayveryslowly.“Youaskedfordestruction,anddestructiontakestime.”

“Iasked”—heleasheshisrage,hissuddencalmmorechillingthanhisanger—“forcompetence.You’vehadthreemonths.Sheshouldhavewormscrawlingoutofhereyesocketsbynow.Instead,she’sstrongerthanever,whiletheEmpiregrowsweaker.Sotellme,BloodShrike:Whatareyougoingtodoabouther?”

“Ihaveinformation.”IputeverybitofconvictionIpossessintomyvoice,mybody.Iamcertain.Iwillbringherdown.“Enoughtodestroyher.”

“Whatinformation?”Ican’ttellhimwhatEliasrevealedaboutQuin.It’snotusefulenough,and

evenifitwas,Marcuswouldquestionmefurther.IfhelearnsIhadLaiaandEliasinmygraspandlostthem,he’llbreakmysisterinhalf.“Thewallshaveears,mylord,”Isay.“Notallarefriendly.”

Marcusconsidersme.Thenheturns,dragsmysistertoherfeet,andshovesherintothesideofherownthrone,wrenchingherarmbehindherback.

Herstillnessisthatofawomanwhohasquicklygrownusedtoviolenceandwhowilldowhatshemusttosurviveit.Iclenchmyhandsaroundmyweapons,

andLivvycatchesmyeyes.Herterror—notforherself,butforme—checksmytemper.Rememberthatthemoreangeryoushow,themorehe’llmakehersuffer.

EvenasIforcemyselftobelogical,IhatethatIam.Ihatemyselffornotloppingoffthosehandsthathavehurther,notcuttingoutthattonguethathascalledherfoulnames.IhatethatIcannothandherabladesoshecandoitherself.

Marcustiltshishead.“Yoursisterplaysoudsowell,”hesays.“She’sentertainedmanyofmyguests,charmedthemeven,withthebeautyofhermusicianship.ButI’msureshecanfindotherwaystoentertainthem.”HeleansclosetoLivia’sear,andhergazedriftsfaraway,hermouthhard.“Doyousing,mylove?I’mcertainyouhaveabeautifulvoice.”Slowly,deliberately,hedrawsbackoneofherfingers.Further,further,further...Thiscannotbeborne.Istepforwardandfeelaviselikegriponmyarm.

“You’llmakeitworse,”Avitasmurmursinmyear.Livia’sfingercracks.Shegaspsbutmakesnoothersound.“That,”Marcussays,“isforyourfailure.”HegrabsanotherofLivia’s

fingers,bendingitbacksocarefullythatIknowheistakingjoyfromeachsecondofit.Sweatbeadsonherforehead,andherfaceiswhiteasbone.

Whenherfingerfinallybreaks,shewhimpersandbitesherlip.“Mybravebird.”Marcussmilesather,andIwanttoriphisthroatout.“You

knowIlikeitbetterwhenyouscream.”Whenheturnsbacktome,hissmileisgone.“Andthatisareminderofwhat’stocomeifyoufailmeagain.”

Marcusflingsmysisterontoherthrone.Herheadknocksagainsttheroughstone.Sheshuddersandcradlesonehand,butherhatredblazesoutatMarcusbeforeshetampsitdown,herfacecomposedoncemore.

“YouwillgotoNavium,Shrike,”Marcussays.“YouwilllearnwhattheBitchofBlackcliffisplanning.Youwilldestroyher,piecebypiece.Andyouwilldoitquickly.IwantherheadonaspearbytheGrainMoon,andIwanttheEmpirebeggingforittohappen.Fivemonths.That’senoughtimeevenforyou,isitnot?Youwillupdatemethroughthedrumseverythreedays.And”—heglancesatLivia—“ifI’mnotsatisfiedwithyourprogress,I’llkeepbreakingyourlittlesister’sbonesuntilshe’snothingbutjaggededges.”

F

VIII:Laia

orhours,Irun,cloakingmyselffromamaddeningnumberofMartialpatrols,holdingmyinvisibilityuntilmyheadthrobsandmylegstremble

fromcoldandexhaustion.MymindspinswithworryforElias,forDarin,forAfya.Eveniftheyaresafe,whatintheskieswillwedonowthattheEmpirehascaughtontotheraids?TheMartialswillfloodthecountrysidewithsoldiers.Wecannotcontinue.Theriskistoogreat.Nevermind.Justgettothecamp.AndhopetotheskiesthatDaringotthere

too.Atmidnightadayaftertheraid,Ifinallyspotthetall,nakedoakthatshelters

ourtent,itsbranchesgrousinginthewind.Horsesnicker,andafamiliarfigurepacesbeneaththetree.Darin!Inearlysobinrelief.Mystrengthhasleftme,andIfindIcannotcallout.Isimplydropintovisibility.

WhenIdo,darknessflashesacrossmyvision.Iseeashadowyroom,ahunchedfigure.Amomentlater,thevisionisgone,andIstumbletowardthecamp.Darinspiesmeandruns,pullingmeintoahug.AfyaburstsfromtheroundfurtentmybrotherandIuseasshelter,angerandreliefminglingonherface.

“You’reableedingidiot,girl!”“Laia,whathappened?”“DidyoufindMamie?Aretheprisonerssafe?DidElias—”Afyaholdsupahand.“Mamie’swithahealerfromTribeNur,”theZaldara

says.“MypeoplewillgettheprisonerstotheTriballands.Imeanttojointhem,but...”

SheglancesatDarin,andIunderstand.Shedidnotwishtoleavehimalone.ShedidnotknowifI’dreturn.ItellthemswiftlyoftheBloodShrike’sambushandElias’sdisappearance.

“DidyouseeElias?”Pleaselethimbeallright.“DidhecomeoutoftheForest?”

AfyashuddersasshelooksoverhershouldertothetoweringwalloftreesthatmarksthewesternborderoftheWaitingPlace.Darinonlyshakeshishead.

Igloweratthetrees,wishingIhadthepowertoburnapaththroughtothejinn’scabin.Whydidyousnatchhimaway,Shaeva?Whydoyoutormenthimso?

“Comeinside.”Darintugsmeintothetentandtucksawoolenblanketfromhissleepingrollaroundmyshoulders.“You’llcatchyourdeath.”

Afyapullsawaythefurcoveringtheholeatthetopofthetentandstirstheashesofoursmallcookfireuntilherbrownfaceislitbronze.Longminuteslater,I’mshovelingdownthepotato-and-squashstewDarinhasmade.It’sovercooked,withsomuchredpepperinitthatInearlychoke—Darinwasalwayshopelessinthekitchen.

“Ourraidingdaysareover,”Afyasays.“ButifyouwishtokeepfightingtheEmpire,thencomewithme.JoinTribeNur.”TheTribeswomanpauses,considering.“Permanently.”

MybrotherandIexchangeaglance.Tribespeopleonlyacceptnewfamilymembersthroughmarriageortheadoptionofchildren.TobeinvitedtojoinaTribeisnosmallthing—andbytheZaldara,noless.

IreachforAfya’shand,stunnedathergenerosity,butshewavesmeoff.“You’repracticallyfamilyanyway,”Afyasays.“Andyouknowme,girl.I

wantsomethinginreturn.”Sheturnstomybrother.“Manydiedtosaveyou,DarinofSerra.ThetimehascomeforyoutobeginforgingSerricsteel.Icanprocureyoumaterials.SkiesknowtheTribesneedasmuchhelpaswecanget.”

Mybrotherflexeshishandashealwaysdoeswhenthephantompainsofhismissingfingersplaguehim.Hisfacegoespale,hislipsthin.Thedemonswithinawaken.

IwantsodesperatelyforDarintospeak,toacceptAfya’soffer.ItmightbetheonlychancewehavetocontinuefightingtheEmpire.ButwhenIturntohim,heisleavingthetent,mutteringaboutneedingair.

“Whatnewsfromyourspies?”IsayquicklytoAfya,hopingtoshiftherattentionfrommybrother.“TheMartialshavenotdrawndowntheirforces?”

“TheysentanotherlegionintotheTribaldesertfromAtella’sGap,”Afyasays.“They’vearrestedhundredsaroundNuronfalsecharges:graftandtransportingcontrabandandskiesknowwhatelse.Rumoristhatthey’replanningtosendtheprisonerstoEmpirecitiestobesoldasslaves.”

“TheTribesareprotected,”Isay.“ThetreatywithEmperorTaiushasheldforfivecenturies.”

“EmperorMarcusdoesn’tcareafigaboutthattreaty.”Afyafrowns.“That’snottheworstofit.InSadh,alegionnairekilledtheKehanniofTribeAlli.”

Icannothidemyslack-jawedshock.KehannisarethekeepersofTribalstoriesandhistory,secondinrankonlytotheZaldars.Killingoneisa

declarationofwar.“TribeAlliattackedtheclosestMartialgarrisoninretaliation,”Afyasays.

“It’swhattheEmpirewanted.ThecommandingMaskcamedownlikeahammeroutofthehells,andnowallofTribeAlliiseitherdeadorinprison.TribeSiyyadandTribeFozihaveswornvengeanceontheEmpire.TheirZaldarsorderedattacksonEmpirevillages—nearlyahundredMartialsdeadatlastcount,andnotjustsoldiers.”

Shegivesmeasignificantlook.IftheTribesturnonMartialinnocents—children,civilians,theelderly—theEmpirewillhitbackhard.

“They’reprovokingus.”Afyapeersoutattheskytogaugethetime.“Weakeningus.Weneedthatsteel,Laia.Thinkonmyoffer.”Shepullsonhercloaktoleave,pausingattheflapofthetent.“Butthinkquickly.Astrangenesstaintstheair.Icanfeelitinmybones.It’snotjusttheMartialsIfear.”

Afya’swarningplaguesmeallnight.Notlongbeforedawn,Igiveuponsleepandslipoutsidethetenttowheremybrothersitswatch.

TheghostsoftheWaitingPlacearerestive—angered,nodoubt,byourpresence.Theiranguishedcriesjoinwiththehowlingwindoutofthenorth,anicy,hair-raisingchorus.IpullmyblanketcloseasIdropnexttomybrother.

Wesitinsilence,watchingthetreetopsoftheWaitingPlacebrightenfromblacktoblueastheeasternskypales.Afteratime,Darinspeaks.

“YouwanttoknowwhyIwon’tmaketheweapons.”“Youdon’thavetotellmeifyoudon’twishto.”Mybrotherbuncheshisfistsandopensthem,ahabithe’shadsincewewere

little.Themiddleandringfingersofhisleft,dominanthandareshearedoff.“Thematerialsareeasyenoughtoget,”hesays.Thewailsoftheghosts

intensify,andheraiseshisvoice.“It’sthemakingthat’scomplicated.Themixtureofthemetals,theheatofthe

flame,howthesteelisfolded,whentheedgeiscooled,thewaythebladeispolished.Iremembermostofit,but...”Hesquints,asiftryingtoseesomethingjustoutofsight.“I’veforgottensomuch.InKaufPrison,inthedeathcells,wholeweeksdisappeared.Ican’trememberFather’sfaceanymore,orNan’s.”Icanbarelyhearhimovertheghosts.“AndwhatifyourfriendIzzidiedfornothing?WhatifAfya’sfamilydiedfornothing?WhatifEliassworehimselftoaneternityasSoulCatcherfornothing?WhatifImakethesteelanditbreaks?”

Icouldtellhimthatwouldneverhappen.ButDarinalwaysknowswhenI’mlying.Itakemybrother’slefthand.Itiscalloused.Strong.

“There’sonlyonewaywecanfindout,Darin,”Isay.“Butwewon’tdoituntil—”

I’minterruptedbyaparticularlyshrillcryfromtheForest.Thetopsofthetreesripple,andtheearthgroans.Slipsofwhitegatheramidthetrunksclosesttous,theircriespeaking.

“What’sgottenintothem?”Darinwincesatthesound.Usually,ignoringtheghostsiseasyenoughforus.Butrightnow,evenIwanttoclapmyhandsovermyears.

WhichiswhenIrealizethattheghosts’criesarenotwithoutmeaning.Therearewordsburiedbeneaththeirpain.Oneword,specifically.Laia.Laia.Laia.Mybrotherhearsittoo.Hereachesforhisscim,buthisvoiceiscalm,likeit

usedtobebeforeKauf.“RememberwhatEliassaid.Youcan’ttrustthem.They’rehowlingtorattleus.”

“Listentothem,”Iwhisper.“Listen,Darin.”Yourfault,Laia.TheghostspressupagainsttheunseenborderoftheWaiting

Place,theirformsblendingintooneanothertoformathick,chokingmist.He’sclosenow.“Who?”Imovetowardthetrees,ignoringmybrother’sprotests.I’venever

enteredtheForestwithoutEliasbymyside.IdonotknowifIcan.“DoyouspeakofElias?Isheallright?”Deathapproaches.Becauseofyou.Mydaggerissuddenlyslipperyinmygrasp.“Explainyourselves!”Icallout.MyfeetcarrymecloseenoughtothetreelinethatIcanseethepathElias

takeswhenhemeetsushere.I’veneverbeentoEliasandShaeva’scabin,buthe’stoldmethatitsitsattheendofthistrail,nomorethanaleaguebeyondthetreeline.Ourcampisherebecauseofthatpath—it’sthefastestwayforEliastoreachus.

“There’ssomethingwronginthere,”IsaytoDarin.“Something’shappened—”

“It’sjustghostsbeingghosts,Laia,”Darinsays.“Theywanttolureyouinanddriveyoucrazy.”

“ButyouandIhaveneverbeendrivenmadbytheghosts,havewe?”Atthat,mybrotherfallssilent.NeitherofusknowswhytheWaitingPlacedoesn’tsetusonedgeasbadlyasitdoesothers,liketheTribesorMartials,allofwhomgiveitawideberth.

“Haveyoueverseensomanyspiritsthisclosetotheborder,Darin?”Theghostsappeartomultiplybythesecond.“Itcannotbejusttotormentme.SomethinghashappenedtoElias.Somethingiswrong.”IfeelapullthatIcannotexplain,acompulsiontomovetowardtheForestofDusk.

Ihurrytothetentandgathermythings.“Youdon’thavetocomewithme.”

Darin’salreadygrabbinghispack.“Whereyougo,Igo,”hesays.“Butthat’sabigforest.Hecouldbeanywhereinthere.”

“He’snotfar.”Thatstrangeinstinctpullsatme,ahookinmybelly.“Iamcertainofit.”Whenwereachthetrees,Iexpectresistance.ButallIfindareghostspackedsodenselythatIcanbarelyseethroughthem.He’shere.He’scome.Becauseofyou.Becauseofwhatyoudid.Iforcemyselftoignorethespiritsandfollowthescantytrail.Afteratime,

theghoststhinout.WhenIlookback,apalpablefearripplesthroughtheirranks.DarinandIexchangeaglance.Whatintheskieswouldaghostfear?Witheverystep,itishardertobreathe.Thisisnotmyfirsttimeinthe

WaitingPlace.WhenDarinandIbeganthecaravanraidsafewmonthsago,EliaswindwalkedusacrossfromMarinn.TheForestwasneverwelcoming—butnorwasitsooppressive.

Fearlashesatme,andImovefaster.Thetreesaresmallerhere,andthroughtheopenpatches,aclearingappears,alongwiththeslopedgrayroofofacottage.

Daringrabsmyarm,hisfingeronhislips,andpullsmetotheground.Weinchforwardwithpainstakingcare.Aheadofus,awomanpleads.Anothervoicecursesinafamiliarbaritone.Reliefpoursthroughme.Elias.

Thereliefisshort-lived.Thewoman’svoicegoesquiet.Thetreesshudderviolently,andablurofdarkhairandbrownskinshootsintoview.Shaeva.Shelocksherfingersintomyshoulderanddragsmetomyfeet.

“YouranswerslieinAdisa.”Iwinceandtrytosquirmaway,butsheholdsmewithajinn’sstrength.“WiththeBeekeeper.Butbeware,forheiscloakedinliesandshadow,likeyou.Findhimatyourperil,child,foryouwilllosemuch,evenasyousaveusall—”

Herbodyisjerkedaway,draggedasifbyaninvisiblehandbacktotheclearing.Myheartthunders.Ohno,skiesno—

“LaiaofSerra.”Iwouldrecognizethatophidianhissanywhere.Itistheseaawakeningandtheearthshudderingawayfromitself.“Alwaysappearingwhereyouarenotwanted.”

Darincriesawarning,butIstrideforwardintotheclearing,cautionovercomebyrage.Elias’sarmoredformispinnedagainstatree,everymusclestrainingagainstinvisiblebonds.Hethrashes,ananimalinatrap,fistsclenchedasthewholeofhisbodyleanstowardthecenteroftheclearing.

Shaevakneels,blackhairbrushingtheground,skinwaxy.Herfaceisunlined,butthedevastationemanatingfromherfeelsancient.

TheNightbringer,cloakedindarkness,standsaboveher.Thesicklebladeinhisshadowhandglows,asifmadeofpoison-dippeddiamonds.Heholdsitwith

lightfingers,buthisbodytenses—hemeanstouseit.Asnarleruptsfrommythroat.Imustdosomething.Imuststophim.ButI

findIcannolongermove.ThemagicthatensnaresEliashasgrippedDarinandmetoo.

“Nightbringer,”Shaevawhispers.“Forgivemywrong.Iwasyoung,I—”Hervoicefadestoachoke.TheNightbringer,silent,brusheshisfingers

acrossShaeva’sforeheadlikeafathergivinghisbenediction.Thenhestabsherthroughtheheart.Shaeva’sbodyseizesonce,herarmswindmilling,herbodyjerkingup,asif

yearningtowardtheblade,andhermouthopens.Iexpectashriek,ascream.Instead,wordspourout.

Onepieceremains,andbewaretheReaperattheGates!Thesparrowswilldrown,andnonewillknowit.Thepastshallburn,andnonewillslowit.TheDeadwillrise,andnonecansurvive.TheChildwillbebathedinbloodbutalive.ThePearlwillcrack,thecoldwillenter.TheButcherwillbreak,andnonewillholdher.TheGhostwillfall,herfleshwillwither.BytheGrainMoon,theKingwillhavehisanswer.BytheGrainMoon,theforgottenwillfindtheirmaster.

Shaeva’schinfalls.Herlashesflutterlikeabutterfly’swings,andthebladeembeddedinherchestdripsbloodthatisasredasmine.Herfacegoesslack.

Thenherbodyburstsintoflame,aflashofblindingfirethatfizzlesintoashesafteronlyseconds.

“No!”Eliasshouts,twostreaksofwetoneithersideofhisface.DonotmaketheNightbringerangry,Elias,Iwanttoscream.Donotget

yourselfkilled.AcloudofcindersswirlsabouttheNightbringer—allthatisleftofShaeva.

HelooksupforthefirsttimeatElias,cockshishead,andadvances,drippingsickleinhand.

Distantly,IrememberEliastellingmewhathelearnedfromtheSoulCatcher:thattheStarprotectsthosewhohavetouchedit.TheNightbringercannotkillElias.Buthecanhurthim,andbytheskies,IwillnothaveanyoneelseIcareabouthurt.

Ihurlmyselfforward—andbounceback.TheNightbringerignoresme,comfortableinhispower.YouwillnothurtElias.Youwillnot.Someferal

darknessriseswithinmeandtakescontrolofmybody.Ifeltitoncebefore,monthsagowhenIfoughttheNightbringeroutsideKaufPrison.Ananimalcryexplodesfrommylips.ThistimewhenIpushahead,Igetthrough.Darinisahalfstepbehind,andtheNightbringerflickshiswrist.Mybrotherfreezes.Butthejinn’smagichasnoeffectonme.IleapbetweentheNightbringerandElias,daggerout.

“Don’tyoudaretouchhim,”Isay.TheNightbringer’ssuneyesflareashelooksfirstatme,thenatElias,

readingwhatisbetweenus.Ithinkofhowhebetrayedme.Monster!Howcloseishetosettingthejinnfree?Shaeva’sprophecyansweredthequestionmomentsago:onepieceoftheStarleft.DoestheNightbringerknowwhereitis?WhatdidShaeva’sdeathgainhim?

Butasheobservesme,Irememberthelovethatroiledwithinhim,andthehateaswell.Iremembertheviciouswarwagedbetweenthetwoandthedesolationleftintheirwake.

TheNightbringer’sshoulderripplesasifheisunsettled.Canhereadmythoughts?HeshiftshisattentionovermyshouldertoElias.

“EliasVeturius.”Thejinnleansoverme,andIcringeback,pressingagainstElias’schest,caughtbetweenthetwoofthem:myfriend’spoundingheartanddespairatShaeva’sdeath,andtheNightbringer’seldritchwrath,fueledbyamillenniumofcrueltyandsuffering.

Thejinndoesn’tbotherlookingatmebeforehespeaks.“Shetastedsweet,boy,”hesays.“Likedewandacleardawn.”

Behindme,Eliasstillsandtakesasteadyingbreath.HemeetstheNightbringer’sfierystare,hisfacepalinginshockatwhatheseesthere.Thenhegrowls,asoundthatseemstoriseoutoftheveryearth.Shadowstwistuplikevinesofinkbeneathhisskin.Everymuscleinhisshoulders,hischest,hisarmsstrainsuntilheistearingfreeofhisinvisiblebonds.Heraiseshishands,ashockwaveburstingfromhisskin,knockingmeonmyback.

TheNightbringerswaysbeforerightinghimself.“Ah,”heobserves.“Thepuphasabite.Allthebetter.”Icannotseehisfacewithinthathood.ButIhearthesmileinhisvoice.Herisesupaswindfloodstheclearing.“Thereisnojoyindestroyingaweakfoe.”

Heturnshisattentioneast,towardsomethingfaroutofsight.Whispershissontheair,asifhe’scommunicatingwithsomeone.Thenthewindsnatchesathimand,asintheforestoutsideKauf,hedisappears.Butthistime,insteadofsilencetomarkhispassing,theghostswhofledtothebordersoftheWaitingPlacepourintotheclearing,swarmingme.You,Laia,thisisbecauseofyou!

Shaevaisdead—Eliasiscondemned—Thejinnabreathfromvictory—Becauseofme.Therearesomany.Thetruthoftheirwordsbreaksovermelikeanetof

chains.Itrytostandagainstit,butIcannot,forthespiritsdonotlie.Onepieceremains.TheNightbringermustfindonlyonemorepieceofthe

Starbeforeheisabletofreehiskin.Heisclosenow.CloseenoughthatIcannolongerdenyit.CloseenoughthatImustact.

Theghoststornadoaroundme,soangryIfeartheywilltearoffmyskin.ButEliascutsthroughthemandliftsmetomyfeet.

Darinisbesideme,grabbingmypackfromwhereithasfallen,glaringattheghostsastheyeasebackintothetrees,barelyrestrained.

BeforeIevensaythewords,mybrothernods.HeheardwhatShaevasaid.Heknowswhatwemustdo.

“We’regoingtoAdisa.”Isayitanyway.“Tostophim.Tofinishthis.”

T

IX:Elias

hefullburdenoftheWaitingPlacedescendslikeaboulderdroppingontomyback.TheForestispartofme,andIcanfeeltheborders,theghosts,the

trees.It’sasifalivingmapoftheplacehasbeenimprintedonmymind.Shaeva’sabsenceisattheheartofthatburden.Igazeatthefallenbasketof

herbsthatshe’llneveraddtothekormathatshe’llnevereatinthehouseshe’llneverstepfootinagain.

“Elias—theghosts—”Laiadrawsclose.Theusuallymournfulspiritshavetransformedintoviolentshades.IneedMauth’smagictosilencethem.Ineedtobondwithhim,thewayShaevawantedmeto.

ButwhenIgraspatMauthwithmywill,Ifeelonlyatraceofthemagicbeforeitfades.

“Elias?”Despitetheshriekingghosts,Laiatakesmyhand,herlipsdrawndowninconcern.“I’msosorryaboutShaeva.Isshereally—”

Inod.She’sgone.“Itwassofast.”Somehow,Iamcomfortedbythefactthatsomeoneisas

stunnedasIam.“Areyou—willyoube—”Sheshakesherhead.“Ofcourseyou’renotallright—skies,howcouldyoube?”

AgroanfromDarinpullsourattentionawayfromeachother.Theghostscirclehim,dartingcloseandwhisperingskiesknowwhat.Bleedinghells.IneedtogetLaiaandDarinoutofhere.

“IfyouwanttogettoAdisa,”Isay,“thefastestwayisthroughtheForest.You’lllosemonthsgoingaround.”

“Right.”Laiapausesandfurrowsherbrow.“But,Elias—”IfwespeakmoreofShaeva,Ithinksomethinginsidemewillbreak.Shewas

here,andnowshe’sgone,andnothingcanchangethat.Thepermanenceofdeathwillalwaysfeellikeabetrayal.Butragingagainstitwhenmyfriendsareindangeristheactofafool.Imustmove.ImustmakesureShaevadidn’tdiefornothing.

LaiaisstillspeakingwhenItakeDarin’shandandbegintowindwalk.ShegoesquietastheForestfadespastus.Shesqueezesmyhand,andIknowthatsheunderstandsmysilence.

IcannottravelwithShaeva’sswiftness,butwereachoneofthebridgesovertheRiverDuskafteronlyaquarterhour,andsecondslater,we’rebeyondit.Ianglenortheast,andaswemovethroughthetrees,Laiapeeksatmefrombeneaththewingofhairthathasfallenoverhereye.Iwanttospeaktoher.DamntheNightbringer,Iwanttosay.Idon’tcarewhathesaid.Ionlycarethatyouareallright.

“We’llbetheresoon,”Ibegin,beforeanothervoicespeaks,ahatefulchorusthatisinstantlyrecognizable.Youwillfail,usurper.Thejinn.Buttheirgroveismilesaway.Howaretheyprojectingtheirvoices

thisfar?Filth.Yourworldwillfall.Ourkinghasalreadythwartedyou.Thisisjustthe

beginning.“Pissoff,”Isnarl.IthinkofthewhispersIheardjustbeforetheNightbringer

disappeared.Hewasgivingthesefierymonstersorders,nodoubt.Thejinnlaugh.Ourkindarepowerful,mortal.Youcannotreplaceajinn.Youcannothopeto

succeedasSoulCatcher.Iignorethem,hopingthey’llshutthehellsup.Didtheyeverdothisto

Shaeva?Weretheyalwaysbellowinginherhead,andshejustnevertoldme?MychestacheswhenIthinkoftheSoulCatcher—andofsomanyothers.

Tristas.Demetrius.Leander.TheBloodShrike.Mygrandfather.Areallthosewhogetclosetomefatedtosuffer?

Darinshivers,grittinghisteethagainsttheonslaughtoftheghosts.Laia’sskinisgray,thoughshewalksonwithoutawordofcomplaint.Intheend,theywillfade.Youwillendure.Lovecannotlivehere.Laia’shandiscoolandsmallinmine.Herpulsefluttersagainstmyfingers,a

tenuousreminderofhermortality.Evenifshesurvivestobeanoldwoman,heryearsarenothingagainstthelifeofaSoulCatcher.ShewilldieandIwillabide,becominglessandlesshumanastimepasses.

“There.”Laiapointsahead.Thetreesthin,andthroughthemIspotthecottagewhereDarinrecoveredfromhisinjuriesatKauf,monthsagonow.

Whenwereachthetreeline,Ireleasethesiblings.Daringrabsmeandpullsmeintoaroughhug.“Idon’tknowhowtothankyou—”hebegins,butIstophim.

“Stayalive,”Isay.“That’llbethanksenough.I’llhaveenoughproblemsherewithoutyourghostshowingup.”Darinoffersaflashofasmilebeforeglancingathissisterandprudentlyheadingforthecottage.

Laiatwistsherhandstogether,notlookingatme.Herhairhascomefreefromitsbraidasitalwaysdoes,infat,unrulycurls.Ireachforone,unabletohelpmyself.

“I...havesomethingforyou.”Irummagearoundinapocketandpulloutapieceofwood.Itisunfinished,thecarvingsonitrough.“Youreachforyouroldarmletsometimes.”Ifeelridiculousallofasudden.WhywouldIgiveherthishideousthing?Itlookslikeasix-year-oldmadeit.“It’snotfinished.But...ah...Ithought—”

“It’sperfect.”Herfingersbrushmineasshetakesit.Thattouch.Tenhells.Isteadymybreathandcrushthedesirethatthrumsinmyveins.Sheslidesthearmleton,andseeingherinthatfamiliarpose,onehandrestingonthecuff—itfeelsright.“Thankyou.”

“WatchyourbackinAdisa.”Iturntopracticalities.Theyareeasiertospeakofthanthisfeelinginmychest,likemyheartisbeingcarvedoutofmeandlitonfire.“TheMarinerswillknowyourface,andiftheyknowwhatDarincando—”

Icatchhersmileandrealizethat,likeafool,I’mtellingherthingsshealreadyknows.

“Ithoughtwewouldhavemoretime,”shesays.“Ithoughtwe’dfindawayoutforyou.ThatShaevawouldreleaseyoufromyourvowor...”

ShelookslikeIfeel:broken.Ineedtolethergo.FighttheNightbringer,Ishouldsay.Win.Findjoy.Rememberme.Forwhyshouldshecomebackhere?Herfutureisintheworldoftheliving.Sayit,Elias,mylogicscreams.Makeiteasierforbothofyou.Don’tbe

pathetic.“Laia,youshould—”“Idon’twanttoletyougo.Notyet.”Shetracesmyjawwithalighthand,her

fingerslingeringonmymouth.Shewantsme—Icanseeit,feelit—anditmakesmedesireherevenmoredesperately.“Notsosoon.”

“NeitherdoI.”Ipullherintomyarms,revelinginthewarmthofherbodyagainstmine,thecurveofherhipbeneathmyhand.ShetucksherheadbeneathmychinandIbreatheherin.

Mauthtugsatme,harshandsudden.Againstmywill,IswaybacktowardtheForest.

No.No.Ghostsbedamned.Mauthbedamned.WaitingPlacebedamned.Igrabherhandandpullhertowardme,andasifshewaswaitingforit,she

closeshereyesandrisesuponhertoes.Herhandstangleinmyhair,drawingmetightlytowardher.Herlipsaresoftandlush,andwhenshepresseseverycurve

intome,Inearlylosemyfeet.IhearnothingbutLaia,seenothingbutLaia,feelnothingbutLaia.

MymindracesforwardtomelayingherdownontheForestfloor,spendinghoursexploringeveryinchofherbody.ForamomentIseewhatwecouldhavehad:Laiaandherbooksandpatients,andmeandaschoolthattaughtmorethandeathandduty.Alittleonewithgoldeyesandglowingbrownskin.ThewhiteinLaia’shaironeday,andthewayhereyeswillmellowanddeepenandgrowwiser.

“Youarecruel,Elias,”shewhispersagainstmymouth.“Togiveagirlallshedesiresonlytotearitaway.”

“Thisisn’ttheendforus,LaiaofSerra.”Icannotgiveupwhatwecouldhave.Idon’tcarewhatbleedingvowImade.“Doyouhearme?Thisisnotourend.”

“You’veneverbeenaliar.”Shedashesherhandsagainstthewetnessinhereyes.“Don’tstartnow.”

Herbackisstraightasshewalksaway,andwhenshereachesthecottage,Darin,waitingoutside,rises.Shegoespasthimquickly,andhefollows.

Iwatchheruntilsheisjustashadowonthehorizon.Turnaround,Ithink.Justonce.Turnaround.

Shedoesn’t.Andperhapsit’sjustaswell.

I

X:TheBloodShrike

spendtherestofthedayintheBlackGuardbarracks,readingthroughspyreports.Mostaremundane:aprisonertransferthatcouldguaranteetheloyalty

ofaMercatorhouse;aninvestigationintothedeathoftwoIllustrianPaters.IpayclosestattentiontothereportsoutofTiborum.Withtheapproachof

spring,theKarkaunclansareexpectedtocomepouringoutofthemountains,raidingandreaving.

ButmyspiessaytheKarkaunsarequiet.Perhapstheirleader,thisGrímarr,committedtoomanyforcestotheattackonNavium.PerhapsTiborumisuncommonlylucky.

Orperhapsthoseblue-facedbastardsareuptosomething.Irequestreportsfromallthenortherngarrisons.Bythetimethemidnight

bellsring,Iamexhaustedandmydeskisonlyhalf-clear.ButIstopanyway,forgoingamealdespitetherumblinginmybelly,andpullingonmybootsandacloak.Sleepwillnotcome.NotwhenthecrackofLivia’sbonesstillringsthroughmyhead.NotwhenI’mwonderingwhatambushtheCommandantwillhavewaitingformeinNavium.

Thehallwayoutsidemyquartersissilentanddark.MostoftheBlackGuardshouldbeasleep,butthere’salwaysatleastahalfdozenmenonwatch.Idon’twanttobefollowed—IsuspecttheCommandanthasspiesamongmymen.Iheadforthearmory,whereahiddenpassageleadsintotheheartofthecity.

“Shrike.”Thewhisperissoft,butIjumpanyway,cursingatthesightofthegreeneyesshininglikeacat’sfromacrossthehall.

“Avitas,”Ihiss.“Whyareyoulurkingouthere?”“Don’ttakethearmorytunnel,”hesays.“PaterSisselliushasamanwatching

theroute.I’llhavehimtakencareof,buttherewasn’ttimetonight.”“Areyouspyingonme?”“You’repredictable,Shrike.AnytimeMarcushurtsher,youtakeawalk.

CaptainDexremindedmethatit’sagainstregulationsfortheShriketobeunaccompanied,sohereIam.”

IknowHarperissimplycarryingouthisduties.Ihavebeenirresponsible,wanderingthecityatnightwithoutanyguards.Still,I’mvexed.Harperserenely

ignoresmydiscontentandnodstothelaundrycloset.Theremustbeanotherpassagewaythere.

Oncewe’reinsidethenarrowspace,myarmorclanksagainsthis,andIgrimace,hopingnoonehearsus.Skiesknowwhattheywouldsayatfindinguspressedtogetherinadarkcloset.

Myfaceheatsthinkingofit.Thanktheskiesformymask.“Where’sthebleedingentrance?”

“It’sjust—”Hereachesaroundmeandup,rummagingthroughuniforms.Ileanback,catchingaV-shapedglimpseofthesmoothbrownskinathisthroat.Hisscentislight—barelythere—butwarm,likecinnamonandcedar.Itakeadeepersniff,glancingupathimasIdo.

Tofindhimstaringatme,eyebrowsraised.“Yousmell...notunpleasant,”Isaystiffly.“Iwassimplynoticing.”“Ofcourse,Shrike.”Hismouthquirksalittle.Isthatableedingsmile?“Shallwe?”Asifsensingmyannoyance,Harperpushesopenasectionofthe

closetbehindmeandmovesthroughquickly.WedonotspeakagainaswewendourwaythroughthesecretpassagewaysoftheBlackGuardbarracksandoutintothechillspringnight.

Harperdropsbackwhenweareaboveground,andIsoonforgetheisnear.Hoodpulledlow,IghostthroughAntium’slowerlevel,throughthecrowdedScholarsector,pastinnsandbustlingtaprooms,barracksandPlebeian-heavyneighborhoods.TheguardsattheuppergatedonotseemeasIpassintothecity’ssecondtier—atrickIplaytokeepmyedge.

Ifindmyselftoyingwithmyfather’sringasIwalk,theringofGensAquilla.Sometimes,whenIlookatit,Istillseethebloodthatcoatedit,thebloodthatspatteredmyfaceandarmorwhenMarcuscutFather’sthroat.Don’tthinkaboutthat.Ispinitround,tryingtotakecomfortfromits

presence.GivemethewisdomofalltheAquillas,Ifindmyselfthinking.Helpmedefeatmyfoe.

Isoonreachmydestination,awoodedparkoutsidetheHallofRecords.Atthishour,Iexpectedthehalltobedark,butadozenlampsarelit,andthearchivistsarestillhardatwork.Thelong,pillaredbuildingisspectacularforitssizeandsimplicity,butItakecomfortfromitbecauseofwhatiswithin:recordsoflineages,births,deaths,dispatches,treaties,tradeagreements,andlaws.

IftheEmperoristheheartoftheEmpireandthepeopleareitslifeblood,thentheHallofRecordsisitsmemory.NomatterhowhopelessIfeel,cominghereremindsmeofalltheMartialshavebuiltinthefivehundredyearssincetheEmpirewasfounded.

“AllEmpiresfall,BloodShrike.”

WhenCainstepsfromtheshadows,Ireachformyblade.IhavethoughtmanytimesaboutwhatIwoulddoifIsawtheAuguragain.Always,Isawmyselfremainingcalm.Silent.Iwouldholdmyselfalooffromhim.Iwouldgivehimnothingofmymind.

Myintentionsvanishatthesightofhisaccursedface.ThepassionwithwhichIwanttobreakhisfrailneckastoundsme.Ididn’tknowIcouldhavethismuchhateinme.Hannah’spleadingfillsmyears—Helly,I’msorry—andmymother’scalmwordsasshekneltforherdeath.Strength,mygirl.Myfather’sringcutsintomypalm.

ButasIdrawtheblade,myarmfreezes—anddrops,forcedtomysidebytheAugur.Thelackofcontrolisenragingandunsettling.

“Suchanger,”hemurmurs.“Youdestroyedmylife.Youcouldhavesavedthem.You—youmonster.”“Whatofyou,BloodShrike?Areyounotamonster?”Cain’shoodislow,but

Icanstillmakeouttheinquisitivegleamofhisgaze.“You’redifferent,”Ispit.“You’relikethem.TheCommandant,orMarcus,or

theNightbringer—”“Ah,buttheNightbringerisnomonster,child,thoughhemaydomonstrous

things.Heisclovenbysorrowandthuslockedinarighteousbattletoamendagrievouswrong.Muchlikeyou.Ithinkyouaremoresimilarthanyouknow.YoucouldlearnmuchfromtheNightbringer,ifhedeignedtoteachyou.”

“Idon’tbleedingwantanythingtodowithanyofyou,”Ihiss.“Youareamonster,evenifyou—”

“Butyouareaparagonofperfection?”Caintiltshishead,appearinggenuinelycurious.“Youliveandbreatheandeatandsleeponthebacksofthoselessfortunate.Yourentireexistenceisduetotheoppressionofthoseyouviewtobelesser.Butwhyyou,BloodShrike?Whydidfateseefittomakeyoutheoppressorinsteadoftheoppressed?Whatisthemeaningofyourlife?”

“TheEmpire.”Ishouldn’tanswer.Ishouldignorehim.Butalifetimeofreverencedieshard.“Thatisthemeaningofmylife.”

“Perhaps.”Cainshrugs,astrangelyhumangesture.“Ididnot,intruth,comeheretoarguephilosophywithyou.Icamewithamessage.”

Hepullsanenvelopefromhisrobes.Atthesightoftheseal—abirdwingingoverashiningcity—Isnatchitfromhim.Livia.

AsIopenit,IkeeponeeyeontheAugur.

Cometome,sister.Ineedyou.Yoursalways,Livia

“Whendidshesendthis?”Iscanthemessagequickly.“Andwhydidshesenditwithyou?Shecouldhave—”

“Sheasked,andIacquiesced.Anyoneelsewouldhavebeenfollowed.Andthatwouldnothavealignedwithmyinterests.Orhers.”Caintouchesmymaskedbrowgently.“Faretheewell,BloodShrike.Iwillseeyouoncemore,beforeyourend.”

Hestepsbackandvanishes,andHarperappearsoutofthedark,jawclenched.Apparently,helikestheAugursasmuchasIdo.

“Youcankeepthemoutofyourhead,”hesays.“TheNightbringertoo.Icanshowyouhow,ifyoulike.”

“Fine,”Isay,alreadymakingforthepalace.“OnthewaytoNavium.”WesoonreachthebalconyofLivvy’sapartments,andIdonotspotasingle

soldier.Avitasisstationedbelow,andI’mremindingmyselftoyellatFaris,whocaptainsLivvy’spersonalguard,whentheairshifts.I’mnotalone.

“Peace,Shrike.”FarisCandelanstepsoutofthearcheddoorwaythatleadsintoLivvy’squarters,hishandsup,shortblondhairamess.“She’swaitingforyou.”

“Youshouldhavebleedingtoldheritwasstupidtosummonme.”“Idon’ttelltheEmpresswhattodo,”Farissays.“Ijusttrytomakesureno

onehurtsherwhileshe’sdoingit.”Somethingabouthowhesaysitmakesthehaironmyneckrise,andintwosteps,Ihaveadaggerathisthroat.

“Watchitwithher,Faris,”Isay.“Youflirtlikeyourlifedependsonit,butifMarcussuspectssheisdisloyalhewillkillher,andtheIllustrianPaterswillbelievehehadeveryrighttodoit.”

“Don’tworryaboutme,”Farissays.“I’vegotalovelyMercatorgirlwaitingformeintheWeaver’sdistrict.MostspectacularhipsI’veeverseen.Wouldhavebeentherebynow”—heglaresatmeuntilIreleasehim—“butsomeoneneededtobeonduty.”

“Twopeople,”Isay.“Who’syourbackup?”Afigurestepsintothelightfromtheshadowsbesidethedoor:athrice-

brokennose,deepbrownskin,andblueeyesthatalwayssparkle,evenbeneaththesilvermask.

“Rallius?Tenhells,isthatyou?”SilvioRalliussalutesbeforeflashingagrinthatmadekneesweakatIllustrian

partiesacrossSerrafornearlyallofmyteenageyears—includingmyknees,beforeIlearnedbetter.EliasandIhero-worshippedhim,thoughheisonlytwoyearsolder.Hewasoneofthefewupperclassmanwhowasn’tamonstertotheyoungerstudents.

“BloodShrike.”Hesalutes.“Myscimisyours.”

“Wordsasprettyasthatsmile.”Idon’treturnhis,andherealizesthenthathe’sdealingwiththeBloodShrikeandnotayoungcadetfromBlackcliff.“Makethemtrue.Protecther,oryourlifeisforfeit.”

IslippastthembothandintoLivvy’sbedroom.Asmyeyesadjust,thefloorboardsnearatapestrycreak.Clothwhispersasthecontoursoftheroomcomeintofocus.Livia’sbedisempty;onhersidetable,acupoftea—wildwood,fromthescentofit—sitsuntouched.

Liviapokesherheadoutfrombehindthetapestryandmotionsmeforward.Icanbarelymakeherout,whichmeansanyspieswithinthewallscan’tseehereither.

“Youshouldhavedrunkthetea.”Iamcarefulofherwoundedhand.“Itmusthurt.”

Herclothesrustle,andasoftclicksounds.Staleairandthesmellofwetstonewashoverme.Ahallwaystretchesbeforeus.Westepin,andsheclosesthedoor,finallyspeaking.

“Anempresswhobearsherpainwithfortitudeisanempresswhogainsrespect,”shesays.“MywomenhavespreadtherumorthatIscornedthetea.ThatIbearthepainwithoutfear.Butbleedinghells,ithurts.”

Themomentshesaysit,afamiliarcompulsioncomesoverme:theneedtohealher,tosingherbetter.

“Ican—Icanhelpyou,”Isay.Bleedingskies,howwillIexplainittoher?“I—”

“Wedon’thavetime,sister,”shewhispers.“Come.Thispassageconnectsmyroomstohis.I’veuseditbefore.Butbesilent.Hecannotcatchus.”

Wepaddownthehallwaytowardatinycrackoflight.Themutteringbeginswhenwe’rehalfwaydown.Thelightisaspyhole,bigenoughtoadmitsoundbuttoosmalltoseethroughveryclearly.IglimpseMarcus,bareofarmor,stalkingbackandforthacrosshiscavernousquarters.

“YouhavetostopdoingthiswhenI’minthethroneroom.”Hedigshishandsintohishair.“DoyouwanttohavediedjustsoIcangethurledoffthethroneforbeinginsane?”

Silence.Then:“Iwon’tbleedingtouchher!Ican’thelpthathersister’sgaggingforit—”

Inearlychoke,andLivvygripsme.“Ihadmyreasons,”shewhispers.“IwilldowhatImusttokeepthisempire,”Marcusgrowls,andforthefirst

timeIsee...something.Apaleshadow,likeafaceglimpsedinamirrorunderwater.Asecondlater,it’sgone,andIshakemyself.Atrickofthelight,perhaps.“IfthatmeansbreakingafewfingerstokeepyourpreciousBloodShrikeinline,sobeit.Iwantedtobreakherarm—”

“Tenhells,”IbreathetoLivia.“He’sbarking.He’sgonemad.”“Hethinkswhathe’sseeingisreal.”Liviashakesherhead.“Maybeitis.It

doesn’tmatter.Hecannotremainonthethrone.Atbest,he’stakingordersfromaghost.Atworst,he’shallucinating.”

“Wehavetosupporthim,”Isay.“TheAugursnamedhimEmperor.Ifhe’sdeposedorkilled,weriskcivilwar.OrtheCommandantswoopinginandnamingherselfEmpress.”

“Dowe?”Livvytakesmyhandwithhergoodoneandplacesitonherstomach.Shedoesn’tspeak.Shedoesn’thaveto.

“Oh.You—that’swhyyouandhe—oh—”Blackcliffpreparedmeformanythings.Itdidnotpreparemeformysister’spregnancybythemanwhoslitthethroatsofourparentsandsister.

“Thisisouranswer,Shrike.”“Hisheir,”Iwhisper.“Aregency.”Bleedingskies.IfMarcusdisappearsafterthechildisborn,LiviaandGens

AquillawouldruntheEmpireuntilthechildcameofage.Wecouldtraintheboyuptobeatrueandjuststatesman.TheIllustrianGenswouldacceptitbecausetheheirwouldbefromahighbornhouse.ThePlebeianswouldacceptitbecauseheisMarcus’ssonandthusrepresentsthemtoo.But...

“Howdoyouknowit’saboy?”Sheturnshereyes—myeyes—ourmother’seyes—tome,andIhavenever

seenanyonelooksosureofanythinginmylife.“It’saboy,BloodShrike,”shesays.“Youmusttrustme.Healreadyquickens.BytheGrainMoon,ifalliswell,hewillbehere.”

Ishiver.TheGrainMoonagain.“WhentheCommandantfindsout,she’llcomeafteryou.Ihaveto—”“Killher.”Liviatakesthewordsfrommymouth.“Beforeshefindsout.”WhenIaskLiviaifMarcusknowsofthepregnancy,sheshakesherhead.“I

confirmeditonlytoday.AndIwantedtotellyoufirst.”“Tellhim,Livvy.”Iforgethertitle.“Hewantsanheir.Perhapshewon’t—”I

gesturetoherhand.“Butnooneelse.Hideitasbestyoucan—”Sheputsafingertomylips.Marcus’smutteringhasstopped.“Go,Shrike,”Livvybreathes.Mother!Father!Hannah!SuddenlyIcannotbreathe.Hewon’ttakeLivvy

too.I’lldiebeforeIletithappen.“I’llfighthim—”Mysisterdigsherfingersintomyshoulder.Thepainfocusesme.“You’ll

fighthim.”Sheshovesmetowardherroom.“He’lldiebecausehe’snomatchforyouranger.Andinthefrenzytoreplacehim,ourenemieswillhaveusboth

killedbecausewewouldhavemadeiteasyforthemtodoso.Wemustlive.Forhim.”Shetouchesherstomach.“ForFatherandMotherandHannah.FortheEmpire.Go.”

Sheshovesmeoutthedoor,justaslightfloodsthepassageway.Iracethroughherroom,pastFarisandRallius,flippingoverthebalconytotheropetiedbelow,cursingmyselfasMarcusshouts,ashelandsthefirstblow,asthecrackofanotherofmysister’sbonesechoesinmyears.

PARTII

INFERNO

XI:LaiaFOURWEEKSLATER

DarinandIjostlethroughtheseaofScholarrefugeesontherutteddirtroadintoAdisa,twomoretiredbodiesanddirtyfacesamidthehundredsseekingsanctuaryinMarinn’sshiningcapitalcity.

Silencehangslikeafogovertherefugeesastheyplodonward.MostoftheseScholarswereturnedawayfromtheotherMarinercities.Allhaveseenhomeslost,familyandfriendstorturedormurdered,rapedorimprisoned.

TheMartialswieldtheirweaponsofwarwithmercilessefficiency.TheywanttobreaktheScholars.AndifIdon’tstoptheNightbringer—ifIdon’tfindthis“Beekeeper”inAdisa—theywill.

Shaeva’sprophecyhauntsme.DarinandIdiscussitobsessively,tryingtomakesenseofeachline.Bitsofit—thesparrows,theButcher—dredgeupoldmemories,scrapsofthoughtsthatIcannotquitegraspholdof.

“We’llfigureitout.”Daringlancesover,readingthefurrowinmybrow.“Wehavebiggerproblems.”Ourshadow.Themanappearedthreedaysago,trailingusasweleftasmall

village.Oratleast,thatiswhenwefirstnoticedhim.Sincethen,he’sremainedfarenoughawaythatwecannotgetagoodlookathim,butcloseenoughthatmybladefeelsfusedtomypalm.EverytimeIdonmyinvisibilityinthehopesofgettingclosertohim,hedisappears.

“Stillthere.”Darinchancesalookbehindus.“Lurkinglikeableedingwraith.”

Thecirclesbeneathmybrother’seyesmakehisiriseslookalmostblack.Hischeekbonesjutout,astheydidwhenIfirstrescuedhimfromKauf.Sinceourshadowappeared,Darinhassleptlittle.Butevenbeforethat,nightmaresofKaufandtheWardenplaguedhim.SometimesIwishtheWardenbacktolife,justsoIcouldkillhimmyself.Strangehowmonsterscanreachfrombeyondthegrave,aspotentindeathastheywereinlife.

“We’lllosehimatthecitygates.”Itrytosoundconvincing.“Andlielowwhenwegetin.Findacheapinntostayatwherenoonewilllookatustwice.Andthen,”Iadd,“wecanaskaroundfortheBeekeeper.”

Undertheguiseofadjustingmyhood,Iglancebackquicklyatourshadow.He’sclosenow,andbeneaththescarfthathideshisface,hisred,sicklemouth

curvesintoasmile.Aweaponflashesinhishand.Ispinbackaround.Wewinddownfromthefoothills,andAdisa’sgold-

fleckedwallcomesintoview,amarvelofwhitegranitethatglowsorangeunderthefading,blood-streakedsky.Alongtheeasternwall,amassofgraytentsbloomsoutfornearlyamile:theScholarrefugeecamp.Inthebaytothenorth,seaicefloatsinfatchunks,itsbrinysmellslicingthroughthedirtandgrimeoftheroad.

Cloudssitlowonthehorizon,andanestivalwindblowsinfromthesouth,scatteringthem.Astheypart,anear-collectivegaspripplesthroughthetravelers.ForinthecenterofAdisa,aspireofstoneandglasssoarsintothesky,pinioningtheheavens.Ittwistslikethehornofsomemythicalcreature,impossiblybalancedandglowingwhite.Ihaveonlyeverhearditdescribed,butthedescriptionsdoitnojustice.TheGreatLibraryofAdisa.

Anunwelcomememorysurfaces.Redhair,browneyes,andamouththatlied,lied,lied.Keenan—theNightbringer—tellingmethathetoowantedtoseetheGreatLibrary.Shetastedsweet,boy.Likedewandacleardawn.Myskincrawlsthinkingof

thefilthhespatintheWaitingPlace.“Look.”Inodtothethrongsgatheredoutsidethecitygates,pushingtoenter

beforetheycloseatnightfall.“Wecanlosehimthere.EspeciallyifIdisappear.”Whenweareclosertothecity,IdropinfrontofDarin,asifadjustinga

bootlace.ThenIpullonmyinvisibility.“I’mrightnexttoyou,”IwhisperwhenIstand,andDarinnods,weaving

quicklynowthroughthecrowd,usinghissharpelbowstomuscleforward.Thecloserwegettothegate,thesloweritgoes.Finally,asthesundipsintothewest,westandbeforethemassivewoodenentrance,carvedwithwhalesandeels,octopusesandmermaids.Beyond,acobbledstreetcurvesupanddisappearsintoawarrenofbrightlypaintedbuildings,lampswinkingintheirwindows.Ithinkofmymother,whocametoAdisawhenshewasonlyafewyearsolderthanme.Diditlookthesame?DidshesharetheaweIfeelnow?

“Yourguarantor,sir?”OneofthedozensofMarinerguardsfixeshisattentiononDarin,anddespite

theseethingcrowds,heiscoollypolite.Darinshakeshisheadinconfusion.“Myguarantor?”

“Whoareyoustayingwithinthecity?Whatfamilyorguild?”“We’restayingataninn,”Darinsays.“Wecanpay—”“Goldcanbestolen.Irequirenames:theinnwhereyouplantoprocure

roomsandyourguarantor,whocanvouchforyourquality.Onceyouprovide

names,youwillwaitinaholdingareawhileyourinformationisverified,afterwhichyoumayenterAdisa.”

Darinlooksuncertain.WedonotknowanyoneinAdisa.SinceleavingElias,wehavetriedseveraltimestogetintouchwithAraj,theSkiritaeleaderwhoescapedKaufwithus,buthaveheardnothingbackfromhim.

Darinnodsatthesoldier’sexplanation,asifwehaveanyideawhatwewilldoinstead.“AndifIdon’thaveaguarantor?”

“You’llfindtheentrancetotheScholarrefugeecampeastofhere.”Thesoldier,whountilnowhadkepthisattentiononthepressingcrowdbehindus,finallylooksatDarin.Theman’seyesnarrow.

“Say—”“Timetogo,”Ihisstomybrother,andhemumblessomethingtothesoldier

beforequicklyshovingbackintothecrowd.“Hecan’thaveknownmyface,”Darinsays.“I’venevermethimbefore.”“MaybeallScholarslookaliketohim,”Isay,buttheexplanationrings

hollowtome.Morethanonce,weturntoseeifthesoldierfollows.IslowdownonlywhenIspothimatthegate,speakingwithanothergroupofScholars.Ourshadowalsoappearstohavelostus,andweheadeast,makingourwaytooneofadozenlonglinesthatleadintotherefugeecamp.

NantoldmestoriesofwhatMotherdidwhensheledthenorthernResistancehereinAdisa,morethantwenty-fiveyearsago.TheMarinerKingIrmandworkedwithhertoprotecttheScholars.TogivethemworkandhomesandapermanentplaceinMarinersociety.

Thingshaveclearlygonetopotsincethen.Evenfromoutsidetheboundariesofthecamp,itsgloomispervasive.Bands

ofchildrenwanderthroughthetentsahead,mostfartooyoungtobeleftunaccompanied.Afewdogsslinkthroughthemuddyroadways,occasionallysniffingattheopensewers.

Whyisitalwaysus?Allofthesepeople—somanychildren—huntedandabusedandtormented.Familiesstolen,livesshattered.Theycomeallthiswaytoberejectedyetagain,sentoutsidethecitywallstosleepinflimsytents,tofightoverpaltryscrapsoffood,tostarveandfreezeandsuffermore.

Andweareexpectedtobethankful.Tobehappy.Somanyare—Iknowit.Happytobesafe.Tobealive.Butit’snotenough—nottome.

Aswegetclosertotheentrance,thecampcomesintoclearerview.Whiteparchmentfluttersfromtheclothwalls.Isquintatit,butit’snotuntilwe’renearingthefrontofthelinethatIfinallymakeoutwhat’sonit.

Myownface.Darin’s.Staringoutsullenlybeneathdamningwords:

BYPERSONALDECREEOFKINGIRMANDOFMARINN

WANTED:LAIAANDDARINOFSERRA

FOR:INCITEMENTOFREBELLION,AGITATION,ANDCONSPIRINGAGAINSTTHECROWNREWARD:10,000MARKS

ItlookslikethepostersfromtheCommandant’sofficeatBlackcliff.LiketheonefromNur,whentheBloodShrikewashuntingEliasandmeandofferingamassivereward.

“Whatintheskies,”Iwhisper,“didwedotoKingIrmandtooffendhimso?CouldtheMartialsbebehindit?”

“Theydon’tbleedingknowwe’rehere!”“Theyhavespies,justlikeeveryoneelse,”Isay.“Lookback,likeyousee

someoneyourecognize,andthenwalk—”AcommotionatthebackofthelineripplestowardusasasquadofMariner

troopsmarchestowardthecampfromAdisa.Darinhunchesdown,takingrefugedeeperinhishood.Shoutsringoutaheadofus,andlightflaressharply,followedquicklybyaplumeofblacksmoke.Fire.Theshoutsquicklyturntocriesofrageandfear.

Mymindseizes;mythoughtsgotoSerra,tothenightthesoldierstookDarin.ThepoundingatourdoorandthesilveroftheMask’sface.Nan’sandPop’sbloodonthefloorandDarinscreamingatme.Laia!Run!

Voicesaroundmeriseinterror.Scholarsinthecampflee.Groupsofchildrencluster,makingthemselvessmall,hopingtheyarenotnoticed.Blue-and-gold-cladMarinersoldiersweavethroughthetents,tearingthemapartastheysearchforsomething.

No—someone.TheScholarsaroundusscatter,runningeverywhichway,drivenbyafear

that’sbeenhammeredintoourbones.Alwaysus!Ourdignityshredded,ourfamiliesannihilated,ourchildrentornfromtheirparents.Ourbloodsoakingthedirt.WhatsinwassogreatthatScholarsmustpay,witheverygeneration,withtheonlythingwehaveleft:ourlives?

Darin,calmjustamomentago,ismotionlessbesideme,lookingasterror-strickenasIfeel.Igrabhishand.Icannotfallapartnow—notwhenheneedsmetoholdittogether.

“Let’sgo.”Ipullhimaway,buttherearesoldiersherdingthoseinthelinesbacktowardthecamp.Closeby,Ispyadarkspacebetweentworefugeetents.“Quick,Darin—”

Avoicecriesoutbehindus.“They’renothere!”AScholarwomanwhoisnaughtbutskinandbonestriestoshakeoffaMarinersoldier.“I’vetoldyou—”

“Weknowyou’reshelteringthem.”TheMarinerwhospeaksistallerthanmebyafewinches,herscaledsilverarmortightagainstthepowerfulmusclesofhershoulders.HerchiseledbrownfacelacksthecrueltyofaMask,butsheisnearlyasintimidating.Shetearsaposteroffthesideofoneofthetentswhereit’sbeenpinned.“TurnoverLaiaandDarinofSerra,andwewillleaveyoube.Otherwisewewillrazethiscampandscatteritsrefugeestothefourwinds.Wearegenerous,true.Thatdoesnotmakeusfools.”

Beyondthesoldier,dozensofScholarchildrenarebeingherdedtowardamakeshiftholdingpen.Acloudofembersexplodesintotheskyas,behindthem,twomoretentsgoupinflames.Ishudderatthewaythefiregrowlsandvaunts,asifitiscelebratingthescreamsrisingfrommypeople.

“It’stheprophecy,”Darinwhispers.“Doyouremember?Thesparrowswilldrown,andnonewillknowit.TheScholarsmustbethesparrows,Laia.TheMarinershavealwaysbeencalledtheseapeople.Theyaretheflood.”

“Wecannotletithappen.”Imakemyselfsaythewords.“They’resufferingbecauseofus.Thisistheonlyhometheyhave.Andwe’retakingitawayfromthem.”

Darinimmediatelyunderstandsmyintent.Heshakeshishead,takingastepback,movementsjerkyandpanicked.“No,”hesays.“Wecan’t.HowarewesupposedtofindtheBeekeeperifwe’reinprison?Ordead?Howarewesupposedto—”Hisvoicechokesoff,andheshakeshisheadagainandagain.

“Iknowtheywilllockusup.”Igrabhim,shakehim.Ineedtobreakthroughhisterror.Ineedhimtobelieveme.“ButIsweartotheskiesthatIwillgetusout.Wecannotletthecampburn,Darin.It’swrong.TheMarinerswantus.Andwe’rerighthere.”

Ascreameruptsfrombehindus.AScholarmanclawsataMarinerguard,howlingassheremovesachildfromhisgrasp.

“Don’thurther,”hebegs.“Please—please—”Darinwatches,shuddering.“You’re—you’reright.”Hefightstogetthe

wordsout,andIamrelievedandproudandbroken-heartedbecauseIfeelsickatthethoughtofwatchingmybrotherdraggedbacktoaprison.“I’llhavenooneelsedieforme.Especiallynotyou.I’llturnmyselfin.You’llbesafe—”

“Notachance,”Isay.“Neveragain.Whereyougo,Igo.”Idropmyinvisibility,andvertigonearlylevelsme.Mysightdarkenstoa

dankroomwithalight-hairedwomanwithin.Icannotseeherface.Whoisshe?Whenmyvisionclears,onlyafewsecondshavepassed.Ishakethestrange

imagesawayandleavetheshelterofthetents.

TheMarinersoldier’sinstinctisexcellent.Forthoughweareagoodthirtyfeetfromher,themomentwestepintothelight,herheadswivelstowardus.Theplumeandangledeyeholesofherhelmetmakeherlooklikeanangryhawk,butherhandislightonherscimasshewatchesourapproach.

“LaiaandDarinofSerra.”Shedoesn’tsoundsurprised,andIknowthenthatsheexpectedtofindushere—thatsheknewwehadarrivedinAdisa.“YouareunderarrestforconspiracytocommitcrimesagainstthekingdomofMarinn.Youwillcomewithme.”

T

XII:Elias

houghthesunhasn’tyetset,theTribalencampmentisquietwhenIapproach.Thecookfiresaredoused,thehorsesshelteredbeneathacanvas

tarp.Thered-and-yellow-paintedwagonsaresealedtightagainstthedrivinglatespringrain.Wanlamplightflickerswithin.

Imoveslowly,thoughnotoutofwariness.Mauthtugsatme,anditrequiresallmystrengthtoignorethatsummons.

Afewhundredyardswestofthecaravan,theDuskanSeabreaksagainsttherockyshore,itsroarnearlydrowningoutthemournfulcriesofwhite-headedgullsabove.ButmyMask’sinstinctsareassharpasever,andIsensetheapproachoftheKehanniofTribeNasurlongbeforesheappears—alongwiththesixNasurTribesmenguardingher.

“EliasVeturius.”TheKehanni’ssilverdreadlockshangtoherwaist,andIcanclearlymakeouttheelaboratestoryteller’stattoosonherdarkbrownskin.“Youarelate.”

“Iamsorry,Kehanni.”Idon’tbothergivingheranexcuse.Kehannisareasskilledattrappingliesastheyareattellingstories.“Ibegyourforgiveness.”

“Bah.”Shesniffs.“Youbeggedtomeetwithmetoo.IdonotknowwhyIconsented.Martialstookmybrother’ssonaweekago,aftertheyraidedourgrainstores.MyrespectforMamieRilaisallthatkeepsmefromguttingyoulikeapig,boy.”I’dliketoseeyoutry.“HaveyouheardfromMamie?”“Sheiswell-hiddenandrecoveringfromthehorrorsyourilkinflictedupon

her.IfyouthinkIwilltellyouwheresheis,youareabiggerfoolthanIsuspected.Come.”

Shejerksherheadtowardthecaravan,andIfollow.Iunderstandherrage.TheMartials’warontheTribesisevidentineveryburned-outwagonlitteringthecountryside,everyululatingwailrisingfromTribalvillagesasfamiliesmournthosetaken.

TheKehannimovesquickly,andasItrailher,Mauth’spullgrowsstronger,aphysicalwrenchthatmakesmewanttosprintbacktotheWaitingPlace,threeleaguesdistant.Asenseofwrongnessstealsoverme,asifI’veforgotten

somethingimportant.ButIcan’ttellifitismyowninstinctpricklingorifMauthismanipulatingmymind.Morethanonceinthepastfewweeks,I’vefeltsomeone—orsomething—flittingattheedgesoftheWaitingPlace,enteringandthenleaving,asiftryingtogaugeareaction.EverytimeI’vefeltit,I’vewindwalkedtotheborder.Andeverytime,I’vefoundnothing.

Therainhas,atleast,silencedthejinn.Thosefierybastardshateit.Buttheghostsaretroubled,forcedtoremainintheWaitingPlacelongerthantheyshouldbecauseIcannotpassthemthroughfastenough.Shaeva’swarninghauntsme.Ifyoudonotpasstheghoststhrough,itwillmeanyourfailureasSoul

Catcherandtheendofthehumanworldasyouunderstandit.Mauthpullsatmeagain,butImakemyselfignoreit.TheKehanniandI

weaveourwaythroughthewagonsofthecaravanuntilwereachonethatsitsapartfromtherest,itsblackdrapinginsharpcontrasttotheelaboratedecorationsoftheotherwagons.

ItisthehomeofaFakir—theTribespersonwhopreparesbodiesforburial.IwipetherainfrommyfaceastheKehanniknocksonthewoodenback

door.“Withrespect,”Isay,“Ineedtospeaktoyou—”“Ikeepthestoriesoftheliving.TheFakirakeepsthestoriesofthedead.”Thebackdoorofthewagonopensalmostimmediatelytorevealagirlof

perhapssixteen.Atthesightofme,hereyeswidenandshepullsatherhaloofred-browncurls.Shechewsonherlip,frecklesstarkagainstskinthatislighterthanMamie’sbutdarkerthanmine.Deepbluetattooswindupherarms,geometricpatternsthatmakemethinkofskulls.

SomethingabouttheuncertaintyofherpostureremindsmeofLaia,andapangoflongingflashesthroughme.IrealizethatI’vefrozenatthedoor,andtheKehannishovesmeintothewagon,whichislitbrightlybymulticoloredTriballamps.Ashelfalongthebackisfilledwithjarsoffluid,andthereisafaintsmellofsomethingastringent.

“This,”theKehannisaysfromthedooronceI’minside,“isAubarit,ournewFakira.Sheis...learning.”TheKehannicurlsherlipslightly.NowondertheKehanniagreedtohelpme.She’ssimplyfoistingmeontoagirlwhowilllikelybenohelpatall.“Shewilldealwithyou.”

Thedoorslams,leavingAubaritandmestaringateachotherforanawkwardmoment.

“You’reyoung,”IblurtoutasIsit.“OurSaifFakirwasolderthanthehills.”“Fearnot,bhai.”Aubaritusesthehonorificforbrother,andhershaking

voicereflectsheranxiety.Iimmediatelyfeelguiltyforbringingupherage.“I

havebeentrainedintheMysteries.YoucomefromtheForest,EliasVeturius.FromthedomainoftheBanial-Mauth.Doesshesendyoutoaidus?”DidshejustsayMauth?“Howdoyouknowthatname,Mauth?Doyoumean

Shaeva?”“Astagha!”Aubaritsqueakstheoathagainsttheevileye.“Wedonotuseher

name,bhai!TheBanial-Mauthisholy.TheChosenofDeath.TheSoulCatcher.TheGuardianattheGates.ThesacredMysteryofherexistenceisknownonlytotheFakirsandtheirapprentices.Iwouldnothaveevenspokenofit,onlyyoucamefromtheJagaal-Mauth.”PlaceofMauth.

“Shaev...ah,theBanial-Mauth.”Isuddenlyfindithardtospeak.“She’s...dead.I’mherreplacement.Shewastrainingmewhen—”

Aubaritdropssofast,Ithinkherhearthasfailed.“Banual-Mauth,forgiveme.”Inotethealterationofthetitletoreflectamale

insteadofafemale—whichiswhenIrealizethatshehasnothadsomesortoffaintingfit.Sheiskneeling.“Ididnotknow.”

“Noneedforthat.”Ipullhertoherfeet,embarrassedatherawe.“I’mstrugglingtopasstheghostson,”Isay.“IneedtousethemagicattheheartoftheWaitingPlace,butIdon’tknowhow.Theghostsarebuildingup.Everydaytherearemore.”

Aubaritblanches,andherknucklespaleassheclaspsherhandstogether.“This—thiscannotbe,Banual-Mauth.Youmustpassthemon.Ifyoudonot—”

“Whathappens?”Ileanforward.“YouspokeofMysteries—howdidyoulearnthem?Aretheywrittendown?Scrolls?Books?”

TheFakiratapsherhead.“TowritedowntheMysteriesistorobthemoftheirpower.OnlytheFakirsandFakiraslearnthem,forwearewiththedeadastheyleavetheworldoftheliving.WewashthemandcommunewiththeirspiritssotheymoveeasilythroughtheJagaal-Mauthandtotheotherside.TheSoulCatcherdoesnotseethem—she—you—arenotmeantto.”HaveyoueverwonderedwhytherearesofewghostsfromtheTribes?

Shaeva’swords.“DoyourMysteriessayanythingoftheWaitingPlace’smagic?”“No,Banual-Mauth,”Aubaritsays.“Though...”Hervoicedropsandtakes

onthecadenceofalong-memorizedchant.“Ifthouseekestthetruthinthetrees,theForestwillshowtheeitsslymemory.”

“Amemory?”Ifrown—Shaevasaidnothingofthis.“Thetreeshaveseenmuch,nodoubt.ButthemagicIhavedoesn’tallowmetospeakwiththem.”

Aubaritshakesherhead.“TheMysteriesarerarelyliteral.Forestcouldmeanthetrees—oritcouldbereferringtosomethingelseentirely.”

Metaphoricaltalkingtreeswon’thelpme.“WhatoftheBanial-Mauth?”Iask.“Didyouevermeether?Didshespeaktoyouofthemagicorhowshedidherwork?”

“Imetheronce,whenGrandfatherchosemeashisapprentice.Shegavemeherbenediction.Ithought...Ithoughtshesentyoutohelpus.”

“Helpyou?”Isaysharply.“WiththeMartials?”“No,with—”Sheswallowsbackthewords.“Donotconcernyourselfwith

suchtrifles,Banual-Mauth.Youmustmovethespirits,andtodothatyoumustremoveyourselffromtheworld,notwasteyourtimehelpingstrangers.”

“Tellmewhat’sgoingon,”Isay.“Icandecidewhetheritconcernsmeornot.”

Aubaritwringsherhandsinindecision,butwhenIchuffexpectantly,shespeaks,hervoicelow.“OurFakirsandFakiras,”shesays,“they’redying.AfewwerekilledinMartialattacks.Butothers...”Sheshakesherhead.“Mygrandfatherwasfoundinapondjustafewfeetdeep.Hislungswerefilledwithwater—butheknewhowtoswim.”

“Hisheartmighthavefailed.”“Hewasstrongasabullandnotyetinhissixthdecade.That’sonlypartofit,

Banual-Mauth.Istruggledtoreachhisspirit.Youmustunderstand,IhavebeentrainingasaFakirasinceIcouldspeak.Ihaveneverfoughttocommunewithaspirit.Thistime,itfeltasifsomethingwasblockingme.WhenIsucceeded,Grandfather’sghostwasdeeplytroubled—itwouldnotspeaktome.Somethingiswrong.I’venotheardfromtheotherFakirs—everyoneissoconcernedwiththeMartials.Butthis—thisisbiggerthanthat.AndIdonotknowwhattodo.”

Asharptugnearlypullsmetomyfeet.Isenseimpatienceontheotherend.PerhapsMauthdoesn’twishmetolearnthisinformation.Perhapsthemagicwantsmetoremainignorant.

“GetwordouttoyourFakirs,”Isay.“Theirwagonsshouldnolongerbesetapartfromtherestofthecaravan,byorderoftheBanual-Mauth,whohasexpressedconcernfortheirsafety.AndtellthemtohavetheirwagonsrepaintedtomatchtheothersintheTribe.Itwillmakeitmoredifficultforyourenemiestofindyou—”Istopshort.ThepullatmycoreisstrongenoughthatIfeellikeImightbesick.ButIpresson,becausenooneelseisgoingtohelpAubaritortheFakirs.

“AsktheotherFakirsiftheyarealsofindingithardtocommunewiththespirits,”Isay.“Andfindoutifit’severhappenedbefore.”

“TheotherFakirsdon’tlistentome.”“Youarenewtoyourpower.”Ineedtogo,butIcannotjustleaveherhere,

doubtingherself,doubtingherworth.“Butthatdoesn’tmeanyoudon’thaveit.

ThinkofthewayyourKehanniwearsherstrength,likeit’sherownskin.That’swhoyoumustbe.Foryourpeople.”

Mauthpullsmeyetagain,forcefullyenoughthat,againstmywill,Istand.“IhavetoreturntotheWaitingPlace,”Isay.“Ifyouneedme,cometotheborderoftheForest.I’llknowyou’rethere.Butdonottrytoenter.”

Momentslater,I’mbackoutintheheavyrain.LightningcracksovertheWaitingPlace,andIfeelithitwithinmydomain:north,nearthecabin,andcloser,neartheriver.Theawarenessfeelsinnate,likeknowingI’vegottenacutorbite.

AsIwindwalkhome,IturnAubarit’swordsoverinmyhead.ShaevanevertoldmetheFakirsweresodeeplyconnectedtoherwork.Shenevermentionedthattheyknewofherexistence,letalonethattheyhadbuiltanentiremythologyaroundher.AllIknewabouttheFakirswaswhatmostTribespeopleknowaboutthem—thattheyhandlethedeadandthattheyaretoberevered,albeitwithmorefearthanonewouldrevereaZaldaroraKehanni.

MaybeifI’dbleedingpaidattention,I’dhavenoticedaconnection.TheTribeshavealwaysbeendeeplywaryoftheForest.Afyahatesbeingnearit,andTribeSaifnevercamewithinfiftyleaguesofitwhenIwasachild.

AsIneartheWaitingPlace,Mauth’spull,whichbynowshouldhaveweakened,getsstronger.Doeshesimplywantmetocomeback?Doeshewantsomethingmore?

Theborderisfinallybeforeme,andthemomentIpassthrough,Iamblastedbythehowlsoftheghosts.Theirragehaspeaked—transformedintosomethingviolentandderanged.HowinthetenhellsdidtheygetsoriledupinthehourthatIwasgone?

Theypressclosetotheborderwithastrange,single-mindedfocus.Atfirst,Ithinkthattheyareallpushingatsomethingclosetothewall.Adeadanimal?Adeadbody?

ButasIshovepastthem,shudderingatthechillsripplingthroughmybody,Irealizethattheyaren’tpressingatsomethingnearthewall.Theyarepushingatthewallitself.

Theyaretryingtogetout.

T

XIII:TheBloodShrike

hesouthernskyisstainedblackwithsmokewhentheriverboatfinallybeginstheapproachtoNavium.Therainthathasdrenchedusforthepast

twoweekslingersonthehorizon,tauntingus,refusingtoprovideanyrelief.TheEmpire’sgreatestportcityburns,andmypeopleburnwithit.

AvitasjoinsmeonthewideprowwhileDexbarksordersatthecaptaintomovefaster.Thunderechoes—Navium’sdrumsissuingcodedorderswithafrenzyoneonlyeverhearsduringanattack.

Harper’ssilverfaceistight,hismouthdrawndowninwhatisalmostafrown.He’sspenthoursontheroadteachingmetoclosemymindagainstintrusion,whichmeantagreatdealoftimestaringintoeachother’sfaces.I’vegottentoknowhiswell.Whatevernewshe’sabouttodeliver,it’sbad.

“Grímarrandhisforcesattackedatdawnthreeweeksago,”hesays.“OurspiessaytheKarkaunshavebeenhitbyafamineinthesouth.Tensofthousandsdead.They’vebeenraidingthesoutherncoastformonthsnow,butwehadoutdatedinformationonthefleetthey’damassed.Theyshowedupwithmorethanthreehundredshipsandstruckthemerchantharborfirst.Ofthetwohundredfiftymerchantvesselsatport,twohundredforty-threeweredestroyed.”

That’sablowtheMercatorGenswon’tsoonforget.“Countermeasures?”“AdmiralLenidastookthefleetouttwice.Thefirsttime,wetookdownthree

Barbariancraftbeforeasquallforcedusbacktoport.Thesecondtime,Grímarrpressedtheattackanddroveusback.”

“GrímarrdrovebackAdmiralLenidas?”Whoeverthisskies-forsakenKarkaunis,he’snofool.LenidashascommandedtheEmpire’snavyforthepastthirtyyears.HedesignedNavium’smilitaryport,theIsland:awatchtowerwithanenormousbodyofwatersurroundingit,andacircular,protectedportbeyond,whichhousesmen,ships,andsupplies.HehasfoughttheBarbariansfordecadesfromtheIsland.

“Accordingtothereport,GrímarrcounteredeverytrickLenidasthrewathim.Afterthat,theKarkaunschokedofftheport.Thecityiseffectivelyundersiege.AndthedeathtollisuptoathousandintheSouthwestQuarter.That’swhereGrímarrishittingthehardest.”

TheSouthwestQuarterisalmostentirelyPlebeian—dockworkers,sailors,fishermen,coopers,blacksmiths,andtheirfamilies.

“KerisVeturiaisorchestratinganoperationtoroutthenextBarbarianattack.”“Kerisshouldn’tbeorchestratinganythingwithoutLenidastotemperher,”I

say.“Whereishe?”“Afterhissecondfailure,sheexecutedhim,”Avitassays,andfromhislong

pause,Iknowhe’sasdisturbedatthenewsasIam.“Forgrossderelictionofduty.Twodaysago.”

“Thatoldmanlivedandbreathedduty.”Iamnumb.LenidastrainedmepersonallyforsixmonthswhenIwasaFiver,justbeforeIgotmymask.HewasoneofthefewsouthernPatersmyfathertrusted.“HefoughttheKarkaunsforfiftyyears.Knewmoreaboutthemthananyonealive.”

“Officially,theCommandantfeltthathehadlosttoomanymenintheattacksandignoredtoomanyofherwarnings.”

“Andunofficiallyshewantedtotakecontrol.”Damnhertothehells.“WhydidtheIllustrianPatersallowit?She’snotadeity.Theycouldhavestoppedher.”

“YouknowhowLenidaswas,Shrike,”Avitassays.“Hedidn’ttakebribes,andhedidn’tletthePaterstellhimwhattodo.HetreatedIllustriansandMercatorsandPlebeiansalike.Thewaytheysawit,heletthemerchantharborburn.”

“AndnowKerisisincommandofNavium.”“She’ssummonedus,”Avitassays.“We’vebeeninformedthatanescortwill

bringustoher.SheisattheIsland.”Hag.SheisalreadyattemptingtowrestcontrolfrommebeforeI’veeven

enteredthecity.ImeanttogototheIslandfirst.ButnowifIdo,Iwillappearthesupplicant,seekingapprovalfrommybetters.

“Cursehersummons.”Acommotionatthedockscatchesmyattention.Thechuffingscreamsof

horsessplittheair,andIspottheblack-and-redarmorofaBlackGuard.Thesoldiercursesasheattemptstokeepholdofthebeasts,buttheybuckandjerkawayfromhim.

Then,assuddenlyastheybegantopanic,thebeastscalm,droppingtheirheads,asifdrugged.Everymanonthedockstepsback.

Afigureinblackcomesintoview.“Bleedinghells,”Avitasmurmursfrombesideme.TheNightbringer’seerie,brighteyesfixonme.ButIamnotsurprised.I

expectedKeristokeepthatjinnmonsterclose.SheknowsI’mtryingtokillher.

Sheknowsthatifshecanusehersupernaturalpettogetintomyhead,I’llneversucceed.

IthinkbacktothehoursspentwithAvitas,learningtoshieldmymind.Hourslisteningtohiscalmvoiceexplainhowtoimaginemyinnermostthoughtsasgemslockedinachest,hiddeninashipwreckatthebottomofaforgottensea.Harperdoesn’tknowaboutLivia’spregnancy.Ispokeofittonoone.ButheknowstheEmpire’sfuturedependsondestroyingtheCommandant.Hewasanexactinginstructor.

Buthecouldnottestmyskill.Ihopetotheskiesthatmypreparationwasenough.IfKerislearnsLivvyispregnant,she’llhaveassassinsdescendingwithindays.

Butaswedock,mythoughtsarescattered.Pullyourselftogether,Shrike.Livvy’slifedependsonit.TheEmpiredependsonit.

WhenIstepontothegangplank,IdonotlookintotheNightbringer’seyes.Imadethatmistakeoncebefore,monthsago,whenImethimbackinSerra.NowIknowthathiseyesshowedmyfuture.Isawthedeathsofmyfamilythatday.Ididn’tunderstanditatthetime—Iassumedmyownfearhadgottenthebestofme.

“Welcome,BloodShrike.”IcannothidemyshudderatthewaytheNightbringer’svoicescrapesagainstmyear.Hebeckonsmecloser.IamMaterofGensAquilla.IamaMask.IamaBlackGuard.IamtheBloodShrike,righthandtotheEmperoroftheMartials.IordermybodytoremainstillwhileIstarehimdownwithallthepowerofmyrank.

Mybodybetraysme.Thesoundsoftheriverdocksfade.Nowaterslappingagainstthehullsof

ships.Nostevedorescallingouttoeachother.Nomastscreaking,andnodistantboomofsailsorroarofthesea.Thesilencethatcloaksthejinniscomplete,anaurathatnothingcanpenetrate.EverythingfallsawayasIclosethedistancebetweenus.Maintaincontrol,Shrike.Givehimnothing.“Ah,”theNightbringersaysquietly,whenIstandbeforehim.“Felicitations,

BloodShrike.Iseeyouaretobeanaunt.”

T

XIV:Laia

heMarinerprisonisspare,cold,andeerilysilent.AsIpacemypoorlylitcell,Iplaceahandagainstthestonewall.ItissothickthatIcouldscream

andscreamandDarin,acrossthehallfromme,mightneverknow.Hemustbegoingmad.Iimaginehimclenchingandunclenchinghisfists,

bootsscrapingagainstthefloor,wonderingwhenwewillescape.Ifwewillescape.ThisplacemightnotbeKauf,butitisstillaprison.Andmybrother’sdemonswillnotlethimforgetit.

WhichmeansImuststaylevelheadedforthebothofusandfindawayoutofhere.

Thenightcreepsby,dawnbreaks,andit’snotuntilthelateafternoonthatthelockonmydoorclanksandthreefiguresbacklitbylamplightstepintomycell.Irecognizeoneasthecaptainwhoarrestedusandasecondasoneofhersoldiers.Butitisthethirdwoman,tallandheavilycloaked,whocatchesmyattention.

Becausesheissurroundedbyghuls.Theygatherlikehungrycrowsatherfeet,hissingandpawingather.Iknow,

instantly,thatshecannotseethem.“Bringinthebrother,CaptainEleiba.”Thewoman’sSerranishuskyand

musical.ShecouldbeaKehanniwithavoicelikethat.ShelookstobearoundAfya’sageorperhapsabitolder,withlightbrownskinandthick,straightblackhairpulledupinaknot.Herbackispokerstraight,andshewalksgracefully,asifbalancingabookonherhead.“Sit,child,”shesays,andthoughhervoiceispleasantenough,anunderlyingmaliceraisesmyhackles.Aretheghulsinfluencingher?Ididnotknowtheyhadsuchpower.Theyfeedoffsorrowandsadnessandthestinkofblood.SpiroTelumanspokethosewordstomelongago.Whatsorrowplaguesthiswoman?

Darinsoonjoinsme,slowingwhenheenters,eyeswide.Heseestheghulstoo.Whenhetakesaseatonmycotbesideme,Ireachforhishandandsqueeze.Theycannotholdus.Iwillnotletthem.

Thewomanobservesmeforalongmomentbeforesmiling.“You,”shesaystome,“looknothingliketheLioness.Andyou”—sheglancesatDarin—“are

herspittingimage.Cleverofhertokeepyouhidden.Iexpectit’swhyyou’restillalive.”

Theghulsslitherupthewoman’scloak,hissingintoherear.Herlipscurveintoasneer.“Butthen,myfathertellsmethatMirraalwaysenjoyedherlittlesecrets.Iwonder,areyoulikeherinotherways?Lookingalwaystofightinsteadoffix,tobreakinsteadofbuild,to—”

“Youshutitaboutmymother.”Myfacegrowshot.“Howdareyou—”“YouwillpleaseaddressCrownPrincessNiklaofMarinnasPrincessorYour

Highness,”Eleibasays.“Andyouwillspeakwithrespectforoneofherstation.”Thiswoman,infestedwithghulswhoareinfluencinghermind,willoneday

ruleMarinn?Iwanttofrightenthefeycreaturesawayfromher,butIcannotmanageitwithoutlookingasifI’mattackingher.MarinersarelessskepticalthanScholarswhenitcomestothefey,butsomethingtellsmeshestillwon’tbelievemeifItellherwhatIsee.

“Don’tbother,Eleiba.”Niklasnorts.“Ishouldhaveknownshe’dhavethesamelackofsubtletytheLionessdid.Now,girl,letusdiscusswhyyouarehere.”

“Please.”Ispeakthroughgrittedteeth,knowingthatmylifeisinNikla’shands.“MybrotherandIarehereto—”

“MakeSerricsteelweaponry,”Niklasays.“SupplytheScholarrefugeesfloodingthecity.Instigateanuprising.ChallengetheMariners,despiteallwehavedoneforyourpeoplesincetheEmpireuprootedthemhundredsofyearsago.”

IamsoflabbergastedthatIalmostcannotspeak.“No,”Isputter.“No,Princess,youhaveitwrong.We’renotheretomakeweaponry,we—”

DoItellheroftheNightbringer?OfShaeva?Ithinkofthestoriesoffeyviolencewhisperedalongtheroad,storiesI’vebeenhearingformonths.TheghulsmaytellherthatIlie.ButImustwarnher.“Athreatapproaches,Princess.Agreatthreat.YouhavenodoubtheardthetalesofMarinershipssinkingincalmseas,ofchildrendisappearinginthedeadofnight.”

BesideNikla,Eleibastiffens,hereyesjerkingtowardmine,filledwithrecognition.Sheknows!ButNiklaholdsupahand.Theghulschucklenastily,slittedredeyesfixedonme.

“YousentyouralliesaheadofyoutospreadsuchliesamongtheScholarpopulation,”shesays.“Talesofmonstersoutoflegend.Yes,yourlittlefriendsdidyourworkwell.”

Araj.TheSkiritae.Isigh.EliaswarnedmethattheSkiritaeleaderwouldspreadwordofmyexploitsfarandwide.Ihadn’tgivenitmuchthought.

“TheyseededyourreputationamongthenewlyarrivedScholars,adowntroddenandeasilymanipulatedpopulation.Andthenyouarrivedwithyourbrother,yourmother’slegacy,andpromisesofSerricsteel,safety,andsecurity.Allinsurgentstellthesametale,girl.Itjustchangesabitwiththetelling.”

“Wedon’twanttrouble.”Mytrepidationrises,butIchannelmygrandfather,Pop,thinkingofthetimehedeliveredtwinsandIpanicked.Itwasmyfirstdelivery,andwithafewwords,hisserenitysoothedmeuntilmyhandsnolongershook.“Wejustwantto—”

“Don’tpatronizeme.Mypeoplehavedoneeverythingforyours.”Niklapacesthesmallcell,theghulsfollowingherlikeapackofloyaldogs.“WehavetakenthemintoourcityandintegratedthemintothefabricofMarinerculture.Butourgenerosityisnotwithoutlimits.HereinMarinn,wearenotsadists,liketheMartials.Butwedonottakekindlytorabble-rousers.Knowthatifyoudonotcooperatewithme,IwillhaveCaptainEleibaputyoubothonthenextshipdowntotheTriballands—aswedidyourfriends.”Ohhells.Sothat’swhathappenedtoArajandTasandtherestoftheSkiritae.

Skies,Ihopetheyareallright.“TheTriballandsarecrawlingwithMartials.”Itrytotempermyanger,but

themorethiswomantalks,themoreIwanttoscream.“Ifyousendusthere,we’llbekilledorenslaved.”

“Indeed.”Niklatiltsherhead,andthelamplightmakeshereyesasredastheghuls’.DidtheNightbringersettheghulsonher?Issheanotherofhishumanallies,liketheWardenortheCommandant?

“Ihaveanofferforyou,DarinofSerra,”Niklagoeson.“Ifyou’veanysense,you’llseethatit’smorethanfair.YouwishtomakeSerricsteel.Verywell.MakeSerricsteel—fortheMarinerarmy.Wewillprovideyouwhatyouneed,aswellasaccommodationsforyouandyoursister—”

“No.”Darin’sgazeisfixedtothefloor,andheshakeshishead.“Iwon’tdoit.”Won’t,Inote.Notcan’t.Asparkofhopeflareswithin.Doesmybrother

rememberhowtomakethesteelafterall?DidsomethingontheroadfromtheForestofDusktoAdisashakeloose,allowinghimtorecallthatwhichSpirohadtaughthim?

“Consider—”“Iwon’tdoit.”Darinstands,toweringoverNiklabyhalfafoot.Eleibasteps

infrontoftheprincess,butDarinspeaksquietly,handsopenathissides.“Iwon’tarmanothergroupofpeoplesothatmyowncanliveattheirmercy.”

“Pleaseletusgo.”Ikickoutattheghuls,scatteringthemforamomentbeforetheycongealaroundNiklaagain.“Wedon’tmeanyouanyharm,andyou

D

havegreaterthingstoworryaboutthantwoScholarswhowanttostayoutoftrouble.TheEmpirehasturnedontheTribes,anditmightturnonMarinntoo.”

“TheMartialshaveatreatywithMarinn.”“TheyhadatreatywiththeTribestoo,”Isay.“Andyethundredshavebeen

killedorcapturedintheTribaldesert.Thisnewemperor—youdonotknowhim,Princess.He’s...different.He’snotsomeoneyoucanworkwith.He’s—”

“Don’ttalkpoliticstome,littlegirl.”Shedoesn’tseetheghulthatclingstothesideofherface,itsmouthsplitinanodioussmile.Thesightofitnauseatesme.“Iwasaforcetobereckonedwithinmyfather’scourtwellbeforeyouwereborn.”SheturnstoDarin.“Myofferstands.Makeweaponsformyarmy,ortakeyourchancesintheTriballands.Youhaveuntildawntomorrowtodecide.”

arinandIdon’tbotherdiscussingNikla’soffer.Iknowthereisnochanceinthehellsthathewouldaccept.Theghulshavetheirhooksinher—which

likelymeanstheNightbringerhasahandinMarinerpolitics.ThelastthingtheScholarsneedisanothergrouplordingitoverusbecausewedonothavetheweaponsforafairfight.

“Yousaidwon’t.”IconsideredlongandhardbeforebringingupDarin’sseeminglyoffhandcomment.Mybrotherpacesthecell,antsyasapennedhorse.“WhenNiklaaskedyoutomaketheweapons,youdidn’tsayyoucan’tdoit.Yousaidyouwon’t.”

“Slipofthetongue.”Darinstopshispacing,hisbacktome,andthoughitstingstoadmitit,he’slying.DoIpushhimorletitgo?You’vebeenlettingitgo,Laia.LettingitgomeansIzzidiedfornothing.It

meansEliaswasimprisonedfornothing.ItmeansAfya’scousindiedfornothing.

Itryadifferenttack.“DoyouthinkSpiro—”“CouldwenottalkaboutSpiro,orweaponry,orforging?”Darinsitsdown

besideme,shouldersslumped,asifthewallsofthecellaremakinghimsmaller.Heclenchesandunclencheshisfists.“Howthehellsarewegoingtogetoutofhere?”

“Anexcellentquestion,”asoftvoicesaysfromthedoor.Ijump—secondsago,itwassealedshut.“OnethatImighthaveasolutionto,ifyoucaretohearit.”

Ayoung,dark-skinnedScholarmanleansagainstthedoorframe,infullviewoftheguards.Except,Irealize,therearenoguardstoseehim.Theyhave

disappeared.Themanishandsome,withblackhairthat’shalfpulledupandtherangy

bodyofaswordsman.Hisforearmsaretattooed,thoughinthedarkness,Icannotmakeoutthesymbols.Hetossesakeyupanddownlikeaball.Thereisaninsouciancetohimthatirritatesme.Theglintofhiseyesandhiswilysmileareinstantlyfamiliar.

“Iknowyou.”Itakeastepback,wishingIhadmydaggerwithme.“You’reourshadow.”

Themandropsintoamockingbow,andIamimmediatelydistrustful.Darinbristles.

“IamMusaofAdisa,”themansays.“SonofZiadandAzmathofAdisa.GrandsonofMehrandSairaofAdisa.Iamalsotheonlyfriendyouhaveinthiscity.”

“Yousaidyouhaveasolutiontoourproblem.”Trustingthismanwouldbestupid,butDarinandIneedtogetthehellsoutofhere.AllNikla’stalkaboutputtingusonashipsoundedlikerubbish.ShewillnotletamanwhoknowsthesecretofSerricsteelsimplywalkaway.

“I’llgetyoutwooutofhere—foraprice.”Naturally.“Whatprice?”“You”—helooksatDarin—“willmakeweaponsfortheScholars.And

you”—heturnstome—“willhelpmeresurrectthenorthernScholar’sResistance.”

Inthelongsilencethatfollowshisproclamation,Iwanttolaugh.Ifourcircumstanceswerelessdire,Iwouldhave.“Nothankyou.I’vehadenoughofthebleedingResistance—andthosewhosupportit.”

“Iexpectedyoutosayasmuch,”Musasays.“AfterthewayMazenandKeenanbetrayedyou.”Heoffersagrimsmileasmyfistscurl,andIstareathiminshock.Howdoesheknow?

“Apologies,”hesays.“NotKeenan.TheNightbringer.Inanycase,yourmistrustisunderstandable.Butyouneedtostopthejinnlord,no?Whichmeansyouneedoutofhere.”

DarinandIgapeathim.Igetmyvoicebackfirst.“Howdoyouknowaboutthe—”

“Iwatch.Ilisten.”Musatapshisfootandglancesdownthehall.Hisshouldersstiffen.Voicesriseandfallfrombeyondthedoortothecellblock,sharpandhurried.“Decide,”hesays.“We’renearlyoutoftime.”

“No.”Darinspeaksforusboth,andIfrown.It’sunlikehim.“Youshouldleave.Unlessyouwanttogetthrowninherewithus.”

“I’dheardyouwerestubborn.”Musasighs.“Listentologic,atleast.Evenifyoudofindyourwayoutofhere,howwillyoufindtheBeekeeperwhiletheMarinershuntyou?Especiallyifhedoesn’twanttobefound?”

“Howdid—”Istopmyselffromasking.He’salreadytoldme.Hewatches.Helistens.“YouknowtheBeekeeper.”

“IswearI’lltakeyoutohim.”Musacutshishand,blooddrippingonthefloor,andIraisemyeyebrows.Abloodoathisnosmallthing.“AfterIgetyououtofhere.Ifyouagreetomyterms.Butweneedtomove.Now.”

“Darin.”Igrabmybrother’sarmanddraghimtoacornerofthecell.“IfhecantakeustotheBeekeeper,we’llsaveweeksoftime.”

“Idon’ttrusthim,”Darinsays.“YouknowIwanttogetoutofhereasmuchasyoudo.More.ButIwon’tmakeapromiseIcan’tkeep,andneithershouldyou.WhydoeshewantyoutohelphimwiththeResistance?What’sinitforhim?Whynotdoithimself?”

“Idon’ttrusthimeither,”Isay.“Buthe’sofferingusawayout.”Iconsidermybrother.Iconsiderhislieearlier.AndthoughIdon’twanttohurthim,Iknowthatifweeverwanttogetoutofhere,Ihaveto.

“Pardonme,”Musasays.“Butwereallyneedto—”“Shutit,”IsnapathimbeforeturningbacktoDarin.“Youliedtome,”Isay.

“Abouttheweapons.No”—Iraisemyhandathisprotest—“I’mnotangry.ButIdon’tthinkyouunderstandwhatyou’redoing.You’rechoosingnottomaketheweapons.It’saselfishchoice.Ourpeopleneedyou,Darin.Andthatshouldmattermorethanyourdesiresoryourpain.Yousawwhat’shappeningouttheretotheScholars,”Isay.“It’snotgoingtostop.EvenifIdefeattheNightbringer,we’llalwaysbelesserunlesswecanstandupforourselves.WeneedSerricsteel.”

“Laia,Iwanttomakeit,Ido—”“Thentry,”Isay.“That’sallI’masking.Try.ForIzzi.ForAfya,whohaslost

ahalfdozenofherTribetryingtohelpus.For”—myvoicecracks—“forElias.Forthelifehegaveupforyou.”

Darin’sblueeyeswideninsurpriseandhurt.Hisdemonsrise,demandinghisattention.Butsomewherebeneaththefear,heisstilltheLioness’sson,andthistime,thequietcouragehehashadallourliveswinsout.

“Whereyougo,sis,”hesays,“Igo.I’lltry.”Inseconds,Musa—whohasbeenshamelesslyeavesdropping—gesturesus

intothehall.ThemomentDarinisout,hegrabsMusabytheneckandshoveshimagainstthewall.Ihearasoundlikeananimalchittering,butitgoessilentafterMusamakesastrangeslashingmotionwithhishand.Aghul?

D

“Ifyouhurtmysister,”Darinsaysquietly,“ifyoubetrayher,orabusehertrustorcauseherpain,IsweartotheskiesIwillkillyou.”

Musachokesoutananswer,andasDarinletshimdown,keysclanginthedoordownthehall.Secondslater,itfliesopenandEleibaenters,scimdrawn.

“Musa!”shesnarls.“Ishouldhavebleedingknown.Youareunderarrest.”“Well,nowyou’vedoneit.”MusarubshisneckwhereDaringrabbedhim,

mildirritationonhisfinefeatures.“Wecouldhavebeenawaybynowifnotforyourbrotherlyposturing.”Withthat,hewhisperssomething,andEleibafallsback,cursing,asifsomethingwecannotseeattacksher.

MusalooksbetweenDarinandmewitharchedbrows.“Anyotherthreats?Discussionsyouwishtowastemytimewith?None?Good.Thenlet’sgetthebleedinghellsoutofhere.”

awnapproachesbythetimeMusa,Darin,andIemergefromatailor’sshopandoutintoAdisa.Myheadspinsfromthestrange,interconnectedseriesof

tunnels,passageways,andalleysMusatooktogetushere.Butweareout.Wearefree.

“Notbadtiming,”Musasays.“Ifwehurry,wecangettoasafehousebefore—”

“Wait.”Igrabhimbytheshoulder.“We’renotgoinganywherewithyou.”Besideme,Darinnodsvehemently.“Notuntilyoutelluswhoyouare.WhydidCaptainEleibaknowyou?Whatintheskiesattackedher?Iheardanoise.Itsoundedlikeaghul.SincePrincessNiklawascrawlingwiththem,youunderstandwhyIamconcerned.”

Musaeasilyextricateshimselffrommygrip,straighteninghisshirt,whichInoticeisquitefinelymade,foraScholar.

“Shewasn’talwayslikethat,”hesays.“Nik—theprincess,Imean.Butthatdoesn’tmatternow.Dawnisn’tfaraway.Wereallydon’thavetime—”

“Stopmakingexcuses,”Isnarl.“Andstartexplaining.”Musagroansinirritation.“IfIansweronequestion,”hesays,“willyoustop

beingsoannoyingandletmegetyoutoasafehouse?”Iconsider,glancingatDarin,whogivesmeanoncommittalshrug.Nowthat

Musa’sgottenusout,Ionlyneedonebitofinformationfromhim.OnceIgetit,Icanbecomeinvisibleandknockhimout,andDarinandIcandisappear.

“Fine,”Isay.“Who’stheBeekeeper,andhowcanIfindhim?”

“Ah,LaiaofSerra.”Hiswhiteteethshinelikethoseofasmughorse.Heoffersmehisarm,andunderthebrighteningsky,Ifinallygetacloserlookathistattoos—dozensofthem,bigandsmall,allclusteredaroundahive.

Bees.“It’sme,ofcourse,”Musasays.“Don’ttellmeyouhadn’tguessed.”

F

XV:Elias

ordays,Icajoleandthreatenandluretheghostsawayfromtheborderwall.Skiesonlyknowwhatwillhappeniftheybreakout.Theygrowmore

frenziedbythehour,itseems,untilIcanbarelyhearmyselfthinkovertheiraccursedcaterwauling.

AfortnightafterI’veleftAubarit—andwithnosenseofhowtomovetheghostsanyquickerorhowtohelptheFakira—IretiretoShaeva’scottageforthenight,desperatelygratefulforthis,myonlysanctuary.TheghostspawatmeasIenter,wildasanIsleSouthtyphoon.Sheshouldn’thave—Myhusband,ishehere,tellme—Haveyouseenmylovey—Usually,IfeelguiltywhenIclosethecottagedoorontheghosts.Nottoday.

I’mtooexhausted,tooangeredbymyfailure,toodisgustedbythereliefIfeelatthesudden,completesilencewithinShaeva’shome.Sleepinthecottage.Theycannothurtyouthere.Somehow,Shaevamagickedthecottagetoinsulateitfromtheghostsand

jinn.Thatbitofsorcerydidn’tdiewithher.SheknewIwouldneedaplacewhereIcouldcollectmythoughts,andIamgratefulforit.

Butmythankfulnessdoesn’tlastlong.AfterI’vecleanedupandcookedapaltrymealthatShaevawouldhavescoffedat,Ican’tbringmyselftosleep.Ipaceinacircle,guiltgnawingatmygut.TheSoulCatcher’sbootsstillsitbyherbed.Thearrowsshewasfletchinglieuntouchedonherworktable.Thesesmalltokensfromherlifeusedtobringmecomfort,especiallyinthedaysjustaftershedied.Likethecottageitself,theyremindedmethatshebelievedIcouldbeSoulCatcher.

Buttonight,hermemoryplaguesme.Whydidyounotlistentome,Elias?Whydidyounotlearn?Skies,shewouldbesodisappointed.

Ikickatthedoorviolently—astupiddecision,asnowmyfootaches.IwonderifmyentirelifewillbeaseriesofmomentsinwhichIrealizeI’manidiotlongafterIcanactuallydoanythingaboutit.WillIeverfeellikeIknow

whatI’mdoing?OrwillIbeanoldman,totteringabout,flummoxedbywhateverrecentfoolishnessI’vecommitted?Don’tbepathetic.Strangely,KerisVeturia’stautvoicerisesinmymind.You

knowthequestion:Howdoyoumovetheghostsfaster?Nowfindtheanswer.Think.

IconsiderAubarit’swords.Youmustmovethespirits,andtodothatyoumustremoveyourselffromtheworld.AvariationonShaeva’sadvice.ButIhaveremovedmyselffromtheworld.IsaidfarewelltoLaiaandDarin.IkeptawayallotherswhoapproachedtheForest.Iburglemysuppliesquietlyfromvillagesinsteadofbuyingthemfromanotherhuman,thewayIyearnto.TheForestwillshowtheeitsslymemory.WeretheMysteriesreferringto

Mauth?Orwastheresomethingmoretothestatement?Forestcouldbereferringtosomethingelseentirely,Aubarithadsaid.Theghosts,perhaps?Buttheydon’tspendenoughtimeintheWaitingPlacetoknowanything.

Though,nowthatIthinkofit,notallofthespiritsmoveonswiftly.TheWisp.Igrabmyscims—moreoutofhabitthanbecauseIactuallyneed

them—andheadout.Justbeforeenteringthecottage,Iheardhervoice.Butshe’snotherenow.Damnyou,Elias,think.TheWispusedtoavoidShaeva.Whentheghost

speaksatall,it’stome,andit’salwaysabouther“lovey.”And,unliketheothershades,shelikeswater.Sheoftenlurksnearaspringjustsouthofthecottage.

Thepathtoitiswell-worn;whenImovedintothecottage,Shaevalostnotimeinpassingallwater-fetchingchorestome.What’sthepointofhavingmuscles,she’dteased,ifyoucan’tcarrythingsforothers?

IcatchaglintofwhiteasIdrawcloserandsoonfindtheWispattheedgeofthespring,staringdownintoit.

Sheturnsherfacetowardmeandflitsbackward—she’sinnomoodtotalk.ButIcan’taffordtolethergetaway.

“You’relookingforyourlovey,right?”TheWispstopsandappearsbeforemesosuddenlythatIrockbackonmy

heels.“Youknowwheresheis?”Herthinvoiceispainfullyhappy,andguilttwists

inmygut.“Ah,notexactly,”Isay.“Butperhapsyoucouldhelpme?AndIcouldhelp

you?”TheWisptiltsherhead,considering.“I’mtryingtolearnaboutthemagicoftheWaitingPlace,”Isaybeforeshe

disappearsagain.“AboutMauth.You’vebeenherealongtime.CanyoutellmeanythingabouttheForesthavinga...amemory?”

“Whereismylovey?”Icurse.Ishould’veknownbetterthantothinkaghost—andonewhorefuses

tomoveon—couldhelpme.“I’msorry,”Isay.“I’lllookforyourlovey.”Iturnbackforthecottage.

PerhapsIneedsleep.PerhapsI’llhaveabetterideainthemorning.OrIcouldgobacktoAubaritandseeifsheremembersanythingelse.OrfindanotherFakira...

“Thememoryisinthepain.”Ispinsofastit’samiraclemyheaddoesn’tflyoff.“What—whatdidyou

say?”“Thememoryisinthepain.”TheWispcirclesme,andIspinasshedoes.

I’mnotlettingheroutofmysight.“Thememoryiswherethegreatesthurtlies,thegreatestanger.”

“Whatintenhellsdoyoumean,‘thegreatesthurt’?”“Ahurtlikemine.Thememoryisinthepain,littleone.Intheirpain.They

burnwithit,fortheyhavelivedwithitmuchlongerthanI.”Theirpain.“Thejinn?”Mystomachsinks.“You’respeakingofthejinn.”ButtheWispisgonenow,callingouttoherlovey.Itrytofollowher,butI

can’tkeepup.Otherghosts,drawnbymyvoice,clusternear,floodingmewiththeirsuffering.Iwindwalkawayfromthem,thoughIknowit’swrongtoignoretheirmisery.Eventually,they’llfindmeagainandI’llbeforcedtotrytopasssomeon,simplysoIdon’tlosemymindattheirbadgering.Butbeforetheydo,Ineedtosortthisout.ThelongerIwait,themoretheghostswillamass.Thinkquickly,Elias!Couldthejinnhelpme?They’vebeenimprisonedhere

forathousandyears,buttheywerefreeonce,andtheypossessedthemostpowerfulmagicintheland.Theyarefey.Bornofmagic,liketheefrits,thewraiths,theghuls.Nowthattheideaisinmyhead,I’velatchedontoitlikeadogtoabone.Thejinnmusthavesomedeeperknowledgeofthemagic.

AndIneedtofigureoutawaytogetitfromthem.

“T

XVI:TheBloodShrike

hePatersofNavium,”theNightbringersaysasweleavethedocks,“wishtogreetyou.”

Ibarelyhearhim.HeknowsLiviaispregnant.HewillsharethatinformationwiththeCommandant.Mysisterwillconfrontattackersandassassinslikelywithindays,andIamnottheretokeephersafe.

Harperfallsback,speakingurgentlytotheBlackGuardwhobroughtusourhorses.Nowthatheknowsofthepregnancyhe’llbesendingorderstoFarisandRalliustotripletheguardaroundLivia.

“ThePatersareattheIsland?”IasktheNightbringer.“Indeed,Shrike.”Fornow,ImustputmyfaithinLivia’sbodyguards.Mymoreimmediate

issueistheCommandant.She’salreadytakentheupperhandbysendingtheNightbringertothrowmeoffmyguard.Shewantsmeweak.

ButIwillnotgiveherthatsatisfaction.ShewantstoordermetotheIsland?Fine.Ineedtotakecontrolofthissinkingshipanyway.IfthePatersarenearby,allthebetter.TheycanbearwitnessasIwrenchKeris’spowerfromher.

Asweridethroughthestreets,thefulldevastationoftheKarkaunattackisapparentineverycollapsedbuilding,everyburn-scarredstreet.

Thegroundshudders,andtheunmistakablewhistleofsastonerippingoutofaballistasplitstheair.AswegetclosertotheIsland,theNightbringerisforcedtochangecourse,leadingusneartheembattledSouthwestQuarterofNavium.

Screamsandshoutsfilltheair,penetratingovertheroaroffire.Ipullupabandannatoblockoutthechokingsmellsofsingedfleshandstone.

AgroupofPlebeianshurriespast,mostcarryingnothingbutchildrenandtheclothesontheirbacks.Iwatchawomanwithahoodpulledlow.Herfaceandbodyarehiddenbyacloak,herhandsstainedadeepgold.ThecolorissounusualthatInudgemyhorseforwardtogetacloserlook.

Afirebrigadegallopsby,bucketsofseawatersplashingeverywhere.Whentheyarepast,thewomanisgone.Soldiersleadfamiliesfromtheswiftlyspreadingchaos.Criesforaidseemtocomefromallsides.Achildwithbloodstreamingdownherfacestandsinthemiddleofanalley,bewilderedandsilent,

noguardianinsight.She’snomorethanfour,andwithoutthinking,Iturnmyhorsetowardher.

“Shrike,no!”Avitasreappearsandkickshismountinfrontofmine.“Oneofthemenwilltakecareofher.WehavetogettotheIsland.”

Imakemyselfturnaway,ignoringthepullthathascomeovermetogotothechild,tohealher.ItissostrongthatIhavetograbthepommelofmysaddle,lacingmyfingersunderittokeepmyselffromdismounting.

TheNightbringerwatchesmefromthebackofacloud-whitestallion.Isensenomalice,onlycuriosity.

“Youarenotlikeher,”heobserves.“TheCommandantisnotawomanofthepeople.”

“Ithoughtyou’dappreciatethatabouther,beingthatyouarenotamanofthepeopleyourself.”

“Iamnotamanofyourpeople,”theNightbringersays.“ButIdowonderatKeris.Youhumansgiveyourloyaltysowillinglyforjustalittlehope.”

“Andyouthinkwearefoolsbecauseofit?”Ishakemyhead.“Hopeisstrongerthanfear.Itisstrongerthanhate.”

“Precisely,BloodShrike.Keriscoulduseitasaweapon.Butshedoesnot.Toherfolly.”Hemakesapoorally,Ithinktomyself,oradissatisfiedone,tocriticizeher

soopenly.“I’mnotherally,BloodShrike.”TheNightbringercockshishead,andI

sensehisamusement.“Iamhermaster.”Ahalfhourlater,Navium’skey-shapeddoubleharborcomesintoview.The

rectangularmerchantharbor,whichopensintothesea,hasbeendecimated.Thechannelislitteredwithcharredmastsandsoggy,tornsails.Thehuge,rustedseachainsthatprotecttheharborgleamwithmossandbarnacles,butatleasttheyareup.Whythehellsweren’ttheyupwhenGrímarrattacked?Whereweretheguardsonthewatchtowers?Whyweren’tweabletohalttheassault?

Atitsnorthernend,themerchantharborwidensintoaninnerharbormadeoftworings.TheIslandisthecenterring,connectedtothemainlandbyabridge.AcrenellatedtowerdominatestheIsland.Fromitstop,onecanseeupanddownthecoastformiles.Theouterringoftheharborisacovered,circulardockwithhundredsofslipwaysfortheMartialfleet.Itsscaleismind-boggling.

Dexswearsaswegetcloser.“Theshipsaredocked,Shrike,”hesays.“We’rejustlettingthempummelus.”

ThoughtheearlierreportfromHarpersaidasmuch,Idon’tbelieveituntilIseetheshipsmyself,bobbingquietlyintheirslips.MyhandscurlintofistsasIthinkofthedestructionIjustwitnessed.

WhenwefinallyreachthebridgethatleadstotheIsland,Istopshort.ForhangingfromaropeoverthewallisAdmiralLenidas,afatcrowperchedatophistwistedbody.Ibitemyliptokeepfromretching.Hisbrokenlimbsandlash-marredskintellthetaleofaslow,painfuldeath.

Itakethestairsuptothewatchtowertwoatatime.DexandHarperruntocatchup,thelatterclearinghisthroatjustbeforeweenterthecommandroom.

“Shrike.”Heleansclose,hisdistressevident.“She’spennedaplay,”hesays.“Icanfeelit.Don’tactthepartshe’swrittenforyou.”

Inodshortly—didhethinkIdidn’tknowthat?—andenterthetower.TheVeturiusmenguardingitimmediatelysalute.TheCommandantbarksoutorderstotherunnerstotaketothedrumtowers,ignoringmeentirely.ThetopbrassofNavium,alongwithadozenofitsPaters,aregatheredaroundamaponamassivetable.Asone,theyturn.

“Nephew.”IrecognizeJanusAtrius—Dex’suncleandthePaterofGensAtria.Henodsaquickgreetingathisnephewbeforesalutingme.Icannotreadhisfeatures,butheglancesaskanceatKerisbeforespeaking—alookIamnotmeanttomiss,Ithink.“Shrike,haveyoubeenbriefed?”

“HalfoftheSouthwestQuarterisonfire,”Isay.“That’sallthebriefingIneed.Whyarewenotfightingback?Nightwon’tfallforhours.Weneedtousethelightthatremains.”

JanusandafewoftheotherPatersmuttertheiragreement.Buttherestshaketheirheads,afewraisingtheirvoicesindispute.AdmiralArgusandViceAdmiralVisselliusexchangealookofdisgustthatImakenoteof.Iwon’tfindanallyineitherofthem.

“BloodShrike.”TheCommandanthasfinishedwiththerunners,andhercoolvoicesilencestheroom.Despitethehatredthatrisesinmeatherpatronizingtone,Iadmirethewayshewieldsherpower.ThoughthemeninthisroomarelordsoftheirownGens,notasingleonewilldefyher.“Weexpectedyoudaysago.I—we”—sheglancesatthePatersandnavyofficers—“areyourstocommand.”

Thiswomantrainedallexpressionfrommyface,butitisdifficultnottoshowmysurprise.AsBloodShrike,Iamasuperiorofficer,andtheEmperorsentmetotakecommandofNavium’sdefense.ButIdidnotexpecttheCommandanttogiveitupsoeasily.Ididnotexpecthertogiveitupatall.

Harpergivesmeawarninglook.Don’tactthepartshe’swrittenforyou.“Keris.”Ihidemywariness.“Whydowenothaveboatsinthewater?”“Theweatheristreacherous,Shrike.Forthepastfewweeksstormshave

movedinswiftly.”Shewalkstothetallwindowsthatlooksouth.Fromhere,Icanseethewholecoast,alongwiththedistantmastsofamassiveKarkaunfleet.

“Thatcloudbank”—shenodstoit—“hasbeenthereforthreedays.Thelasttimewetookthefleetout,theweatherwassimilar.”

“Lenidasknewseaweatherbetterthananyone.”“Lenidasignoredtheordersofasuperiorofficersimplybecauseshe

commandsanarmyinsteadofanavy.”AdmiralArgusleadsoneofthemorepowerfulMercatorGens,andhisrageathislostshipsisclear.“GeneralVeturiaorderedhimnottotakeoutthefleet,andhedidn’tlisten.Weall”—hegivestheroomaglower—“supportedLenidas’sexecution.”

“Notall,”JanusAtriussaysstiffly.“Lenidasisnotthepoint,”Isay.Theoldmanisdead,andwhilehedidn’t

deservetodieindisgrace,thisisnotabattleIcanwin.“Keris,haveyoubeenintheSouthwestQuartersincetheattackbegan?”

Arguspushesforward,plantinghimselfinfrontofmelikeasquat,belligerenttoad.“TheCommandanthas—”

Besideme,Dexhalfdrawsascim.“Interruptmeonemoretime,Argus,”Isay,“andI’llhaveCaptainAtriusmakemeanecklaceofyourentrails.”

ThePatersfallsilent,andIletthemconsiderthethreatbeforeIspeak.“Paters,”Isay,“Iwon’tlaunchthefleetwithoutyourapproval.Butconsider

ourlosses.Morethanathousandkilledalreadyanddozensdyingbythehour.I’veseenchildrenwiththeirlimbsblastedoff,womentrappedbeneathrubbledyingslowly.GrímarrtheKarkaunisaviciousfoe.Willwelethimtakeourcity?”

“Mostofthecityissafe,”Visselliusargues.“ItisonlytheSouthwestQuarterthathas—”

“Justbecausethey’renotMercatorsorIllustriansdoesn’tmaketheirlivesanylessvaluable.Wehavetodosomething.”

Kerisholdsupahandtosilenceherallies.“Thewatchtowerballistae—”“Aretoofarfromtheshipstodoanyrealdamage,”Icutheroff.“Whatinthe

skieswasyourplan?Tosithereandjustletthemdestroyus?”“Ourplanwastoallowthemtobelievetheycouldstormthecity,”the

Commandantsays.“Whentheymadethemistakeoflandingtheirtroops,wewouldwipethemout.Wewouldlaunchanattackontheirships”—shepointsthisoutonthemap—“fromanearbycove,wherewewouldmovethefleetatnight.WewouldstoptheKarkaungroundforceswhilestillcapturingtheirships,whichwouldreplacethosetheMercatorslostintheattackontheharbor.”

Thebleedingweatherhasnothingtodowiththisafterall.ShewantstheBarbarianships.ShewantsthemsoshecangetNavium’sPatersinherpocket—allthebettertosecuretheirsupportwhenshetriestotakedownMarcusagain.

“Andyouwereplanningtodothiswhen,exactly?”

“Weexpectedthreemoreweeksofsiege.We’vebeenchokingofftheirsupplies.Grímarrandhismenwillrunoutoffoodeventually.”

“OncetheyfinishwiththeSouthwestQuarter,”Isay,“they’llmovetotheSoutheast.You’rewillingtoallowdozensofneighborhoods—thousandsofhomes—tobebesiegedfornearlyamonth.Therearemorethanahundredthousandpeopleliving—”

“Weareevacuatingthesouthernpartsofthecity,Shrike.”“Notfastenough.”Iconsider.WemustprotectNavium,ofcourse.ButI

smellatrap.Harpertapsathumbonhisscimhilt.Hesensesittoo.AndyetIcannotletGrímarrmurdermypeopleatwill.“AdmiralArgus,how

longtopreparethefleet?”“Wecouldlaunchbysecondbell,buttheweather—”“WewillengagetheKarkaunsatsea,”Isay,andthoughIpromisedI’dget

thePaters’permission,Ihavenotimeforit.NotwheneveryminutebringsmoreMartialdeaths.“Andwewilldoitnow.”

“I’mwithyou,Shrike.”JanusAtriusstepsforward,asdoahalfdozenotherPatersandofficers.Most,however,areclearlyopposed.

“Consider,”Kerissays,“thatthefleetisouronlydefense,Shrike.Ifastormcomesin—”

“YouandIbothknow,”Isayquietly,“thatthishasnothingtodowiththeweather.”

IglanceatDex,whonods,andHarper,whowatchestheCommandantfixedly.Hisexpressionisunreadable.Don’tactthepartshe’swrittenforyou.

Intheend,Imightbeplayingintoherhands.ButI’lljusthavetoconcoctawayoutofwhatevertrapshe’slaidforme.Thesearethelivesofmypeople,andcomewhatmay,Icannotleavethemtodie.

“AdmiralArgus.”Mytonebrooksnodisapproval,andthoughhiseyesarerebellious,onelookfrommequellsit.“Launchthefleet.”

Afteranhour,themenaremustered,andthelaboriousprocessofdroppingtheseachainsbegins.Aftertwohours,thefleetsailsfromthecircularwarportandintothemerchantharbor.Afterthree,ourmenarelockedincombatwiththeKarkauns.

Butafterfourhours,thesky,thickwithcloudsandrain,deepensfromathreateninggraytoaneeriedarkpurple,andIknowweareintrouble.Lightning

cracksacrossthewater,strikingmastaftermast.Flamesleaphigh,distantburstsoflightthattellmethebattleisturning—andnotinourfavor.

Thestormcomessuddenly,roilingtowardNaviumfromthesouthasifwhippedforthbyawrathfulwind.Bythetimeithits,itisfartoolatetoturnthefleetback.

“AdmiralArgushassailedtheseseasfortwodecades,”Dexsaysquietlyasthestormintensifies.“HemightbeKeris’sdog,buthe’llbringthefleethome.He’llhavenowishtodie.”

Ishouldhavegonewiththem.ButtheCommandantandHarperandDexallprotested—theonethingthethreeofthemagreedon.

IseekoutKeris,whospeaksquietlywithoneofthedrum-towerrunners.“Noreportsyet,Shrike,”shesays.“Thedrumtowerscannothearanything

overthestorm.Wemustwait.”Therunnerstepsaway,andweare,foramoment,alone.“WhoisthisGrímarr?”Iaskher.“Whydoweknownothingabouthim?”“He’sazealot,awarlockpriestwhoworshipsthedead.Hebelievesitishis

spiritualdutytoconvertallthosewhoareunenlightened.ThatincludestheMartials.”

“Bykillingus.”“Apparently,”Kerissayssoftly.“He’sarelativelyyoungman,adozenorso

yearsolderthanyou.Hisfathertradedfurs,soGrímarrtraveledtheEmpireextensivelyasaboy—tolearnourways,nodoubt.Hereturnedtohispeopleadecadeago,justasafaminehit.Theclanswerestarving,weak—andmalleable.”TheCommandantshrugs.“Sohemoldedthem.”

I’msurprisedatthedepthofherknowledge,andshemustseeitonmyface.“Whatisthefirstruleofwar,BloodShrike?”Knowyourenemy.Idon’tevenhavetosayit.Ilookoutatthestormandshudder.Thegalefeelsfey.Wild.Thinkingof

whatwillhappenifourfleetsuccumbsmakesmystomachchurn.Wesentoutnearlyeveryvessel,holdingbackonlyadozenships.Nightapproaches,andstillwehavenoword.Wecannotlosethefleet.WearetheEmpire.TheMartials.Argus’smenare

trainedforthis.They’veseenstormsfarworse.IcyclethrougheveryscrapofhopeIcanclawfromtherecessesofmymind.

Butastheminutespass,thedistantflashesofbattlecontinueunabated.AndthoseflashesthatareclosertoNavium—thosethatbelongtoourfleet—growfewerandfewer.

“Weshouldputuptheseachains,Shrike,”theCommandantfinallysays.ThePatersagreewithadozenangryayes.

“Ourfleetisstilloutthere.”“Ifthefleetsurvives,wewillknowinthemorningandwecanlowerthe

chains.Butiftheydonot,thenwekeeptheKarkaunsfrompenetratingtotheheartofNavium.”

Inodmyassent,andtheorderisgiven.Thenightdragson.DoesthestormcarrytheshriekingtauntsofKarkaunwarlocks?Oristhatjustthewind?Hopeisstrongerthanfear.Itisstrongerthanhate.IsaidthosewordstotheNightbringer,andasnightdeepenstoanimpenetrableblackness,Iholdontothem.Nomatterwhatdawnbrings,Iwillnotgiveuphope.

Soon,theskypales.Thecloudsthinandrollback.Thecityissweptcleanandsparkling,theredandgrayroofsgleaminginthewansunlight.Theseaisassmoothasglass.

And,exceptforthemassofKarkaunshipsbobbingwelloffthecoast,itisempty.

TheMartialfleetisgone.Impossible.“Youdidnotlisten.”ThePaterwhospeaksistheheadofGensSerica,a

wealthyfamilyofsilkmerchantswhohavelongbeenestablishedinthesouth.Myfatherconsideredhimafriend.Themanispale;hishandsshake.Thereisnovenomtohiswords,becauseheisinshock.“Andthefleet—thecity—”

“Ididwarnyou,BloodShrike.”AsKerisspeaks,thehairsonthebackofmyneckrise.Hergazeiscold,butthespotoftriumphshe’sburieddeepwithinshowsitself.Whattheskies?

Wejustlosttheentirebleedingfleet.Thousandsofmen.EventheCommandantcouldn’thaveanythingtorejoiceinthedeathofherownpeople.

Unlessthatwasherplanthisentiretime.Which,Inowrealize,itmusthavebeen.Inoneswoop,shehasundermined

myauthority,destroyedmyreputation,andguaranteedthatthePaterswillturntoherforguidance.Andallitcostherwastheentirebleedingfleet.Theplanisrepugnant—evil—andbecauseofthat,Ididnotevenconsiderit.ButIshouldhave.Knowyourenemy.Bleedingskies.Ishouldhaverealizedshewouldneverhandoverpowerso

easily.Andyetshecouldn’thaveknownthestormwascoming.Noneofuscould

have,notwiththeskysoclearandthethreateningcloudbanksodistant.Suddenly—andfartoolateforittobeanyuse—IremembertheNightbringer.

AfterdeliveringmetotheIsland,hedisappeared.Ithoughtnothingmoreofhim.Butwhatofhispower?Canhecreatestorms?Wouldhe?

Andifso,wouldtheCommandanthaverequesteditofhim?Shecouldhaveprovedmyincompetenceinathousandways.Losingtheentirefleetseemsexcessive.Evenwithmeoutoftheway,howwillshedefendNaviumwithnonavy?

No,somethingelseisgoingon.Someothergame.Butwhatisit?IlooktoDex,whoshakeshishead,stricken.Icannotbringmyselftolookat

Harper.“Iwillgotothebeachtoseeifanythingcanbesalvagedfromthewrecks,”

theCommandantsays.“IfIhaveyourleave,Shrike.”“Go.”ThePatersfileoutoftheroom,nodoubttotakethenewstotherestoftheir

Gens.Keristrailsthem.Atthedoor,shestops.Turns.SheistheCommandantagain,andItheignorantstudent.Hereyesareexultant—andpredatory.Theexactoppositeofwhattheyshouldbe,consideringourloss.

Kerissmiles,asmirkfromamurderesssharpeningherbladesforthekill.“WelcometoNavium,BloodShrike.”

T

XVII:Laia

henightisdeepwhenwearriveatMusa’ssafehouse,aforgethatsquatsinAdisa’scentralshipyard,justbeyondtheScholarrefugeecamp.Atthishour,

theshipyardisempty,itssilentstreetseerilyshadowedbytheskeletonsofhalf-builtvessels.

Musadoesnotevenglanceoverhisshoulderasheunlockstheforge’sbackdoor,butIamuneasy,unabletoshakethesensethatsomeone—something—watchesus.

Withinafewhours,thatfeelingisgone,andtheyardthunderswiththeshoutsofbuilders,thepoundingofhammers,andtheprotestingcreakofwoodasitisbowedandnailedintoplace.Frommyroom,ontheforge’supperlevel,Ipeerdownintoacourtyardwhereagray-hairedScholarwomanstokesanalreadyroaringfire.Thecacophonysurroundingthisplaceisperfectforclandestineweapon-making.AndMusasaidhe’dgetDarinwhateversuppliesheneeds.Whichmeansmybrothermustmakeweapons.Heisoutofexcuses.

I,ontheotherhand,mightstillfindawayoutofthebargainMusainsistedon.YouwillhelpmeresurrectthenorthernScholar’sResistance.WhyhasMusanotdoneitalready?Hehasresources.AndtheremustbehundredsofScholarswhowouldjoinup—especiallyaftertheEmpire’sgenocide.

Somethingelseisgoingon—somethinghe’snottellingme.Afteramuch-neededbath,Imakemywaydownstairs,cladinawooldressof

deepredandsoftnewbootsthatareonlyalittlebig.Thepingofsteelonsteelechoesinthecourtyard,andtwowomenlaughoverthedin.Thoughthecourtyardhousestheforge,thebuildingI’minhasthepersonaltouchesofahouse—thickrugs,ashawlthrownoverabureau,andcheerfulTriballanterns.Atthefootofthestairs,along,widehallleadstoadrawingroom.Thedoorisajar,andMusa’svoicecarriesthrough.

“—veryknowledgeableandcanassistyou,”Musasays.“Whencanyoustart?”

Alongpause.“Now.Butitwilltakemeabittogettheformularight.ThereismuchIdon’tremember.”Darinsoundsstrongerthanhehasinweeks.Restandabathmusthavedonehimgood.

“ThenI’llintroduceyoutothesmithshere.Theymakepots,pans,horseshoes—enoughhouseholditemstojustifytheamountoforeandcoalwe’llneed.”

Someoneclearsherthroatloudlybehindme.Thesoundsofsmithinghavestopped,Irealize,andIturntofindthesilver-haired,brown-skinnedScholarwomanfromthecourtyard.Shewearsaburn-scarredleathersmock,andherfaceiswideandpretty.Besideher,ayoungwomanwhoisclearlyherdaughterwatchesmewithdarkgreeneyesthatsparkleincuriosity.

“LaiaofSerra,”theolderwomansays.“IamSmithZella,andthisismydaughter,Taure.ItisanhonortomeettheheiroftheLioness.”Zellaclaspsmyhandsbetweenherown.“DonotbelievetheliestheMarinersspreadaboutyourmother,child,”shesays.“Theyarethreatenedbyyou.Theywishtohurtyou.”

“Whatlies?”“We’veheardallaboutwhatyoudidintheEmpire.”Taurespeaksup

breathlessly,andtheadmirationinhertonealarmsme.“Itwasluck,mostly.You—youmentionedmymother—”“Notluck.”Musastrollsoutofthedrawingroom,Darinintow.“Laiaclearly

hashermother’scourage—andherfather’ssenseofstrategy.Zella,showDarinwherehe’llbemakingweapons,andgethimwhatheneeds.Laia,comeinside,ifyouplease.Lunchawaits.”

Thetwosmithsleavewithmybrother,Taurewithonelastreverentglanceoverhershoulder,andIfidgetasMusawavesmeintothedrawingroom.

“Whatskies-forsakenstoriesdidyoutellthemaboutme?”Ihissathim.“Isaidnothing.”Hepilesaplatewithfruit,bread,andbutterandhandsitto

me.“Yourreputationprecedesyou.Thefactthatyounoblysacrificedyourselfforthegoodoftherefugeecamphelped.”

Myskintingleswarninglyatthesmugnessonhisface.Why,exactly,wouldhelooksopleasedaboutit?

“DidyouplanforDarinandmetobecaptured?”“Ihadtotestyousomehow,andIknewIcouldspringyoufromprison.I

madesureCaptainEleibaknewyouwerecomingintothecity.Anonymously,ofcourse.IknewifyouweretheleaderIhopedyouwere,you’dneverletyourpeoplesufferwhileyoucowered.Andifyouweren’t,I’dhavedraggedyououtofhidingandturnedyouovermyself.”

Inarrowmyeyesathim.“Whatdoyoumean,‘leader’?”“It’sjustaword,Laia.Itwon’tbite.Inanycase,Iwasright—”“Howdareyoumakethosepoorpeoplesuffer!Theylosttheirhomes,their

belongings.TheMarinersrippedthatcampapart!”“Calmdown.”Musarollshiseyes.“Noonedied.TheMarinersaretoo

civilizedforsuchtactics.CaptainEleibaandIhaveour...differences.But

she’sanhonorablewoman.Shehasalreadyreplacedtheirtents.Bynowshewillknowitwasmewhogaveupyourwhereabouts,ofcourse.She’llbehoppingmadaboutittoo.ButIcandealwithherlater.Firstwe—”“We?”“First”—Musaclearshisthroatpointedly—“youneedtoeat.You’reirritable.

Idon’tliketalkingtoirritablepeople.”Howcanhetakeallofthissolightly?Itakeasteptowardhim,myhands

curlingintofists,temperrising.Almostimmediately,aforceshovesmeback.Itfeelslikeahundredsetsof

tinyhands.Itrytosquirmaway,butthehandsholdmetight.Oninstinct,Itrytodisappear,andIevenflickeroutofsightforamoment.Buttomyshock,Musagrabsmyarm,unaffectedbymymagic,andIflickerbackintoview.

“Ihavemyownmagic,LaiaofSerra,”hesays,andthemirthhaslefthisface.“Yoursdoesn’tworkonme.IknowwhatShaevasaid—youdiscusseditwithyourbrotheronyourwayhere.YouranswerslieinAdisa.WiththeBeekeeper.Butbeware,forheiscloakedinliesandshadow,likeyou.Themagicismylie,Laia,asitisyours.Icanbeyourally,orIcanbeyourenemy.Buteitherway,IwillholdyoutoyourpromisetohelpresurrecttheResistance.”

Hereleasesme,andIscrambleaway,straighteningmydress,tryingnottoshowhowmuchhisrevelationhasrattledme.

“Itjustseemsasifthisisagametoyou,”Iwhisper.“Idon’thavetimetohelpyouwiththeResistance.IneedtostoptheNightbringer.ShaevatoldmetolookfortheBeekeeper.Hereyouare.ButIthought—”

“YouthoughtIwouldbeawiseoldmanreadytotellyouexactlywhatyoumustdotostopthejinn?Lifeisrarelysosimple,Laia.Butbeassuredthatthisisnogame.Itisthesurvivalofourpeople.Ifyouworkwithme,youcansucceedinyourmissiontobringdowntheNightbringerwhilealsohelpingtheScholars.Forinstance,ifweworkwiththekingofMarinn—”

Isnort.“Youmeanthekingwhohasapriceonmyhead?”Isay.“Theonewhoorderedmenandwomenandchildrenwhohaveseengenocidetobeputincampsoutsidethecityinsteadoftreatedlikehumans?Thatking?”

Ipushmyplateaway,frustratednow,foodhalf-eaten.“Howcanyouhelpme?WhywouldShaevasendmetoyou?”

“BecauseIcangetyouwhatyouneed.”Musatipshisseatback.“It’smyspecialty.Sotellme:Whatdoyouneed?”

“Ineed...”Tobeamindreader.Tohavefeypowersbeyonddisappearing.TobeaMask.

“IneedeyesontheNightbringer,”Isay.“Andonhisallies.TheprophecysaidheneededonlyonemorepiecetocompletetheStar.Ineedtoknowifhe

hasfounditorifhe’sclose.Ineedtoknowifhe’s...cozyinguptoanyone.Gainingtheirtrust.Their...theirlove.But...”Sayingthewordsaloudmakesmefeelhopeless.“HowamIsupposedtoaccomplishthat?”

“Ihaveitongoodauthoritythathe’sinNaviumnowandhasbeenforthepastmonth.”

“Howdidyou—”“Don’tmakemesayitagain,LaiaofSerra.WhatdoIdo?”“Youwatch.”MyreliefissokeenthatI’mnotevenirritatedatMusa’s

arrogance.“Youlisten.Howfastcanyougetmeinformationonthejinn?”Musastrokeshischin“Let’ssee.Ittookmeaweektolearnthatyou’dbroken

EliasoutofBlackcliff’sdungeons.Sixdaystolearnthatyou’dsetoffariotinNur.FivetolearnwhatEliasVeturiuswhisperedinyourearthenightheabandonedyouintheTribaldesertforKaufPrison.TwotolearnthattheWarden—”

“Wait,”Ichokeout.Theroomsuddenlyfeelswarm.IhavetriednottothinkofElias.Buthehauntsmythoughts,aghostwhoisalwaysonmymindandalwaysoutofreach.“Justwait.Go...goback.WhatdidEliaswhisperinmyearthenightheleftmeforKauf?”

“Itwasgood.”Musagazesoffmusingly.“Verydramatic.Mightuseitmyselfonsomeluckygirloneday.”

Skies,heisinsufferable.“DoyouknowifEliasisallright?”Itapmyfingersonthepolishedtable,tryingtocheckmyimpatience.“Doyouknow—”

“Myspiesdon’tentertheForestofDusk,”Musasays.“Tooafraid.ForgetaboutyourprettyMartial.Icangettheinformationyouneed.”

“IalsoneedtoknowhowtostoptheNightbringer,”Isay.“Howtofighthim.Andthat’sthekindofthingIcanfindonlyinbooks.CanyougetmeintotheGreatLibrary?Theremustbesomethingthereaboutthehistoryofthejinn,abouthowtheScholarsbeatthembefore.”

“Ah.”Musaspearsasliceofappleandpopsitintohismouth,thenshakeshishead.“Thatcouldtakesometime,asI’mbannedfromit.I’dsuggestyousneakintothelibrary,butKingIrmandhascontractedJadunatowardoffanyfeycreaturestryingtodoexactlythat.”Jaduna.Ishudder.Nantoldstoriesofthehot-temperedmagic-wielderssaid

toliveinthepoisonedlandswestoftheEmpire.I’dprefernottofindoutifthetalesaretrue.

Musanods.“Exactly,”hesays.“Theysniffoutmagiclikesharkssniffoutblood.Trustme,youwouldn’twanttocrossoneofthem.”

“But—”

I

“Fretnot.We’llthinkofsomethingelse.Andinthemeantime,youcanstartcarryingoutyourpartofourdeal.”

“Listen.”Itrytosoundreasonable.Idon’tthinkMusawillbewillingtolistentothisargumentmorethanonce.“YoumustseethatIhavenoideahow—”

“You’renotgettingoutofthis,”hesays.“Stoptrying.Idonotexpectyoutorecruitahundredfighterstomorrow,”hesays.“Ornextweek.Orevennextmonth.Firstyouhavetobesomeoneworthlisteningto,someoneworthfollowing.Forthattohappen,theScholarsinAdisaandinthecampsneedtoknowwhoyouareandwhatyou’vedone.Andthatmeansthatfornow,allIneedfromyouisastory.”

“A—astory?”“Yes.Yourstory.Getyourselfacupoftea,Laia.Ithinkwe’llbeherea

while.”

spendmydayswithDarin,pumpingbellowsandshovelingmoundsofcoalintoafurnace,tryingtomakesurethatthesprayofsparksthatexplodeswith

everystrikeofhishammerdoesn’tburndowntheforge.Webattleacrossthecourtyardtotesthisblades,mostofwhichbreak.Buthekeepsatit,andeverydayhespendsattheforgemakeshimstronger,morelikehisoldself.ItisasifliftingthehammerhasremindedhimofthemanhewasbeforeKauf—andthemanhewantstobenow.

I,meanwhile,havenopurposeatallotherthantowait.“Nosneakingaroundoutsidetheforge.”Musa’ssaiditadozentimes.“The

JadunaIspokeofreporttotheking.Iftheyseeyou,you’llfindyourselfbackinprison,andIdon’tfancyhavingtorescueyouagain.”

IfMusahasinformationforme,hedoesn’tshareit.Nordowehaveanynewsfromtheoutsideworld.Witheverydaythatgoesby,Iammoremistrustful.DoestheScholarmantrulyintendtohelpme?OrarehispromisestoaidmeaploytogetDarintomakeweapons?

Aweekfliespast.Thenanother.TheGrainMoonisamereeightweeksaway,andIamspendingmytimetestingbladesthatkeepbreaking.Onemorning,whileMusaisout,Isneakintohisquarters,hopingtofindsomething—anything—abouthispast,theResistance,orhisinformationnetwork.ButallIdiscoveristhathehasatasteforcandiedalmonds,whichIfindtuckedawayindrawers,beneaththebed,andmostbizarrely,inasetofoldboots.

Onmostevenings,MusaintroducesmetootherScholarsheknowsandtrusts.Somearerefugees,likeme,butmanyareAdisanScholars.Everytime,Ihavetotellmystoryagain.Everytime,MusarefusestoexplainhisplanforresurrectingtheResistance.Whatwereyouthinking,Shaeva?Whydidyousendmetothisman?NewsfinallyarrivesintheformofascrollthatappearsinMusa’shandone

day,inthemiddleofdinner.DarinandZellaaredeepinconversation,Taureistellingmethestoryofagirlshe’sfallenforinthecamps,andI’mstaringdaggersatMusa,whoisplacidlystuffinghisfaceasifthefateoftheworlddoesn’thingeonhisabilitytogetmeinformation.

MyfixedglareistheonlyreasonIevenseethescrollappear.Onesecond,it’snotthere,thenext,he’sunrollingit.

“TheNightbringer,”hesays,“isinNaviumwiththeCommandant,thePatersofthecity,theBloodShrike,andhermen.Hehasn’tleftthereinweeks.ThereissomeinfightingbetweentheCommandantandtheBloodShrike,apparently—”

Igroan.“Thatdoesn’thelpmeatall.Ineedtoknowwhomhe’sseeing.Whomhe’stalkingto—”

“Apparently,he’sspentagreatdealoftimeinhischambers,recoveringfromsinkingtheMartialfleet,”Musasays.“Musttakealotofenergy,murderingafewthousandsoulsandsendingtheirvesselstothebottomofthesea.”

“Ineedmore,”Isay.“Hehastobedoingsomethingbeyondsittinginhisquarters.Arethereanyfeycreaturesaroundhim?Aretheygettingstronger?HowfaretheTribes?”

ButMusahasnothingmoretooffer—notyet,anyway.WhichmeansIhavetotakemattersintomyownhands.Ineedtogetoutinto

thecity.Jadunaornot,Ineedtoatleastlearnwhat’shappeningelsewhereintheEmpire.Afterdinner,asDarin,Taure,andZelladiscussthedifferentclaysusedforcoolingablade,Iyawnandexcusemyself.Musahaslongsinceretired,andIpauseoutsidehisroom.Snoresrumblewithin.Momentslater,Iaminvisibleandcuttingmywaywest,towardAdisa’scentralmarkets.

ThoughIwasonlyintherefugeecampformoments,thedifferencebetweenitandtheMarinercityisstark.Thecampwasdingytentsandsuckingmud.Adisa’scobbledstreetsarelinedwithhousesofazureandviolet,morealiveatnightthanduringtheday.ThecampwasfullofyoungScholarswithjuttingcollarbonesandswollenbellies.Here,Idon’tseeasinglestarvingchild.

Whatkindofkingwouldallowthis?IstherenospaceinthismassivecityfortheScholarsoulsfreezingbeyonditsgates?Maybeit’snottheking.Maybeit’shisghul-infesteddaughter.Thecreatures

flitthroughthemarkettoo,aseethingblightlurkingonthefringesofthecrowds.

Inthecity’scenter,brightlydressedMarinershaggleandjokeandtrade.Silkkitessaillikeshipsoverhead,andIstoptoogleclayvesselswithentirebookspaintedontheirsides.AnAnkaneseseerfromthefarsouthraspsoutfortunes,andakohl-eyedJadunawatcheshim,thegoldcoinsstrungacrossherforeheadcatchingthelight.RecallingMusa’swarning,Iheadawayfromthewoman.

Allaroundme,MarinerswalkthestreetswithasuretyIfearIwillneverpossess.Thefreedomofthisplace,theeaseofit—itfeelslikenoneofitisformeormypeople.Allthisbelongstoothers,tothosewhodonotabideatthecrossroadsofuncertaintyanddespair.Itbelongstopeoplesousedtolivingfreethattheycannotimagineaworldinwhichtheyarenot.

“—doyouexpect?TheTribeswon’tliedownandtakeitliketheScholars.Theywon’tallowtheirpeopletobeenslaved.”

TwoMarinercooksargueloudlyoverthepopoffryingpastries,andIinchcloser.

“Iunderstandtheiranger,”oneofthemsays.“Buttotargetinnocentvillagers—”

Someonejostlesme,andIjustmanagetoholdontomyinvisibility.Thecrowdsherearetoothick,soIleavethembehind,notstoppinguntilIspotagroupofchildrengatheredinadoorway.

“—sheburnedBlackclifftoacrispandkilledaMask—”AfewareAdisanScholars,full-cheekedandfinelydressed.Othersare

Mariners.Allclusteraroundwantedsignsfeaturingme,Darin,and—I’msurprisedtosee—Musa.

“—IheardshestabbedKauf’swardenintheface—”“—Ithinkshe’llsaveusfromthewraiths—”AllIneedfromyouisastory,Musahadsaid.Itisstrangetohearthatstory

now,alteredintosomethingelseentirely.“—UncleMusasaysshe’sgotmagic,liketheLioness—”“—MydasaysUncleMusaisaliar.HesaystheLionesswasafoolanda

murderess—”“—MyamasaystheLionesskilledchildren—”Myhearttwists.Iknowtheirwordsshouldn’tbotherme.Theyareonly

children.ButIwanttoshowmyselfanyway.Shewasfunnyandclever,Iwanttosay.Shecouldshootasparrowonabranchfromahundredpaces.Sheonlyeverwantedtruefreedomforus—foryou.Sheonlyeverwantedbetter.

Anotherchildappearsinthealley.“Kehanni!Kehanni!”sheyells.Thechildrenraceawaytoanearbycourtyardwhereadeepvoicerisesandtremblesandswoops—aKehannispinningatale.Ifollowthem,tofindtheyardburstingwithanaudiencecollectivelyholdingitsbreath.

TheKehannihassilverhairandafacethathasseenathousandtales.Shewearsaheavilyembroidered,calf-lengthdressoverwide,mirror-hemmedpantsthatcatchthelamplight.Hervoiceisthroaty,andthoughIshouldmoveon,Ifindanemptyspotagainstawalltolisten.

“Theghulssurroundedthechild,drawnbyhissadness.”ShespeaksSerran,andheraccentisheavy.“Andthoughhewishedtohelphisailingsister,thefeycreatureswhisperedpoisonintohisears,untilhisheartbecameastwistedastherootsofanoldjinntree.”

AstheKehannisingsherstory,Irealizethereistruthwithinthistale—ahistoryofsorts.Hadn’tIjustwitnessedexactlywhatshedescribed,onlywithPrincessNikla?

TheKehannis’stories,Irealize,haveasmuchhistoryinthemasanybookintheGreatLibrary.More,perhaps,forthereisnoskepticismintheoldtalesthatmightoccludethetruth.ThemoreIconsiderit,themoreexcitedIget.EliaslearnedtodestroyefritsfromasongMamieRilasanghim.WhatifthestoriescouldhelpmeunderstandtheNightbringer?Whatiftheycouldtellmehowtostophim?Myexcitementhasmemovingawayfromthewall,towardtheKehanni.Finally,Ihaveachancetolearnsomethingusefulaboutthejinn.Laia...ThewhisperbrushesagainstmyearandIjump,jostlingthemannexttome,

whoyelps,lookingaboutforwhoeverbumpedhim.QuickasIcan,Iweavemywaythroughthestill-raptaudienceandoutofthe

courtyard.Somethingiswatchingme.Ifeelit.Andwhateveritis,Idon’twantitmakingtroubleamongthoselisteningtotheKehanni.

Ishovebackthroughthecrowdedmarket,lookingovermyshoulderrepeatedly.Blackscrapsofshadowflitjustoutofmyvision.Ghuls?Orsomethingworse?Ispeedmygait,exitingthemarketandenteringaquietsidestreet.Ilookbackoncemore.Thepastshallburn,andnonewillslowit.Irecognizethewhisper,thewayitgrateslikerottedclawsacrossmymind.

Nightbringer!Iamtoofrightenedeventocryout.AllIcandoisstandthere,useless.

Ispin,tryingtopickhimoutoftheshadows.“Showyourself.”Myvoiceisbarelyaboveawhisper.“Showyourself,you

monster.”Youdaretojudgeme,LaiaofSerra?Howcanyou,whenyouknownotthe

darknessthatliveswithinyourownheart?“I’mnotafraidofyou.”

Thewordsarealie,andhechucklesinresponse.Iblink—aninstantofdarkness,nothingatall—andwhenIopenmyeyes,IsenseIamaloneagain.TheNightbringerisgone.

BythetimeIreturntotheforge,mybodytrembles.Theplaceisdark—everyonehasturnedin.ButIdon’tdropmyinvisibilityuntilI’maloneinmyroom.

ThemomentIdo,myvisiongoesblack.Iamstandinginaroom—acell,Irealize.Icanjustmakeoutawomaninthedarkness.Sheissinging.

AstarshecameIntomyhomeAndlititbrightwithglo-ry

Thesongfloatsallaroundme,thoughthewordsgrowmuffled.Astrangesoundsplitsthesong,likethebranchofatreebreaking.WhenIopenmyeyes,thevisionisgone,asisthesinging.Thehouseisquiet,otherthanDarinmurmuringinhissleepfromnextdoor.Whatintheskieswasthat?Isitthemagicaffectingme?OrtheNightbringer?Isthishim—ishetoying

withmymind?Isitupquickly,glancingaboutmydarkenedroom.Elias’sarmletiswarminmyhand.Iimaginehisvoice.Theshadowsarejustshadows,Laia.TheNightbringercan’thurtyou.

Buthecan.Hehas.He’lldosoagain.Iretreattomybed,refusingtoreleasethearmlet,tryingtokeepElias’s

soothingbaritoneinmymind.ButIkeepseeingtheNightbringer’sface.Hearinghisvoice.Andsleepdoesnotcome.

T

XVIII:Elias

hejinnknowI’mcoming.ThemomentIreachtheirgrove,I’munnervedbyanexpectantsortofquiet.Awaiting.Strange,howsilencecanspeakas

loudlyasascream.Yes,theyknowI’mhere.AndtheyknowIwantsomething.Hail,mortal.Myskincrawlsatthechoralvoiceofthejinn.Cometobeg

forgivenessforyourexistence?“I’vecometoaskforhelp.”Thejinns’laughterknifesatmyears.“Idonotwishtotroubleyou.”Itirks,

buthumilitymightservemewell.Icertainlycan’tbrazenmywaythroughthis.“Iknowyousuffer.Iknowwhatwasdonetoyoulongagoistheheartofyoursuffering.AndI’vebeenimprisonedtoo.”Youthinkthehorrorsofyourpunyhumanprisoncanbegintoapproachour

torment?Skies,whydidIsaythat?Stupid.“Ijust...Idon’twishpainlikethaton

anyone.”Alongsilence.Andthen:Youarelikeher.“LikeShaeva?”Isay.“Butthemagicbondedwithher,anditwon’tbond

withme—”Likeyourmother.Keris.Thejinnsensemydismayandlaugh.Youthinknot?

Perhapsyoudonotknowheraswellasyouthinkyoudo.Orperhaps,mortal,youdonotknowyourself.

“I’mnotaheartless,murdering—”ThemagicoftheSoulCatcherwillneverbeyours.Youaretoodeeplylinked

tothoseyoulove.Tooopentopain.Yourkindisweak.EvenKerisVeturiacouldnotreleasehermortalattachments.

“Theonlythingmymotherisattachedtoispower.”Isensethatintheirarborealprison,thejinnaresmug.Howlittleyouknow,

boy.Yourmother’sstorylivesinyourblood.Herpast.Hermemory.Itisthere.Wecouldshowyou.

ThesilkintheirvoicesremindsmeofthetimeaSeniorSkulltriedtotellfourteen-year-oldmetocometohisroomsohecouldshowmeanewbladehisfathergavehim.

Youwishtoknowherbetter.Deepinyourheart,thejinnsay.Donotlietous,EliasVeturius,forwhenyouareinourgrove,yoursubterfugeisfornaught.Weseeall.

Somethingroughslitherspastmyankles.Vinesriseupoutoftheearthlikegiant,bark-encrustedsnakes.Theytwistuparoundmylegs,lockingmeintoplace.Itrytodrawmyscims,butthevinesbindtheweaponstomybackandcoilaroundmyshoulders,holdingmefast.

“Stopthis.Sto—”Thejinnshovetheirwayintomymind,probingandturningandexamining

it,bringingtheirfiretoplacesthatwerenevermeanttoseethelight.Ipushbackatthem,buttonoavail.Iamtrappedinmyownhead,inmy

memories.Iseemyselfasababeagain,lookingupintothesilverfaceofawomanwhoselongblondehairisdarkenedwithsweat.TheCommandant’shandsarebloody,herfaceflushed.Herbodytrembles,butwhenshetouchesmyface,herfingersaregentle.

“Youlooklikehim,”shewhispers.Shedoesn’tlookangry,thoughIalwaysthoughtshewould.Instead,sheappearsperplexed,almostbewildered.

ThenI’mwatchingmyselfasayoungboyoffour,wanderingthroughCampSaif,athickjacketbuttoneduptomychinagainstthechillwinternight.

WhiletheotherTribalchildrenhaveclusteredaroundMamieRilatohearaterrifyingtaleabouttheKingofNoName,IwatchasyoungEliaswalkstotherockydesertbeyondthecircleofwagons.Thegalaxyisapalecloudacrosstheonyxsky,thenightbrightenoughformetopickmywayforward.Fromthewest,arhythmicthumpdrawsclose.Ahorsematerializesonanearbyridge.

Awomandismounts,hergleamingarmorflashingbeneathheavyTribalrobes.Adozenbladesglintfromherchestandback.Thewindwhipsatthehard,dryeartharoundher.Intheglowingstarlight,herblondehairisthesamesilverasherface.Thisdidn’thappen,Ithinkwildly.Idon’trememberit.Sheleftme.Shenever

cameback.KerisVeturiadropstoonekneebutremainsafewfeetaway,asifshedoesn’t

wanttoscareme.Sheappearssoyoung—Icanscarcelyfathomitisher.“Whatisyourname?”Atlast,Irecognizesomethingabouther—thathard

voice,ascoldandunfeelingasthelandbeneathourfeet.“Ilyaas.”“Ilyaas.”TheCommandantdrawsmynameout,asifsearchingforits

meaning.“Gobacktothecaravan,Ilyaas.Darkcreatureswalkthedesertatnight.”

Idon’thearmyresponse,becauseIamnowinaroomoutfittedwithnothingbutacot,adesk,andawidefireplace.Thearchedwindowsandthickwalls,alongwiththescentofsalt,tellmeI’minNavium.Summerhascomeswiftlytothesouth,andheavy,warmairpoursthroughthewindow.Despitethat,afireburnsinthegrate.

Kerisisolder—olderthanshewaswhenIlastsawhermonthsago,justbeforeshepoisonedme.Sheliftsupherundershirtandexamineswhatlookstobeabruise,thoughitisdifficulttotell,sinceherskinissilver.IrememberthenthatshestoletheBloodShrike’sshirtoflivingmetal,longago.Ithasfusedtoherbodyascloselyashermaskhasfusedtoherface.

HerALWAYSVICTOtattooisclearlyvisiblebeneaththesilveroftheshirt,exceptnowitsaysALWAYSVICTORI.

Asshefeelsoutthebruise,Inoticeastrangeobjectintheroom,allthemoreunusualagainstthesimplicityofthequarters.It’sacrudeclaysculptureofamotherholdingachild.TheCommandantstudiouslyignoresit.

Shedropshershirtandputsherarmorbackon.Asshestaresintothemottledmirror,hergazeshiftstothestatue.Shewatchesitinthereflection,wary,asifitmightcometolife.Thensheturnsonherheel,snatchesitup,andtossesit,almostcasually,intothehearthfire.Shecallsthroughthecloseddoor.Momentslater,aslaveenters.

TheCommandantnodsattheburningsculpture.“Youfoundit,”shesays.“Didyouspeaktoanyoneofit?”Attheman’sdenial,theCommandantnodsandbeckonshimcloser.Don’tdoit,Iwanttotellhim.Flee.Mymother’shandsblurasshebreakshisneck.Iwonderifheevenfeltit.“Let’skeepitthatway,”shesaystohisslumpedbody,“shallwe?”Iblink,andIambackinthejinngrove.NovinesdragmedowntotheForest

floor,anddawnpaintsthegroveredandorange.Hourshavepassed.Thejinnstillscuttlethroughmymind.Ifightback,shovingthemout,

pushingintotheirconsciousness.Theirsurpriseispalpable,andtheirguarddropsforamoment.Ifeeltheirrage,theirshock,ashared,deeppain—andaswiftlysuppressedpanic.Afurtiveness.

ThenIamcastout.“You’rehidingsomething,”Igasp.“You—”Looktoyourborders,EliasVeturius,thejinnsnarl.Seewhatwehave

wrought.Anattack.IfeelitasclearlyasI’dfeelanattackonmyownbody.Butthis

assaultdoesn’tcomefromoutsidetheForest.Itcomesfromwithin.

GoandseethehorrorofghostswhobreakfreeoftheWaitingPlace.Seeyourpeopleravaged.Youcannotchangeit.Youcannotstopit.

Icurse,hearingtheAugur’swordsfromsolongagothrownbackinmyface.IwindwalktothesouthernborderwithaspeedthatwouldrivalShaeva’s.WhenIarrive,thousandsofghostsclusterinonespot,pushingagainsttheborderwithsingle-mindedviolence,almostferalwiththedesiretoescape.

IreachforMauth,forthemagic,butImightaswellbegraspingatair.TheghostspartasImakemywaythroughthem,theirshriekingdisappointmentreverberatinginmybones.

Theborderappearswhole,butspiritsmightstillhaveescaped.Irunmyhandsovertheglowinggoldwall,tryingtofindanyweaknesses.

Farinthedistance,theredandblueofTribeNasur’swagonsgleaminthemorninglight,thesmokeofcookfiresfadingintoastormysky.Tomysurprise,theencampmenthasgrown—andmovedclosertotheForest.Irecognizethegreen-and-gold-drapedwagonscurvedinacirclenotfarfromtheshoreoftheDuskanSea.TribeNur—Afya’stribe—hasjoinedAubarit’s.

WhyisAfyahere?WiththeMartialssobelligerent,theTribesshouldn’tcongregateinoneplace.Afya’ssavvyenoughtoknowthat.“Banual-Mauth?”Aubaritappearsfromadipinthelandjustahead.“Fakira.”IstepoutoftheForest,mypulsestillthunderinginwarning,

thoughIsensenothingoutoftheordinary.“Nowisn’treallyagood—”“EliasbleedingVeturius!”IknowthesmallwomanwhoshovespastAubarit

bythefireinhereyes,forineveryotherway,sheisunrecognizable.Herfaceislined,andthekerchiefthathidesherusuallyimpeccablebraidscannotmasktheirdisarray.PurpleshadowsnestbeneathhereyesandIsmellthesharptangofsweat.“Whatthehellsisgoingon?”“Zaldara!”Aubaritlooksscandalized.“YouwilladdresshimastheBanu—”“Donotcallhimthat!HisnameisEliasVeturius.Heisafoolishman,just

likeanyotherfoolishman,andIsuspectheisthereasonTribeNur’sghostsarestuck—”

“Afya,slowdown,”Isay.“Whatintenhells—”MyvoicechokesoffasMauthtugsviolentlyatme,almostpullingmeoffmyfeet.Isensetheurgencybehindthesummonsandwhiparound.Floatingonthebreezejustafewyardsaway,afacematerializes.

It’scontorted,angry,andmovingswiftlytowardtheTribalencampments.Anotherfollowsit,calledtothedistantcaravanlikevulturesdrawntocarrion.

Someoftheghostsescaped.BeforeIarrived,theygotout.

Perhapstheywillonlydriftabout,wailingandpiningforlife.Theyhavenobodies.Theycan’tactuallydoanything.

I’vebarelyevenformedthethoughtwhen,withchillingsuddenness,aflockofbirdsliftsfromthetreesnearthecaravans,cawinginalarm.

“Elias—”Afyaspeaks,butIjerkmyhandup.Foramoment,allisquiet.Andthen,thescreamingbegins.

XIX:TheBloodShrike

BloodShrike,SummerisinfullbloominAntium,anditgrowsdifficultto

hidefromtheheat.TheEmperorrejoicesinthechangeofseasons,thoughheismuchtroubledbytheconcernsofthecrown.Theseasonalstormsareasbadastheheatandnooneat

courtisunaffected.IofferaidwhereIcan,butitischallenging.IamthankfuleverydayforthePlebeians.Theirsupportof

boththeEmperorandmyselfisacomfortduringthistryingtime.

Loyaltotheend,EmpressLiviaAquillaFarrar

SomeoneopenedLivia’sletterlongbeforeitgottome.Mysister’sattemptstocodeherthoughts,whileclever,areuseless.Bynow,theCommandantwillknowthatsheiswellintoherpregnancy.TheNightbringerwillhavetoldher.

Asfortherestoftheletter,Keriswillhavedecipheredthataswell:thatLiviacan’thidethepregnancyformuchlonger;thattheEmperorgrowsmoreunstable;thatmysisterkeepsthewolvesatbay;thatPlebeiansupportisallthatallowsMarcustoremainonthethrone.

ThatImustdefeattheCommandantsoon,ifIwantLiviaandherchildtosurvive.

IreadtheletterwhilewanderingNavium’ssouthernbeach,whichislitteredwiththewreckageofthefleet.Tatteredsails,moss-coveredmasts,weatheredscrapsofwood.Allareproofofmyfailuretoprotectthecity.

AsIkneeltorunmyhandsoverapieceofocean-smoothedhull,Dexappearsbehindme.

“PaterTatiuswillnotseeyou,Shrike.”“What’stheexcusethistime?”“He’svisitingasickaunt.”Dexsighs.HelooksasexhaustedasIfeel.“He’s

beentalkingtoPaterEquitius.”

Indeed.ThePaterofGensEquitiajustgaveusthesameexcusetwodaysago.AndthoughIsuspectedTatiusmight,likealltheotherPaters,trytoavoidme,I’dhopedforbetter.

“Therearen’tanyPaterslefttoapproach,”DexsaysasweturnawayfromthebeachanduptotheBlackGuardbarracks.“ArgusandVisselliusaredead,andtheirheirsblameyou.Therestaretooangryaboutthefleet.TatiuslostaquarterofhisGensinthestorm.”

“Thisisn’tjustaboutthefleet,”Isay.“Ifitwere,theywouldlectureme,demandthatIgrovelandapologize.”Theseare,afterall,MartialPaters.Theylovetalkingdowntowomenasmuchastheylovetheirmoney.“Eitherthey’reafraidoftheCommandantorshe’sofferingthemsomethingthatIcannot—somethingtheycannotrefuse.”

“Money?”Dexsays.“Moreships?”“Shedoesn’thaveships,”Isay.“Evenifwemiraculouslytookover

Grímarr’sfleet,wewouldonlyjusthaveenoughshipstoreplacethenavy.Andshe’swealthy,butnotwealthyenoughtopayoffallofthosePaters.”

There’smoretothis.ButhowthehellsdoIfindoutwhatitisifnoneofthePaterswilltalktome?

Aswewinduptowardthecity,thescarred,still-burningSouthwestQuartercomesintoview.GrímarrhasattackedtwicemoreinthetwoweekssinceIarrived.Withoutafleet,we’vehadnochoicebuttohunkerdownandhopethatthefiresfromtheirmissilesdonotspread.

Duringbothattacks,thePatersandKerisfrozemeoutofthedecision-making,withKerissmoothlyandquietlyignoringmyordersforthegreatergood.OnlyJanusAtriusbacksme,andhislonevoiceisnothingagainsttheunityofKeris’sallies.

Iwanttostartloppingoffheads.ButKerisislookingforanexcusetotakemedown—eitherbyjailingmeorkillingme.IfIstartkillingPaters,she’llhaveit.

No,Ihavetobemorecunning.Iclickmyhorseforward.IcandonothingaboutGrímarr’sattacks.ButIcanweakenKeris—ifIcangetinformationonher.

“We’llhaveadayortwoofquietwhileGrímarrfiguresouttheKarkauns’nextmove,”ItellDex.“ThereareafewfilesonthePatersinmydesk.Alltheirdirtylittlesecrets.Startcorneringthemdiscreetly.Seeifyoucangetthemtotalk.”

Dexleavesme,andwhenIreturntothebarracks,IfindAvitaswaiting,shouldersstiffwithdisapproval.

“Youshouldnotbetravelingthecityalone,Shrike,”Avitassays.“Regulationstates—”

“Ican’twasteyouorDexonescortingmeeverywhere,”Isay.“Didyoufindit?”

Henodsmeinsidemyquarters.“Thereareatleasttwohundredestatesinthemountainsbeyondthecity.”He

rollsoutamaponmydesk,andthehousesareallmarked.“NearlyallofthemareaffiliatedwithGensthatarealliedwithKeris.Threeareabandoned.”

IconsiderwhatEliassaidofQuin’swhereabouts.WhereverKerisis,he’llbecloseby,waitingforhertomakeamistake.He’snotstupidenoughtouseoneofhisownestates.Andhewon’tbealone.

Oneoftheabandonedhousesisatthebottomofavalley—nowatersourceandnoforestarounditforsoldierstohidein.Theotheristoosmalltohousemorethanadozenorsomen.

Butthethird...“Thisone.”Itapit.“Builtintoahill.Defensible.Nearbystream.Easy

tunnelingforaquickescape.Andlook”—Ipointtotheothersideofthehills—“townsremoteenoughthathecouldsendmenthereforsuppliesandhewouldn’tattractmuchnotice.”

Wesetoffimmediately,twoBlackGuardstrailingtomakesureanyspiesaredispatched.Bynoon,wearedeepwithinthemountainseastofNavium.

“Shrike,”Harpersayswhenweareclearofthecity.“YoushouldknowthattheCommandanthadalate-nightvisitor.”

“TheNightbringer?”Avitasshakeshishead.“Threebreak-insofherquartersattheIslandoverthe

courseofthelasttwoweeks.Duringthefirst,myspyreportedthatawindowwasleftopen.Duringthesecond,anitemwasleftonKeris’sbed.Asculpture.”

“Asculpture?”“Amotherholdingachild.TheCommandantdestroyeditandkilledtheslave

whodiscoveredit.Duringthethirdvisit,anothersculpturewasleft.Mycontactpulledthisonefromtheashesofthefire.”

Hereachesintoasaddlebagandoffersmearoughsculptureofyellowclay,blackenedononeside.Itisofacrudelymadewoman,herheadbowed.Herhandreachesdownwithstrangeplaintivenesstoachildwhoreachesback.Theydonottouch,thoughtheysitonthesamebase.

Thefigureshavethumbindentsforeyesandlumpsfornoses.Buttheirmouthsareopen.Itlooksasiftheyarescreaming.IshovethesculpturebackatAvitas,disturbed.

“Noone’sseentheintruder.”Avitastuckstheobjectaway.“Otherthanwhatmyspysaw,theCommandanthashiddenthebreak-inswell.”

ThereareplentyofpeoplewhocouldgetintotheCommandant’squartersunseen.Butforhertothennotcatchthemafterthey’dbeenthereonce—thatindicatesalevelofskillI’veknownonlyonepersontohave.AwomanIhaven’tseeninmonths.TheCook.

Imullitoveraswetravelhigherintothemountains,butitdoesn’tmakesense.IfCookcansneakintotheCommandant’squarters,whynotjustkillher?Whyleaveherpeculiarstatues?

Hourslater,afterwindingthroughswitchbackingmountaintrails,wearriveatthefootofasweeping,old-growthforest.Naviumglitterstothewest,aclusteroflightsandstill-smolderingfireswiththeblacksnakeoftheReiwindingthroughit.

Weabandonthehorsesbesideacreek,andIdrawadaggeraswemakeforthetreeline.IfQuinisoutthere,hewon’ttakekindlytoEmperorMarcus’sBloodShrikeshowingupunannounced.

Harperunhookshisbow,andweslipcautiouslyintothewoods.Cricketschirp,frogssing—thewildsoundsofasummercountryside.Andthoughitisdark,there’smoonenoughformetoseethatnoonehastrodthesewoodsformonths,maybeyears.

Witheverystep,myhopesdiminishfurther.I’mtosendareporttoMarcustomorrow.WhatthebleedinghellsamIgoingtosayifQuinisn’touthere?

Harpercurses,thesoundsharpandunexpected,andIhearahissingsnick.It’sfollowedbyamuffledgrunt.Aphalanxofaxesswingsdownfromthetrees.

Harperonlyjustdivesoutoftheway,andIhaveneverbeenhappiertoseeanallynearlyhavehisheadslicedoff.

Wespendthenexttwohoursavoidingcarefullylaidboobytraps,eachonemoreintricateandwell-hiddenthanthenext.

“Whatableedinglunatic.”Harpercutsatripwirethatdropsanetlacedwithrazor-sharpshardsofglass.“He’snoteventryingtocatchanyone.Hejustwantsthemdead.”

“He’snotalunatic.”Idropmyvoice.Themoonishigh.It’spastmidnight.“He’sthorough.”Glassgleamsthroughthetrees—adistantwindow.

Somethingintheairshifts,andthenightcreaturesgoquiet.Iknow,assureasIknowmyownname,thatHarperandIarenolongeraloneinthisforest.

“Let’sgetthisoverwith.”Isheathemyblade,hopingtotheskiesthatI’mnottalkingtoapackofhighwaybanditsorsomecrazedhermit.

Silence.AmomentduringwhichI’mcertainI’mwrong.Thenthewhisperoffootstepsbehindus,allaroundus.Farahead,apowerful

silver-facedfigureemergesfrombehindatree,histhickwhitehairhalf-hidden

byahood.Hedoesn’tlookanydifferentthanhedidmonthsago,whenIfirstsnuckhimoutofSerra.

Twodozenmensurroundus,theiruniformsimpeccable,GensVeturiacolorswornproudly.WhenIstepforward,theirbackssnapstraightand,asone,theysalute.

“BloodShrike.”QuinVeturiussaluteslast.“Aboutdamnedtime.”

QuinordersHarpertostaywithhismen,thenleadsmethroughthecrumblinghousebuiltintothemountainandintoaseriesofcaverns.It’snowonderKerishasn’tfoundtheoldman.Thesetunnelsaresoextensiveitwouldtakemonthstoexploreallofthem.

“Iexpectedyouweeksago,”Quinsaysaswewalk.“Whyhaven’tyouassassinatedKerisyet?”

“She’snotaneasywomantokill,General,”Isay.“EspeciallywhenMarcuscan’taffordforittolooklikeanassassination.”Wetrekupwarduntilweemergeontoasmall,flatplateau,walledinonfoursidesbutopentothesky.Itishometoahiddengarden,wildwiththebeautyofaplaceoncelovinglycaredforbutleftalonefortoolong.

“Ihavesomethingforyou.”IpullElias’smaskfrommypocket.“EliasgaveittomebeforeheleftBlackcliff.Ithoughtyou’dwantit.”

Quin’shandhoversoverthemaskbeforehetakesit.“Itwasanightmaretogetthatboytokeepiton,”hesays.“Ithoughthewouldlosethedamnedthingoneday.”

Theoldmanturnsthemaskoverinhishand,andthemetalrippleslikewater.“Theybecomepartofus,youknow.Itisonlywhentheyjoinwithusthatwebecomeourtruestselves.Myfatherusedtosaythatafterthejoining,amaskheldasoldier’sidentity—andthatwithoutit,abitofhissoulwasstrippedaway,nevertoberecovered.”

“Andwhatdoyousay,General?”“Wearewhatweputintothemask.Eliasputlittleintoit,andsoitoffered

littleinreturn.”Iexpecthimtoaskmeabouthisgrandson,buthesimplypocketsthemask.“Tellmeofyourfoe,BloodShrike.”

AsIrelatetheattackonNavium,thelossofthefleet,eventhepresenceofthestatue,Quinissilent.Wewalktoapondinthegarden,borderedbypaint-chippedstones.

“She’suptosomething,General,”Isay.“Ineedyourhelptofigureoutwhatitcouldbe.Tofigureherout.”

“Kerislearnedtowalkhere,beforeImovedherandhermothertoSerra.”Henodstoabarelyvisiblepaththatleadstoapergoladrippingwithivy.“Shewasninemonthsold.Tinylittlething.Skies,Karinnawassoproud.Shelovedthatgirltobits.”

Heraiseshiseyebrowsatthelookonmyface.“YouthoughtmydearlatewifewasthemonsterfromwhomKerislearned?Quitetheopposite.Karinnawouldn’tletanyonetouchahaironthatgirl’shead.Wehaddozensofslaves,butKarinnainsistedondoingeverythingherself:feedingher,changingher,playingwithher.Theyadoredeachother.”

Theideaofasunny-hairedbabyKerisissofarfromwhatsheisnowthatIcan’tconjuretheimage.Iforcemyselftoholdbackthedozensofquestionsinmyhead.Quin’svoiceisslow—almosthalting—andIwonderifhe’sspokentoanyoneaboutthis.

“Iwasn’tthereforthemearlyon,”hesays.“IwasalreadyalieutenantgeneralwhenKarinnaandImarried.TheKarkaunswerepushinghardinthewest,andtheEmperorcouldn’tspareme.”

Hesounds...notsad,butalmostwistful.“AndthenKarinnadied.TheEmperordidn’tgivemeleave,soitwasayearbeforeIreturnedhome.BythenKerishadstoppedspeaking.Ispentamonthwithher,andthenitwasbacktothebattlefield.WhenshewaschosenforBlackcliff,Iwascertainshe’ddieinthefirstweek.Shewassosoft.Somuchlikehermother.”

“Butshedidn’tdie,”Isay.Itrynottotapmyfootinimpatience.Iwonderwhenhe’sgoingtogettothepoint.

“She’saVeturia,”Quinsays.“We’rehardtokill.SkiesknowwhatshedealtwithatBlackcliff.Shedidn’thaveyourluckinfriends,girl.Herfellowstudentsmadeherlifehell.Itriedtotrainher,likeItrainedElias,butshewantednothingtodowithme.Blackcliffwarpedher.Justaftershegraduated,shealliedwiththeNightbringer.Heistheclosestthingshehastoafriend.”

“He’snotherfriend.He’shermaster,”Imurmur,rememberingthejinn’swords.“WhatofElias’sfather?”

“Whoeverhewas,shecaredforhim.”Wearepastthepondnow.Beyondtheedgeoftheplateau,low,rollinghillseaseintotheflatsoftheTribaldesert,bluewiththeapproachofdawn.“AfterEliaswaschosen,shewasunnerved,worriedshewouldlosehercommission.I’dneverseenemotionlikethatinherbeforethen,orsince.Shesaidsheletthechildlivebecausehisfatherwouldhavewantedit.”

SoKerislovedAriusHarper?Hisfilewasscant,buttheCommandantalwayshatedEliassomuch,Iassumedhisfatherhadforcedhimselfonher.

“DidyouknowAriusHarper,General?”“HewasaPlebeian.”Quingivesmeacuriouslook,mystifiedbythesudden

changeintopic.“ACombatCenturionatBlackcliffwhowasreprimandedrepeatedlyforshowingmercytothestudents—kindness,even.”

“Howdidhedie?”“HewasmurderedbyagroupofMasksthedayaftertheygraduated—Keris’s

fellowSeniorSkulls.Aviciouskilling—morethanadozenofthembeathimtodeath.Illustrian,allofthem.TheirfatherscovereditupwellenoughthatevenIdidn’tknowofitwhenitfirsthappened.”

WhywouldagroupofMasksmurderaCenturion?DidKerisknow?Didsheaskthemtodoit?ButQuinsaidshedidn’thavealliesatBlackcliff—thattheotherstudentstormentedher.Andifshedidn’thaveAriuskilled—ifshetrulylovedhim—thenwhydoesshehateEliassomuch?

“YouthinkAriusHarperisthefather?”Quincatcheson.“SoCaptainHarperis—”

“Elias’shalfbrother.”Icurseundermybreath.“Butnoneofthatmatters.Herpast,herhistory—noneofitexplainswhatshe’sdoinginNavium,”Isay.“Shegaveupthefleetjusttowrestpowerfromme.Why?”

“Mygrandsonalwaystoldmeyouweresmart,girl.”Quinscowlsatme.“Washewrong?Don’tjustlookatheractions.Lookather.Whatdoesshewant?Why?Lookatherpast,herhistory.Howhasitalteredhermind?TheNightbringerishermaster,yousay.Whatdoeshewant?Willshegetitforhim?WhatcouldshebedoingforthePatersthattheywouldagreetoletthatswineGrímarrwreakhavocinthepoorpartsofthecity?Usethatheadofyours.Ifyouthinkmydaughtercaresaboutthefateofaportcityfarfromtheseatofpower,youaresorelymistaken.”

“Butshe’sbeenorderedto—”“Kerisdoesn’tcareaboutorders.Shecaresaboutonething:power.Youlove

theEmpire,BloodShrike.SoyoubelievethatbecauseKeriswasalsoraisedasaMask,shemustbeloyaltoittoo.Sheisnot.Sheisloyalonlytoherself.Understandthat,andperhapsyou’llbesther.Fail,andshe’llhaveyourgutsforsupperbeforetheweekisout.”

T

XX:Laia

hemomenttheskypales,Ithrowonmydressandslipdownstairs.IfImoveswiftlyenough,ImightstillcatchtheTribalcaravanIsawlastnight—and

theKehannitoo.ButZellaawaitsmeatthedoor,fidgetinginapology.“Musaaskedthatyouremainhere,”shesays.“Foryourownsafety,Laia.

PrincessNiklahasJadunapatrollingthecityforyou.Apparently,oneofthemcaughtwindthatyouwereherelastnight.”Shewringsherhands.“Hesaysnottouseyourmagic,asyou’lljustleadtheJadunahere,andgetusallthrowninprison.Hiswords,”sheaddsquickly.“Notmine.”

“Whatdoyouknowabouthim,Zella?”Iaskquickly,beforeshewalksaway.“Whatishedoingoutthere?Whyhasn’thestartedtheResistancehimself?”

“I’mjustasmith,Laia.Andanoldfamilyfriendofhis.Ifyouhavequestions,you’llhavetoaskhim.”

Icurseandslinkouttothecourtyard,whereIassistDarinashepolishesastackofscimsagainstasetofsmoothgraystones.

“Iheardhim,Darin,”Isayafterrelatingmyrun-inwiththeNightbringer.“Gloatingrightbesideme.Thenhewasgone.Whichmeanshecouldbeanywhere.HemightevenhavethelastpieceoftheStar.”

Iwantsomuchtoconquertheself-doubtrisinginme.ToquashitandsimplybelievethatIcanstopthejinn.Feardoesnotrulemeasitoncedid.Butsomedaysitstalksmewiththeireofajiltedlover.

Mybrotherslidesascimacrossoneofthestones.“IftheNightbringerdidhavethelastpieceoftheStar,”hesays,“we’dknow.Yougivehimtoomuchcredit,Laia,andyoudon’tgiveyourselfenough.Hefearsyou.Hefearswhatyou’lllearn.Whatyou’lldowiththatknowledge.”

“Heshouldn’tfearme.”“Hedamnedwellshould.”Darinrunsaclothacrossthescimhe’spolished

andhandsittomebeforereachingforhisfirstSerricsteelblade,theoneIcarriedacrosstheEmpireafterSpiroTelumangaveittome.

“Itmakesnosenseforhimtobeafraid,”Isay.“Igavehimthearmlet.IlethimkillShaeva.Whythehellsshouldhebeafraidofme?”

Myvoicerises,andontheothersideofthecourtyard,TaureandZellaexchangeaglancebeforemakingthemselvesscarce.

“Becauseyoucanstophim,andheknowsit.”Darintightensthebracehehasfashionedforhislefthand.Heusesitinplaceofhistwomissingfingers,tosteadyhishammers,andIalmostneverseehimwithoutit.Thistime,heclipsinhisscimhiltinsteadofahammer.“WhyelsewouldhekillShaevaorallyhimselfwiththeCommandant?WhyensuretheWaitingPlaceisindisarray?Whysowsomuchchaosifhe’snotafraidoffailing?And”—Darinpullsmeup—“whyelsewouldheturnuptheverymomentyourealizedyoumightgetanswersfromtheKehanni?”

Thatfactescapedme,anditmakesmeevenmoreeagertospeaktotheTribeswoman.WhentheskiesisMusagoingtobeback?

“Spirowouldkillmeifhesawhowlittleartistrythathas.”Darinnodstomyblade.“Butifthey’retrueSerricsteel,wecancelebratethat,atleast.Comeon.Maybethisisthebatchthatwon’tbreak.”

SparksflyasDarin’sscimandminecrashagainsteachother.Thelastsetofbladeswetrieddidn’tbreakuntilwellintoourbattle,soIsettleinforanarduouscontest.Afterafewminutes,theroughsimplicityofthebladehasraisedblistersonmypalms.ItissodifferentfromthefinedaggerEliasgaveme.Butitholds.

ZellaandTaureemergefromthehouse,watchingwithgrowingexcitementwhen,evenafterIpresstheattack,thebladesremainwhole.

Darinassailsme,andIletmyferocityloose,pouringmyfrustrationintoeveryblow.Finally,mybrothercallsahalt,unabletosuppressagrin.Hetakesthebladefromme.

“Ithasnoheart.”Heheftsit,andhiseyessparkleastheyhaven’tinmonths.“Nosoul.Butitwilldo.Ontothenext.”

ZellaandTaurejoinusaswesparacrossthecourtyard,asoneaftertheother,thebladesfinallyholdtrue.IdonotnoticeMusauntilhestepsfromthehousetoapplaudjauntily.

“Beautiful,”hesays.“Ihadfullfaiththatyou—”IgrabMusabythearmanddraghimtowardthefrontdoor,ignoringhis

cursesofprotest.“IneedtoseeaKehanni,andI’vebeenwaitinghoursforyoutoreturn.”

“TheTribesleftAdisatofighttheMartialsinthedesert,”Musasays.“They’renotholdingback,either.”Withachill,IrememberAfyaspeakingoftheattacksonMartialvillagers.

“Well,theycan’tbefaroutsidethecity,”Isay.“IjustsawaKehannitellingstoriesnearAdisa’smainmarket.Silverhair,purple-and-whitewagons.”

“TribeSulud,”Musasays.“IknowtheKehanniyouspeakof.Shewon’tjusttellyouwhatyouwanttoknow,Laia.She’llwantpayment.”

“Fine,we’llpayher.Whatevershewants—”“It’snotthatsimple.”Musapullshisarmfrommygrip.“She’snotastreet

hawkersellingcheaptrinkets.Shetellsstoriesonherterms.Traditionalgiftsforsuchexchangesareitemswedon’thaveaccessto:boltsofsilk,chestsofgold,storesoffood.”

Iexaminehimupanddown,fromthesilver-buckledbootstothesoftleatherbreechestotheshirtmadeoffinelyspuncotton.“Don’ttellmeyou’renotwealthy.TauresaidyourfatherusedtoharvesthalfthehoneyinMarinn.”

“Ihavesomeclothes.Abitofgold,”hesays.“ButtheMarinersseizedmywealthandmypropertyandmyhivesandinheritancewhen—”Heshakeshishead.“Anyway,theytookit,andnowmymeansarelimited.”

ZellaandTaureexchangeaglanceatthat,andIremindmyselftofindthemlater.IneedanswersaboutMusa’spast,andit’sclearhewon’tgivethemtome.Mybrotherstillclutchesoneofthenewscims.Sunlightglancesofftheblade,hittingmeintheface.

“Iknowwhattoofferher,”Isay.“Somethingshe’llwant.Somethingshecan’trefuse.”

MusafollowsmygazetotheSerricsteelblade.IexpecthimtotellmetheScholarsneedthebladesmoreorthatwedon’thaveenough.Instead,heraiseshiseyebrows.

“YouknowwhattheTribesaredoinginthesouth,”hesays.“They’reshowingnomercytoanyMartial—whethersoldierorcivilian.”

Iflush.“DoyouhaveinformationformeontheNightbringer?”Musa,ofcourse,shakeshishead.“Thenthisisthebestchancewehavetolearnsomething—ifDarinagreestopartwiththeblades,ofcourse.”

Darinoffersaresignedsigh.“YouneedtostoptheNightbringer,”hesays.“Youneedinformationtodoit.I’mcertainshe’lltaketheblades.But,Laia—”

Icrossmyarms,waitingforhiscriticism.“Mothermadeexchangeslikethis,”hesays.“Exchangesthatsheperhaps

didn’twanttomake.Shediditforthegoodofherpeople.It’swhyshewastheLioness.WhyshewasabletoleadtheResistance.Butintheend,itaddedup.Itcosther.Anditcostus.”

“Motherdidwhatshehadto,”Isay.“Itwasforus,Darin,evenifitdidn’tfeellikeit.Skies,IwishIhadhalfhercourage,halfherstrength.I’mnot—thisisn’teasy.Idon’twantinnocentshurt.ButIneedsomethingontheNightbringer.IthinkMotherwouldagree.”

“Youdon’t—”SomethingflickersinDarin’sface—pain,perhaps,oranger,emotionshetriestokeepasdeeplyburiedasaMaskwould.“Youhaveyourownstrength,”hefinallysays.“Itdoesn’thavetobethesameastheLioness’s.”

“Well,thistimeitdoes.”Ihardenmyself,becauseifIdon’t,thenI’mbacktofiguringoutwhatthehellsIcantaketheKehanniwhenwhatIshouldbedoingisgettingtoherasfastaspossible.Besideme,Musashakeshishead,andIturnonhim,temperrising.

“YouwantedmetobeaResistanceleader,”Isay.“Here’salessonIlearnedfromthelastResistancefighterIknew.Tolead,youhavetodouglythings.Weleaveinanhour.Comealongorstay.Itdoesn’tmattertome.”

IdonotwaitforMusa’sanswerasIwalkaway.ButIfeelhissurprise,andDarin’s.Ifeeltheirdisappointment.AndIwishitdidnotbothermesomuch.

T

XXI:Elias

hescreamsechoingfromtheTribalencampmentaredistinctlyhuman,andtheygrowlouderbythemoment.Isprinttowardthem,AubaritandAfya

following,thelatterdemandingthatIexplainwhat’shappening.“Gettoshelter.”IcutofftheZaldara’stirade.“I’llansweryourquestions

later—justhide.”DozensofpeoplefleetheNurcaravan,andasIapproachit,Idrawmyscims.

Theclosestscreamscomefromabrightgreenwagoncoveredinmirrors.Iknowitwell.ItbelongstoAfya’slittlebrother,Gibran.

Thebackofthewagonburstsopen,andthehandsomeyoungTribesmanemerges.Hegrabsamanfromwithinthewagonandtosseshimlikearagdoll.

“UncleTash!”Afyagaspsandrunspastme,towardherbrother.“Gib,no!”Herbrotherturnstolookather,andtheTribeswomanslowlybacksaway,her

facefrozeninterror.Gibran’seyesarepurewhite.He’spossessed.Theescapedghosthastakenoverhisbody.

BecauseIdidn’tpassthemthroughfastenough.Becausetherearetoomany,andtheyhavenoplacetogobutbackintotheworldoftheliving.

GibranlungesforAfya.Thoughsheisadozenfeetaway,hereachesherinoneleapandliftsherupbyherthroat.Thesmallwomankicksoutathim,herfacepurpling.BeforeIcangettohim,Gibranthrowshertoo.

MyMask’sinstinctkicksin,andIdropintoastalkingcrouch.IfIcanknocktheTribesmanunconscious,perhapssomethinginAubarit’sMysterieswilltellmehowtoexorcisetheghost.

Butaghost-possessedTribesmanisnoordinaryfoe.ThewayhethrewAfyamakesitclearthatthespiritwithinhimhasphysicalpowersfarbeyondwhatGibranhimselfpossesses.

Myskinprickles.He’sseenme.Iduckbehindawagon.HeknowsI’mcoming,butIdon’thavetomakeiteasyforhim.

Inthedistance,agroupofmenandwomensnatchupchildrenandracefortheriver,Aubaritscreamingatthemtomovefaster.IscantheriverbankforAfya,butshehasdisappeared.

WhenIturnbacktoGibran,he’sgone.Idiot,Elias.Neverturnyourbackonafoe.Isheathemyscims—Idon’twanttohurthim.

Toolate,Ihearawhooshintheair—attack!Gibranisonmyback,andIlurchtomykneesbeneathhisunnaturalweight.Hisarm,thinbutmuscledfrommonthsofbattlingMartials,comesaroundmythroat,andhehasthestrengthoffivemen.Hebabblesinmyear,hisvoiceafeygrowl.“Theyrazedit,burnedit,cornsilkandbloodandflour—”IknowIcandieasSoulCatcher.Butbytheskies,Iwon’tdiebythehandof

aghost-possessedTribesmanchokingthelifeoutofmewhilegibberinginmyear.

IclawatGibran’sarm,unnervedbyhisstrength.Suddenly,ametallicthunkreverberates,andhisholdloosens.Gaspingandgrabbingmythroat,IbackawayfromhimtoseeAfyaholdingacast-ironpan.SheretreatsfromGibran,who,thoughmomentarilyweakened,isgettingtohisfeet.

“Run!”IbellowatAfya,leapinguponGibran’sback.“Totheriver!Run!”ShewhirlsasGibrangoesdown.He’simpossibletokeepinoneplace.Ilandablowonhishead.Asecond.Athird.Skies,I’mgoingtohavetokillhimifIwanttheghostoutofhim.Ican’tkillhim.He’sjustaboy.Hedoesn’tdeservethis.

“Damnyou!”Itishalfsnarl,halfcry.GibranmakesAfyalaughlikenooneelse.Heloveswithhiswholeheart—hisfamilyandhisfriendsandhismanylovers.Andhe’syoung—tooyoungforsuchahorrificfate.“Getoutofhim,”Ibellow.“Getout!Get—”Onmyfifthblow,Gibranfinallylosesconsciousness.Theghostoozesoutofhim,slumped,asifexhausted,anddisappears.BacktotheWaitingPlace,Ihope.

“Gib!”Afyareturnsfromwhereshe’sretreated,droppingthepan.“Diditkillhim?Whatthehellshappened?Wheredidthatthingcomefrom?”

“ItescapedtheWaitingPlace.”IfGibrandies,itwillbemewhokilledhimbyfailingtopasstheghostson.Don’tdie,Gibran.Pleasedon’tdie.“Arethereothers?”

Afyashakesherhead,butIcan’tbesureuntilIcheckthewholecampmyself.I’mcertainIsawmorethanoneghostescape.

“Howdidtheyescape?”Afyaasks.“Whathappened?”“Ifailed.”Ilookintomyfriend’seyes.Imakemyselfdoit,becauseit’strue

andshedeservestoknow.Ithinkshewillbeangry,butshejustgrabsmyshoulderandsqueezes.

“Ihavetofigureoutifthereareanymore.”Ishakeheroff.HerunderstandingisagiftIdon’tdeserve.“Keepeveryoneneartheriver—insideit,ifthey’reable.Ghostshatewater.”

“Helpmegethimup,”Afyasays,andwhenI’veslungGibran’sarmaroundherneck,shedragshimaway.Butshehasonlygoneafewdozenyardswhenshefreezes.Herbodygoesstiff,likeabowstringyankedtaut,thenslackaswetdough.Gibranfallstotheground,andshetakesadeep,wolflikesniffoftheair.Sheturnstowardme,eyeswhiteassnow.No.Afyamovesatmewithimpossiblespeed.Thecontrastbetweenthe

familiarityofherfaceandformandtheviolenceofheractionsraisesachillalongmyspine.Shehasherfryingpaninherhand,andIknowthatifshehitsmewiththatthing,SoulCatcherornot,I’mgoingtohaveonehellofaheadache.Sheswingsitatmeclumsily,andIcatchherwrist,squeezinghardenoughtomakeanormalwomandropthepan.

Butsheonlygrowlsatme,agutturalmoanthatchillsmyblood.Think,Elias,think.Battlecan’thavebeentheonlythingyoulearnedat

Blackcliff.Alittlegirl,hidinguntilnow,rushespastustryingtoescape.Likeananimal

sensingweakerprey,Afyaripsawayfrommeandboundsafterthegirl.Thechildpumpshersmalllegs,butsheisn’tfastenough.WhenAfyaleapsuponher,thegirl’sneckcracks,andthethingthathaspossessedmyfriendgruntstriumphantly.Ihowlinrage.

DeepintheForest,thejinnlaugh.Iignorethem,drawingontheMaskdeepwithin,refusingtoallowmyselftogetdistracted.

Nohumancouldhearthejinn,butthespiritwithinAfyastopsandtiltsitshead,listening.Iuseherinattentiontosendathrowingknifestraightatherface.Thehilthitshersquareintheforehead.Hereyesrollback,andshethudstothedirt.Forthemoment,IpushmyconcernforAfyaasideandstepoverherpronebody,scanningtheareaaroundmeformoreghosts.

Andsuddenly,Ifeelaflickerofmagicwithinme.ThelittlemagicIreceivedwhenvowingmyselfasSoulCatcherrespondstosomethinggreater.ThintendrilsofdarknesscoillikesmokeoutoftheWaitingPlacetowardme.Mauth!

Foramoment,Mauth’smagicfillsme.TheghostthatoozesoutofAfyaisnomatchforthispower,andIwrapthemagicaroundthespirittobinditandthenflingitbacktotheWaitingPlace.Ispotthelastghostahundredyardsaway,lurkinginsidethebodyofayoungwomanattackingherfamily.Iwhipthemagicoutlikeashepherd’scrookandhooktheghost.Ithowlsinrage,butIyankitoutofthegirl’sbodyandsenditflyingbacktotheForest.

Skies,thepower—theeaseofit.It’slikeIwasborntoit.Iwanttocrow,Iamsohappy.Finally—finally—themagichascometome.

Afyamoans,andIdropbesideher.Already,agooseeggrisesonherhead,butshe’snotseriouslyhurt,notlikeGibran.Ireachforher,thinkingtocarryhertoherTribe,butthemomentIdoso,thepowerthatsuffusedmedissipates.

“What—no—”Igraspforitwithmyhands,butitleavesme,darktendrilsdisappearingbackintotheForest.Ifeelstrangelydesolate,asifmyownstrengthhasleftme.TheonlytraceofthemagicisatugfromMauth—thatdarkinsistencethat’salwaystherewhenIleavetheWaitingPlace.“Banual-Mauth?”Aubaritappearsbehindme,herhandathermouthwhensheseesAfya.“The

Zaldara—herbrother—”“I’msorry,Fakira,”Isay.“Itwasmyfaulttheghostsescaped.”AnothertugatmygutfromMauth.Thisonestopsmeinmytracks.Itfeels

differentfrombefore.Notimpatient—urgent.Jinnlaughterfillsmyears,andthesoundisedgedinvengeanceandflame.

Doyousmellanything,EliasVeturius?Smoke,perhaps?Whataretheyupto?Thejinncannotescapetheirimprisonmentinthegrove

—that,atleast,Icanbesureof.ThemagicoftheStarhaslockedthemthere,andtheironlypoweristheirvoice.Voicescanbeignored.Andvoicescanbeused.Comehome,Elias.Seewhatawaits.Home.Home.Shaeva’scabin.Mysanctuary.Mysafety.Sleepinthecottage.Theycannot

hurtyouthere.IflytothetreeswithoutanexplanationtoAubarit.ThesecondI’mthrough

theborderIsenseinterlopers—manyofthem,fartothenorth.It’sthesamepresenceIfeltforweekslurkingaroundtheedgesoftheForest.InthebrieftimethattheyareintheForest,Iseetheminmymind’seye.Largerthanghulsorwights,butsmallerthanwraiths.Efrits.

Thejinnmusthavewarnedthem,fortheyfleetheWaitingPlace.EvenifIwindwalk,theyaretoofaraway—Iwillnevercatchthem.

LongbeforeIreachtheclearing,Iknow.BeforeIsmellthesmoke,seethedyingflames,beforeIwalkpastthespotShaevadiedandtheplacewhereIwasnamedSoulCatcher,Iknow.

Still,IdonotbelieveuntiltheglowingembersofShaeva’scabinareburningthroughmyboots.Theefritsdidnotjustsetitalight;theybrokethebeamsandrazedthegarden.Theydestroyedit—andthemagicitwasmadewith.Mysanctuary—myhome—isgone,andIwillnevergetitback.

Andallthewhile,thejinnlaugh.

G

XXII:TheBloodShrike

rímarrandhismenattackthenextnightatsundown,justafterAvitasandIreturntoNavium.HavingdestroyedmuchoftheSouthwestQuarter,they

aimnowfortheSoutheast.Thebombardmentisswiftandmerciless,andbythetimethesunhasfaded,theQuarterishotterthanapyre.Drumsechofromallcornersofthecity,orderingevacuations.Theballistaeonthewatchtowerssing,andtheCommandanthastroopsamassingnearthebeachesincaseofalandinvasion,butotherthanthat,wedonotcountertheKarkauns.

IknowtheCommandantwillhavemeblockedfromenteringtheIsland.She’llhaveaphalanxofguardsaroundit.Theverythoughtofitenragesme.Youcouldfighther.YoucouldenlisttheBlackGuardandlayatrailofbloodyhavoc.

ButskiesknowthatifGrímarrtakesthecity,Naviumwillneedeverysoldieritcanget.

ImakefortheSoutheastQuarterwithHarper,Dex,JanusAtrius,andahandfulofotherBlackGuardsatmyback.Theshoutsandscreamsofmenandwomenbringmyattentionbacktowhatisbeforeme:utterdevastation.Highbuildingshavebeenreducedtorubbleandash,asterrifiedPlebeianstrydesperatelytoescapetheQuarter.Manyareinjured,andthoughtherearesomesoldiersgivingtheevacueesorders,nooneappearstoknowwherethehellsthePlebeiansaresupposedtogo.Hopeisstrongerthanfear.Itisstrongerthanhate.Thesentimentrings

throughmyhead.ThenLivia’swords:IamthankfuleverydayforthePlebeians.TheirsupportofboththeEmperorandmyselfisacomfortduringthistryingtime.

AndQuin’s:Shecaresaboutonething:power.HowcanItakeitawayfromher?

Atenuousplanformsinmyhead.“Dex,opentheBlackGuardbarracks.GetoutthewordthatthePlebeiansshouldtakeshelterthere.GensAquillahasamanornorthofhere.It’sahalfhourwalk,atmost.Orderthecaretakertoclearoutthelowerlevelsofthehouseandprovidefood,drink,andaplacetosleep.We’llbeusingitasaninfirmary.”

“GensAtriahasahouseclosetotheAquillamanor.”Dexlookstohisuncle,whonods.

“I’llgivetheordertohaveitopened,”Janussays.“Takethemen.”IgesturetotheotherBlackGuards.“Getphysicianstoboth

manors.Findmedicalsuppliesfromtheouterdistricts.Andmakesureeverysingleperson,physicianorpatient,knowsthattheyaretherebyorderoftheBloodShrike.”

AfterDexandJanusleavewiththemen,IturntoHarper.“GetmeinformationontheassetsofeveryPaterwhowasattheIslandthe

daywearrived,”Isay.“Everyship.Everylastscrapoflaceordropofrumorwhateverthehellstheytradein.IwanttoknowhowthosePatersmaketheirmoney.AndgeteyesinthehomesofAdmiralArgusandViceAdmiralVissellius.Argus’swifewasspottedatthedressmaker’sspendingobsceneamountsofmoneytwonightsago.Iwanttoknowwhyshewasn’tinmourningwiththerestofthefamily.”

WhileDeximmediatelytooktohorse,Harpermerelyshiftsonhissaddle.Whatinthebleedingskiesiswrongwithhim?

“Didyounothearme?Go.”“Youmusthaveaguardwithyouatalltimes,BloodShrike,”Avitassays.

“Notbecauseyouareincapable,butbecausetheBloodShrikemustshowherstrength.Thereisstrengthinnumbers.”

“Thereisstrengthinwinning,”Isay.“Towin,IneedmenItrusttocarryoutmyorders.”Avitas’sjawtenses,andhewheelshishorseaway.

Bymidnight,thebombardmenthasstopped.TheBlackGuardbarracksarefullofthosewhohaveescapedtheSoutheastQuarter,andManorAquillaandManorAtriaareburstingwiththeinjured.

AsIwalkamongtheillatManorAquilla,mybodyisdrawntowardthosesufferingthemost.Theneedtohealisoverpowering.Dozensofsongsfillmyheadatthesightofsomuchpain.

“They’rePlebeians.”Dex,whohasrejoinedme,shakeshishead.“Everylastone.”

“BloodShrike.”Awhite-smockedmanappears,hissharp-featuredfacepalingatthesightofme.“IamLieutenantSilvius.Sit,please—”

“I’mfine.”Thewinterinmyvoicehashimstandingtaller.“Tellmewhatyourequire,Lieutenant.”

“Medicines,teas,bandages,spirits,”Silviussays.“Andmorehands.”“Dex,”Isay,“helpthelieutenant.I’lldealwiththem.”Inodtoanangry

crowdgatheringoutsidetheinfirmary.

WhenIemerge,thecrowdgoessilent,theirrespectfortheBloodShrikesodeeplyingrainedthateveninthefaceoftheirsuffering,theyholdtheirtongues—allbutonewoman,whoshovesthroughuntilshe’sinchesfrommyface.

“Mybabyboyisinthere,”shewhispers.“Idon’tknowifhe’salive,ifhe’shurtingor—”

“Yourfamiliesarebeingcaredfor,”Isay.“Butyoumustletthephysicianswork.”

“Whyaren’twefightingback?”Anauxsoldierlimpsforward,uniformripped,foreheadleakingblood.“Myentirefamily,they—”Heshakeshishead.“Whyaren’twefighting?”

“Idon’tknow,”Isay.“ButwewillstoptheBarbarians.Theywon’tsetfootonNavium’sshores.Ivowit,bybloodandbybone.”Thetenorofthecrowdshifts—aweighthasbeenlifted.

Asthethrongdissipates,Ifeelthetugofmyhealingagain.Hopeisstrongerthanfear.WhatifIwasabletogivethesepeopleagreatermeasureofhope?

AquickglancetellsmethatLieutenantSilviusisdeepinconversationwithDex.Islipacrossthebackcourtyardtothechildren’swing.Thenursenodsagreetingbutleavesmebe.

Whileherattentioniselsewhere,Icrosstheroomanddropbesideadark-hairedchild.Hiseyelashescurlthewaymineneverwill,hischeeksroundandashen.Itakehissmall,coldhandinmineandsearchouthissong.Sailslikebirdsonthesea,thelaughofhisfather,watchingfordolphinson

thewater—Itispure,ashaftofsunlightfallingontoaglitteringocean.Idonothumhis

songaloud.Instead,Isingitinmyhead,asIdidlongago,forCook.Onebar,two,three,untilweaknessfillsme.WhenIopenmyeyes,hisfacehaslostitsunnaturalgrayhue,andImoveon.Witheachchild,Idojustenoughtoeasetheirpainandbringthembackfromtheedge.

Mybodygrowsfatigued,buttherearedozensofinjuredleft.Onebyone,Isingthemwell,untilIcanhardlywalk.Ineedtoleave.Ineedtorest.

Butthenawhimperbreaksthequiet—alittleboyinthebackoftheinfirmary,dark-hairedandgray-eyed.Thewoundonhischestweepsintohisbandage.Istumblethefewstepstohisbed.Heisawake.

“I’mafraid,”hewhispers.“Thepainwillsoonbegone.”“No,”hesays.“Ofthem.”Ittakesmeamomenttounderstand.“TheKarkauns.”“They’llcomeback.They’llkillus.”Ilookaround.Awoodentraysitsnearby,thickenoughtoprovemypoint.

“See,lad,ifIopenmyhandandtrytobreakthiswood”—Ismackthetray—“nothinghappens.ButifImakeafist...”Ipunchthroughthewoodeasily,startlingthenurse.

“WeareMartials,child.Wearethefist.Ourenemiesarethewood.Andweshallbreakthem.”

AfterIfindhissongandhefallsintoslumber,Iheadforthedoor.WhenIemergeintothecourtyard,I’mstunnedtoseethatdawnisonlyanhourortwoaway.Theinfirmaryismuchquieternow.Ontheothersideoftheyard,DexstandswithSilvius,hisheadbentthoughtfullyasthephysicianspeaks.RememberingHarper’scommentaboutstrengthinnumbers,andconcernedatthedepthofmyfatigue,Ialmostcallouttomyfriend.

ButIstopmyself.ThereisachargeintheairbetweenDexandSilviusthatmakesmesmile,thefirsttimeI’vefeltanythingotherthanrageorexhaustionallday.

IheadforthecourtyardgatewithoutDex.It’sashortenoughwalktothebarracks.

MysensesaredulledasIwalk,mylegsgrowingweaker.Aplatoonofsoldierspatrolsnearby,salutingwhenIpass,andIambarelyabletoacknowledgethem.IwishthenthatI’daskedDextoaccompanyme.Ihopetotheskiesthere’snoKarkaunassault.Rightnow,Icouldn’tfightoffafly.

ExhaustedasIam,thepartofmethatragedandscreamedatmyownimpotenceinthefaceofGrímarr’sattackshasquieted.Iwillsleeptonight.MaybeI’llevendream.

Astepbehindme.Dex?No.Thestreetisempty.Isquint,tryingtoseeintothedarkness.A

furtivescrapeaheadofmethistime—someonetryingtoremainunobserved.Mysensesprickle.Ididn’tspendadecadeandahalfatBlackcliffonlytoget

accostedbysomeidiotafewblocksfrommyownbarracks.IdrawmyscimandsummonmyShrike’svoice.“You’dbeafooltotryit,”I

say.“Butbyallmeans,entertainme.”Whenthefirstdartcomesflyingoutofthedark,Iwhipitoutoftheairby

forceofhabit.IspenthundredsofhoursdeflectingmissilesasaYearling.Aknifefollowsthedart.

“Showyourself!”Isnarl.Ashadowmovestomyright,andIflingathrowingknifeatit.Thefigurethudstothegroundonlyadozenyardsfromme,clutchingathisneck.

Imakeforhim,aimingtounhoodhim.Filthy,traitorouscoward—Butmylegswillnotmove.Painexplodesalongmyside,suddenandwhite-

hot.Ilookdown.There’sbloodeverywhere.

Fromtheinfirmary?No.It’smyblood.Walk,Shrike.Move.Getoutofhere.ButIcannot.Ihavenostrengthatall.Idroptomyknees,abletodonothing

morethanwatchasmylifedrainsoutofme.

W

XXIII:Laia

henMusaandIsetoutfromAdisa,thesunblazeshigh,burningawaythemorningmistthathasrolledinoffthesea.Butwedonotclearthewalls

untilearlyevening,astheguardsarecarefullywatchingallwholeaveaswellasallwhoenter.

Musa’sdisguise—thatofanoldmanwithapiebalddonkey—isfrighteninglyeffective,andtheguardsdon’tlookathimtwice.Still,hewaitsuntilitiscompletelydarkbeforebagginghistattersallcloakandraggedywig.Inacopseoftrees,hepullstheSerricsteelscimsfromahighpileofsticksonthedonkey’sbackandsendsthecreatureoffwithaslaptotherump.

“MysourcestellmeTribeSuludleftlatelastnight,whichmeanswe’llfindtheircampinoneofthecoastalvillagestothesouth,”Musasays.Inodaresponse,peeringovermyshoulder.Theshadowsofthenightbillowandcontract.Thoughsummerisinfullbloom,Ishiverandmoveswiftlyacrossthemarshygrasses.

“Willyoustoplookingbacklikethat?”Musasays,immuneasevertomymagic.“You’remakingmenervous.”

“Ijustwishwecouldgofaster,”Isay.“Ifeelstrange.Likethere’ssomethingbackthere.”TheNightbringerdisappearedsoswiftlylastnightthatIquestionedwhetherhewaseveninAdisa.Butsincethen,Ihaven’tbeenabletoshakethesensethatsomethingwatchesme.

“Ihavemountshiddendowntheroad.Oncewegettothem,wecanmovemorequickly.”Musalaughsatmyobviousimpatience.“What,youdon’twanttopassthetimeinconversationwithme?”hesays.“I’mhurt.”

“IjustwanttogettotheKehanni,”Imumble,thoughthisisnottheonlyreasonIchafeatthedelay.Musaregardsmethoughtfully,andIlengthenmystride.Hedoesn’tbelievethatIshouldoffertosupplyweaponstotheTribes,evenifitmeansgaininginformationontheNightbringer.NotwhenthoseweaponsmightbeusedtokillinnocentMartialciviliansinthesouth.

Buthedoesn’tstopme,thoughheeasilycouldwiththateeriemagicofhis.Instead,heaccompaniesme,hisdistastepalpable.

Hisdisappointmentgnawsatme.ItispartofthereasonIdonotspeaktohim.Idonotwanthisjudgment.Butthere’smoretomysilence.

Speakingtohimwouldmeanlearningabouthim.Understandinghim.Maybebefriendinghim.Iknowwhatitistotravelwithsomeone,tobreakbreadandlaughandgrowclosetothem.

Andthoughperhapsit’sfoolish,thatfrightensme.BecauseIalsoknowthepainoflosingfriends.Family.Mother.Father.Lis.Nan.Pop.Izzi.Elias.Toomanylost.Toomuchpain.

Ishakeoffmyinvisibility.“It’snotasifyou’llactuallyansweranyofmyquestions.Anyway,Idowanttotalktoyou,it’sjust—”

Dizzinesssweepsoverme.Irecognizethefeeling.No,notnow,notwhenIneedtogettotheKehanni.ThoughinsideIscreamwithfrustration,Icannotstopthevision:thedankroom,theshapeofawoman.Herhairislight.Herfaceisinshadow.Andthatvoiceagain,sofamiliar.

AstarshecameIntomyhomeAndlititbrightwithglo-ryHerlaughterlikeAgildedsongAraincloudsparrow’ssto-ry.

Iwanttogetcloser.Iwanttoseetheface.Iknowthevoice—Ihavehearditbefore.Isearchmymemories.Whoisshe?Asoftcracksounds.Thesingingstops.

“Oi!”IwaketoMusasmackingmyface,andIshovehimaway.“Whatthehells,Musa?”“You’retheonewhocollapsedlikesomesortofswooningtheaterheroine,”

hesayscrossly.“I’vebeentryingtowakeyouforanhour.Doesthathappeneverytimeyouuseyourinvisibility?Ratherinconvenient.”

“Justthepastfewtimes.”Igettomyfeet.Myheadaches,butIcannottellifitisfromfallingorfromMusa’sslap.“Itneverusedtohappen,”Isay.“Andtheblackoutsaregettinglonger.”

“Themoreyouusethemagic,themoreittakesfromyou.Atleast,that’swhatI’veseen.”Musaoffersmehiscanteenandchivviesmeforward.Thistime,hepeersoverhisshoulder.

“What?”Isay.“Didyouseesomethingbackthere?Is—”“It’safterdark.Highwaymenaren’tunheardofthisfarfromthecity.Bestif

wereachthehorses.YouwerecomplainingthatIneveranswerquestions.Ask,

andI’lltrynottodisappointyou.”Iknowhe’sdistractingme,butmycuriosityispiqued.Ihavenotspokenwith

anyoneaboutmymagic.IwantedtotalktoDarin,butdidn’twanttoburdenhim.TheonlyonewhomightunderstandistheBloodShrike,withherpowersofhealing.Iscowlatthethoughtofhavingadiscussionwithheraboutit.“Howdoesyourmagictakefromyou?”

Musaisquietforalongtimeaswewalk,thenightgrowingdeeperaroundus.Thestarsareastreakofsilverlightabove,illuminatingtheroadalmostaswellasafullmoon.

“Themagicmakesmeseekcontrolwhenthereisnonetobefound,”hesays.“Itisthemagicofmanipulation—ofspeaking—ofgettinglessercreaturestobendtomywill.It’swhyIwassogoodwithmyfather’sbees.ButwhenIrelytoomuchonit,itmakesmeintomyworstself.Atyrant.”

“Thesecreaturesyoucanmanipulate,”Isay.“Dotheyincludeghuls?”“I’dnotsullymymindbycommunicatingwiththoselittlebrutes.”AchittercomesfromsomewherenearMusa’sfeet,andIspotaflashof

iridescence,liketorchlightonwater.Itdisappears,andMusaliftshishands,whichIcouldhaveswornwereemptyamomentago.Nowheholdsascroll.

“Foryou,”hesays.Isnatchthescrollfromhim,readingthroughitquicklybeforedroppingmy

armindisgust.“Thisdoesn’ttellmeanything.”“IttellsyouthattheBloodShrikewasinjured.”Helooksdownatthe

parchment.“AndthatthePatershaveturnedagainsther.Hersurvivalisquitemiraculous.Interesting.Iwonder—”

“Idon’tcareaboutthebleedingBloodShrikeorMartialpolitics,”Ihiss.“IneedtoknowwhomelsetheNightbringerisspendinghistimewith.”

“Yousoundlikeanex-lover.”Musaliftshiseyebrows,andIrealizehemustknowaboutmeandKeenan.Aboutwhathappenedbetweenus.Embarrassmentfloodsme.IwishnowthatIhadn’topeneduptohim.

“Ah,Laia-aapan.”HeusestheMarinerhonorificforlittlesisterandjostlesmewithanarm.“We’veallmademistakesinlove.Memostofall.”Love.Isigh.Loveisjoycoupledwithmisery,elationboundtodespair.Itisa

firethatbeckonsmegentlyandthenburnswhenIgettooclose.Ihatelove.Iyearnforit.Anditdrivesmemad.

Inanycase,itisnotsomethingIwanttodiscusswithanyone,leastofallMusa.

“AmongthePaters,”Isay,“isthereanyonewithwhomtheNightbringerhasspentmoretime?”

Anothercrooningchitter.“Myfriendheresayshewillfindout.”

Icatchaglimpseofshimmering,iridescentwings,andshiverwithsuddenknowledge.

“Musa,”Iwhisper,“isthatableedingwight?”Wightsarefey,likewraiths,butsmaller,swifter,andcraftier.Storiessaytheyaretricksterswhoenjoyluringhumanstotheirdeaths.

“Mylittlespies.Swiftasthewind.Obsessedwithcandiedalmonds—whichyoumighthavenoticedwhenyoupokedaroundmyroom.”HegivesmeanarchlookandIflush,embarrassed.“Andthey’reactuallyverysweetcreatures,onceyougettoknowthem.”

“Wights”—Iraisemyeyebrows—“aresweet?”“Iwouldn’tcrossone,no.Butthey’reveryloyal.Moreloyalthanmost

humans,anyway.”Andstrangely,itisthatcomment,deliveredalmostdefensively,thatfinally

makesmelesssuspiciousofMusa.Idonottrusthim—notyet.But,Irealize,Ilikehim.IdidnotknowhowmuchImissedhavingsomeonetotalkto.WithDarin,thesimplestconversationsometimesfeelslikedancingonbutterflies’wings.

“Whatofmyendofthebargain?”Iask.“You’respreadingmystoryandmakingmeouttobesomesortof...hero—”

“Leader,actually.”Iknewadealwithhimwouldn’tbeassimpleasrecruitingResistance

fighters.“YouwantmetoleadtheResistance?”“IfI’dtoldyouthatintheprisoncell,you’dhaverejectedmyoffer.”“BecauseIhavenowishtoleadanyone.Lookatwhathappenedtomy

mother.ToMazen.”Musa’scalmonlyincensesmefurther.“Whydon’tyoudoityourself?Whyme?”

“I’maScholarofAdisa,”Musasays.“Myfamilyhaslivedhereformorethantwohundredyears.Therefugeesdon’tneedmetospeakforthem.TheyneedsomeonewhounderstandstheirpaintopleadtheircasebeforeKingIrmand.”

Iglanceathim,alarmed.“Isthiswhatyoumeantwhenyousaidyouwantedtoworkwiththeking?HaveyouforgottenthathewantstoimprisonDarinandme—andyou?”

“That’sNikla’sdoing.”Musashrugsoffmyprotests.“IdoubtshetoldherfathershehadyouandDarininherclutches.He’sold.Ailing.She’susedhisweaknesstopushtheScholarsoutofAdisaandintothecamps.TostriplandandtitlesfromAdisanScholars.Buttheprincessdoesn’truleyet.Whilethekinglives,there’shopethathe’lllistentoreason.EspeciallyfromthedaughteroftheLioness,whoheconsideredafriend.”

Hecatchessightofmyfaceinthedarkandchuckles.“Don’tlooksoworried,”hesays.“Youwon’tgoinunprepared.We’llhaveonechancetopleadourcasebeforetheking.Thefutureofourpeopledependsonhowsuccessfulweare.WeneedsupportfromtherefugeesandAdisanScholarsbeforethen.It’swhyI’vehadyoumeetwithsomanyofmyfriends.IfwehaveenoughScholarsatourbacks,KingIrmandwillhavetolistentous.”

Butgatheringsomanywilltaketime—timeIdonothave.Guiltstabsthroughme.Musahasspentweeksbuildingmeup.ButthemomentIlearnhowtostoptheNightbringer,I’llhavetodepartAdisa.Andwheredoesthatleavehim?Alive,tofight,Itellmyselffirmly,insteadofdeadinajinn-fueled

apocalypse.Shortlyafterwereachthehorses,asummerstormrollsinfromtheocean,

drenchingusinminutes.Stillwary,Iinsistthatweridethroughthenight.Musa’swightsreportTribeSulud’slocation,andwefinallydrawtoahalt

outsideacoastalvillagejustasthefishingtrawlersdriftouttosea.Thesoddenfieldsaroundthevillagearethickwithfarmhandsharvestingsummercrops.TribeSulud’swagonssitnearthedocks,astone’sthrowfromthevillage’sonlyinn,whereMusatakesrooms.

IhopetheKehanniknowssomethingabouttheNightbringer.TheapproachoftheGrainMoon,sevenweeksaway,loomsovermelikeanexecutioner’sax.Please.Icastmywishtothestars,hopingtheuniverseislistening.Pleaseletmelearnsomethinguseful.

Musainsistswecleanup—Shewon’tletusinherwagonifwesmellofhorseandsweat.Bythetimeweemergefromtheinn,agroupofTribesmenawaitsus.TheygreetMusaasanoldfriendandmewithaformalpoliteness.Withoutfanfare,weareledtothelargestofthewagons,paintedwithpurplefishandyellowflowers,whiteheronsandcrystallinerivers.Pendantsoftarnishedsilverhangfromthewagon’sback,andwhenthedoorswingsopen,theyjanglemerrily.

TheKehanniwearsasimplerobeinsteadofthefineryoftheothernight,butherbearingisnolessnoble.Thebraceletsonherarmsjingle,hidingtheheavy,fadedtattoosonherarms.

“MusaofAdisa,”shegreetshim.“Stillgettingyourselfintotroubleyoucan’tgetoutof?”

“Always,Kehanni.”“Ah.”Shewatcheshimshrewdly.“Soyouhavefinallyseenherforwhatshe

is.”

AnoldpainflashesinMusa’seyes,andIknowthattheyarenotspeakingofme.“Ihavehopeforheryet.”

“Donotwaitforher,child.Sometimesthosewelovearelosttous,assurelyasifDeathhimselfhadclaimedthem.Allwecandoismournthedivergenceoftheirpath.Ifyoutrytowalkit,youtoowillfallintodarkness.”

Musaopenshismouthasiftorespond,buttheKehanniturnstome.“Youbringquestions,LaiaofSerra.Doyoubringpayment?”

“IhaveSerricsteelweapons,”Isay.“Sixblades,freshlyforged.”TheKehannisniffsandsummonsoneofherkinsmen.Musacatchesmyeye,

andthoughhesaysnothing,Ifindmyselffidgeting.IthinkofwhatDarinsaid.Youhaveyourownstrength.Itdoesn’thavetobethesameastheLioness’s.

“Wait.”IplacemyhandsontheweaponsjustastheKehanniishandingthemtotheTribesman.“Please,”Isay.“Usethemindefense.Usethemtofightthesoldiers.Butnot...notthosewhoareinnocent.Please.”

TheTribesmanlooksattheKehanniquestioningly.ShemurmurssomethingtohiminSadhese,andhestepsout.

“LaiaofSerra,youwouldtellaTribeswomanhowtodefendherself?”“No.”Itwinemyfingerstogether.“Iwouldaskthattheseblades,whicharea

gift,notbeusedtoshedthebloodofinnocents.”“Hmph,”theKehannisays.Thensheleansovertothefrontofherwagonand

offersmeasmallwoodenbowlofsalt.Ibreatheasighofreliefandputapinchonmytongue,thecustomAfyataughtme.WeareunderherTribe’sprotectionnow.Nonewhobelongtoitmayharmus.

“Yourgiftisaccepted,LaiaofSerra.HowmayIaidyou?”“IheardyouspinningtheoldtalesinAdisa.Canyoutellmeofthejinn?Do

theyhaveanyweaknesses?Isthereawayto...”Killthem,Inearlysay,butthewordissocold.“Hurtthem?”

“DuringtheFey-ScholarWar,yourancestorsmurderedthejinnwithsteelandsaltandsummerrainfreshfromtheheavens.Butyouaskthewrongquestion,LaiaofSerra.Iknowofyou.Iknowyoudonotseektodestroythejinn.YouseektodestroytheNightbringer.Andheissomethingelsealtogether.”

“Canitbedone?Canhebekilled?”TheKehannileansbackinapileofsoftpillowsandconsiders.Theslideof

herfingersagainstthewagon’slacqueredwoodsoundslikesandhissingthroughanhourglass.

“Heisthefirstofhiskind,”shesays.“Rainwillturntosteamonhisskin,andsteeltomoltenmetal.Asforsalt,hewillsimplylaughtoseeitusedagainsthim,forhehasinuredhimselftoitseffects.No,theNightbringercannotbekilled.Notbyahuman,anyway.Buthecanbestopped.”

“How?”Rainthudsonthewoodenroofofthewagon,andI’mremindedsuddenlyof

thedrumsoftheEmpire,thewaytheirtattooechoeddownintomybones,leavingmejittery.

“Comebacktonight,”theKehannisays.“Whenthemoonishigh.AndIwilltellyou.”

Musasighs.“Kehanni,withrespect—”“Tonight.”Ishakemyhead.“Butwe—”“Ourstoriesarenotbonesleftontheroadforanyhungryanimalthathappens

along.”TheKehanni’svoicerises,andIflinchback.“Ourstorieshavepurpose.Souls.Ourstoriesbreathe,LaiaofSerra.Thestorieswetellhavepower,ofcourse.Butthestoriesthatgountoldhavejustasmuchpower,ifnotmore.Iwillsingyousuchastory—astorythatwaslonguntold.Thestoryofanameanditsmeaning.Ofhowthatnamemattersmorethananyothersinglewordinexistence.ButImustpreparemyself,forsuchstoriesaredragonsdrawnfromadeepwellinadarkplace.Doesonesummonadragon?No.Onemayonlyinviteitandhopeitemerges.So.Tonight.”

TheKehannirefusestosayanythingmore,andsoonMusaandIretreattotheinn,exhausted.Hedisappearsintohisroomwithahalf-heartedwave.

TheTribeswomansaidtheNightbringercanbestopped.Willshetellmehow?Ishiverinanticipation.Whatsortofstorywillshesingtonight?Astorythatwaslonguntold.Thestoryofanameanditsmeaning.Iopenthe

doortomyroom,stillwondering.Butatthethreshold,Ifreeze.Becausethereissomeoneinside.

W

XXIV:Elias

ithoutthecottagetoprotectme,mymindisvulnerabletothejinn.ButthoughItrytostayawake,Iam,intheend,onlyhuman.

SincebecomingSoulCatcherIhavenotdreamed.Ionlyrealizeitnow,whenIopenmyeyesandfindmyselfinadarkalleyonanemptystreet.Aflagflapsinthewind—blackwithcrossedhammers.Marcus’ssigil.Itastesaltinthesummerair,overlaidbysomethingbitter.Blood.Smoke.Burntstone.

Whispersridetheair,andIrecognizethesibilanttonesofthejinn.Isthisoneoftheirillusions?Isitreal?

Awhimperbreaksthesilence.Ahoodedfigureslumpsonthegroundbehindme.Iwatchforamomentbeforemovingtowardthefigure.I’mwaryasapalehandemergesfromacloak,clenchedtightlyaroundablade.ButwhenIseethefacebeneaththehood,mycautiondisappears.

It’stheBloodShrike.Bloodbloomsfromherhunchedbody,stainingthecobblestonesaroundher,mercilessandinexorable.

“I’msorry...”theBloodShrikewhisperswhensheseesme.“ForwhatIdidtoMamie.TheEmpire—”Shecoughs,andIcrouchbesideher,ahandonherback.Shefeelswarm.Alive.

“Whodidthistoyou?”Somepartofmeknowsthisisadream,butthatpartfadesandI’msimplyinit,livingit,asifit’sreal.TheShrike’sfaceisdrawnandwhite,herteethchatteringthoughthenightisclearandwarm.WhenIrunmyhandsoverherarms,tryingtofindherinjury,sheshudders,liftingbackhercloaktoshowawoundinherbelly.Itlooksbad.

Verybad.It’sadream.Justadream.Still,fearstabsthroughme.Iwasangryather

whenIlastmether,butseeingherlikethistransfersmyragetowhoeverdidthistoher.Plansfallintoplace.Whereisthenearestinfirmary?Getherthere.No—thebarracks.Whichbarracks?

ButIcan’tdoanyofthat,forthisisadream.“Areyouheretowelcomemeto—whatdidshecallit—theWaitingPlace?”“You’renotdead,”Isay.“Andyou’renotgoingtodie.Doyouhearme?”A

powerfulmemoryhitsme—thefirstTrial,Marcusattackingher,theShrike’s

too-lightbodyagainstmineasIcarriedherdownthemountain.“You’regoingtolive.You’regoingtofindwhoeverdidthistoyou.You’re

goingtomakethempay.Getup.Gettosafety.”Urgencygripsme.Imustsaythesewordstoher.Ifeelthatknowledgeinmybones.Herpupilsdilate;herbodystraightens.

“YouareBloodShrikeoftheEmpire,”Isay.“Andyouaremeanttosurvive.Getup.”

Whenshefindsmyeyes,herownareglassy.Icatchmybreath,fortheyaresoreal—theshape,theemotions,thecolorofthem,likethevioletheartofaquietsea.Thewayherfacechangesbeneathhermask,thestiffnessofherjawasshegritsherteeth.

Butthenshefades,asdoesthecity.Silencedescends.Darkness.WhenIopenmyeyesagain,IexpecttobebackintheWaitingPlace.Butthistime,I’minaroomI’veneverseen.Thesmoothwoodfloorissweptcleanandstrewnwithmirroredcushions.Thereisafaint,familiarfragranceintheair,andmyheartthudsfaster,mybodyrecognizingthescentbeforemyminddoes.

ThedooropensandLaiaenters.Herdarkhairhasfallenloosefromherbraid,andshechewsonherlipasshealwaysdoeswhenshe’sdeepinthought.Thefaintglowofatorchseepsinfromthehallwaybehindher,lightingherfaceasoftgold-brown.Purplehalf-moonsshadowhereyes.

Theoceanthundersdistantly,thecreakoffishingboatsastrangecountermelodytothatroar.

Isteptowardher,grippedbyasoul-deeplongingforhertobereal.Iwanttohearherspeakmyname.Iwanttodipmyhandsintothecoolshadeofherhair,totakesolaceinhergaze.

Shefreezeswhensheseesme,hermouthfallingintoanO.“You—you’rehere.How—”

“It’sadream,”Isay.“I’mintheWaitingPlace.Ifellasleep.”“Adream?”Sheshakesherhead.“No,Elias.You’rereal.Iwasjust

downstairstalkingtoMusa—”WhothebleedinghellsisMusa?“Jealous?”Shelaughs,andimmediatelyIwanttohearherlaughagain.“Now

Iknowthisisn’tadream.DreamEliaswouldknowthatheneverneedstobejealous.”

“I’mnot—”Iconsider.“Nevermind.Iamjealous.Tellmehe’sold,atleast?Orgrouchy?Ormaybeabitstupid?”

“He’syoung.Andhandsome.Andsmart.”Isnort.“He’sprobablyrubbishinbe—”Laiasmacksmeonthearm.

“Battle,”Isayquickly.“Iwasgoingtosaybattle.”

“Hedoesn’tholdacandletoyou.”Laiashakesherhead.“ImustbemoreexhaustedthanIthought—butI—IcouldhaveswornIwasawake.Ifeelawake.Didyouwindwalkhere?Howcouldyou,ifyouweresleeping?”

“Iwishitweren’tadream,”Isay.“Ido.Butithastobe,otherwiseIcouldn’t—”

Ireachoutmyhand,andforamomentithoversnearhers.Itakeit,foroncenotdreadingtheinterferenceoftheghosts,andshesqueezes.Herpalmfitsperfectlyagainstmine,andIliftherhandandbrushmylipsacrossherfingers.

“Icouldn’tdothis.”Ispeaksoftly.“Theghosts—theWaitingPlace—theywouldn’tletme.”

“Thentellme,dreamElias,”shemurmurs.“Whatdidyousaytome?ThenightyouleftmeintheTribaldesert.Thenightyouleftmethenote.Whatdidyousay?”

“Isaid—”Ishakemyhead.MamieRilausedtosaythatdreamsarethebitsofourselveswecan’tfaceintheday,comingtovisitatnight.IfIhadneverleftLaiathatnight...ifKeenanhadnevergottenthechancetobetrayher...ifI’dnotbeencaughtbytheWarden...ifI’dnevervowedtostayintheWaitingPlace...ThenIwouldn’tbestuckthere.Foreternity.ThisdreamversionofLaiaquestionsmebecauseIquestionmyself.Partof

meknowsIshouldpayattentiontothosequestions.ThattheyareaweaknessIshouldcrush.

ButmostofmejustwantstorevelinthefactthatIamseeingLaiaandIwasn’tsureIeverwouldagain.

“Imissyou.”Shepushesbackacurl,andIcan’ttakemyeyesofftheskinofherwrist,disappearingintoabell-shapedsleeve,orthehollowinherneck,ortheshapeofherlegs,longandperfectlycurvedinridingbreeches.It’sadream,Elias,Iremindmyselfsternly,tryingtoignorehowbadlyIwanttofeelthoselegswrappedaroundme.OfcourseherlegslookincredibleandperfectandIwishwecould—

Whensheputsherhandtomyface,Isavorthewhorlsinherfingertips,thegentlescrapeofhernails.Ilookdownintohereyes,goldenandendlessandfullofallthedesireIfeel.Idon’twantthistodisappear.Idon’twanttowakeuptoghostshowlingandjinnplotting.

Iunravelherbraid.Shetakesmyotherhandandputsitonherhip,andItracethecurvewithalighttouchthatmakesherclosehereyes.

“Whyisitlikethis?”sheasks.“Whymustwebeapart?Imisswhatweshouldhavebeen,Elias.Isthatpossible—”

Herhanddropstomychest,totheshreddedremainsofmyshirt,torninthebattlewiththeghosts.

“Whattheskieshappenedtoyou?”Shelooksmeoverwithahealer’sconcern.“Andwhydoyousmelllikesmoke?”

Self-examinationagain.Herquestionsaremyownsubconscious,holdingmeaccountableformymistakes.

“EfritsburneddownShaeva’s—my—house.Partofajinntricktotormentme.”

“No.”Shepales.“Why?TheNightbringer?”“Perhaps.Hemusthavesenttheefrits,andthejinninthegrovetoldthem

whenitwassafetoentertheForest.”Ishakemyhead.“I’mnothinglikeShaeva,Laia.I’mnotgettingtheghoststhroughfastenough.Threeofthemescapedanddidterriblethings.Ican’tcontrolthejinn.AndIcan’tstoptheghosts’suffering.”

“Itismyfault.”Laiaslumps.“IfIhadn’ttrustedhim—givenhimthearmlet—hewouldn’thavegoneafterher.Shaevashouldneverhavedied.”

It’ssuchaLaiathingtosaythatIstareather,perplexed.Thisisadream,isitnot?AndtheBloodShrike...Ihopethatwasadream.

IexpectLaiatosaysomethingIwouldthink.Instead,shecontinuestoberateherself.“IaskmyselfeverydaywhyIdidnotseehimforwhathewas—”

“No.”Ibrushawaythetearsfromherblackeyelashes.“Don’tblameyourself.”Myvoiceislow,scratchy—whyhaveIforgottenhowtotalk?“Please,it’snot—”

Sheliftsherface,andmydesireforherpoolslowandsudden.Ican’tstopmyselffrompullingherbodytomine.Shegaspssoftlyandrises.Herlipsagainstmineareurgent.Shedoesn’tknowwhenshe’llkissmeagain.Thesamefranticneedcoursesthroughme.

Mymindshoutsatmethatthisistooreal.Butnoghoststroubleus.Iwanther.Shewantsme.Andwehavewantedeachotherforsolong.

Shepullsawayfromthekiss,andI’mcertainIwillwakeup,thatthisskies-giventimewithher,devoidofghostsrailingatusorMauthpullingatme,isabouttoend.Butsheonlyshovesawaytheremnantsofmyshirtbeforerunninghernailsgentlyacrossmyskin,sighingwithpleasureorwantorboth.

Ican’tbearherlipsawayfrommine,soIdipdownagain,butonmywayI’mdistractedbyhershoulder.Ifindmyselfkissingit,thennippingatherneck,aprimalpartofmedeeplysatisfiedbythemoanIelicitfromher,bythewayherbodyrelaxesintomine.

Asherbreathheaves,moreraggedwitheverykissonherthroat,Ifeelhertwineherlegaroundmine—yes—andIdropmyhandstoliftherup.Thebedis

toofar,butthere’sawall,andwhenIpinheragainstit,sherakesherhandacrossmyback,murmuring,“Yes,Elias,yes,”untilIamshakingwithneed.

“Thethings,”Iwhisperinherear,“thatIwanttodotoyou...”“Tellme.”Hertongueflicksacrossmyear,andIforgettobreathe.“Show

me.”Whenshewrapsherlegsaroundmywaist,whenIfeeltheheatofheragainst

me,itundoesme,andIflipherontoherbackonthebedanddropdownoverher.Shedrawscirclesonmychestandthenmovesherhandlower...lower.IcurseinSadheseandcaptureherwrist.

“Mefirst,”Isay,tracingtheindentofherstomachand,spurredonbyhersighs,droppingmyhandfurther,movingintimewithherbodyuntilshearchesherback,herarmstremblingagainstmyneck.Aswebothstarttoridourselvesofclothes,oureyesmeet.

Shesmilesatme,asweetsmile,unsureandhopefulandbemused.Iknowthatsmile.Ithinkaboutitallthetime.

Butitisnotasmileadreamcouldeverre-create.Andthisfeelingwithinme—mydesire.Hers.Theyarealsonotemotionsadreamcouldeversimulate.

Couldthisbereal?CouldIhavewindwalkedheresomehow?Whobleedingcares?You’reherenow.ButIhearsomething—whispers—thesamewhispersIheardwhenIwaswith

theBloodShrike.Thejinn.Awarningflaresdownmyspine.Thisisn’tadream.Laiaishere,inthisinn.

Iamhere.AndifI’mhere,thenit’sthejinnwhohavedoneit.Howthebleedinghellsdidtheymoveme?HowdidtheyknowwhereLaiawas?Andwhyhavetheybroughtmehere?

Ipullmyhandsawaytositup,andshegrowlsindisappointment.“You’reright,”Isay.“I—Iamhere.Thisisreal.Butitshouldn’tbe.”

“Elias.”Shelaughsagain.“Ithastobeadream,orwecouldn’tdothis.Butitisthebestdream.”Shereachesformeagain,pullingmedown.“You’reexactlylikeyou.Nowwherewere—”

Shepauses,andit’sasiftheworldhasfrozen.Nothingmoves,noteventheshadows.Amomentlater,theworldunfreezesandLaiashudders,asifachillhasenteredherveryblood.

Orhermind.Forwhenshelooksatme,sheisnolongerLaia.Hereyesarepurewhite,andIjumpawayfromherassheshovesme,herstrengthunnatural.Aghost?Mymindscreams.Skies,isshepossessed?

“Goback!”Hervoicehascompletelychanged,andIrecognizeitasthevoicethatspokeoutofShaevawhenItookmyvowtobecomeSoulCatcher.The

voicethatspoketomeinthatstrangein-betweenplacewhenShaevastolemeawayfromtheraid.Mauth’svoice.

Laia’swholebodyshifts,changingintoshadow,herfeaturesfaded,herbodyunfamiliar.

“Whereisshe?”Idemand.“Whatdidyoudowithher?”“Goback.Thejinndeceiveyou.Theyuseyourweaknessagainstyou.Go

back.”Mauth—inLaia’sshadowform—swingsatme,asiftryingtobeatmetoward

theWaitingPlace.I’mthrownbackwardbytheblow.“Stopthis.”Iliftmyhands.“Whobroughtmehere?Wasityou?Wasitthe

jinn?”“Thejinn,youfool,”saysMauth—forIwon’tallowmyselftothinkofhim

asLaia,nomatterwhatformhetakes.“Theysiphonthepowerthatyoudonotuse.Theystrengthenthemselves.Theydistractyouwiththeluresofthehumanworld.Themoreyoufeel,themoreyoufail.Themoreyoufail,thestrongertheybecome.”

“How—howareyoutalkingtome?”Isay.“Areyoupossessingher?Areyouhurtingher?”

“Herfateisnotyourconcern.”Mauthshovesme,butIplantmyfeet.“Herlifeisnotyourconcern.”

“Ifyou’vehurther—”“Shewillnotrememberthis—anyofthis,”Mauthsays.“Goback.Surrender

tome.Forgetyourpast.Forgetyourhumanity.Youmust,doyousee?Doyouunderstand?”

“Icannot!”Isay.“It’spartofme.ButIneedthemagic—”“Themagicwillallowyoutopasstheghoststhroughwithnaryathought.It

willallowyoutoquellthejinn.Butyoumustleaveyouroldselfbehind.YouareEliasVeturiusnomore.YouaretheSoulCatcher.Youaremine.Iknowwhatyourheartdesires.Itcanneverbe.”

Itrydesperatelytopushthosewishesaway.Sostupid.Sosmall.Ahouseandabedandagardenandlaughterandafuture.

“Forgetyourdreams.”Mauth’sangermounts.“Forgetyourheart.Thereisonlyyourvowtoserveme.Lovecannotlivehere.Seekoutthejinn.Findtheirsecrets.Thenyouwillunderstand.”

“I’llneverunderstand,”Isay.“I’llneverletgoofwhatIfoughtsohardtokeep.”

“Youmust,Elias.Otherwiseallislost.”MauthspinsoutofLaia,ateemingcycloneofcinderedshadows,andshe

collapsesinaheap.ItakeonesteptowardherbeforeMauthyanksmeinto

darkness.Secondsorminutesorhourslater,IslamintothesingedearthoutsideShaeva’scabin.Warmsummerrainfallsinsheets,drenchingmewithinseconds.

Bleeding,burninghells,itwasreal.IwaswithLaiainMarinn—andshewon’tevenrememberit.IwaswiththeBloodShrikeinNavium.Didshesurviveherwound?Ishouldhavehelpedher.Gottenhertothebarracks.

JustthinkingofthemignitesMauth’swrath.Idoubleover,hissingatthefirethattearsthroughme.Seekoutthejinn.Findtheirsecrets.Mauth’sorderringsthroughmyhead.

ButIsoughtthejinns’helponcebefore.Theyusedittobedevilmesothespiritscouldescape.

TheCommandant’swordsfloatthroughmymind.Thereissuccess.Andthereisfailure.Thelandinbetweenisforthosetooweaktolive.

Ineedtogettothemagic.Andtodothat,Mauth,atleast,thinksIneedthejinn.Butthistime,Iwon’tgotothosecreaturesasEliasVeturius.Iwon’tevengotothemastheSoulCatcher.

I’llgotothemasMaskVeturius,dreadMartial,soldieroftheEmpire.I’llgotothemastheestranged,murderoussonoftheBitchofBlackcliff,asthemonsterwhokilledhisfriendsandassassinatedtheEmpire’senemiesasachildandwhowatchedstonilyasYearlingswerewhippedtodeathbeforehiseyes.

Thistime,Iwillnotaskthejinnforhelp.Iwilltakeit.

Y

XXV:TheBloodShrike

ouareBloodShrikeoftheEmpire.Andyouaremeanttosurvive.Whospokethewords?Itrytograspatthememory.Someonewashere,

onthisdarkstreetwithme.Afriend...ButwhenIopenmyeyesandpullmyselftomyknees,Iamalone,leftwith

nothingbuttheechoofthosewords.MykneesshakeasItrytopullmyselftomyfeet.ButnomatterhowdeeplyI

breathe,Ican’tgetanybleedingair.Becauseyou’relosingallyourblood,Shrike.

Iripoffmycloakandtieitaroundmystomach,groaningatthepainofit.NowiswhenIneedadamnedpatroltopass,butofcoursetheCommandant,whonodoubtplannedthis,wouldmakesuretherewasnone.Buttheremightbemoreassassins.Ihavetogetup.GettotheBlackGuard

barracks.Why?avoicewhispers.Thedarknesswaitswithopenarms.Yourfamily

waits.Mother.Father.Ineedtoremembersomethingaboutthem.Ifistmyhands

andfeelsomethingcold,round.Ilookdown—aring.Abirdinflight.Youareallthatholdsbackthedarkness.Someonesaidthosewordstome.

Butno—thosewordsdonotmatter.Notagainstthepainthatslamsthroughme,wavesandwavesofit.Youareallthatholdsbackthedarkness.Thememoryburnsinmymind.I

putahandtomyeyes,andmymaskripples.Thecoolmetallendsmestrengthasnothingelsecan,snappingmeoutofmytorpor.

Myfatherspokethosewordstome.Livia!Thebaby!Theregency!Myfamilylives.TheEmpirelives.AndImustprotectboth.

Icrawlforward,teethgritted,enragedatthetearsstreaminguncheckeddownmyfaceattheastoundingpainofmywound.Breakitdown.Howmanystepstothebarracks?It’saquartermilefromhereatleast.Fivehundredstridesatmost.Fivehundredstridesisnothing.Whataboutwhenyougetthere?Whatifsomeoneseesyou?Willyouletyour

menseeyouweak?Whatifsomeonespotsyouontheway?Theassassincan’t

possiblybealone.ThenIwillfighthisaccomplicestoo.AndIwilllive.BecauseifIdonot,all

islost.Ilookdownatmyfather’sringandforcemyselfforward,takingstrength

fromit.IamaMask.IamanAquilla.IamtheBloodShrike.Painisnothing.Ireachthewallofanearbyhouseanddragmyselftomyfeet.Thehousesare

darkenedatthistimeofnight,andthoughImightfindaidatoneofthem,Imightalsofindenemies.TheCommandantisnothingifnotthorough.Ifshesentanassassin,thenshe’dpayoffthestreetwherehewasmeanttokillme,tomakesurenoonehelped.Move,Shrike.Imakeitdownthestreetbeforemylegsbeginfeelingstrange.

Cold.Islowdown,hopingtocatchmybreath.Andthensuddenly,I’mnotmovinganymore.I’monmyknees.Bleedinghells.Iknowthisfeeling.Weakness.Uselessness.Helplessness.I’vefeltitbefore,afterMarcusstabbedmeduringtheFirstTrial.

Eliassavedmethen.Becausehewas—is—myfriend.HowcouldIeverseehimasanythingelseafterwhatwehavebeenthrough?IfIamsorryforanythingnow,beforetheend,itisthatIhuntedhim.ThatIhurthisfamily.ThatIhurthim.

WillIseehimnow?IntheWaitingPlace?Willhewelcomeme?Whatfollythatheischainedtothatplace—whatfollywhenthisworldneedshislight.

“Youdeservedbetter,”Iwhisper.“Shrike!”Thescrapeofbootshasmebaringmyteethandbrandishingmy

dagger.ButIrecognizetheblackhairandgoldskin,andthoughI’mconfused,I’mnotreallysurprised,becauseheismybestfriend,afterall,andhe’dneverletmejustdie.

“You—youcame—”“Shrike,listentome,stayawake.Staywithme.”Butno—it’snotElias.The

voicedoesn’toffertheslow,deepwarmthofsummer.It’scoolandharsh—allwrong.It’swinter.Likeme.Thenthere’sanothervoice,alsofamiliar.Dex.“There’saphysicianintheAquillahouse—”

“Gethim,”thecoolvoicesays.“Helpmewithherarmorfirst—she’llbeeasiertocarry.Carefulwithherstomach.”

Iknowthefirstvoicenow.AvitasHarper.Strange,quietHarper.Thoughtfulandwatchingandfilledwithanemptinessthatcallstome.

Heworksquicklytounbucklemyarmor,andIstifleamoanwhenitcomesoff.Dex’shandsome,darkface,strainedinthehalf-light,clarifies.Agoodsoldier.Atruefriend.Buthe’salwaysinpain.Alwaysalone.Hiding.

“It’snotfair,”Iwhispertohim.“Youshouldlovewhomyouwish.HowtheEmpirewouldtreatyouiftheyknew,it’snot—”

Dex’sfacepales,andheglancesquicklyatAvitas.“Saveyourstrength,Shrike,”hesays.Thenhe’sgone,andamuscledarmcomesaroundmywaist.Harperpullsmyhandacrosshisshoulders,andwetakeastep—another—butIamstaggering.I’velosttoomuchblood.

“Pickmeup,youidiot,”Igasp.AmomentlaterIamweightless,andIsigh.“You’regoingtobefine,Hel—Shrike.”AcrackinHarper’svoice.Emotion?

Fear?“Don’tletanyoneseeme,”Iwhisper.“This—thisisundig—dignified.”Abarkoflaughter.“Onlyyouwouldthinkthatwhileyourgutsareleaking

outontothedamnedpavement.Holdon,BloodShrike.Thebarracksaren’tfar.”Hemakesforthefrontentrance,andIshakemyheademphatically.“Takeme

throughtheback.ThePlebeianswe’reshelteringcan’tseemelikethis—”“Wedon’thaveachoice.Thefastestwaytotheinfirmaryisthroughthefront

door—”“No!”IthrashandshoveHarper’schest.Hedoesn’tsomuchastwitch.

“Theycannotseemelikethis!Youknowwhatshe’lldo.She’lluseitagainstme.ThePatersalreadythinkI’mweak.”

“CaptainAvitasHarper.”Harperfreezesatthevoice,deepandancientandbrookingnoargument.“Bringherthisway.”

“Yougetthebleedinghellsawayfromus.”Harperbacksawaytwosteps,buttheNightbringerholdsouthishands.

“Icouldkillyoubothwithathought,child,”hesayssoftly.“Ifyouwishforhertolive,bringher.”

Harperhesitatesforamomentandthenfollows.Iwanttoprotest,butmymouthisunabletoformwords.Hisbodyistautasawirepulledtight,heartthuddingswiftlikearivercurrent.Buthismaskedfaceisserene.Somepartofmerelaxes.Mysightdarkens.Ah,sleep...

“Staywithme,Shrike.”Harperspeakssharply,andIgroaninprotest.“Keepyoureyesopen.Youdon’thavetospeak.Allyouhavetodoisstayawake.”

IforcemyselftofocusontheswirlingrobesoftheNightbringer.Hewhispers,butIcannotmakeoutthewords.Abrickwallthatrosebeforeusdisappears.Magic!Momentslater,thebarrackscomeintoview.Theguardsstationedoutsidelookup,handsontheirscims.ButtheNightbringerspeaksagain,andtheyturnawayasiftheyhaven’tseenus.

“Setherdown,Captain.”Weentermyquarters,andtheNightbringergesturestomybed.“Andthenleave.”

Harpersettlesmeontothebedslowly.Still,Igrimace,anotherwaveofpainwashingovermeatthestrainonmywound.Whenhebacksaway,Ifeelcold.

“Iwillnotleaveher.”HestraightensandlookstheNightbringerinthefacewithoutflinching.

TheNightbringerconsiders.“Verywell.Getoutoftheway.”Thejinnsitsbesidemeonthebed.Hethrowsbackmyshirt,andIcatcha

glimpseofhishandbeneaththesleeveofhisrobe.Itisshadowyandtwisted,withaneerieglowbeneaththedarknessthatmakesmethinkofbankedembers.IthinkofadaylongagoinSerra,thefirsttimeImethim.Irememberhowhesang—justonenote—andthebruisesonmyfacehealed.

“Whyareyouhelpingme?”“Icannothelpyou,”theNightbringersays.“Youcan,however,help

yourself.”“Can’t—can’thealmyself.”“Yourhealingpowerallowsyoutorecovermorequicklythananormal

human,”hesays.Distantly,IrealizethatAvitasishearingallofthis.ThatmaybeIshouldhavehadhimleavetheroom.ButIamtooweaktocare.“Howelsecouldyoustilllive,child,afterlosingsomuchblood?Considerthewound,andthenfindyoursong.Doit.Now.”

Thewordsarenotarequestbutanorder.Ihumtunelessly,fightingthepain,searchingformysong.Iclosemyeyes,

andIamagirlagain,comfortingHannahwhenshecameintomybedatnight,terrifiedofmonsters.Motherwouldfindushuddlingtogetherandsingustosleep.SometimesinthedeepnightatBlackcliff,thinkingofhersongbroughtmepeace.ButwhenIsingnow,nothinghappens.

Whywouldit?Mysongisnotoneofpeace.Itisoneoffailureandpain.Mysongisoneofbattleandblood,deathandpower.ItisnotthesongofHeleneAquilla.ItisthesongoftheBloodShrike.AndIcannotfindit.Icannotwrapmymindaroundit.Thisisitthen.Cutdownonthestreetlikeadrunkcivviewhocouldn’ttella

bladefromabottle.TheNightbringersingstwonotes.Rage,Ithink.Love.Araw,coldworld

livesinthatshortsong—myworld.Me.Isingthetwonotesbacktohim.Twonotesbecomefour,fourbecome

fourteen.Rageformyenemies,Ithink.Loveformypeople.Thisismysong.Butithurts,bleedinghells,ithurts.TheNightbringertakesmyhand.“Pour

thepainintome,child,”hesays.“Turnitawayfromyourself.”Hiswordsunleashaflood.Evenastheburdenofmywoundtransferstohim,

hedoesnotflinch.Hedoesnotmoveatall,hiscloakedformastatueashe

W

acceptsit.Myskinstitchesitselfbacktogether,burningwithanachethatmakesmecryout.

Abladehissesasitleavesitssheath.“Whatthebleedinghellsdidyoudotoher?”

TheNightbringerturnstoAvitasandgestures.Immediately,Harperdropsthescimasifburned.

“Look.”Thejinnmoves,noddingdowntomywound,whichisnownothingbutastar-shapedscar.Itweepsblood,butitwillnotkillme.

Harper’slowoathtellsmethatIwillsoonhaveagreatdealofexplainingtodo.ButIcanworryaboutthatlater.Mybodyisexhausted,butwhentheNightbringerreleasesme,Imakemyselfsitup.

“Wait,”Iwhisper.“Willyoutellherofthis?”HeknowsofwhomIspeak.“WhywouldItellher?Sothatshecanattempttokillyouagain?Iamnother

servant,BloodShrike.Sheismine.Sheattackedyouagainstmyorders.Ihavenopatiencefordefiance,thusIhavethwartedher.”

“Idon’tunderstand.Whywouldyouhelpme?Whatdoyouwantfromme?”“Iamnothelpingyou,BloodShrike.”Hestandsandgathershisrobes.“Iam

helpingmyself.”

henIwake,nighthasfallen,andtheraftersshudderwithreverberationsofcatapultprojectiles.TheBarbariansmusthaverecommencedtheir

bombardmentofNavium.Iamaloneinmyroom,butmyarmorishungneatlyfromthewall.Acurse

slipsthroughmylipsasIrise.Mywoundhasgonefromdeadlytoirritatinglypainful.Stopwhinging.Getyourarmoron.Ilimptothewall,everyjointasstiffasanoldwoman’sindeepwinter.IhopeafewminutesonmyfeetwillwarmupmybodyenoughthatIcanatleastride.

“Offtogetyourselfkilledagainsosoon?”ThefamiliarraspissounexpectedthatIdon’tbelieveI’mhearingitatfirst.“Yourmotherwouldbeappalled.”

Cookperchesinthewindowasusual,andevenwiththehood,eventhoughI’veseenherscarsbefore,theviolenceofhermangledfaceisjarringenoughthatIlookaway.Hercloakisripped,hershockofwhitehairabird’snest.TheyellowstainsonherfingerstellmeimmediatelywhohasbeenleavingclaystatuesintheCommandant’squarters.

“Iheardyougotstabbed.”TheCooksdropsintotheroom.“ThoughtI’dcomeyellatyouforallowingittohappen.”Sheshakesherhead.“You’reafool.

YoushouldknowbetterthantowalkaloneatnightwithinahundredmilesoftheBitchofBlackcliff.”

“Andleaveyoutokillher?”Isnort.“Hasn’tworkedoutwellforyou,hasit?Allyou’vedoneisleftafewdisturbingstatuesinherquarters.”

Cookgrins,aneeriething.“I’mnottryingtokillher.”Shedoesnotelaborate.Hergazedropstomystomach.“Youhaven’tthankedmeformurderingtheotherassassinswhowerecomingforyou.OrfortellingHarpertostopsquintingatreportssohecoulddragyourcarcasstosafety.”

“Thankyou,”Isay.“Itrustyouknowthatsun-eyedbastardwantssomethingfromyou?”Idon’twastetimeaskinghowsheknowstheNightbringerhealedme.“I

don’ttrusthim,”Itellher.“I’mnotafool.”“Thenwhydidyoulethimhelpyou?He’splanningawar,didyouknow?

Andhe’slikelygotapartinitforyou.Youjustdon’tknowwhatitisyet.”“Awar.”Isitup.“ThewarwiththeKarkauns?”Cookhisses,snatchesacandleoffatablenearthedoor,andthrowsitatmy

head.“Notthatwar,stupid!Thewar.Theonethat’sbeenbrewingsincethedaymyidiotpeopledecideditwouldbewisetoattackanddestroythejinn.That’swhatthisisallabout,girl.That’swhattheCommandantisupto.It’snotjusttheKarkaunsshewantstodefeat.”

“Explainyourself,”Isay.“Whatareyou—”“Getoutofhere,”shesays.“GetfarawayfromtheCommandant.She’sset

ontakingyoudown,andshe’llhaveherway.Gotoyoursister.Keephersafe.Keepthatemperorofyoursincheck.Andwhenthewardoescome,bereadyforit.”

“ImusttakedowntheCommandantfirst,”Isay.“Thiswaryouspeakof—”Astepsoundsinthehallwaybeyondthedoor.Cookleapsintothewindow,onehandcoiledaroundtheframe.Inoticesomethingstrangeaboutthathand.Theskinissmooth—notyounglikemine,butnottheskinofawhite-hairedgrannyeither.

Thosedarkblueeyespinme.“YouwanttotakedowntheBitchofBlackcliff?Youwanttodestroyher?Youhavetobecomeherfirst.Andyoudon’thaveitinyou,girl.”

I

XXVI:Laia

amfuzzy-headedandconfusedwhenIpullonmyboots.I’vesleptallday—suchstrangedreamsIhad.Wonderful,andyet—“Laia!”Musa’svoiceisalowhissatthedoor.“Bleedinghells,areyouall

right?Laia!”ThedoorburstsopenbeforeIcangetawordout,andMusatakestwosteps

inandgrabsmyshoulders,asiftomakesureIamreal.“Getyourthings.”Hescansthewindowsandbeneaththebed.“Weneedto

getthehellsoutofhere.”“What’shappened?”Isay.MythoughtsimmediatelygototheNightbringer.

Tohisminions.“Isit—ishe—”“Wraiths.”Musa’sfacehaspaledtothecolorofanunpolishedscim.“They

attackedTribeSulud,andtheymightbecomingforus.”Ohno.No.“TheKehanni—”“Idon’tknowifshe’salive,”hesays.“Andwecan’triskfindingout.Come

on.”Weracedownthebackstairsoftheinnandouttothestablesassilentlyas

possible.Itislateenoughthatmostofthevillageisinbed,andwakinganyonewouldonlybringaboutquestions—andadelay.

“Thewraithskilledeveryonesilently,”Musasays.“Iwouldn’thaveknownanythingwaswrongifthewightshadn’twokenmeup.”

IpauseasIthrowasaddleontomyhorse.“Weshouldfindoutifthereareanysurvivors.”

Musaswingsupontohismount.“Ifwegointothatcamp,skiesknowwhatwe’llfind.”

“I’vefacedawraithbefore.”Ifinishwithmyhorse.“TherewerenearlyfiftyTribespeopleinthatcamp,Musa.Ifevenoneofthemisalive—”

Musashakeshishead.“Mostofthemleftearly.OnlyafewwagonsstayedwiththeKehannitokeepwatchoverheruntilshewasreadytoleave.Andshestayedbecause—”

“Becauseofus,”Isay.“Whichiswhyweoweittohertomakesureneithershenoranyofherkinsmenneedshelp.”

HegroansinprotestbutfollowsmeasIleavethestablesandheadforthecamp.Iexpectittobesilent,butthesteadydrizzleofrainpingsoffthewagonroofs,makingitdifficultforustohearourownfootsteps.

Thefirstbodyissprawledattheentrancetotheencampment.Itiswrong,brokeninadozendifferentways.Alumprisesinmythroat.Irecognizetheman—oneoftheTribesmenwhowelcomedus.Threemoreofhisfamilymemberslieafewyardsfromhim.Iknowinstantlythattheytooaredead.

ButwedonotseetheKehanni.AquietchitternearMusa’seartellsmethatthewightshavenoticedherabsencetoo.MusanodstotheKehanni’swagon.WhenImakeforit,Musaputsanarminfrontofme.“Aapan.”Thestrainonhisfacematchestheforebodinginmyheart.“Maybe

Ishouldgofirst.Incase.”“IsawtheinsideofKaufPrison,Musa.”Islippasthim.“Itcan’tbeany

worse.”Thebackdooropenssilently,andIfindtheKehannicrumpledagainstthefar

wall.Shelookssomuchsmallerthanshedidjusthoursago,anoldwomanwhoselaststorywasstolenfromher.Thewraithsdidnotcuther—infact,Idonotseeasingleopenwound.Buttheoddanglesofherlimbstellmeexactlyhowshedied.Iclapmyhandagainstmymouthtoholdbackmysick.Skies,shemusthavebeeninsomuchpain.

Amoancomesfromher,andbothMusaandIjump.“Ohbleedinghells.”Iambyhersideintwosteps.“Musa,gotothehorses.

Lookintherightsaddlebag—”“No.”TheKehanni’ssunkeneyesgleamwithfaint,failinglight.“Listen.”

MusaandIbothfallsilent.Wecanbarelyhearherovertherain.“SeekouttheAugurs’words,”shewhispers.“Prophecy.TheGreatLibrary

—”“Augurs?”Idon’tunderstand.“WhatdotheAugurshavetodowiththe

Nightbringer?Aretheyallies?”“Ofakind,”theKehanniwhispers.“Ofakind.”Hereyelidsdroop.She’sgone.Fromthewagondoor,aloud,panickedchitter

sounds.“Let’sgo,”Musahisses.“Thewraithsarecirclingback.Theyknowwe’re

here.”Withthepanicofthewightsspurringus,weracethroughtherainatapace

thatdrivesthehorsesintoafrothingsweat.I’msorry,I’msorry.Ithinkthewordsoverandover,butIdon’tknowtowhomIspeak.Myhorse,formakingitsuffer?TheKehanni,foraskingheraquestionthatkilledher?TheTribesmenwhodiedtryingtoprotecther?

“TheAugurs’prophecies,”Musasayswhenwefinallyslowourhorsesforarest.“Theonlyplacewe’llfindthemistheGreatLibrary.She—shewastryingtotellus.Butit’simpossibletogetin.”

“Nothingisimpossible.”Elias’swordscomebacktome.“We’llgetin.Wemust.Butfirstwehavetomakeitback.”

Again,wepushthroughthenight,butthistime,Musaneedsnourging.IspendhalftheridelookingovermyshoulderandtheotherhalfplottingwaystogetintotheGreatLibrary.Theskiesclear,buttheroadsarestilltreacherouswithmud.Thewightsremainnearus,theirwingsoccasionallyflashinginthedark,theirpresenceofferingastrangecomfort.

WhenthewallsofAdisacomeintoviewinthedeepesthourofthenight,Iwanttosobinrelief.Untilthehazyglowofflamematerializes.

“Therefugeecamp.”Musaurgeshishorseon.“They’reburningthetents.”“Whatthehellshappened?”ButMusahasnoanswer.Thecampisinsuchchaoswhenwereachitthatthe

Mariners,franticallyevacuatingtheScholars,donotnoticetwomorefacesamidthehundredsrunningthroughthenarrow,ash-filledlanes.MusadisappearstospeaktooneoftheMarinersbeforefindingmeagain.

“Idon’tthinktheMarinersdidthis,”Musashoutsovertheroaroftheflames.“Otherwisewhywouldtheybehelping?Andhowcouldthefirehavespreadsoquickly?OneofthesoldiersIspokewithsaidtheycaughtwindofitonlyanhourago.”

Weplungeintothesmoke-chokedstreets,tearingopentents,pullingoutthosewhoaresleeping,whoremainedunaware,shooingchildrentotheoutskirtsofthecamp.Wedowhateverwecan,howeverwecan,withthefranticanguishofthosewhoknowthatnothingwillbeenough.Screamsrisearoundusfromthosewhoaretrapped.Fromthosewhocannotfindtheirfamilymembers.Fromthosewhohavefoundtheirfamilymembersinjuredordead.Alwaysus.Myeyesburnfromsmoke;myfaceiswet.Alwaysmypeople.MusaandIgobackagainandagain,carryingoutthosewhocannotwalk

themselves,pullingtosafetyasmanyScholarsaswecan.AMarinersoldierhandsuswatertodrink,togivetothesurvivors.Ifreezewhenshelooksup.ItisCaptainEleiba,hereyesred-rimmed,handstrembling.Shemeetsmygazebutonlyshakesherheadandturnsbacktoherowntasks.You’llbeallright.Alliswell.You’llbefine.Ispeaknonsensetothosewho

areburned,whocoughbloodfromallthesmoke.Ofcoursewe’llfindyourmother.Yourdaughter.Yourgrandson.Yoursister.Lies.Somanylies.Ihatemyselffortellingthem.Butthetruthiscrueler.

HundredsarestilltrappedinthecampwhenInoticesomethingstrangethroughthesmokeandhaze.AredglowrisesfromthecityofAdisa.Mythroatisparched,burnedfrominhalingsomuchsmoke,butsuddenlyitgoesevenmoredry.Hasthefirefromthecampspread?Butno—itcouldn’thave.Notoverthemassivecitywall.

Ibackawayfromtherefugeecamp,hopingIcanseebetterfromoutsideit.Dreadspreadsslowlythroughmybody.ThesamefeelingI’vehadwhensomethingterriblehashappenedandIwakeuphavingforgotten.AndthenIremember.

Criesriseupallaroundme,likeillspiritsletloose.IamnottheonlyonewhohasnoticedtheglowfromAdisa.

“Musa.”TheScholarmanlurchesbacktowardthecamp,desperatetosaveevenonemoreperson.“Look—”

Ipullhimaroundtofacethecity.Awarmwindofftheoceanpartsthefugofsmokeoverthecampforamoment.That’swhenweseeit.

TocallthefireenormouswouldbelikecallingtheCommandantunkind.Itisimmense,aninfernothattransformstheskyintoaluridnightmare.Thethickcloudofsmokeisilluminatedbytheflames,impossiblyhigh,asifshootingfromthedepthsoftheearthtotheveryheavens.

“Laia.”Musa’svoiceisweak.“It’s—it’s—”Buthedoesn’thavetosayit.IknewassoonasIsawtheheightofthe

flames.NootherbuildinginAdisaissotall.TheGreatLibrary.TheGreatLibraryisonfire.

F

XXVII:Elias

ortwoweeks,IplothowI’llseizethetruthfromthejinn.ThemercantileinanearbyvillageprovidesmostofwhatIneed.Therestdependsonthe

weather,whichfinallycooperateswhenanearlysummerstormsweepsinfromtheeast,drenchingtheentiretyoftheWaitingPlace.

Idon’tmindtherain.Icatchadozenbuckets’worthofit.BythetimeItransportthemtothejinngrove,thedelugehasdulledtheunholyglowofthetreestoanocherousred.

Onceinthegrove,Ismile,waitingforthejinntobegintormentingme.Comeon,youdevils.Watchme.Listentomythoughts.Squirmoverwhat’scoming.

WhenIampastthefirstrowoftrees,thecanopygrowstangled.Allissilent,buttheairthickens,weighingmedown,asifI’mwalkingthroughwaterinfullMartialarmor.ItisanefforttoremovethebagofsaltIhavestowedaway.ButasImakeringsofsaltaroundthetrees,thejinnstir,snarlingsoftlyfromwithintheirprisons.

Itakeoutanax—itssteeledgefreshlysharpened—andgiveitafewtestswings.ThenIdipitinthebucketofrainwaterandsinkitsixinchesintotheclosestjinntree.Theshriekthatarisesfromthegroveisbothhair-raisingandhorriblysatisfying.

“You’rekeepingsecrets,”Isay.“Iwanttoknowthem.Tellme,andI’llstop.”Youfool.Cutopenthetreesandwewillsimplyburstforth.“Lies.”IslipintothevoiceofaMask,asifIwereinterrogatingaprisoner.“If

yourfreedomwasthatsimple,you’dhavegottenyourefritfriendstobreakyououtlongago.”

Idiptheaxintherainwateragainand,oninspiration,scoopupsomeofthesalttorubonit.Atmysecondstrike,thejinnscreamsoloudlythattheghostsclusterednearbystreakaway.WhenIlifttheaxforathirdtime,thejinnspeak.Stop.Please.Comecloser.“Ifyou’retrickingme—”Ifyouwantoursecrets,youmusttakethem.Comecloser.Imovedeeperintothegrove,theaxclutchedtightly.Mudslimesmyboots.Closer.

Everystepgrowsmoredifficult,butIdragmyselfforwarduntilIcan’tmoveatall.Howdoesitfeeltobetrapped,SoulCatcher?Quitesuddenly,Icannotspeakorseeorfeelanythingbeyondthesteadythud

ofmyheart.Ifightagainstthedarkness,thesilence.Icastmyselfagainstthewallsofthisprisonlikeamothcaughtinajar.Inmypanic,IreachforMauth.Butthemagicdoesn’trespond.Howdoesitfeeltobechained?“Whatthehells,”Irasp,“areyoudoingtome?”Look,EliasVeturius.Youwantedoursecrets.Theyarebeforeyou.Suddenly,Iamfreeoftheirgrasp.Thetreesaheadthinoutasthelandcurves

toarise.Istaggertowarditandfindmyselflookingdownaslopeatashallowvalleynestledinabendofthefast-rushingRiverDusk.

Andinthatvalleyaredozens—no,hundredsofstonestructures.It’sacityI’veneverseen.AcityShaevanevermentioned.AcitythathasnevermadeitselfknowntomeonthestrangeinternalmapIhaveoftheWaitingPlace.Itlooks—andfeelsinmymind—likeemptyspace.

“Whatisthisplace?”Iask.Abirdsailsdownintothevalleythroughthethicksheetsofrain,somesmall,

squirmingcreaturecaughtinitsclaws.Thetreetopsswayinthewind,heavinglikearestlesssea.Home.Thejinnspeakwithoutrancor,foronce.Thisishome.Mauthnudgesmeforward,andImakemywaythroughtall,soakedsummer

grassesdownintothecity,daggerattheready.ItisunlikeanycityI’veeverseen,thestreetscurvedinconcentrichalfcircles

aroundabuildingonthebanksoftheRiverDusk.Thestreets,thebuildings—everythingismadeofthesamestrangeblackstone.ThecolorissopurethatIreachoutmorethanoncetotouchit,awestruckbyitsdepth.

Isoonsheathemydagger.I’vebeeninenoughgraveyardstoknowwhattheyfeellike.Thereisn’tasoulintheplace.Therearen’tevenghosts.

ThoughIwanttoexploreeverysinglestreet,I’mdrawntothelargebuildingontheriverbank.It’sbiggerthantheEmperor’spalaceinAntiumandahundredtimesmorebeautiful.StoneblockssitupononeanotherwithsuchperfectsymmetrythatIknownohumancutthem.

Iseenocolumnsordomesorornatepatterns.ThestructuresintheEmpireorMarinnortheTribaldesertsreflecttheirpeople.Thosecitieslaughandcryandshoutandsnarl.Thiscityisonenote,thepurestnoteeversung,helduntilmyheartwantstobreakatthesound.

Alowsetofstairsleadstothemainbuilding.Atmytouch,thetwomassivedoorsatthetopofthestairsopenaseasilyasiftheirhingeswereoiledthismorning.Within,threedozenblue-firetorchessputtertolife.

WhichiswhenIrealizethatthewalls,whichappearedtobeadeepblackstone,aresomethingelseentirely.Theyreflecttheflamelikewaterreflectssunlight,transformingtheentireroomtoagentlesapphireblue.Thoughthemassivewindowsareopentotheelements,thethunderofthestormoutsideismutedtoamurmur.

Icannotmakeheadsortailsofwhatthisplaceis.Itssizemakesmethinkitwasusedforgatherings.Yetthereisonlyonelowbenchinthecenteroftheroom.

Mauthtugsmeupastaircase,throughaseriesofantechambers,andintoanotherroomwithahugewindow.Itisfilledwiththescentsoftheriverandtherain.Torchespainttheroomwhite.

Iliftmyhandtotouchthewall.WhenIdo,itcomesalive,filledwithmistyimages.Iyankmyhandback,andtheimagesfade.

Gingerly,Itouchitagain.Atfirst,Icannotunderstandthepictures.Animalsplay.Leavesdanceonthewind.Treehollowstransformintokindlyfaces.TheimagesremindmeofMamieRila—ofwhathervoiceislikewhenshesingsatale.WhichiswhenIunderstand:Thesearechildren’sstories.Childrenlivedhere.Butnothumanchildren.Home,thejinnsaid.Jinnchildren.Imakemyway,roombyroom,tothetopofthebuilding,stoppinginahigh

rotundathatoverlooksthecityandtheriver.WhenItouchthewalls,imagesappearagain.Thistime,though,theyareof

thecityitself.Stripsoforangeandyellowandgreensilkflutterinthewindows.Jewel-likeflowersgrowinoverflowingboxes.Thetrillandhumofvoicestellofahappiertime.

Peoplecladinsmokyblackrobeswalkthecity.Onewomanhasdarkskinandtightcurls,likeDex’s.Anotherhaspaleskinandfinehair,liketheBloodShrike’s.Somearescim-thin,andothersareheavier,likeMamiewasbeforetheEmpiregotitshandsonher.Each,intheirownway,walkswithagracethatIonlyeversawinShaeva.

Buttheydonotwalkalone.Allaresurroundedbyghosts.IspotamanwithauburnhairandafacesobeautifulIcan’tevenbeirritated

byit.Heissurroundedbyghostchildren,lovesuffusingeverybitofhimashespeakswiththem.

Ican’thearwhathesays,butIcanunderstandhisintent.Heofferstheghostslove.Notjudgmentorangerorquestions.Onebyone,thespiritsdriftintothe

riveratease.Atpeace.Isthis,then,thesecretofwhatShaevadid?I’veonlytoofferthespiritslove

andthey’llmoveon?Itcan’tbe.It’santitheticaltoeverythingshesaidaboutquellingmyemotions.

Theghostsherearecalm,farmoreserenethantheywerewhenShaevalived.IdonotsensethefranticpainthatsuffusestheWaitingPlaceasIknowit.Therearealsofarfewerofthem.Littlegroupsofthemfollowtheblack-robedfiguresobediently.

InsteadofaloneSoulCatcher,therearedozens.No,hundreds.Otherfiguresdriftfromthebuildings,humaninformbutmadeofdeep

black-and-redflame,gloriousandfree.HereandthereIspotchildrenswitchingfromhumantoflameandbackwiththerapidityofahummingbird’swings.

WhentheSoulCatchersandtheirghostspass,thejinnmoveaside,incliningtheirheads.Thechildrenwatchfromafar,mouthsagog.Theywhisper,andtheirbodylanguageremindsmeofhowMartialchildrenactwhenaMaskpassesby.Fear.Awe.Envy.

AndyettheSoulCatchersarenotisolated.Theyspeaktoeachother.Onewomansmileswhenaflamechildcomesrunningtowardher,transformingintoahumanjustbeforethejinnscoopshimup.Theyhavefamily.Partners.Children.

AnimageofLaiaandmeinahouse,makingalifetogether,flashesthroughmymind.Coulditbepossible?

Thecityripples.Afrissonofsorts,aportentmademanifestintheshiverintheair.Thejinnturntotherimoftheirvalley,wherearowofflagsfly,greenwithapurplequillandanopenbook:thesigiloftheScholarEmpire,beforeitfell.

Theimagescomeswiftly.Ayounghumankingarriveswithhisretinue.Theauburn-hairedjinnwelcomeshim,abrown-skinnedjinnwomanathissideandtwoflamechildrenfidgetingbehindthem.Thejinnwearsacrownwithdiscomfort,asifhe’snotusedtoit.

Ifinallyrecognizehim.Thehairisdifferent,asisthebuild,butsomethingabouthismannerisfamiliar.ThisistheKingofNoName.TheNightbringer.

Flankingthekingandhisqueenaretwoflame-formedjinnbodyguardsarmedwithblack-diamondsickles.Despitetheirnonhumanphysiques,Irecognizetheonewhostandsbythechildren.Shaeva.ShewatchesthevisitingScholarkingwithfascination.Henotices.

Theimagesspeedup.TheScholarkingwheedles,thencajoles,thendemandsthesecretsofthejinn.TheNightbringerrejectshim,buttheScholarkingrefusestogiveup.

ShaevameetstheScholarinhisguestquarters.Overweeks,hebefriendsher.Laughswithher.Listenstoher,schemingevenasshefallsdesperatelyinlovewithhim.

Asenseofforebodinggrows,thickasmud.TheNightbringerhauntsthestreetsofhisowncitywheneveryone’ssleeping,sensingathreat.Whenhiswifespeakstohim,hesmiles.Whenhischildrenplaywithhim,helaughs.Theirfearsarequelled.Hisonlygrow.

ShaevafindstheScholarkinginaclearingbeyondthecity.Hismannerremindsmeofsomeone,buttheknowledgewaversattheedgesofmymindbeforeslippingaway.ShaevaandtheScholarargue.Hecalmsheranger.Makespromises.Evenatthedistanceofathousandyears,Iknowhe’llbreakthosepromises.

Threemoonsriseandset.ThentheScholarsattack,tearingintotheForestofDuskwithsteelandfire.

Thejinncastthembackeasily,butwithbewilderment—theydonotunderstandthis.Theyknowthehumanswanttheirpower.Butwhy,whenwekeepthebalance?Why,whenwetakethespiritsofyourdeadandmovethemonsothatyouarenothauntedbythem?

Ghostsfillthecity.Butthejinnmustfight,sotherearenotenoughSoulCatcherstomovethespiritson.Forcedtowaitandsuffer,thespiritscryout,theirwailsaneerilyprescientdirge.ThejinnkingmeetswiththeefritlordsastheScholarspresstheattack.Hisflamechildrenaresentfarawaywithhundredsofothers,howlingtearfulgoodbyestotheirparents.

TheimagesfollowthechildrenintotheForest.Ohno.No.Iwanttopullmyhandfromthewall,tostoptheimages.Danger

closesinonthelittleones.Thecrackofatwig,ashadowflittingamongthetrees.Andallthewhilethesewaist-highflamechildrenscurrythroughtheForest.Theyareunknowing,illuminatingthetrunksandleavesandgrasseswithbrilliance,somedeepfeymagicthatlendsbeautytoallthattheytouch.Theirwhisperssoundlikebells,andtheymovelikecheery,bravelittlecampfiresonafreezingnight.

Asuddensilencedescends.You’rewalkingintoanambush!Protectthem,youfools!Iwanttoscreamattheguards.Humanspourfromthetrees,armedwithswordsgleamingwithsummerrain.

Theflamechildrenclustertogether,terrified.Astheyjoin,theirfireburnsbrighter.

Andthentheirflamesgoout.Idon’twanttoseeanymore.Iknowthetale.ShaevagavetheScholarking

theStar.Heandhiscovenofmagic-userslockedawaythejinn.

Doyouseenow,EliasVeturius?thejinnask.“Wedestroyedyou,”Isay.Youdestroyedyourselves.Forathousandyearsyou’vehadonlyoneSoul

Catcher.Shaeva,atleast,wasjinn.Hermagicwasinnate.Still,theghostsbuiltup—yousawherstruggle.Butyouhavenomagic.Howcanatalentlessmortaldothatwhichajinncouldnot?Theghostspressagainsttheborderslikerainwaterpressesagainstadam.Andyouwillnevermovetheghostsswiftlyenoughtostopthedamfrombursting.Youwillfail.

Foronce,thejinnplaynotricks.Theydonotneedto.Thetruthintheirwordsisterrifyingenough.

N

XXVIII:TheBloodShrike

ightisthickonNaviumwhenIjerkoutofsleep.“Thebeach.”Idon’trealizeI’vespokenthewordsalouduntilIhearthe

creakofarmor.Avitas,keepingwatchinachairnearmydoor,shuddersawake,sciminhand.

“Someguardyoumake.”Isnort.“Youwerefastasleep.”“Myapologies,Shrike,”hesaysstiffly.“Ihavenoexcuse—”Irollmyeyes.“Thatwasajoke.”Iswingmylegsoutofthebedandsearch

aroundformybreeches.Avitasreddensandfacesthewall,drumminghisfingersonhisdagger’shilt.

“Don’ttellmeyou’venotseenanakedsoldierbefore,Captain.”Alongpause,thenachuckle,lowandhusky.Itmakesmefeel...strange.

Likehe’sabouttotellmeasecret.LikeIwouldleaninclosertohearit.“Notonelikeyou,BloodShrike.”

Nowmyskinfeelshot,andIopenmymouth,tryingtothinkofaretort.Nothing.Skies,I’mrelievedhecan’tseemeoverhere,redasatomatoandgapinglikeafish.Don’tactthefool,Shrike.Ilacemypants,throwonatunic,andgrabmyarmor,pushingawaymyembarrassment.AtBlackcliff,IsawDex,Faris,Elias—allofmyfriends—strippeddowntoabsolutelynothing,andIdidn’tbataneyelid.I’mnotabouttohumiliatemyselfwithblushesoverthis.

“Ihavetogettothebeach.”Iyankonmybracers,wincingatthetwingeinmystomach.“Ihavetoseeif...”Idon’twanttosayitoreventhinkit,incaseI’mutterlydeluded.

“Wouldyoucaretoexplainthatfirst?”Harpernodstomystomach.Right.Hesawmehealmyself.HeheardwhattheNightbringersaid.

“Iwouldnot.”“Silvius—thephysician—cametocheckonyouatDex’srequest.Ididn’tlet

himin.ToldhimDexexaggeratedtheseriousnessofyourwound.AndhementionedthatagroupofchildrenintheAquillainfirmarysawmiraculousimprovementinaveryshortspanoftime.”Harperpauses,andwhenIsaynothing,hesighsinexasperation.“I’myoursecond,Shrike,butIdon’tknowyoursecrets.AndsoIcannotprotectyouwhenotherstrytoferretthemout.”

“Idon’tneedprotection.”“Youaresecond-in-commandoftheEmpire,”hesays.“Ifyoudidn’tneed

protection,itwouldbebecausenoonesawyouasathreat.Needingprotectionisnotaweakness.Refusingtotrustyouralliesis.”Harper’svoicerarelyrisesabovethefamiliarmonotoneofaMask.Nowitcrackslikeawhip,andIgazeathiminsurprise.Shutit,andgetout.Idon’thavetimeforthis.Ionlyjuststopmyselffrom

sayingit.Becausehe’snotwrong.“You’llwanttositdownforthis,”Isay.WhenIfinishtellinghimofthe

magic—theefrit,healingEliasandthenLaia,andallthatcameafter—helooksthoughtful.Iexpecthimtoaskquestions,todelvedeeper,topushformore.

“Noonewillknowofit,”hesays.“Untilyou’reready.Now—youmentionedthebeach.”

Iamsurprisedthathemovedonsoquickly.ButIamthankfultoo.“IheardastorywhenIwasyoung,”Isay.“AbouttheNightbringer—ajinnwhosepeoplewereimprisonedbytheScholars.Whohaslivedforathousandyearsfueledbythedesiretowreakvengeanceonthem.”

“Andthisisrelevantbecause...”“Whatifthereisawarcoming?NotthewarwiththeKarkauns,butabigger

war.”Ican’texplainthefeelingIgotwhenCookspokeofit.Ashiveronmyskin.Herwordshadtheweightoftruthtothem.IthinkbacktowhatQuinsaidoftheNightbringer.Whatdoeshewant?Willshegetitforhim?WhatcouldshebedoingforthePatersthattheywouldagreetoletthatswineGrímarrwreakhavocinthepoorpartsofthecity?

“YouheardtheNightbringer.TheCommandantisn’tanallyoracompatriot.She’shisservant.IfhewantsawarwiththeScholars,thenshe’stheonewhowillhelphimcarryitout.She’sdestroyedtheScholarswithintheEmpire.Nowshelookstothosewhohaveescaped.”

“ToMarinn.”Harpershakeshishead.“She’dneedafleettotakeontheMariners.Theirnavyisunparalleled.”

“Exactly.”IcurseinpainasIpullonmyarmor,andAvitasisatmysideinasecond,bucklingitwithcarefulfingers.“ThoughIwonder—Keriswouldn’thelptheNightbringeroutofloyalty.YouheardQuin.She’sloyalonlytoherself.Sowhat’sheofferingherinreturn?”

“TheEmpire,”Harpersays.“Thethrone.Thoughifthatwerethecase,whydidhesaveyourlife?”

Ishakemyhead.Idonotknow.“Ineedtogettothebeach,”Isay.“I’llexplainlater.GetmethosereportsonthePatersandtheirholdings.TellthePlebeiansabouttheinfirmariesandtheshelters.Openmore—seekthehelpof

ourallies.Requisitionhousesifyoumust.MakesuretheflagoftheShrikeandtheflagoftheEmperorflywhereverthePlebeiansareofferedshelter.IfI’mright,we’regoingtoneedPlebeiansupportsoon.”

Ifindadarkcloak,tuckmyhairunderascarf,andslipoutthedoor,everysenseheightened.IfeelthepullofthePlebeianswholieinjuredinthecourtyardoftheBlackGuardbarracks,butIforcemyselftoignorethem.Tonight,Imustworkadifferentsortofmagic.

ThoughItakethetunnelsintothecity,eventuallyIascendintoNavium’sstreets.TheCommandanthaspatrolsouteverywhere,watchingforKarkaunsattemptingtopenetratethecity.ThoughthebeachisonlytwomilesfromtheBlackGuardbarracks,ittakesmenearlythreehourstogetthere—andeventhen,IdoublebacktwicetomakesureIwasn’tfollowed.

WhenIcloseinonthebeach,Ispytheguardsimmediately.Mostlurkalongthelow,ruggedcliffsthatrundowntothewideswathofsand.Butmanypatrolthebeachitself.

Ostensibly,thesoldiersareheretoensurethatGrímarrdoesn’tlandhismenonthebeacheswithoutanyoneknowing.Butifthatweretheonlyreason,therewouldn’tbesomanyofthem.No,there’sanotherreasonthey’rehere.TheCommandantistakingnochances.ShemustknowthatIrecovered.

IslipfromtheshadowofabungalowandscurrytowardashedbarelytallerthanIam.Onceensconced,Icheckmykerchief,slathermymaskwithmudfromatinI’vebroughtwithme,andboltforthecornerofatackleshopthatliesevenclosertothebeach.

Iedgeneareruntilfinally,Iamcloseenoughtorealizethatthereisnowaytogetdowntothatbeachwithoutsomeonenoticing.Notwithoutbackup,anyway.Bleeding,burningskies.

IwishsuddenlyforElias.ImpossiblejobswithlowlikelihoodofsuccessareElias’sforte.Somehow,healwayspulledthemoff,nomatterthecost—andusuallywithacheekycomment.Itwasbothinspiringandirritating.

ButEliasisn’there.AndIcan’triskgettingcaught.Frustrated,Ibackaway—whichiswhenashadowappearsbesideme.Myscimishalf-drawnwhenahandclampsovermymouth.Ibiteitandelbowmyattacker,whohissesinpainbut,likeme,remainssilent,lesttheCommandant’smenhear.Cedar.Cinnamon.

“Harper?”Ihiss.“Bleedinghells,Shrike,”hegasps.“You’vesharpelbows.”“Youidiot.”Skies,IwishIdidn’thavetowhisper.IwishIcouldturnthefull

forceofmyrageagainsthim.“Whatthehellsareyoudoinghere?Igaveyouorders—”

M

“IpassedDexyourorders.”Harperatleastlookssomewhatapologetic,butthatdoeslittletosoftenmyanger.“Thisisatwo-Maskjob,Shrike.Shallwegettoitbeforewe’rediscovered?”

Cursehim,heisaggravating.Moresobecausehe’sright.Again.Ielbowhimasecondtime,knowingit’schildishbutdelightinginhispainedoof.

“Godistractthosefools.”Inodtothenearestclusterofguards.“Andmakeitgood.Ifyou’rehere,youmightaswellnotmuckitup.”

Hedisappears,andnotanhourlater,Iamflittingawayfromthebeach,havingseenwhatIneededtosee.Harpermeetsmeatourprearrangedspot,onlyslightlyworseforwearaftertrickingthesoldiersintothinkingthataKarkaunraidingpartyhadturnedupnearby.

“Well?”heasks.Ishakemyhead.Idon’tknowwhethertobethrilledorhorrified.“Getmeahorse,”Isay.“I’veacoveIneedtovisit.Andfigureoutawayto

getintouchwithQuin.”Ilookbackatthebeach,stilllitteredwiththeremnantsofdestroyedships.“IfthisisasbadasIthinkitis,we’regoingtoneedallthehelpwecanget.”

orethanaweekafterInearlydiedinNavium’sstreetsandamonthafterIarrivedinthecity,Grímarrlauncheshisfinalassault.Itcomesatmidnight.

Karkaunsailsbobperilouslyclosetoshore,anddrumsfromtheeasternwatchtowerconveytheworst:GrímarrispreparingtolaunchsmallcrafttoferryhisgroundforcestoNavium.Heissickofwaiting.SickofhavinghissupplylinescutoffbyKeris.Sickofbeingstarvedout.Hewantsthecity.

Navium’scatapultsareabluroffireandstone,apaltrydefenseagainstthehundredsofshipsshootingflamingprojectilesintothecity.FromtheIsland,theCommandantissuesorderstothe2,500menwaitingintheruinsoftheSoutheastQuarter,wheretheKarkaunsareexpectedtoland.Theyare,Dextellsme,mostlyauxes.Plebeians.Goodmen,manyofwhomwilldieifmyplandoesn’twork.

DexfindsmeinthecourtyardoftheBlackGuardbarracks,wherethePlebeianswhohavetakensheltergrowincreasinglyagitated.ManyhavefamilymemberswhowillfaceoffwithGrímarrandhishordestoday.Allhavebeenforcedtofleetheirhomes.Witheveryminutethatpasses,thechancesthatthey’llhaveanythingtoreturntogrowlesslikely.

“We’reready,Shrike,”Dexsays.

Atmyorder,twodozenmen—menwhohavedonenothingbutfolloworders—willdie.Runners,drum-towerguards,thedrummersthemselves.IfwewanttobeatGrímarr,wemustbeattheCommandant—andthatmeanscuttingherlinesofcommunication.Wecantakenochances.Afterthedrumsaresilenced,wewillhaveminutes—ifthat—toenactourplan.Everythingmustgoright.Youwanttodestroyher?Youhavetobecomeherfirst.IgiveDextheorderandhedisappears,agroupoftwentymengoingwith

him.Momentslater,Avitasarriveswithascroll.Iholditup—themarkofKerisVeturia,aK,isclearlyvisibletothePlebeiansclosesttome.Thenewsspreadsquickly.KerisVeturia,commanderofthecity,thewomanwhohasallowedthePlebeiansectorsofNaviumtoburn,hassenttheBloodShrikeandtheBlackGuardamessage.

Isendasilentthank-youtoCook,whereversheis.Shegotmethatseal,riskingherselfintheprocess,deliveringittomewithatersewarning:Whateveryouhaveplanned,itbetterbegood.Becausewhenshehitsback,itwillbehard,intheplaceyouleastexpectit,intheplacewhereitwillhurtthemost.

Iopenthemissive—whichisempty—pretendtoreadit,andcrushit,castingitintotheclosestfire,asifinarage.

ThePlebeianswatch,resentmentsimmering.Almostthere.Almost.Theyaredrytinderreadytoburstintoflames.Ihavespentaweekpreparingthem,slippingthemstoriesoftheCommandantfeastingwithNavium’sPaterswhilethePlebeiansstarve.Fromthere,therumorsbloom:KerisVeturiawantstheKarkaunshipstocreateapersonalmerchantfleet.ThePaterswillallowthemercilesswarlockGrímarrtoransacktheSoutheastQuarteriftheIllustrianandMercatordistrictsaresaved.Liesall,buteachhasenoughtruthtobeplausible—andwrath-inducing.

“Iwillnotacceptthis.”Ispeakloudlyenoughfortheroomtohear.Myrageisanact,butIquicklystokeitintoreality.AllIhavetodoisrecallKeris’scrimes:ShegaveupthousandsoflivesjusttogetherhandsonthoseshipsfortheNightbringer’swar.Shepersuadedapasselofweak-mindedPaterstoputtheirgreedaheadoftheirpeople.Sheisatraitor,andthisisthefirststeptotakingherdown.

“Shrike.”Avitastakesastepback,playinghispartwithimpressiveskill.“Ordersareorders.”

“Notthistime,”Isay.“Shecannotjustsitthereinthattower—atowershestolefromthefinestadmiralthiscityeverknew—andexpectthatwewon’tchallengeher.”

“Wedon’thavethemen—”

“IfyougotochallengeKerisVeturia”—aBlackGuardallyplantedamidthecrowdanddressedinPlebeianclothingspeaksup—“thenIwillgowithyou.Ihavegrievancesofmyown.”

“AndI.”Twomoremenstand,bothalliesofGensAquillaandGensAtria.IlooktotherestofthePlebeians.Comeon.Comeon.

“AndI.”Thewomanwhospeaksisnotoneofmine,andwhenshestands,herhandsonacudgel,sheisnotalone.Ayoungerwomanbesideher,wholookstobeasister,standswithher.Thenamanbehindher.

“AndI!”Morechimein,urgedonbythosearoundthem,untilallareontheirfeet.ItisareplicaoftheriotMamieRilaplanned—exceptthistime,theriotersareatmyback.

AsIturntoleave,InotethatAvitashasdisappeared.Hewillbringtheauxsoldierswhomheturnedtoourcause,aswellasPlebeiansfromtheothershelterswe’veopened.

Wespillintothestreets,headingfortheIsland,andwhenHarperfindsmewithhispeople,Ihaveamobatmyback.Avitasmarchesbymyside,atorchinonehand,hisscimintheother.Foronce,hisfaceisangryinsteadofcalm.HarperisPlebeian,butlikeallMasks,hekeepshisemotionsclose.IneveroncethoughttoaskhimhowhefeltaboutwhatwashappeninginthePlebeianquarters.

“Eyesahead,Shrike.”Heglancesatme,andI’munnervedthatheseemstoknowwhatI’mthinking.“Whateveryou’refeelingguiltyabout,youcandealwithitlater.”

WhenwefinallyreachthebridgetotheIsland,thecityguards,alertedtoourapproach,closeranks.AsImarchuptothem,anauxburststhroughthecrowd,exactlyontime.

“TheKarkaunshaveattackedthedrumtowers,”hesaysbreathlesslytothecaptainofthecityguard,aPlebeianhimself.“They’vekilledthedrummersandtheguards.There’snowayfortheCommandanttocommunicatewiththemen.”

“Thecitywillfallifyoudonotmove,”Isaytotheguardcaptain.“Letmepastandberememberedasahero.Orcontinuetodefendheranddieacoward.”

“Noneedfordramatics,BloodShrike.”Acrossthebridge,thelargewoodendoorsthatleadtotheIslandtowerare

open.TheCommandantemerges,backedbyadozenPaters.Hercoldvoiceshakes,theslightesttremorofrage.Behindher,thePaterstakeinthescimsandtorchesandangryfacesarrayedbeforethem.Silently,theguardsstandaside,andwecrossthebridge.

“Shrike,”theCommandantsays.“Youdonotunderstandthedelicateworkingsof—”

“We’redyingouthere!”anangryvoicecallsout.“Whileyoudineonroastfowlandfreshfruitinatowerthatdoesn’tbelongtoyou.”

Ihideasmirk.OneofthePatershadashipmentoffruitdeliveredtotheIslandthreedaysago.IensuredthatnewsofthatdeliverygotbacktothePlebeians.

“GeneralVeturia!”ArunnerarrivesfromtheSoutheastQuarter,andthistimeit’snotoneofmine.“TheKarkaunshavemadelandfall.ThewarlockGrímarrleadsthecharge,andhismenarepouringintotheQuarter.There—therearereportsofpyresbeingbuilt.AgroupofMartialswhowerecaughtrefusedtoswearfealtytoGrímarrandwerethrownonthepyre.Ourtroopsneedorders,sir.”

Kerishesitates.It’sjustonemoment.Oneinstantofweakness.Youwanttodestroyher?Youhavetobecomeherfirst.

“Iamtakingcontrolofthismilitaryoperation.”Ishovepasther,pastthePaters,andmotionAvitasandtheauxsoldierswhohavemovedtothefrontofthecrowdtofollow.“Youhavebeenrelievedofduty,KerisVeturia.Youarewelcometoobserve,asarethePaters.”Letthiswork.Please.

Iheadupthewindingstairs,Avitasandtheauxesatmyback.WhenwereachtheIsland’scommandlevel,Avitaslightsablue-firetorchandwekeepmoving,uptotheroof.Allourhopeslieinthattorch.Itseemssosmallnow,insignificantinthegreatdarknight.

Hewavesitthrice.Wewait.Andwait.Bleedingskies.Wecan’thavegottenthetimingrightoneverypartofthis

planonlyforittogowrongnow.“Shrike!”Harperpointstothewesternsea,where,frombehindacraggyhook

ofland,aforestofmastsemerges.TheMartialfleet.GaspsechofromthePlebeianswhoIensuredfollowedusuptothetopofthe

tower.Toaman,thePatersappeareitherillorterrified.AsfortheCommandant—intheyearsIhaveknownher,I’veneverseenher

shockedorevenmildlysurprised.Now,herfaceandknucklesgosowhiteshecouldbeacorpse.

“Thefleetdidn’tsinkthatnight,”Ihissather.“Itsailedaway.AndyouhadyourjinnmasterstirupoldshipwreckstowashtoshoresothatourpeoplewouldbelievetheMartialfleethadgoneunderandthatIwastoblame.Iwenttothebeach,Keris,gotpastallyourguarddogs.Themasts,thesails,allthedetritusthatwashedup—theywerefromshipsthatmusthavebeenundertheseafordecades.”

“WhywouldIhidethefleet?That’spreposterous.”“BecauseyouneedthoseshipsfortheNightbringer’swarwithMarinnand

theScholars,”Isnapather.“Soyouthoughtyou’dwaitouttheKarkauns.LetafewthousandPlebeiansdie.LetthatbastardGrímarrattackonland.Decimatehisforces.Stealhisships.Suddenly,you’dhaveafleettwicethesizeoftheMariners’.”

“AdmiralArgusandViceAdmiralVisselliuswillneverfollowyourorders.”“Soyouadmitthatthey’realive?”Ialmostlaugh.“I’dwonderedwhytheir

Gensmournedwhiletheirwivesdidn’tappearupsetatall.”Navium’sdrumtowerssuddenlybeginthunderingorders,myowndrummers

sendingmessagesinplaceofthoseDexandhismenkilled.Asquadofrunnersappearsfromthebaseofthewatchtower;theyhadonlybeenawaitingmysignal.IrelayorderstothemenintheSouthwestQuarter,whobynowmustbefacingpitchedbattleswiththeKarkauninvaders.

TheCommandant,Inotice,edgestowardthestairs.Almostimmediately,sheisflankedbymymen,whohaltherretreat.Iwanthertowatch.Iwanthertowitnessherplanunravel.

Avitasholdsoutonelasttorch,andItakeitfirsttothesouthernpartofthetower,nearthesea,andthennorth,towardthewarharbor.

Theheavyclankofchannelchainsdroppingisaudibleevenfromhere.Fromthewarharbor,thelastofthefleet—thosetwodozenshipswedidn’tsendout—emerges.

NoneofthehundredsofPlebeianswatchingfromthebridgebelowcouldmistaketheflagsflyinguponthemasts:twocrossedswordsonafieldofblack.TheoriginalflagofGensVeturia,beforeKerisaddedherfoulKtoit.

Norcouldanyonemistaketheidentityoftheproud,white-hairedfigurestandingatthehelmoftheleadvessel.

“AdmiralArgusandViceAdmiralVisselliusaredead,”IsaytoKeris.“ThefleetnowanswerstoAdmiralQuinVeturius.Veturiamen—trueVeturiamen—manthefleet,alongwithvolunteersfromGensAtria.”

IknowthemomentthatKerisVeturiaunderstandswhatI’vedone.Themomentwhensherealizesthatherfather,whomshehadthoughttobeinhiding,hasarrived.ThemomentthatsherealizesIhavebestedher.Sweatbeadsonherbrow,andsheclenchesandunclenchesherfists.Theneckofheruniformisopen,unbuttonedinagitation.Ispothertattoo:ALW—

Whenshecatchesmelooking,herlipsgothinandsheyanksupthecollar.“Itdidnothavetobethisway,BloodShrike.”TheCommandant’svoiceis

soft,asitalwaysiswhensheisathermostdangerous.“Rememberthat,before

theend.Ifyou’djustgottenoutoftheway,youcouldhavesavedsomany.Butnow...”Sheshrugs.“NowIwillhavetoresorttoharshermeasures.”

Achillripplesacrossmyshoulders,butIforcemyselftoshakeitoffandturntotheBlackGuards,allfromalliedGens.“Gethertotheinterrogationcells.”Idonotwatchthemtakeheraway.Instead,IturntothePaters.

“Whatdidsheofferyou?”Isay.“Amarketforyourgoods?Foryourweapons,PaterTatius?Andyourgrain,PaterModius?Foryourhorses,PaterEquitius,andyourlumber,PaterLignius?Warcreatessuchopportunityforgreedy,cowardlyswindlers,doesitnot?”

“Shrike.”Avitastranslatesadrummessage.“Grímarrturnshisforcesback.He’sseentheattackontheships.Hegoestodefendhisfleet.”

“Itwon’tdoanygood.”IspeakonlytothePaters.“ThesouthernseaswillrunredwiththebloodoftheKarkaunstonight,”Isay.“AndwhenthepeopleofNaviumtellthisstory,theywillspeakyournamesthesamewaytheyspeakoftheKarkauns:withdisgustandscorn.UnlessyouswearyourfealtytoEmperorMarcusFarrarandyourloyaltytomeinhisplace.Unlessyougetyourmenandyourselvesontothoseships”—Inodtothevesselsemergingfromthewarharbor—“andfighttheenemyyourselves.”

Itdoesn’ttakelong.DexremainsattheIslandtooverseethebattleandgetthePlebeiansbacktosafety.AvitasandItakethelastshipoutatmyinsistence.Mybloodrises,hungryforafight,raringtohavemyrevengeonthoseBarbarianbastards,topaythembackforweeksofbombardment.IwillfindGrímarr.Iwillmakehimhurt.

“Shrike.”Avitas,whodisappearedbelowdecks,returnsholdingagleamingwarhammer.

“IfoundthisattheAquillamanor,”hesays,“whenIwascheckingthroughthesupplies.Look.”

TheblackmetalisemblazonedwithfourwordsIknowwell.Loyaltotheend.

ThehammerfitsinmyhandasifIwasbornforit,neithertooheavynortoolight.Oneendhasasharphooktouseforquickkills,andthebluntendisperfectforbashingheads.

Beforetheendofthenight,thehammerseesboth.Whentheskyfinallypales,onlyadozenBarbarianshipsremain,andtheyallmakeaswiftretreatsouth,withQuinVeturiusinhotpursuit.ThoughIhuntedhim,Grímarrthewarlockpriesteludedme.Icaughtasingleglimpseofhim,tallandpaleanddeadly.Hestilllives—butnotforlong,Ithink.

Theshoutsofthemenofourfleetfillmewithfiercejoy.Wewon.Wewon.TheKarkaunsaregone.Quinwilldestroythosewhoremain.ThePlebeians

backedme.AndtheCommandantisimprisoned.Thefullextentofhertreacherywillsoonberevealed.

IarrivebackattheBlackGuardbarracks,armorbloodied,warhammerslungacrossmyback.ThePlebeianswithingiveway,acheerrisingatthesightofme,Harper,andmymen.“BloodSHRIKE.BloodSHRIKE.”Thechantspropelmeupthestairstomyquarters,whereamissivewaits,

sealedwithEmperorMarcus’ssigil.Ialreadyknowwhatitis:apardonforQuinVeturius,reinstatementasPaterofhisGens,andanewpostingforhim—asNavium’sfleetadmiral.Irequesteditdaysago,viasecretdrummessage.Marcus,aftermuchconvincingfromLivia,grantedit.“BloodSHRIKE.BloodSHRIKE.”Someoneknocksonmydoor,andAvitasopensittoanashen-facedDex.My

bodyturnstoleadathisexpression.“Shrike.”Hisvoiceischoked.“AdrummessagejustcameinfromAntium.

You’retoleaveallunfinishedmattersandreturnimmediatelytothecapital.TheEmpress—yoursister—hasbeenpoisoned.”

T

XXIX:Laia

hepastshallburn,andnonewillslowit.TheNightbringertoldmewhatwascoming.Hemightaswellhave

screamedhisplansintomyface.AndIwastoomuchofafooltoseeit.“No—Laia—stop!”Ibarelyhearthevoiceovertheroarofflamesinthe

refugeecamp.IpushthroughthecrowdsofgobsmackedMarinersandScholars,uptowardthecity.Icouldstillmakeittothelibrary.IcouldstillfindthebookontheAugurs.Onlytheupperlevelsofthelibraryburn.Perhapsthelowerlevelshavesurvived—

“Whatthehellsareyoudoing?”Musaspinsmearound,facestreakedwithashesandtears.“TheMarinershavelefttherefugeecamp.They’reheadingtothelibrarytotrytosaveit.TheScholarsneedhelp,Laia!”

“GetDarin!”Ishout.“AndZellaandTaure.Imustgettothelibrary,Musa.”“Aapan,therearestillScholarswho—”“Whenwillyouunderstand?TheResistancedoesn’tmatter.Theonlything

thatmattersisstoppinghim.Becauseifwedon’t,hesetsthejinnfree,andeveryonedies—includingallthosewe’vesaved.”

Hisanswerislostinthepanicallaroundus.Iturnandrun,throwingonmyinvisibilityandcuttingthroughtheMarinerspushingpastthefrontgate.HundredsofAdisa’sresidentspourintothestreets,manywatchingthelibraryburn,stunned,othershopingtohelp.Firebrigadewagonsscreamthroughthestreets,andsoldiersunrollgreatsnakelikehosestopumpwaterinfromthesea.

Iflypastallofthem,thankingtheskiesformyinvisibility.BythetimeIreachtheGreatLibraryitself,blue-robedlibrariansstreamfromthefrontentrances,carryingbooksandscrollsandartifacts,pushingcartsfilledwithpricelesstomes.Manytrytoreturn,buttheblazespreads,andtheircountrymenholdthemback.

Butthereisnoonetostopme,andIsqueezepastthebottleneckofMarinerswhoareescapingthroughthefrontdoors.Thelowerlevelsofthelibraryareasortofcontrolledchaos.AMarinermanstandsatopadesk,bellowingordersatasmallarmyofmenandwomen.TheyobeyasquicklyandefficientlyasifhewereaMaskthreateningwhippings.

Igazeup.Eventhefirstlevelofthisplaceisabsolutelymassive,alabyrinthwithadozenhallwaysbranchingeverywhichway.WhatarethechancesthatabookonAugurprophecieswouldbeonthisfloor?Think,Laia!TheMarinershavebeenentrustedwiththeworld’sknowledge

forcenturiesbecausethey’recarefulandorganized.Whichmeanstheremustbeamaparoundheresomewhere.Ifinditcarvedintoaplaqueonthewallbesidetheheadlibrarian.Thelibraryhasmorethantwentylevelsandsomanytypesofbooksthatmyheadspins.ButjustwhenIbegintodespair,IspotMartialHistory—level3.

Thestairsareemptierthanthelowerlevel—thelibrariansarenotstupidenoughtogototheupperfloors.AsIpassthesecondlevel,smokefillsthestairwellandflamescrackledistantly.Butthepathisclear,anditisn’tuntilIgettothethirdfloorthatIunderstandtheextentofthefire.

Thislevelishalf-engulfed.Butthoughthesmokeisthickandthefirehungry,theshelvestomyrightareuntouched.Ipullmyshirtovermyface,myeyesalreadystreaming,andhurrytowardthem,grabbingabookoffthenearestshelf.AnkaneseSeersandtheLieofForesight.Imovetothenextshelf,whichhasathousandbooksabouttheSouthernLands,andthentothenext,whichisallabouttheTribes.ScholarHistory.ScholarConquest.LacertianMartials.

I’mgettingcloser.Butsoisthefire.WhenIglanceovermyshoulder,Icannolongerseethestairwell.Theflamesmovefasterthantheyshould,andfacestwistwithinthem.Windefrits!Theyusetheirpowertofantheflameshotter,faster—tospreadthem.Icrouchlow.InvisiblethoughImightbe,Idonotknowiftheycanseethroughmymagic,likeghulscan.Iftheyspotme,Iamdonefor.

Thedullgiltofanotherbookcatchesmyeyebecauseofitstitle:AlwaysVictorious:TheLifeandConquestsofGeneralQuinVeturius.

Elias’sgrandfather.Iglanceupandcanjustmakeouttheplaque:MartialHistory.Iscanthetitlesquickly.Everythingonthisshelfappearstobeaboutgeneralsandemperors,andIsnarlinfrustration.WouldthatMusaandIhadgottenbacktothecityfaster!Evenonehourwouldhavemadeallthedifference.Eventenminutes.

I’mclose.Soclose.“Youthere!”Ared-gownedwomanappearsbehindme,deepscarletttattooswindingup

herarms.Thesilverandgoldcoinswovenintoherbrownhairandstrungacrossherforeheadgloworange.Myinvisibilityobviouslydoesn’tworkonher,becauseherpale,kohl-rimmedeyesfixonme.AJaduna.

“YouareLaiaofSerra.”Hereyeswideninsurprisewhenshegetsacloserlookatme,andItakeastepback.Shemusthaveseenmyfaceonthe

proclamationsthatPrincessNiklaplasteredalloverAdisa.“Leavehere,girl.Quickly—thestairsarestillclear.”“IhavetofindabookontheAugurs,ontheirprophecies—”“Youwon’tbealivetoreaditifyoustay.”Shegrabsmyarm,andhertouch

immediatelycoolsmyskin.Magic!Inoticethenthattheairaroundherischillyandclearofsmoke.Thefiredoesn’ttroubleher,despitethefactthatIcanbarelybreathe.

“Please.”Igaspforairandsinklowerasthesmokethickens.“Helpme.Ineedthoseprophecies.TheNightbringer—”

TheJadunadoesnotappeartobelistening.Sheyanksmeforciblytowardthestairs,butIdigmyheelsin.

“Stop!”Itrytowrenchmyarmaway.“TheNightbringerwantstosetthejinnfree.”

Ibabble,desperateforheraid.Butshepullsmeon,employinghermagic,draggingmetosafetywithinexorableforce.

“WeJadunahavenoquarrelwiththejinn,”shesays.“OrtheMeherya.Hisplansdonotconcernus.”

“Everyonebelievesthatnothingconcernsthemuntilthemonstersareknockingontheirdoors!”Shewincesatmyshriek,butIdonotcare.“Untiltheyareburningdownyourhomesanddestroyingyourlivesandkillingyourfamilies!”

“MyresponsibilityistheGreatLibrary,andthatmeansgettingyou—andanyoneelsewhoisindanger—out.”

“Whotheskiesdoyouthinkistoblameforburningthisplacedown?Isn’tthatyourresponsibility?”AsIsayit,thesmokepartsandsomethingwhitebarrelstowarduswithaprecisionthatsuggestsamaliciousconsciousness.Efrit!

“Watchout!”ItackletheJadunaontoherback,cringingasthewindefritpassessoclosethattheskinonmyneckstings.TheJadunarollsoutfromunderme,trackingtheefritwithcoldfury.Shecrooksherfingers,risesandstreakstowardthecreaturelikeacomet,hergownturningice-whiteasshecutsthroughtheflamesanddisappears.Immediately,Iturnbacktotheshelf,butIcannotseeitthroughthesmoke.Gagging,Idropallthewaytomyhandsandkneesandcrawlforward.Laia.Isthewhisperinmyhead?Orisitreal?Someoneinadarkrobekneels

beforeme,peeringdownwithbrighteyes.It’snotreallytheNightbringer.Ifitwere,Iwouldn’tbeabletoholdmyinvisibility.It’saprojectionofsomesort,orghulsplayingtricksonme.Butthatdoesnotlessenmydisgust—ormyfear.You’lldiehere,chokingonsmoke,theNightbringersays.Deadlikeyour

family.Deadfornoreasonatall,beyondyourownfoolishness.Ididwarn

you...“Laia!”TheimageoftheNightbringerdissipates.Thevoicecallingmeisfamiliar—

andreal.Darin.Whatthehellsishedoinghere?Immediately,Ispinabout,scrabblingtowardhisvoiceashecallsmynameagain.Ifindhimatthetopofthestairs,halfofwhicharenowengulfedinflame.Bleedingfool!

Idarenotdropmyinvisibilityforfearofblackingoutagain,butwhenIamclose,Icalloutandgrabhisarm.

“I’mhere!Go,Darin,goback!Ihavetofindsomething!”Butmybrotherlatchesontomeanddragsmedownthestairs.“Webothhave

togo!”heshouts.“Thesecondlevelisgone!”“Ihaveto—”“Youhavetoliveifyouwanttostophim!”Darin’seyesblaze.Heusesallhis

force,andthethirdlevelisnowawalloffirebehindme.Webarreldownthestairs,weavingthroughblazinghunksoffallenmasonry

andaninfernoofburningembers.Iflinchastheylandonmybrother’sbarearms,butheignoresthem,pullingmedown,down,down.Ahugebeamgroans,andDarinonlyjustlungesoutofthewayasitlandsonthestairswithathunderouscrash.Weareforcedtogobackupafewsteps,andIinhalealungfulofsmoke.Mychestburnswithpain,andIdoubleover,unabletostopcoughing.

“Putyourarmaroundme,Laia,”Darinshouts.“Ican’tseeyou!”Skies,Icannotbreathe—Icannotthink.Donotdroptheinvisibility.Darin

mightnotbeabletocarryyououtofhere.Do.Not.Drop.It.Wereachthesecondlevel,andthestairsareengulfed.Ohbleedinghells.I

amafool.Ishouldneverhavecomehere.IfIhadn’t,Darinwouldneverhavefollowed.Nowwewillbothdie.Motherwouldbesoashamedofme,soangryatmyrecklessness.I’msorry,Mother.I’msorry,Father.Ohskies,I’msosorry.ThisishowEliasdied.AtleastI’llseehimagainintheWaitingPlace.AtleastIwillbeabletobidhimfarewell.

DarinseessomethingIdonot:awaythrough.Hedragsmeforward,andIscream.Theheatonmylegsistoomuch.

Andthenwearepasttheworstoftheflames.Mybrothercarriesmenow,liftingmefrommywaistasmyfeetscrapeagainsttheground.Weburstthroughtheburningfrontdoorsandintothenight.Everythingisablur.Icatchanimpressionofscaffoldsandbucketsandpumpsandpeople,somanypeople.

Blacknessengulfsme,andwhenIopenmyeyesagain,IamproppedupagainstthewallofasidestreetwithDarincrouchedinfrontofme,coveredinashandburnsandsobbinginrelief.

“Youaresostupid,Laia!”Heshovesme.Imustbevisibleagain,forhehugsme,shovesmeagain,andhugsmeasecondtime.“You’retheonlyoneIhave.Theonlyoneleft!Didyouevenconsiderthatbeforerunningintoaburningbuilding?”

“I’msorry.”Myvoiceishoarse,barelyaudible.“Ithought...Ihoped...”Skies,thebook.Ididnotfindthebook.Asthefullimpactofmyfailurewashesoverme,Ifeelsick.“The—thelibrary?”

“Itisgone,girl.”DarinandIbothturnasafigurematerializesoutofthedarkness.TheJaduna’sbeautifulreddressisscorchednow,butshestillexudesaphysicalchilliness,winterencasedinskin.Herkohl-rimmedeyesfixonme.“Theefritshavedonetheirworkwell.”

Darinstandsslowly,reachingforhisscim.Idragmyselftomyfeetbesidehim,leaningagainstthewallasdizzinessmakestheworldtilt.TheJadunawillnodoubtarrestusnow.Andthere’snowaywecanoutrunher.Whichmeanssomehow,Ihavetofindthestrengthtofighther.

TheJadunadoesnotapproach.Shemerelyobservesmeforamoment.“Yousavedmylife,”shesays.“Theefritwouldhavekilledme.Ioweyoua

debt.”“Pleasedonotarrestus,”Isay.“Leaveusbe—thatwillberepayment

enough.”Iexpectaretort,butsheonlywatchesmewiththatinscrutablegaze.“Youare

youngtostandsodeeplyintheshadow.”Shesniffsatme.“Youarelikehim—yourfriend.TheonetheycallMusa.Ihaveseenhiminthecity,whisperinghisstories,usingtheswayinhisvoicetocreatealegend.Bothofyou—taintedbydarkness.Youmustcometomyhome,toKotama,intheeast.Mypeoplecanhelpyou.”

Ishakemyhead.“Icannotgoeast.NotwhentheNightbringerisstillathreat.”

Thewomanshakesherhead,bemused.“TheMeherya?”“Yousaidthatbefore,”Isay.“Idonotknowwhatitmeans.”“Itishisname,LaiaofSerra.Hisfirst,truestname.Itdefinesallhehasdone

andallhewilldo.Hisstrengthisinhisname,andhisweakness.But”—sheshrugs—“thatisoldmagic.TheNightbringer’svengeancehaslongbeenforetold.Youwouldbewisetoleavehere,LaiaofSerra,andgotoKotama—”

“IdonotcareaboutKotama.”Ilosemytemper,forgettingthatIamspeakingtoawomanwhocanprobablykillinadozenwayswithatwistofherhand.“Ihavetostophim.”

“Why?”Sheshakesherhead.“Ifyoustophim,doyounotknowwhatwillhappen?Theconsequence,thedevastation—”

T

“IdonotknowhowIwillstophimnow,inanycase.”Thewindrises,andscreamsechofromthestreetbeyond—thefireisin

dangerofspreadingtothecity.TheJadunafrownsandlooksoverhershoulderbeforesnappingherfingers.Somethingsmallandrectangularappearsinherhands.“Perhapsthiswillhelp.”

Shetossesittome.Itisathick,heavybookwithsilverlettersembossedontheside.AHistoryofSeersandProphetsintheMartialEmpirebyFifiusAntoniusTullius.

“That,”theJadunasays,“issufficientrepaymentofadebt.Remembermyoffer.IfyoucometoKotama,askforD’arju.SheisthefinestteacherintheBayofTears.Shewillhelpyoucontrolthedarkness,lestitgrowbeyondyourken.”

TheJadunadisappears.Iopenthebooktofindagildedimageofamaninadarkrobe.Hisfaceishidden,buthishandsarebleachedofcolorandhisredeyeslookoutfromhisshadowedcowl.AnAugur.

DarinandIexchangeaglanceandthenhurryawayfromtheplacebeforetheJadunachangeshermind.

wohourslater,mybrotherandItearthroughAdisa’sstreets.IhopetotheskiesMusaisbackattheforge,becauseIhavenotimetohunthimdownin

therefugeecamp.Notnow.NotafterwhatI’vejustread.Tomyrelief,theforgeislitwhenIgotearingin,andMusasitsinthemain

room,Zellatendingtoaburnonhisarm.Heopenshismouth,butIdonotlethimspeak.

“TheShrikesurvivedanassassinationattempt,”Isay.“Doyouknowhow?Whenithappened?Whatthecircumstanceswere?”

“Sitdown,atleast—”“Ineedtoknownow,Musa!”Hegrumblesanddisappearsintohisroom.Ihearhimriflingaroundandthen

returningwithastackofscrolls.Igrabforone,buthesmacksmyhand.“Theseonesareincode.”Longminutespassashereadsoneafteranother.“Ah—here.ShewasstabbedbyoneofKeris’sminions,”hesays.“Oneofhermentransportedhertothebarracks.TheNightbringerwasseenleavingherquarters,andtwonightslatershewasbacktoissuingorders.”

IflipthebookabouttheAugursopentoapageI’vemarked.“Read,”Isay.“Thebloodofthefatherandthebloodofthesonareharbingersofdarkness,”

Musareads.“TheKingshalllighttheButcher’spath,andwhentheButcher

bowstothedeepestloveofall,nightapproaches.OnlytheGhostmaystandagainsttheonslaught.ShouldtheLioness’sheirclaimtheButcher’spride,itwillevanesce,andthebloodofsevengenerationsshallpassfromtheearthbeforetheKingmayseekvengeanceagain.CursetheAugurs,thismakesnosense.”

“Itdoes,”Isay,“ifyouknowthattheshrikeisatypeofbirdknownforimpalingitspreyonthornsbeforeitconsumesit.Ireaditinabookonce.Peoplecallitthe‘butcherbird.’That’swherethenameBloodShrikecomesfrom.”

“Thisprophecycan’tbetalkingabouther,”Musasays.“Whatabouttheotherprophecy?TheButcherwillbreak,andnonewillholdher.”

“Maybethatparthasn’thappenedyet,”Darinoffers.“We’relookingforapieceoftheStar,right?DothosereportssayanythingabouttheBloodShrikewearingjewelry?Oristhereaweaponshealwayshasnearher?”

“Shehas—”Musariflesthroughthescrollsagainbeforecockinghisheadandlistening.Oneofhiswightschittersswiftly.“Aring?Yes—shehastheringoftheBloodShrike,receivedinthefalloflastyear,whensheassumedtheoffice.AndshehastheringofGensAquilla.”

“When,”Iask,“didshegetthatring?”“Idon’tbleeding—”Hecockshisheadagain.“Herfathergaveittoher,”

Musasays.“Beforehedied.Thedayhedied.”Thebloodofthefather.Itmusthavegottenontheringwhenhedied.Andof

courseitwouldbeherpridebecauseit’sasymbolofherfamily.“AndtheNightbringer?”Isay.“He’sbeeninNaviumallthistime?”IknowtheanswerbeforeMusanods.“Doyouseenow,Musa?”Itwistthe

armletEliasgavemearoundmyarm.“TheNightbringerstayedinNaviumbecausehistargetwastherethewholetime.Heneverhadtoleave.Shehasit—theBloodShrikehasthelastpieceoftheStar.”

B

XXX:Elias

anual-Mauth.AsIwanderthecityofthejinn,avoicecallsout,penetratingdistantly,a

hair-thinfishinglinecastintoanendlessocean.ButIknowwhoitis.AubaritAra-Nasur.TheFakira.Itoldherthatifsheneededme,sheshouldcometotheedgeoftheForestandcallme.

ButIcan’tgotoher.NotwithallthatInowknow.ForIunderstand,finally,whyMauthforbidshisSoulCatcherstheirhumanity.Humanitymeansemotions.Emotionsmeaninstability.Mauth’sentirepurposeistobridgetheworldofthelivingandthedead.Instabilitythreatensthat.

Theknowledgebringsmeastrangesortofpeace.Idon’tknowhowIwillreleasemyhumanity.Idon’tknowifIcan.ButatleastIknowwhyIshould.

Mauthstirs.Themagicrisesupfromtheearthinadarkmist,fusingintoatenuousvine.Ireachforit.Themagicislimited,asifMauthdoesn’ttrustmeenoughtogivememore.

IleavethecityofjinnandamimmediatelyconfrontedbyacloudofghostssothickIcanbarelyseethroughthem.

Banual-Mauth.Helpus.ThepleainAubarit’svoiceisaudible,evenfromhere.Shesoundsterrified.

Sorry,Aubarit.I’msorry.ButIcan’t.“Littleone.”Istartleattheghostwhohasmaterializedbeforeme.TheWisp.

Shecirclesingreatagitation.“Youmustcome,”shewhispers.“Yourpeoplefade.Yourfamily.Theyneed

youthewaymyloveyneededme.Gotothem.Go.”“My...family?”MymindgoestotheCommandant,theMartials.“Yourtruefamily.Thedesertsingers,”theWispsays.“Theirpainisgreat.

Theysuffer.”Ican’tgotothem,notnow.Imustpasstheghoststhroughorthey’llkeep

buildingup,thejinnwillkeepstealingmagic,andI’llbestuckdealingwithanevenbiggerproblemthanIalreadyhave.

Banual-Mauth.Helpus.Please.

ButiftheTribesareindanger,Imustatleasttrytoseewhy.PerhapssomesmallactofminecanhelpthemandIcanstillreturntotheForestquicklyandcontinuewithmytask.

Itrynottopayattentiontothewaytheearthcracksbehindme,thewaytheghostsscreamandthetreesmoan.WhenIreachthesouthernborder,IbolsterthewallwithmyphysicalmagictomakesurenoghostsfollowmeandmakeforthedistantglimmerofTribalwagons.

OnceI’moutoftheWaitingPlace,Ihearafamiliartattoo:Martialdrums.Theclosestgarrisonismilesaway,buttheechoisominous,evenfromhere.Thoughthedrumbeatsaretoofarawayformetotranslate,alifetimeofMartialtrainingtellsmethatwhateverishappening,it’snotgood.AndthatitconcernstheTribes.

WhenIreachthecamp,ithasexplodedinsize.WherebeforetherewereonlyTribeNasurandTribeSaif,therearenowmorethanathousandwagons.Itlookslikeamajilees,ameetingoftheTribes,calledonlyinthemostdireofcircumstances.

WhichputsthousandsuponthousandsofTribespeopleinoneplace.IfIwereaMartialgeneralattemptingtoputdownanyhintofinsurgencyandtakeslaves,thiswouldbetheperfectplacetodoit.

Childrenscatteratmyapproach,hidingundercarts.Thestenchisawful—sicklysweet—andIspotthecarcassesoftwohorseslefttorotinthesun,acloudoffliesbuzzingabovethem.

DidtheMartialsalreadyattack?Butno,ifthey’dbeenthroughhere,theywouldhavetakenthechildrenasslaves.

Tothenorth,Ispotacircleofheart-stoppinglyfamiliarwagons.TribeSaif.Myfamily.

Iapproachthewagonsslowly,waryofwhatI’llfind.WhenI’monlyafewyardsaway,abizarrespectermaterializesinfrontofme.It’snothuman—Iknowthatrightaway.Butit’snottransparentenoughtobeaghost.Itappearstobesomethinginbetween.Atfirst,Idon’trecognizeit.Then,itswarpedfeaturesbecometerrifyinglyfamiliar.ItisUncleAkbi,theheadofTribeSaifandMamieRila’solderbrother.Uncleputmeonmyfirstponyattheageofthree.ThefirsttimeIreturnedtoTribeSaifasaFiver,hesobbedandheldmelikeIwashisowntrueson.

Thespectershamblestowardme,andIbringupmyblade.It’snotaspirit.Whatthehellsisit?EliasVeturius,thestrangehalfghostofmyunclehissesinSadhese.She

neverwantedyou.Whatwouldshewantwithasqualling,pale-eyedthing?She

onlytookyoubecauseshefearedtheevileyeuponher.Andwhathaveyoubroughtbutevilandsuffering,deathandruin—

Irecoil.WhenIwasachild,IfearedthatUncleAkbithoughtsuchthings.Butheneversaidthem.Come—comeandseewhatyourfailurehaswrought.Thespecterdriftstothe

Saifcamp,wheresixTribespeoplelieoncotsinarow.Theyallappeartobedead.

IncludingUncleAkbi.“No—ohno—”Irushtohim.WhereintenhellsistherestofTribeSaif?

WhereisMamie?Howdidthishappen?“Banual-Mauth!”Aubaritappearsbehindme,burstingintotearsatthesight

ofme.“IhavebeentotheForestadozentimes.Youmusthelpus,”shewails.“TheTribeshavefallentomadness.Therearetoomany—”

“Whatthebleedinghellshappened?”“Afortnightago,justafteryouleft,anotherTribearrived.Theykeptcoming,

oneafteranother.SomehadlosttheirFakirs,andallwerestrugglingtomoveontheirdead—thesamestruggleIhadwithmygrandfather.Andthen,twodaysago—”

Sheshakesherhead.RightwhenIdisappearedintotheForest.“Theghostsofthedeadstoppedmovingonaltogether.Theirbodieswillnotdie,andtheirruh—theirspirits—willnotleavethem.Eventhosewithgrievousinjurieslingeron.They—theyaremonstrous.”TheFakirashudders.“Theytormenttheirfamilies.Theyaredrivingtheirownkintosuicide.Your—yourunclewasoneofthose.Butyoucanseewhathashappened.Thosewhotrytokillthemselvesalsodonotdie.”

Athinfigurematerializesfromoneofthewagonsandthrowsherselfinmyarms.Iwouldn’thaverecognizedherhadInotheardhervoice,tiredbutstillrich,stillfilledwithstory.

“Mamie?”Shehaswastedawaytonothing.Iwanttocurseandrageatthefrailtyofheroncestrongarms,thegauntnessofheroncebeautifullyroundedface.ShelooksasstunnedtoseemeasIamtoseeher.

“AubaritAra-NasurtoldmeyoudwellintheForest,amongthespirits,”shesays.“ButI—Ididnotbelieveit.”

“Mamie.”TraditiondemandsthatImournUncleAkbiwithher.ThatIshareherpain.Butthere’snotimeforsuchthings.Itakeherhandsinmine.TheyarecolderthanI’veeverfeltthem.“YouhavetodispersetheTribes.It’sdangeroushavingthemallhereinoneplace.Doyouhearthedrums?”Fromthemystifiedlookonherface,Irealizethatshe—andlikelymostoftherestofthecamp—hasnotnoticedthefrenzyofMartialactivity.

WhichmeanstheEmpireisplanningsomethingevennow.AndtheTribeshavenoidea.

“Aubarit,”Isay.“IneedtofindAfya—”“I’mhere,Banual-Mauth.”Afya’sformalitystings.TheTribeswoman

shufflestowardme,shouldersslumped.IwanttoaskherhowGibranis,butpartofmeisafraidtofindout.“Newsofyourarrivalspreadquickly.”

“GetscoutsouttoallpointsotherthantheForest,”Isay.“IthinktheMartialsarecoming.AndIthinkthey’regoingtohithard.Youneedtobeready.”

Afyashakesherhead,andherold,defiantselfappears.“Howcanwebereadywhenourdeadwon’tdieandwearehauntedbytheirspirits?”

“We’llworryaboutthatwhenweknowwhatwe’reupagainst,”Isayquickly,thoughIhavenoideawhattheansweris.“PerhapsIamwrongandtheMartialsarejustcarryingoutdrills.”

ButI’mnotwrong,andAfyaknowsit.Shemovesoffquickly,andherTribesmensurroundherasshebeginsgivingorders.Gibranisn’tamongthem.

IconsidertheTribes—therearesomany.Andyet...“Aubarit,Mamie,”Isay.“CanyougetatleastsomeoftheTribestoheadsouth—toscatter?”

“Theywillnotgo,Elias.Yourunclecalledamajilees.Butbeforewecouldhaveit,threeoftheotherTribes’chieftainsweredrivenmadbythespirits.Twothrewthemselvesintothesea,andyouruncle...”TearsfillMamie’seyes.“Everyoneistooafraidtoleave.Theybelievethereisstrengthinnumbers.”

“Youmustdosomething,Banual-Mauth,”Aubaritwhispers.“Theruhofourownpeoplearedestroyingus.IftheMartialscome,alltheywillhavetodoisroundusup.Wearealreadydefeated.”

Isqueezeherhand.“Notyet,Aubarit.Notyet.”ThisistheworkofthebleedingNightbringer.Heissowingevenmorechaos

bydestroyingtheTribes.Destroyingmyfriends.DestroyingTribeSaif,myfamily.Iknowit,assurelyasIknowmyname.IturntotheForest,reachingouttoMauth.

ThenIstop.ReachingforthemagictosavethelivesofpeopleIloveisexactlywhatMauthdoesn’twishmetodo.Forus,Elias,dutymustreignoverallelse.Lovecannotlivehere.Imustcurtailmyemotions.Mytimeinthejinncitytaughtmethat.ButIdon’tknowhow.

Ido,however,knowwhatitistobeaMask.Cold.Murderous.Emotionless.Aubaritspeaksup.“Banu—”“Silence.”Thevoiceismine,butsharpandcold.Irecognizeit.TheMask

within,theMaskIthoughtI’dneverhavetobeagain.“Elias!”Mamieisaffrontedbymyrudeness.Shetaughtmebetter.ButIturn

myfacetoher—thefaceofKerisVeturia’sson—andshetakesastepback

beforedrawingherselfup.Despiteallthat’shappening,she’sstillaKehanni,andshewillbrooknodisrespect,leastofallfromherchildren.

ButAubarit,perhapssensingthestormofthoughtsinmyhead,putsagentlehandonMamie’swrist,quietingher.Dutyfirst,untodeath—Blackcliff’smotto,whichreturnsnowtohauntme.

Dutyfirst.IturnmymindtoMauthagain,butthistime,Iconsider.Ineedtostopthe

ghostssothattheTribescanmovethemon.SothatIcanreturntotheForesttodomyduty.

Iwantsobadlyforthemagictorespond.Forittocommunicatewithme.Toguideme.TotellmewhatIshoulddo.

Achildhowlsfromnearby,aheartbreakingsound.Ishouldgotohim.Ishouldseewhat’swrong.Instead,Iignoreit.IpretendIamShaeva,coldandunfeeling,attendingmydutybecausethatismyonlyconcern.IpretendIamaMask.

FarintheForest,Ifeelthemagicrise.Lovecannotlivehere.Irepeatthewordsinmyhead.AsIdo,themagic

twinesoutoftheForest,inchingtowardtheMaskinmewhilestillwaryoftheman.IharnessthatoldpatiencetheCommandantdrilledintousatBlackcliff.Iwatch,Iwait,calmasanassassinstalkingamark.

Whenthemagicfinallyseepsintome,Igrabontoit.Aubarit’seyeswiden,forshemustsensethesuddeninfluxofpower.

Theparadoxofthemagictearsatme.IneedittosavethepeopleIcareabout,butIcan’tcareaboutthemifIwanttousethemagic.Lovecannotlivehere.Immediately,themagicfillsmysight,andthatwhichwashiddenbecomes

apparent.Darkshadowsclustereverywherelikemalignanttumorsinatorturedbody.Ghuls.Ikickoutatthosecloseby,andtheyscatterbutcomebackalmostimmediately.TheycongregatenearthetentswhereAubaritandtheotherFakirshaveputthosewhoareafflicted.

Reliefsweepsthroughme,forthesolutiontothisissosimplethatIamangryIdidn’tseetheghulsbefore.

“Youneedsalt,”IsaytoAubaritandMamie.“Thoseafflictedbythismaladyaresurroundedbyghuls,whoholdontotheirspirits.Putsaltaroundthosewhoshouldbedead.Theghulshateit.Ifyoudispersethosefoulcreatures,theafflictedwillpass,andyoushouldbeabletocommunewiththespiritsagain.”

AubaritandMamiedisappearalmostimmediatelytofindsaltandtotelltheotherTribesoftheantidote.Astheysprinklethesaltaroundtheafflicted,thehissesandsnarlsofthwartedghulsfilltheair,thoughI’mtheonlyonewhocan

hearthem.IwalkwiththeFakirathroughthecamp,themagicstillwithme,ensuringthattheghulsarenotsimplywaitingformetoleavebeforeslinkingback.

IpreparetoreturntotheWaitingPlacewhenadistantshoutstopsmeinmytracks.Afyapullsherhorseupbesideme.

“TheMartialshavemusteredalegion,”shesays.“Nearlyfivethousandmen.They’removingagainstus.Andthey’recomingswiftly.”Bleedinghells.ThemomentIthinkit—themomentmyworryfortheTribes

rises—Mauth’smagicleavesme.Ifeelemptywithouthim.Weak.“WhenwilltheMartialsgethere,Afya?”Tellmethey’reafewdaysaway.

PerhapsifIwishforit,itwillbetrue.Tellmethey’restilloutfittingtheirtroops,preparingweapons,readyingfortheassault.

Afya’svoiceshakeswhensheanswers.“Bydawn.”

PARTIII

ANTIUM

A

XXXI:TheBloodShrike

vitasHarperandIdonotstoptoeat.Wedonotstoptosleep.Wedrinkfromourcanteensasweride,haltingonlytochangehorsesatacourier’s

station.Icanhealmysister.Ican.IfonlyIcangettoher.Threedaysintothejourney,wereachSerra,anditistherethatIfinallystop,

draggedbodilyoffmyhorsebyAvitas,unabletofightbackbecauseoffatigueandhunger.

“Getoffme!”“Youwilleat.”Harperisequallyenraged,hispalegreeneyesbrightashe

pullsmetowardthedooroftheBlackGuardbarracks.“Youwillrest.Oryoursisterhasnohope,andneitherdoestheEmpire.”

“Ameal,”Isay.“Andtwohoursofsleep.”“Twomeals,”hesays.“Andfourhoursofsleep.Takeitorleaveit.”“Youdon’thaveanysiblings,”Isnarl.“Notanywhoknowwhoyouare,

anyway.Evenifyoudid,youdidn’twatchasyourfamily—youweren’tthereasonthey—”

Myeyesburn.Don’tcomfortme,IscreaminmyheadatHarper.Don’tyoudare.

Harperwatchesmeforamomentbeforeturningaway,snappingattheguardondutytogetfoodandquartersready.Whenheturnsback,Iamcomposed.

“Doyouwishtosleephereinthebarracks,”Harpersays,“orinyouroldhome?”

“Mysisterismyhome,”Isay.“UntilIreachher,itdoesn’tmatterwhereIbleedingsleep.”

Atsomepoint,Ifallasleephalf-slumpedinachair.WhenIwakeinthemiddleofthenight,plaguedbynightmares,Iaminmyquarters,ablankettuckedaroundme.

“Harper—”Herisesoutoftheshadows,hesitatingatthefootofmycotbeforekneelingbesidemyhead.Hishairismussed,hissilverfaceunguarded.Heputsawarmhandonmyshoulderandnudgesmebacktothepillow.For

T

once,hiseyesaretransparent,filledwithconcernandexhaustionandsomethingelseIdon’tquiterecognize.Iexpecthimtolifthishandaway,buthedoesn’t.

“Sleepnow,Shrike.Justalittlelonger.”

endaysafterleavingSerra,wearriveinAntium,coatedinsweatandgrimefromtheroad,ourhorsespantingandlathered.“She’sstillalive.”FarismeetsAvitasandmeatAntium’smassiveiron

portcullis,warned,nodoubt,ofourapproachbythecityguardsmen.“Youweresupposedtoprotecther.”Igrabhimbythethroat,myanger

lendingmestrength.Theguardsatthegatebackaway,andagroupofScholarslavesmortaringanearbywallscatter.“Youweresupposedtokeephersafe.”

“Punishme,ifyouwish,”Farischokesout.“Ideserveit.Butgotoherfirst.”Ishovehimawayfromme.“Howdidithappen?”“Poison,”hesaid.“Slow-acting.Skiesonlyknowwherethatmonstergotit

from.”Keris.Thiswasherhandiwork.Ithadtohavebeen.ThankthebleedingskiessheisstillimprisonedinNavium.

“WeusuallywaitsixhoursbetweenwhenLivia’stasterstestherfoodandwhensheeatsit,”Farisgoeson.“EitherRalliusorIhaveoverseenthetestersourselves.Butthistime,ittookmorethansevenhoursforhertasterstodropdead.She’donlyhadthefoodinherforanhour,andwewereabletopurgeherenoughsothatshedidn’tdieimmediately,but...”

“Thechild?”“Alive,accordingtothemidwife.”Thepalaceiscalm.Farishas,atleast,keptnewsoftheEmpress’spoisoning

close.IexpectMarcustobenearby,butheisatcourt,listeningtopetitioners,andisn’texpectedbackintheroyalquartersforhours.Asmallmercy,butawelcomeone.

FarispausesoutsideLivia’sdoor.“She’snotwhatyouremember,Shrike.”WhenIentermysister’sroom,Ihardlynoticeherladies-in-waiting,who

wearexpressionsofgenuinemourning.Itmakesmehatethemalittlelessforbeingsoveryalivewhilemysisterhoversneardeath.

“Out,”Itellthem.“Everyone.Now.Anddon’tbleedingsayawordaboutthistoanyone.”

Theyfileoutquicklybutreluctantly,lookingbackatmysisterwithsadlonging.Liviaalwayscouldmakefriendsquickly—shetreatseveryonewithsuchrespect.

Whenthewomenhavefinallyleft,IturntoHarper.“Guardthedoorwithyourlife,”Isay.“Noonecomesin.Idon’tcareifit’stheEmperorhimself.Findawaytokeephimout.”

Avitassalutes,andthedoorissecurelylockedbehindme.Livia’sroomisladenwithshadows,andsheliesasstillasdeathinthebed,

herfacebloodless.Iseenowound,butIcanfeelthepoisontwistingthroughherbody,amercilessfoeeatingawayatherinsides.Herbreathingisshallow,hercolorpoor.Thatshe’ssurvivedthislonginsuchaweakenedstateisableedingmiracle.

“Notamiracle,BloodShrike.”Ashadowstepsfrombesideherbed,ink-cloakedandsun-eyed.

“Whatareyoudoinghere?”Theskies-forsakenjinnhadtohaveknownwhattheCommandantwasdoing.Hemightevenhaveprocuredthepoisonforher.

“Youwearyourthoughtsopenly,likeyouwearyourblades,”theNightbringersays.“TheCommandantisnotsotransparent.Ididnotknowofherplan.ButIwasabletoholdyoursisterinstasisuntilyouarrived.Itisuptoyounowtohealher.”

“Tellmewhyyou’rehelpingme,”Idemand,enragedthatIhavetospeaktohim,thatIcannotimmediatelybegintohelpLivvy.“Nolies.Tellmethetruth.You’reKeris’sally.Youhavebeenforyears.Thiswasherdoing.Whatgameareyouplaying?”

Foralongmoment,Ithinkthathewilldenybeingadoubleagent.Orthathewillgrowangryandlashmetobits.

Whenhedoesfinallyspeak,it’swithgreatcare.“YouhavesomethingIwant,Shrike.Somethingwhosevalueyoudonotyetrealize.Butinorderformetouseit,itmustbegiveninlove.Intrust.”

“You’retryingtowinmyloveandtrust?Iwillnevergrantit.”“Yourlove,no,”hesays.“Iwouldnotexpectit,inanycase.Butyourtrust,

yes.Iwantyourtrust.Andyouwillgiveittome.Youmust.Onedaysoon,youwillbetested,child.Allthatyoucherishwillburn.Youwillhavenofriendsthatday.Noallies.Nocomradesinarms.Onthatday,yourtrustinmewillbeyouronlyweapon.ButIcannotmakeyoutrustme.”HestepsbacktoallowmeaccesstoLivia.

Withoneeyeonthejinn,Iexaminehermoreclosely.Ilistentoherheart.Ifeelherheart,herbody,herbloodwithmymind.TheNightbringerdidnotlieabouther.Thispoisonisnotoneahumancouldsurvivewithouthelp.

“Youwasteprecioustime,BloodShrike,”theNightbringersays.“Sing.Iwillholdheruntilsheisreadytoholdherself.”

Ifhe’dwantedtohurtme,trulyhurtme,he’dhaveletherdie.He’dhavealreadykilledme.

Livia’ssongflowsfrommylipseasily.Ihaveknownhersinceshewasababy.Iheldher,cuddledher,lovedher.Isingofherstrength.IsingofthesweetnessandhumorthatIknowstilllivewithinher,despitethehorrorsshehasendured.Ifeelherbodystrengthening,herbloodregenerating.

ButasIknitherbacktogether,somethingisnotright.Imovedownfromherhearttoherbelly.Myconsciousnessflinchesback.

Thebaby.He—andmysisterisright,itisahe—sleepsnow.Butthereissomething

wrongwithhim.Hisheartbeat,whichinstincttellsmeshouldsoundlikethegentle,swiftthudofabird’swings,istooslow.Hisstill-developingmindtoosluggish.Heslipsawayfromus.

Skies,whatisthechild’ssong?Idonotknowhim.IknownothingabouthimexceptthatheispartMarcusandpartLiviaandthatheisouronlychanceforaunifiedEmpire.“Whatdoyouwanthimtobe?”theNightbringerasks.Athisvoice,Ijump,

sodeepinhealingthatIforgothewashere.“Awarrior?Aleader?Adiplomat?Hisruh,hisspirit,iswithin,butitisnotyetformed.Ifyouwishhimtolive,thenyoumustshapehimfromwhatisthere—hisblood,hisfamily.Butknowthatindoingso,youwillbeboundtohimandhispurposeforever.Youwillneverbeabletoextricateyourself.”

“Heisfamily,”Iwhisper.“Mynephew.Iwouldn’twanttoextricatemyselffromhim.”

Ihum,searchingforhissong.DoIwanthimtobelikeme?LikeElias?CertainlynotlikeMarcus.

IwanthimtobeanAquilla.AndIwanthimtobeaMartial.SoIsingmysisterLiviaintohim—herkindnessandlaughter.Isinghimmyfather’sconvictionandprudence.Mymother’sthoughtfulnessandintelligence.IsinghimHannah’sfire.

Ofhisfather,Isingonlyonething:hisstrengthandskillinbattle—onequickword,sharpandstrongandclear—Marcusiftheworldhadnotruinedhim.Ifhehadnotallowedhimselftoberuined.

Butthereissomethingmissing.Ifeelit.ThischildwillonedaybeEmperor.Heneedssomethingdeeplyrooted,somethingthatwillsustainhimwhennothingelsewill:aloveofhispeople.

Thethoughtappearsinmyheadasifit’sbeenplantedthere.SoIsinghimmyownlove,theloveIlearnedinthestreetsofNavium,infightingformy

people,inthemfightingforme.TheloveIlearnedintheinfirmary,healingchildrenandtellingthemnottofear.

Hisheartbeginstobeatintimeagain;hisbodystrengthens.Ifeelhimgivemysisteranalmightykick,and,relieved,Iwithdraw.

“Welldone,Shrike.”TheNightbringerstands.“Shewillsleepnow,andsomustyou,ifyoudonotwishforthehealingtoravageyourstrength.Stayawayfromanyinjuredpeople,ifyoucan.Yourpowerwillcalltoyou.Itwilldemandtobeheard,used,reveledin.Youmustresist,lestyoudestroyyourself.”

Withthat,hefadesaway,andIlookbackatLivvy,sleepingpeacefully,thecolorreturnedtoherface.Tentatively,Ireachoutahandtowardherbelly,drawntothelifewithin.Ikeepmyhandthereforalongwhile,myeyesfillingwhenIfeelanotherkick.

Iamabouttospeaktothechildwhenthecurtainsbesidethebedrustle.Immediately,Iscrambleforthewarhammerstrappedacrossmyback.ThesoundcomesfromthehallwaybetweenMarcus’sroomandLivvy’s.Mystomachsinks.Ididn’teventhinktocheckthatentrance.Shrike,youfool!

Amomentlater,EmperorMarcusstepsoutfrombehindthedrapesthere,smiling.Maybehedidn’tseemehealingLivia.Maybehedoesn’tknow.It’sbeenafew

minutes.Hecouldn’thavebeenwatchingthatwholetime.TheNightbringerwouldhaveseenhim,sensedhim.

ButthenIrememberthatMarcuslearnedtokeeptheAugursoutofhisheadfromtheNightbringer.Perhapshelearnedtokeepthejinnouttoo.

“You’vebeenkeepingsecrets,Shrike,”Marcussays,hiswordsdashinganyhopesIhadofkeepingmymagictomyself.“YouknowIdon’tlikesecrets.”

I

XXXII:Laia

thadtobetheBloodShrike.Itcouldn’tbesomesoft-handedcourtierorempty-headedstableboy—someoneIcouldsnitchtheringoffof.“HowtheskiesamIsupposedtogetitfromher?”Ipaceinthecourtyardof

thesmithy.Thenightisdeep,andTaureandZellahavereturnedtotherefugeecamptohelp,astheMarinershaveallbutabandonedtheScholarstotheelements.

“Eveninvisible,”Isay,“itwillbeonherfinger.SheisaMask,forskies’sake.AndiftheNightbringerisnearher,Idon’tknowifmyinvisibilitywillwork.ItwilltakemetwomonthsjusttogettoNavium.ButtheGrainMoonislessthansevenweeksaway.”

“She’snotinNavium,”Musasays.“She’sheadedforAntium.Wecansendsomeonewhoisalreadyinthecitytotakeit.Ihaveplentyofpeople.”

“Oryourwights,”Darinsays.“Whatifthey—”Ascreechingchitterdisabusesusofthatnotion.“Theywon’ttouchanypart

oftheStar,”Musasaysafterlisteningforamoment.“TooafraidoftheNightbringer.”

“Inanycase,readitagain.”Inodatthebookbeforehim.“OnlytheGhostmaystandagainsttheonslaught.ShouldtheLioness’sheirclaimtheButcher’spride,itwillevanesce.I’mmymother’sheir,Musa.Youchosemeyourself.AndI’mtheGhost.Whoelsedoyouknowwhocandisappear?”

“Ifyou’retheGhost,”Musasays,“what’sthisbusinessaboutyoufalling...yourfleshwithering?OramIrememberingthisShaeva’sprophecywrong?”

Ihadn’tforgotten.TheGhostwillfall,herfleshwillwither.“Itdoesn’tmatter,”Isay.“Doyouwanttoriskthefateoftheworldontrying

tofigureitout?”“PerhapsIdon’twanttoriskyou,aapan,”Musasays.“Therefugeecampisa

disaster.Wehavealmosttenthousandhomeless,anotherthousandinjured.WeneedyouasavoicefortheScholars.Weneedyouasourscimandshield.Andwe’llneedyoumoreiftheNightbringersucceeds.Ifyougetyourselfkilled,youdon’tdomemuchgood.”

F

“Youknewthiswasthedealwhenyoumadeit,”Isay.“YouhelpmefindthelastpieceoftheStarandtakedowntheNightbringer,andwhenIgetback,IoffermyselfasleaderofthenorthernResistance.Besides,ifallgoestoplan,theNightbringerwon’tsucceed.”

“TheMartialswillstillattack.Maybenotimmediately,butitwillhappen.TheCommandanthasalreadytriedtoseizetheMartialnavyaswellastheKarkaunfleet.Shefailed,butit’scommonknowledgeshewantedthoseshipstotakeontheMariners.TheFreeLandsneedtobereadyforwar.AndtheScholarsneedastrongvoicetospeakupforthemwhenthatdaycomes.”

“It’snotgoingtomatterifwe’realldead.”“Lookatyou.”Musashakeshishead.“Halfoutthedoor,likeyoucanjust

tearoffforAntiumthisveryinstant.”“TheGrainMoonislittlemorethansixweeksaway,Musa.Ihavenotime.”“Whatdoyoupropose?”Darinasks.“Laia’sright—wehavenotime.”“YourfaceisknownintheEmpire.TheNightbringercanreadyourmind,

andyourinvisibilityceasestoworkaroundhim.YouneedpeopletobackyouinAntium,”Musasays.“PeoplewhoknowthecityandtheMartials.Ican,ofcourse,providethis.WeletthemcomeupwithaplantogetyouclosetotheShrike.Thatway,itcan’tbepickedfromyourmind.”

“Anditcan’tbepickedfromtheirs?”“Mypeople—well,person—istrainedtokeepoutinvaders.Mindlikeasteel

trapandasquietandcleverasawraith.However...”“Nohowever,”Isay,alarmed.“Whateveryouwantmetodo,I’lldoitwhenI

getback.”“I’vehardlyaskedanythingofyouyet,Laia.”“Somethingtellsmeyou’reabouttomakeupforthat,”Darinmurmurs.“Indeed.”Musarisesfromhisseatbesideoneoftheforges,wincingashe

does.“Comewithme.I’llexplainontheway.Though”—helooksmeupanddowndistastefully—“youneedtovisitthebathfirst.”

Asuddensuspicionformsinmymind.“Wherearewegoing?”“Tothepalace.Tospeakwiththeking.”

ourhourslater,IperchuponanoverstuffedchairinapalaceantechamberbesideMusa,awaitinganaudiencewithamanIhavenowishtomeet.“Thisisaterribleidea,”IhissatMusa.“Wehavenosupportfromthe

refugeesortheAdisanScholars,noResistancefightersatourbacks—”

“You’releavingforAntiumtohuntdownajinn,”Musasays.“Ineedyoutotalktothekingbeforeyoudie.”

“Justbecauseheknewmymotherdoesn’tmeanhe’lllistentome.You’velivedhereyourwholelife.YouhaveamuchbetterchanceofpersuadinghimtohelptheScholars.Clearlyheknowsyou;otherwiseweneverwouldhavegottenthisaudience.”

“Wegotthisaudiencebecausehethinkshe’smeetingthefameddaughterofhisoldfriend.Nowremember,youmustconvincehimthattheScholarsneedaidandthatthereisatleastathreatfromtheMartials,”Musasays.“NoneedtomentiontheNightbringer.Just—”

“Iunderstand.”Sincethisisthetenthtimeyouhavetoldme,Idonotadd.Itakeholdofthenecklineofmydress—lowenoughtoshowtheKtheCommandantcarvedintome—andpullitupyetagain.ThegownMusafoundformeistightinthebodiceandflowswidethroughthewaist,turquoisebluesilkoverlaidwithsea-green,gauzelikenetting.Theneckandhemssagwithgold-threadedflowers,embroideredmirrors,andminusculeemeralds.Thenetdeepensintoadarkroyalblueatthehem,whichjustbrushesthesoftfawnslippersTauregaveme.I’vebraidedmyhairintoahighbunandscrubbedmyselfsohardmyskinstillsmarts.

WhenIcatchaglimpseofmyselfinamirroredwalloftheantechamber,Ilookaway,thinkingofElias,wishinghecouldseemelikethis.Wishinghewerebesideme,dressedinhisfinest,insteadofMusa,andthatwewerewalkingintoapartyorfestival.

“Stopfidgeting,aapan.”Musadrawsmefrommyreverie.“You’llwrinklethedress.”Hewearsacrispwhiteshirtbeneathalong,fittedbluejacketwithgoldbuttons.Hishair,usuallypulledback,fallspasthisshouldersinthick,darkwaves,andhehasahoodpulledlow.Despiteit,morethanoneheadturnedaswewalkedwithCaptainEleibathroughthehallsofthepalace.Afewtimes,courtierseventriedtoapproachuntilEleibaturnedthemaway.

“Ican’tdothis,Musa.”Myworrydrivesmetomyfeet,andIpacetheantechamber.“Yousaidwe’dhaveonechancetoconvincethekingtohelpus.Thatthefutureofourpeopledependsonthis.I’mnotmymother.I’mnottherightperson—”

Bootsclankbeyondthedoor,andtheentrancetotheaudiencechamberopens.CaptainEleibaawaits.

“Goodluck.”Musastepsback.Irealizethathedoesn’tmeantocomewithme.

“Yougetoverhere,Musa!”

“LaiaofSerra,”Eleibaannouncesinaboomingvoice,“daughterofMirraandJahanofSerra.”ShegivesMusaacoldlook.“AndMusaofAdisa,princeconsortofHerRoyalHighnessNiklaofAdisa.”

OnlyaftermymouthhasbeenhangingopenafewsecondsdoIrealizehowfoolishImustlook.Musashakeshishead.

“I’mnotwelcomehere,Eleiba—”“Thenyoushouldn’thavecome,”thecaptainsays.“Thekingawaits.”Musaremainsafewpacesbehindme,soIcannotevenglareathimproperly.

Ientertheaudiencechamber,immediatelyawestruckbythesoaring,jewel-encrusteddomeaboveme,themotherofpearlandebonyinlaidfloor,therosequartzcolumnsthatglowwithinnerlight.Ifeel,suddenly,likeapeasant.

AnelderlymanwhoIassumeisKingIrmandwaitsatthenorthendoftheroom,afamiliar,muchyoungerwomanathisside.PrincessNikla.Thethronestheysituponarefashionedfromenormous,weatheredchunksofdriftwood,ornatelycarvedwithfish,dolphins,whales,andcrabs.

Theroomisemptyofanyonebuttheroyalsandtheirguards.Eleibagoestostandbehindtheking,heranxietyevidentinthetapofherfingeragainstherthigh.

Thekinghastheshrunkenlookofaoncerobustmanwhohasagedsuddenly.Niklaappearspowerfulbesideherfrailfather,thoughnothinglikethesimplygarbedwomanIsawintheprisoncell.Herheavilyembroideredgownissimilartomine,andherdarkhairisarrangedinanelaborateturquoiseheaddressthatlooks,remarkably,likeawavebreakingonashore.

Atthewrathinherface,mystepsfalter,andIsearchoutanyexitsinthethroneroom.IwishI’dbroughtaweaponwithme.

Buttheprincessmerelyglowers.Sheisnot,Iamrelievedtosee,surroundedbyghuls,thoughafewlurkintheshadowsofthethroneroom.

“Ah,mywaywardson-in-lawreturns.”Theoldman’sdeepvoicebelieshisfrailappearance.“I’vemissedyourwit,boy.”

“AndIyours,YourMajesty.”Musa’svoiceissincere.Hepointedlydoesn’tlookatEleiba.

“LaiaofSerra.”Thecrownprincessignoresherhusband—husband!“WelcometoAdisa.Longhavewewishedtomeetyou.”Longhaveyouwishedtokillme,youmean.Hag.Myirritationmustshowon

myface,becauseMusagivesmeawarningglancebeforedroppingintoadeepbow.Reluctantly,Iemulatehim.ThelinesaroundNikla’smouthtighten.Ohskies.HowcanIspeaktoaking?I’mnoone.HowcanIconvincehimof

anything?

Thekinggesturesforustorise.“Iknewyourparents,LaiaofSerra,”hesays.“Youhaveyourfather’sbeauty.Handsomeasajinn,thatone.Nofireinhimthough.NotliketheLioness.”Irmandlooksatmewithinterest.“Well,daughterofMirra,youhavearequest?Inhonorofyourlatemother,whowasafriendandallyforlongyears,Iwillhearit.”

PrincesNiklabarelysuppressesagrimaceatthewordsfriendandally,andherdarkeyesglint.MyirerisesasIthinkofthethingsshesaidaboutmymother.AsIrememberwhatchildreninthecityweresayingabouttheLioness.Nikla’sstareboresintome,achallengewritthere.Behindher,somethingdarkandfurtiveflitsbehindoneoftherosequartzpillars—aghul.

Areminderofthedarknessweface,onethatmakesmesquaremyshouldersandmeettheking’sgaze.Iamnotnoone.IamLaiaofSerra,andinthismoment,Iamtheonlyvoicemypeoplehave.

“TheScholarssufferneedlessly,YourMajesty,”Isay.“Andyoucanstopit.”Itellhimofthefireintherefugeecamp.OfallthattheScholarshavelost.I

tellhimoftheEmpire’swaronmypeople,theCommandant’sgenocide,thehorrorsofKauf.Andthen,thoughMusawarnedmenotto,IspeakoftheNightbringer.IamaKehanniinthismoment.AndImustmakethembelieve.

IdonotdaretolookatMusauntilIfinishthetale.Hisfistsareclenched,knuckleswhite,gazefixedonNikla.AsItoldthestory,myattentionwasontheking.Ididnotnoticetheghulsemergingfromtheshadowsandcongregatingaroundtheprincess.Ididnotnoticethemlatchingthemselvesontoherlikeleeches.

Musalooksasifheiswatchingtheslowtortureofsomeoneheloves—which,Ifinallyrealize,heis.

“HelptheScholars,YourGrace,”Isay.“Theysufferwhentheydonothaveto.Andprepareyourarmies.WhethertheNightbringercomesornot,”Isaytotheking,“youmust—”

“Imust?”Theoldmanraiseshiseyebrows.“Imust?”“Yes,”Isnap.“Ifyouwantyourpeopletosurvive,youmustprepareforwar.”Niklastepstowardme,handonherweapon,beforecontrollingherself.“Do

notlistentoher,Father.Sheisnothing.Justalittlegirlsellingstories.”“Don’tyoubelittleme.”Istepforward,andeverythingfades—Eleiba’shand

onherweapon,theguardstensing,amurmeredpleafromMusatocalmdown.“IamthedaughteroftheLioness.IdestroyedBlackcliff.IsavedthelifeofEliasVeturius.IsurvivedCommandantKerisVeturia.IsurvivedthebetrayalsoftheResistanceandtheNightbringer.IcrossedtheEmpireandbrokeintoKaufPrison.IrescuedmybrotherandhundredsofotherScholars.Iamnotnothing.”I

turntothekingnow.“Ifyoudonotprepareforwar,YourGrace,andtheNightbringerunleasheshisjinn,wewillallfall.”

“Andhowdowedothat,LaiaofSerra,withoutSerricsteel?”PrincessNiklasays.“Weknowyourbrotherstilllives.Musanodoubthashimhiddenaway,hammeringatweaponsforyourResistance.”

“DarinofSerraiswillingtomakeweaponryfortheMariners,”Musacutsinsmoothly,andIwonderwhenhetalkedtoDarinaboutit.“AndtoteachMarinersmithsthetrade.IfanequalamountofweaponryisgiventotheScholarsandanequalnumberofScholarsmithsaretaught.AndiftheScholarswhohavelosttheirhomesaregiventemporaryquartersinthecity,andemployment.”

“Lies,”Niklahisses.“Father,theyseektomisleadyou.TheywantonlytoarmtheirResistance.”

AsmuchasIwanttotalkback,ImakemyselfignoreNikla.It’sthekingwhomImustconvince.“YourMajesty,”Isay,“it’sagoodoffer.Youwon’tgetabetterone.TheMartialscertainlyaren’tgoingtohelpyou,andhowelsewillyougetSerricsteel?”

Thekingobservesmecarefullynow,andthesparkleofamusementinhiseyesisgone.“Youarebold,LaiaofSerra,totellakingwhattodo.”

“Notbold,”Isay.“Justdesperateandsickofseeingmypeoplesuffer.”“Iheartruthinyourwords,girl.Andyet...”Thekinglookstohisdaughter.

Whereaswithouttheghuls,shelookedregal,evenbeautiful,nowshelooksangryandmerciless,herlipsleachedofcolor,herpupilsoverlybright.

Theoldmanshakeshishead.“Perhapswhatyousayistrue,”thekingsays.“ButifwearmourselveswithSerricsteel,prepareourfleets,readyourdefenses,theMartialscoulddeclarewarbyclaimingweareplanninganattack.”

“TheMartialsareinaconstantstateofreadiness,”Isay.“Theycan’tattackyoujustbecauseyoudothesame.”

Ihearhisageinhissigh.“Oh,child,”hesays.“DoyouhaveanyideaofthedancetheMarinershavebeenforcedintothesepastfivehundredyears,withtheEmpiresnappingatourborders?DoyouknowhowdifficultthatdancehasgrownwithScholarspouringintoourcountry?Iamold.Soon,Iwilldie.WhatdoIleavemydaughter?Tensofthousandsofrefugees.TheGreatLibrarydestroyed.Apeopledivided—halfwishingtohelptheScholars,theotherhalftiredfromfivehundredyearsofdoingso.AndIamtomustermyarmies?Onthewordofagirlwhohasapparentlybeenhelpingtomakeillegalweaponry?”

“AtleasthelptheScholarsfromtherefugeecamp,”Isay.“They—”“Wewillreplacetheirtents.Intime.Thatisallwecando.”“Father,”Niklasays.“Irequesttotakethisgirl—andherbrother,whoisno

doubtlurkinginthecity—intocustody.”

“No,”KingIrmandsays,andthoughhiswordsareladenwiththeauthorityofhisoffice,Inoticewithachillthathishands,spottedandshakingwithpalsy,giveawayhisimmenseage.Soonenough,hisdaughterwillbequeen.

“Ifwekeepthemhere,daughter,wegivetheMartialscausetoquestionourcommitmenttopeace.TheyarefugitivesintheEmpire,aretheynot?”

“Sir,”Isay.“Pleaselisten.Youwerefriendswithmymother—youtrustedher.Please,inherplace,trustmenow.”

“ItwasanhonortomeetadaughterofMirra’s.Wehadourdifferences,yourmotherandI,andIhaveheardwretchedrumorsaboutherovertheyears.Butherheartwastrue.Ofthat,Iamcertain.Inhonorofourfriendship,Igiveyouandyourbrothertwodaystoleavethecity.CaptainEleibawilloverseeyourpreparationsandyourdeparture.Musa”—thekingshakeshishead—“donotreturnhereagain.”

Thekingreachesahandouttothecaptainofhiscityguard.Sheclaspsitimmediately,steadyinghimashestands.“SeethatLaiaofSerraandherbrotherfindtheirwaytothedocks,Captain.Ihaveakingdomtorun.”

I

XXXIII:TheBloodShrike

cannotcelebratethefactthatIhavesavedLiviaandthusthwartedtheCommandant.MarcusknowsnowwhatIcando,andthoughhesaidlittle

afterdiscoveringme,itisonlyamatteroftimebeforeheusestheknowledgeagainstme.

ButworsethanthatisthefactthatwithindaysofarrivinginAntium,IlearnthatKerishasmanagedtoprocureherfreedom.

“TheIllustrianPatersdiscoveredableedingloophole.”Marcuspacesinhisprivatestudy,bootscrunchingagainsttheshatteredremnantsofatablehedestroyedinafitofrage.“Itdoesn’tallowtheheadofanIllustrianGenstobeimprisonedforlongerthanaweekwithouttheapprovaloftwo-thirdsoftheotherIllustrianGens.”

“Butshe’snotMaterofGensVeturia.”“Shewaswhenyouthrewherinjail,”Marcussays.“Apparently,that’swhat

matters.”“SheletthousandsdieinNavium.”“Skies,youarestupid,”Marcusgroans.“Naviumisathousandleaguesaway.

TheIllustriansandMercatorstherecandonothingtohelpus.Theycouldn’tevenkeepherlockedup.HeralliesinAntiumarealreadyspreadingsomeridiculousstoryabouthowshewasn’ttoblameinNavium.WouldthatIcouldlopalltheirheadsoff.”Hecockshishead,muttering,“Cutoffone,andadozenmoreappearintheirplace—Iknow,Iknow—”

Bleedingskies.He’stalkingtohisbrother’sghostagain.Iwaitforhimtostop,andwhenhedoesn’t,Ibackaway,willinghimnottonoticeandclosingthedoorquietlybehindme.Harperwaitsoutside,fidgetingatthemutterscomingfromthestudy.

“Keriswillbehereinalittlemorethantwoweeks,”Isayasweemergeintothenoonsunshine.“Andallthemoredangerousforthetimeshespentinacage.”Iglancebackatthepalace.“Marcusisspendingmoretimetalkingtohisbrother’sghost,Harper.ThemomentKerisgetshere,she’lltrytotakeadvantageofit.GetamessagetoDex.”MyfriendremainedinNaviumtohelpoverseethe

rebuildingofthedestroyedpartsofthecity.“Tellhimtogeteyesonher.AndtellhimIneedhimbackhereassoonaspossible.”

AnhourlaterHarperfindsmepacinginmystudy,andwesettowork.“ThePlebeiansaresuspiciousofKerisafterwhathappenedinNavium,”Isay.“NowwehavetodestroytheIllustrians’confidenceinher.”

“Wegoafterhercharacter,”Avitassays.“MostoftheIllustrianPatersareclassist.NoneofheralliesknowElias’sfatherwasaPlebeian.Releasetheinformation.”

“It’snotenough,”Isay.“Itwasyearsago,andEliasislonggone.But...”Iconsider.“Whataboutherdowenotknow?Whatarehersecrets?Thattattooofhers—didsheevertellyouanythingaboutitwhenyouwereworkingwithher?”

Harpershakeshishead.“AllIknowisthatitwasfirstspottedonhernearlytwodecadesago,ayearorsoaftersheabandonedEliasintheTribaldesert.ShewasstationedinDelphiniumatthetime.”

“IsawitbackinNavium,”Isay.“Justabitofit.ThelettersALW.Theinkwasdifferent.Shedidn’tgetallthreelettersatonce.Initials,perhaps?”

“Notinitials.”Avitas’seyeslightup.“HerGensmotto:Alwaysvictorious.”Ofcourse.“LookthroughthedeathrecordsofDelphinium,”Isay.“There

aren’tmanytattooistsintheEmpire.FindoutifanyofthosewholivednearDelphiniumdiedaroundthattime.She’dhavetostripdowntogetthattattoo,andshe’dneverleavewhoeverdiditalive.”

Aknockatthedoorjarsmefrommyplotting.Apale-hairedPlebeiancorporalentersandsalutessmartly.

“CorporalFavrus,sir,heretodeliverthegarrisonreports.”Attheblanklookonmyface,hegoeson.“Yourequestedreportsfromallnortherngarrisonslastmonth,sir.”

Iremembernow.TheKarkaunsaroundTiborumweretooquiet,andIwantedtoknowiftheywereuptosomething.“Waitoutside.”

“Icantakethereport,”Avitasoffers.“You’vealineofmenwaitingtogiveyoumoreimportantinformationaboutMarcus’senemiesandallies,andanappearanceintheyardforsometrainingwouldn’tbeabadidea.Takeyourwarhammer.Remindthemwhoyouare.”

IalmosttellhimI’mtootired,butthenIrecallsomethingIheardQuinVeturiustellEliasonce:Whenyouareweak,looktothebattlefield.Inbattle,youwillfindyourvigor.Inbattle,youwillfindyourstrength.

“Icanhandleintelandabitoftraining,”Isay.“You’retheonlyoneItrusttofindthisout,Harper—andquickly.AfterKerisgetshere,everythingwillbecomefarmoredifficult.”

Avitasleaves,andmomentslater,FavrusisgabblingtomeabouttheKarkauns.

“Theyhaveretreatedintothemountainsforthemostpart,Shrike.Therehasbeentheoccasionalskirmish,butnothingunusual.Tiborumhasreportednothingmorethanafewsmallerraidsontheoutskirtsofthecity.”

“Details.”I’monlyhalflisteningtohimasIscanadozenotherthingsthatneedmyattention.

Buthedoesn’trespond.Ilookupjustintimetocatchhisfleetinglookofdisquietbeforehedescribestheskirmishesinbare-bonesterms:howmanydied,howmanyattacked.

“CorporalFavrus.”Iamusedtomoredetaileddescriptions.“Canyoutellmewhichdefensemaneuversweresuccessfulandwhichfailed?OrwhichclanstheKarkaunshailedfrom?”

“Ididn’tthinkitmattered,Shrike.Thegarrisoncommanderssaidtheskirmisheswereunimportant.”

“Everythingtodowithourenemiesisimportant.”IhatehavingtoturnCenturiononhim,butheisaMaskandaBlackGuard.Heshouldknowbetter.“WhatwedonotknowabouttheKarkaunscouldbeourdownfall.Weallthoughttheywerecrouchedaroundtheirfires,practicingunholyriteswiththeirwarlocks,wheninfactfamineandwarswiththesouthpushedthemtobuildupanenormousfleetthattheyusedtolaywastetoourlargestport.”

Favruspalesandnodssharply.“Ofcourse,Shrike,”hesays.“I’llgetdetailsonthoseskirmishesrightaway.”

Icantellhewantstoleave,butmyinstincttingles.Somethingstrangeisafoot,andI’vebeenaMaskfortoolongtoignorethegnawingfeelinginmygut.

AsIobservethecorporal,heremainsstock-still,otherthanthesweatrollingdownthesideofhisface.Interesting,sincemyofficeisn’tparticularlywarm.

“Dismissed.”Iwavehimaway,pretendingIhaven’tnoticedhisnervousness.IconsideritasImakemywaytothetrainingyard.WhenIarrive,themenoftheBlackGuard,stillwaryofme,giveway.Iswingmywarhammerandcallachallenge.Oneofthemen,anIllustrianMaskfromGensRalliawhowasherelongbeforeIarrived,accepts,andItucktheissueofFavrusatthebackofmymind.Perhapsagoodfightortwowillrattlesomeanswersloose.

IthasbeensolongsinceItrained.Iforgotthewaymymindclearswhenallthatisbeforemeisanopponent.Iforgothowgooditfeelstofightthosewhoknowhowtofight.Masks,trainedandtrue,bondedbythesharedexperienceofsurvivingBlackcliff.IbesttheIllustrianswiftly,gratifiedwhenthemenrespondtomyvictorywithahuzzah.Afteranhour,moreofthemengathertowatchthefights,andaftertwo,Ihavenochallengersleft.

ButIalsodonothaveananswertothequestionofCorporalFavrus.IamstillmullingitoverwhenasoldiernamedAlistarcrossestheyard.He’soneofHarper’sfriends,aPlebeianwhohasservedhereinAntiumforadozenyears.Agoodman—andtrustworthy,accordingtoDex.

“Alistar.”Thecaptainjogstowardme,curious.I’veneversingledhimoutbefore.“DoyouknowCorporalFavrus?”

“Ofcourse,BloodShrike.NewtotheBlackGuard.HewastransferredfromSerra.Quiet.Keepstohimself.”

“Followhim,”Isay.“Iwanttoknoweverythingabouthim.Nodetailistoosmall.Payextraattentiontohiscommunicationswiththenortherngarrisons.HementionedKarkaunskirmishes,but...”Ishakemyhead,uneasy.“There’ssomethinghe’snottellingme.”

AfterAlistarisdispatched,IfindtheoldBloodShrike’sfileonCorporalFavrus.IamwonderingatthefactthatheappearstobethemostboringsoldierevertohaveenteredtheBlackGuardwhenmydoorburstsopentorevealSilvioRallius,hisdarkskinashen.

“BloodShrike,sir,”hesays.“Please—youneedtocometothepalace.TheEmperor—hehadsomesortoffitinthethroneroom—startedscreamingatsomeonenooneelsecouldsee.AndthenheleftfortheEmpress’squarters.”Livia!IaminafrenzybythetimeIreachmysister’schambers,whereFaris

pacesoutsidethedoor,hisfootstepsheavywithrage.“He’sinside.”Hisvoiceischoked.“Shrike,he’snotfit—he—”“Treason,LieutenantCandelan,”Isnap.Skies,doesn’theknowthecostof

sayingsuchthings?ThereareotherguardsherewhowilltakehiswordsbacktoMarcus’senemies.ThereareScholarslaveswhomightbeintheCommandant’semploy.AndthenwherewouldLiviabe?“AllEmperorsgrow...emotionalattimes.Youdonotknowtheweightofthecrown.Youcouldneverunderstand.”It’srubbish,buttheEmperor’sShrikemuststandbyhisside.

Atleast,untilIkillhim.Livia’spainhitsmelikeablowtothestomachthemomentIentertheroom.I

amsoawareofher—hersuffering,herhurt.Andbeneaththat,thesteady,quickheartbeatofherchildblissfullyunawareofthemonsterwhositsinchesfromhismother.

Mysister’sfaceisblanched,andshehasonearmlaidacrossherbelly.Marcusissprawledonachairbesidehers,trailinghishandupanddowntheotherarmgently,likealoverwould.

ButInoticeimmediatelythatLivvy’sarmdoesn’tlookright.Theangleiswrong.BecauseMarcushasbrokenit.

TheEmperorliftshisyelloweyestome.“Healher,BloodShrike,”hesays.“I’dliketowatchyoudoit.”

IdonotwasteathoughtonhowmuchIhatethisman.IsimplysingLivia’ssongquickly,unabletobearherpainanylonger.Herbonesknittogether,cleanandstrongoncemore.

“Interesting,”Marcussaysinadeadvoice.“Doesitworkonyou?”heasks.“Forexample,ifIdemandedyourwarhammerandshatteredyourkneesrightnow,wouldyoubeabletohealthem?”

“No,”Iliesmoothly,thoughmyinsidescringeindisgust.“Itdoesn’tworkonme.”

Hetiltshishead.“ButifIshatterherknees,youcouldhealthem?Withyoursong?”

Istareathim,aghast.“Answerthequestion,Shrike.OrI’llbreakherotherarm.”“Yes,”Isay.“Yes,Icouldhealher.Butshe’sthemotherofyourchild—”“She’sanIllustrianwhoreyousoldtomeinexchangeforyourmiserable

life,”Marcussays.“Heronlyuseisherabilitytocarrymyheir.Assoonasheisborn,I’llcasther...I’ll—”Thesuddennesswithwhichhisfacepalesisstaggering.Hehalfroars,halfscreams,hisfingerscurledintoclaws.Ilooktothedoor,expectingRalliusandFaristoburstinatthesoundoftheirEmperorinpain.

Theydonot.ProbablybecausetheyarehopingthatI’mtheonecausingit.“Enough!”HespeakstoneithermenorLivia.“Youwantedthis.Youtoldme

todoit.You—”Marcusgraspshishead,andthemoanthatcomesoutofhimisanimal.

“Healthis.”Hegrabsmyhand,crushingmyfingers,andputsitonhisheadroughly.“Healthis!”

“I—Idon’t—”“Healit,orIsweartotheskiesthatwhenthetimecomesI’llcutmychildout

ofherwhileshestilllives.”Hegrabsmylefthandandslamsittotheothersideofhishead,digginghisfingersintomywristsuntilIhissinpain.“Healme.”

“Sitdown.”Ihaveneverwantedtokillsomeonesomuch.Iwonder,suddenly,ifmyhealingcanbeusedtodestroy.CanIshatterhisboneswithasong?Stophisheart?

Skies,I’venoideahowtohealabrokenman.Howdoesonehealhallucinations?Isthatallthatailshim?Doeshesufferfromsomethingdeeper?Isitinhisheart?Hismind?

AllIcandoisseekhissong.Iexplorehisheartfirst,butitisstrongandsteadyandhealthy,aheartthatwillbeatforalongtimetocome.Icirclehis

mindandfinallystepinside.Itfeelslikesteppingintoapoisonedswamp.Darkness.Pain.Rage.Andadeep,abidingemptiness.IamremindedofCook,onlythisdarknessisdifferent,morewounded,whereaswhatlivedinCookfeltlikenothingatall.

Itrytosoothethebitsofhismindthatrage,butitdoesnothing.Icatchaglimpseofsomethingstrangelyfamiliar:awispofaform—yelloweyes,darkskin,darkhair,asadface.HecouldbesomuchmoreifonlyhedidasIask.Zacharius?

Thewordsarewhisperedontheair,butIamnotsurewhospokethem.Skies,whathaveIgottenmyselfinto?Helpme,Ishoutinmymind,thoughtowhom,Idon’tknow.Myfather,perhaps.Mymother.Idon’tknowwhattodo.

“Stop.”Thewordisacommand,notarequest,andevenMarcusturnsatthesound.

Forthisisavoicethatcannotbeignored,notevenbytheoverlordoftheMartialEmpire.

TheNightbringerstandsinthemiddleoftheroom.Thewindowsarenotopen.Neitheristhedoor.FromtheterrifiedlookonLivia’sface,Icantellthatshetooisspookedbythejinn’ssuddenappearance.

“Shecannothealyou,Emperor,”theNightbringersaysinhisdeep,unsettlingvoice.“Yousuffernoailment.Yourbrother’sghostisreal.Untilyousubmittoitswill,itwillgiveyounopeace.”

“You...”Forthefirsttimeinwhatfeelslikeyears,Marcus’sfaceholdssomethingotherthanmaliceorhatred.Helookshaunted.“Youknew.Zaksaidhesawthefutureinyoureyes.Lookatme—lookatme—andtellmemyend.”

“Idonotshowyouyourend,”theNightbringersays.“Ishowyouthedarkestmomentyourfutureholds.Yourbrothersawhis.Youwillsoonfaceyours,Emperor.LeavetheShrike.Leaveyourempress.Tendtoyourempire,lestyourbrother’sdeathbefornaught.”

MarcusstaggersawayfromtheNightbringer,towardthedoor.Hecutsmealook—enoughhateinthatglancethatIknowheisn’tyetdonewithme—andstumblesout.

IwhirlontheNightbringer,stillshakingfromwhatIsawinMarcus’smind.ThesamequestionIaskedbeforeisonmylips:Whatgameareyouplaying?ButIdonothavetospeakit.

“Nogame,BloodShrike,”thejinnsays.“Theveryopposite.Youwillsee.”

W

XXXIV:Elias

ehavetwelvehoursuntiltheMartialsarrive.TwelvehourstoprepareafewthousandTribesmenwhoareintheworstfightingshapethey’veever

beenin.Twelvehourstogetthechildrenandinjuredtosafety.Iftherewereanyplacetorun,IwouldasktheTribestogetthehellsaway

fromhere.ButthesealiestotheeastandtheForesttothenorth.TheMartialsapproachfromthesouthandwest.

Mauthpullsatme,thetuggettingmorepainfulbytheminute.IknowImustgobacktotheForest.ButifIdon’tdosomething,thousandsofTribespeoplewillbemassacred.TheWaitingPlacewillbefilledwithevenmoreghosts.Andwherewillthatleaveme?

TheTribes,it’sclear,plantostandandfight.Already,theZaldarswhostillhavetheirwitsarereadyinghorsesandweaponryandarmor.Butitwon’tbeenough.ThoughweoutnumbertheMartials,theyareasuperiorfightingforce.Ambushesinthedeadofnightwithpoisoneddartsareonething.Butfacinganarmyonafieldwhenyourmenhaven’tsleptoreatenproperlyindays?“Banual-Mauth.”Afya’svoiceisstrongerthanitwasevenanhourago.

“Thesaltworks.Westillhavemanydeadtoattendto,buttheruhhavebeenreleased.Thespiritsnolongerplaguetheirfamilies.”

“Buttherearetoomanydeadnow.”MamieappearsbehindAfya,pallidandexhausted.“Andtheymustbegivenburialrites.”

“IspoketotheotherZaldars,”Afyasays.“Wecanmusteraforceofathousandhorse—”

“Youdon’tneedtodothat,”Isay.“I’mgoingtotakecareofit.”TheZaldaralooksdubious.“Using...yourmagic?”“Notexactly.”Iconsider.IhavemostofwhatIneed,butthereisonething

thatwillmakewhatImustdoabiteasier.“Afya,doyouhaveanyofthosedartsyouusedduringtheraids?”

MamieandAfyaexchangeaglance,andmymotherstepscloseenoughthatonlyIcanhearher.Shetakesmyhands.

“Whatareyouplanning,myson?”

PerhapsIshouldtellher.Shewouldtrytotalkmeoutofit,Iknowshewould.Shelovesme,andthatloveblindsher.

Iextricatemyself,unabletomeethereyes.“Youdon’twanttoknow.”AsIleavethecamp,MauthsummonsmewithenoughforcethatIthinkhe

willpullmetotheForestthewayhedidafterthejinntookmetoLaia.Butthisistheonlyway.ThefirsttimeIkilled,Iwaseleven.Isawmyenemy’sfacefordaysafterhe

wasgone.Iheardhisvoice.AndthenIkilledagain.Andagain.Andagain.Toosoon,Istoppedseeingtheirfaces.Istoppedwonderingwhattheirnameswere,orwhotheyleftbehind.IkilledbecauseIwasorderedto,andthen,oncefreeofBlackcliff,IkilledbecauseIhadto,tostayalive.

Once,IknewexactlyhowmanylivesIhadtaken.NowInolongerremember.Somewherealongtheway,apartofmelearnedhowtostopcaring.Andthat’sthepartofmethatImustdrawuponnow.

AssoonasIreasonthroughitinmyhead,theconnectionbetweenMauthandmeslackens.Heoffersnomagic,butIamabletocontinuemyjourneywithoutpain.

TheMartialarmystopstocampalongthecrestofalowplateau.Theirtentsareadarkstainagainstthepaledesert,theircookfireslikestarsinthewarmnight.Ittakesahalfhourofpatientobservationtofigureoutwherethecampcommanderisandanotherfifteenminutestoplanmyentrance—andexit.Myfaceisknown,butmostofthesepeoplebelieveI’mdead.Theywillnotexpecttoseeme,andthereliesmyadvantage.

Theshadowshangthickbetweenthetents,andIletthemcradlemeasImakemywaythroughtheperipheryofthecamp.Thecommander’stentisinthecenter,butthesoldiershaveerectedithastily,forinsteadofaclearareaaroundit,otherdwellingsarestakedcloseby.Accesswon’tbesimple—butitwon’tbeimpossible,either.

AsIapproachthetent,dartsready,agreatpartofmescreamsagainstthis.Youwillknowvictory,oryouwillknowdeath.IheartheCommandant

whisperinmyear,anoldmemory.Thereisnothingelse.It’salwaysthiswaybeforeIkill.EvenwhenIwashuntingMaskssoLaiacouldfreeprisonersfromghostwagons—eventhenIstruggled.Eventhenittookitstoll.Myfoeswilldie,andtheywilltakeabitofmewiththem.Thefieldofbattleismytemple.Idrawclosetothetentandfindafoldthatishiddenfromanyoneinside.Ever

soslowly,Icutaslit.FiveMasks,includingthecommander,sitaroundatablewithin,eatingtheirmealandarguingaboutthecomingbattle.

Theywillnotexpectme,buttheyarestillMasks.Iwillneedtomoveswiftly,beforetheyraisethealarm.WhichmeansfirsttakingthemoutwiththedartsAfyagaveme.Theswordpointismypriest.Imustdothis.Imustcutofftheheadofthisarmy.Doingsowillgivethe

Tribesachancetorun.TheseMaskswouldhavekilledmypeople,myfamily.Theywouldhaveenslavedthemandbeatenthemanddestroyedthem.Thedanceofdeathismyprayer.ButevenknowingwhattheMaskswouldhavedone,Idonotwishtokill.I

donotwishtobelongtothisworldofbloodandviolenceandvengeance.IdonotwishtobeaMask.Thekillingblowismyrelease.Mywishesdonotmatter.Thesemenmustdie.TheTribesmustbeprotected.

Andmyhumanitymustbeleftbehind.Istepintothetent.AndIunleashtheMasklurkingwithin.

A

XXXV:TheBloodShrike

weekafterMarcus’sattackonLivvy,HarperfinallyemergesfromtheHallofRecords,wherehehasspenteverywakingmomentsinceIgavehimhis

mission.“Therecordarchivistswerepreparingforamove,”hesays.“Bloodline

certificatesandbirthrecordsandfamilytreesallovertheplace.Scholarslavesweretryingtocleanitup,buttheycan’tread,soitwasallajumble.”

Heplacesastackofdeathcertificatesonmydeskbeforecollapsingintoachairacrossfromme.“Youwereright.Inthepasttwentyyears,tentattooistshavediedunnaturallyinandaroundthecitieswheretheCommandantwasposted.Onejustrecently,notfarfromAntium.TheotherslivedeverywherefromtheTriballandstoDelphinium.AndIfoundsomethingelse.”

Hehandsmealistofnames.Therearethirteen,allIllustrian,allfromwell-knownGens.Irecognizetwo—theywerefounddeadjustrecently,hereinAntium.Irememberreadingaboutthemweeksago,thedayMarcusorderedmetoNavium.Anothernamealsostandsout.

“DaemonCassius,”Isay.“WhydoIknowthatname?”“HewasmurderedlastyearinSerrabyScholar’sResistancefighters.It

happenedafewweeksbeforethemurderofaSerrantattooist.EveryoneoftheseIllustrianswasmurderedshortlybeforethelocaltattooistswere.Differentcities.Differentmethods.Allwithinthelasttwentyyears.AllMasks.”

“Iremembernow,”Isay.“Cassiuswasathomewhenhewasmurdered.Hiswifefoundhiminalockedroom.EliasandIwereinthemiddleoftheTrialswhenithappened.IwonderedhowthehellsagroupofScholarrebelscouldkillaMask.”

“TitusRufius,”Harperreads.“Killedinahuntingaccidentattheageofthirty-two,nineyearsago.IustinSergius,poisonedattwenty-five,apparentlybyaScholarslavewhoconfessedtothecrimesixteenyearsago.CaiusSisselliuswasthirty-eight.Hedrownedonhisfamily’sowngrounds,inariverhe’dbeenswimminginsincebeforehecouldwalk.Thatwasthreeyearsago.”

“Avitas,lookattheirages.”Iexaminethenamescarefully.“AndtheywereMasks.Whichmeanseveryoneofthesemengraduatedwithher.Sheknew

them.”“Theyalldiedbeforetheyshouldhave,manyinunnaturalways.Sowhy?

Whydidshekillthem?”“Theygotinherwaysomehow,”Isay.“Shewasalwaysambitious.Maybe

theyweregivenpostingsshewanted,ortheythwartedhersomehow,or...oh...oh.”

IrememberwhatQuintoldmeofAriusHarper:HewasmurderedbyagroupofMasksthedayaftertheygraduated—Keris’sfellowSeniorSkulls.Aviciouskilling—morethanadozenofthembeathimtodeath.Illustrian,allofthem.

“Itwasn’tbecausetheygotinherway.”IrelatewhatQuinsaid.“Itwasvengeance.TheybeatAriusHarpertodeath.”Ilookupfromthescrolls.Iwonderifhisfatherhadgreeneyestoo.“Yourfather.”

Avitasisquietforalongmoment.“I...didn’tknowhowhedied.”Bleedinghells.“I’msorry,”Isayquickly.“Ithought—ohskies,Avitas.”“Itdoesn’tmatter.”Heseemstofindthewindowofmyofficesuddenlyvery

interesting.“He’sbeengonealongtimenow.Whywoulditmatteriftheykilledmyfather?TheCommandantisn’tthesentimentaltype.”

Iamstartledbyhowquicklyhemoveson,andIconsiderapologizingagainortellinghimthatifhedoesn’twantthenatureofhisfather’sdeathmadepublic,Iunderstand.ButthenIrealizethatwhatheneedsisformetomoveon.TobetheBloodShrike.Toletitgo.

“It’snotsentiment,”Isaybriskly,thoughIhavemydoubts.TheCommandantdid,afterall,takeAvitasunderherwing—inasmuchassomeonelikehercould.“It’spower.Shelovedhim.Theykilledhim.Theytookherpower.Bymurderingthem,she’stakingitback.”

“Howdoweusethisagainsther?”“WegetthisinformationouttothePaters,”Isay.“Theylearnaboutthe

tattoo,thedeadtattooists,AriusHarper,themurderedIllustrians—allofit.”“Weneedproof.”“Wehaveit.”Inodtothedeathcertificates.“Foranyonewhocarestolook.

IfwecangetthesecertificatesintothehandsofjustafewtrustedPaters,therestwon’tneedtoseethem.Thinkofhowshe’shandledwhathappenedinNavium.Itdidn’tmatterthatshelied.Allthatmatteredisthatpeoplebelievedit.”

“WeshouldstartwithPaterSisselliusandPaterRufius,”Harpersays.“They’reherclosestallies.TheotherPaterstrustthem.”

Forthreedays,HarperandIseedtherumors.Andthen,whenIamincourtlisteningtoMarcusarguingwithaTribalenvoy—

“—Illustriansfromherownyear!OveraPlebeian!Canyouimagine—”“Butthere’snoproof—”

C

“Notenoughtojailher,butSisselliussawthedeathcertificates.Thelinkisobvious.Youknowhowthatmanloathesidlegossip.Besides,theproofisonherbody—thatviletattoo—”

Afterafewmoredays,Isensethechangeintheair.IfeelthePatersdistancingthemselvesfromKeris.Someareevenoutrightopposedtoher.WhenshedoesreturntoAntium,shewillfinditafarlesswelcomingcitythansheexpects.

aptainAlistarsendsmeamessagelettingmeknowhehasinformationonthesamedayDexreturnstoAntium,andIcallthembothtomeinthe

trainingyard.“Keriswillbeherewithintheweek.”Dexisfreshfromtheroad,splattered

withmud,exhausted.Buthesparswithmeanyway,keepinghishelmlowsothathislipscannotberead.It’snearlyimpossibletohearhimovertheclashofweaponsandgruntsofmentraining.

“Sheknowsyou’vespreadthetruthaboutthetattooandthemurders.Shesenttwoassassins;Idispatchedthembeforetheycouldgethere,butskiesknowwhatshe’lldowhenshearrives.You’dbeststartcookingyourfoodyourself.Farmingyourowngraintoo.”

“DidsheridestraightforAntium?”“ShestoppedattheRoost,”Dexsays.“Ifollowedherin,buthermennearly

caughtme.BythenIthoughtitbesttogetbackhere.I’llcheckinwithmyspies—”Dex’sgazeshiftsovermyshoulder,andhefrowns.

Attheentrancetothebarracks,acrossthetrainingfield,agroupofBlackGuardscrowdstogether.Ithinkatfirstthatafighthasbrokenout.Ihurrytowardthem,warhammerstillinhand.

Oneofthemencallsout:“Getthebleedingphysician!”“Nopoint,that’skarkasnakevenom—”Theyareclusteredaroundafellowguardwhobucksashevomitsblackbile

ontotheground.Irecognizehiminstantly:CaptainAlistar.“Bleedinghells.”Icrouchdownnexttohim.“Getthebarracksphysician.Get

himnow!”Butthemancouldalreadybehereanditwouldbetoolate.Theblackbile,

theredmottlingaroundAlistar’snoseandears.Itiskarkasnakevenom.He’sdonefor.

Harperpushesthroughthecrowdandkneelsbesideme.“Shrike,what—”

“Nothing—”Alistargrabsthefrontofmyfatigueswithonehandandpullsmeclose.Hisvoiceislittlemorethanadeathrattle.“Nothing—noattacks—nothing—Shrike—they’renowhere—”

Hisgripgoesslack,andheslumpstotheground,dead.Burningskies.“Asyouwere,”Isaytothemen.“Goon.”Themenscatter,

exceptforDexandHarper,whostaredowninhorroratthedeadsoldier.IleandownandwrestapileofpapersfromAlistar’sstiffhand.Iexpectitto

beinformationonCorporalFavrus.InsteadIfindreportsfromthegarrisonsacrossthenorth—straightfromthegarrisoncommanders.

“TheKarkaunshavedisappeared.”Harper,readingovermyshoulder,soundsasmystifiedasIfeel.“NotasingleattacknearTiborum.Nothinginthedeepnorth,notformonths.CorporalFavruslied.TheKarkaunswerequiet.”

“TheKarkaunsareneverquiet,”Isay.“Thistimelastyear,theywereconqueringtheWildmenclans.WestoppedtheminTiborum.WestoppedtheminNavium.Theylosttheirfleet.There’sableedingfamineintheirsouthernterritories,andawarlockpriestwhippingthemintorighteousfury.Theyshouldbeharassingeveryvillagefromheretothesea.”

“Lookatthis,Shrike.”HarperhassearchedAlistar’sbody,andhepullsoutanotherscroll.“HemusthavefounditinFavrus’sthings,”Harpersays.“It’sincode.”

“Breakthecode,”Isnap.Somethingiswrong—verywrong.“FindmeFavrus.Alistar’sdeathcan’tbeacoincidence.Thecorporalisinvolved.Getmessagestothenorthwesterngarrisons.HavethemsendscoutstocheckinontheclosestKarkaunclans.Findoutwheretheyare,whattheyaredoing.Iwantanswersbynightfall,Harper.IfthosebastardsareplanninganassaultonTiborum,thecitymayfall.Itmightalreadybetoolate.Dex...”

Myoldfriendsighs,alreadyknowingthathe’sabouttoheadbackontheroad.

“Headnorth,”Isay.“CheckthepassesaroundtheNevennes.TheymightbepushingforDelphinium.Theywon’thaveenoughmentoholdit,butthatdoesn’tmeanthey’renotstupidenoughtotry.”

“I’llsendamessagethroughthedrumsassoonasIknowanything,Shrike.”Bynightfall,we’vehadwordfromeventhemostfar-flungofthewestern

garrisons.TheKarkaunshavecompletelyabandonedtheircampsinthewest.Theircavesareempty,theirgrazinganimalsgone,theirfewfieldsandgardensarefallow.Theycan’tpossiblybeplanninganattackonTiborum.

Whichmeanstheyaregatheringelsewhere.Butwhere?Andtowhatend?

M

XXXVI:Laia

usaoffersnoexplanationasweleavethepalace,theonlysignofhisfrustrationtheswiftclipofhisstride.

“Excuseme.”Ipokehimintheribsashewindsthroughstreetsunfamiliartome.“YourHighness—”

“Notnow,”hegrindsout.AsmuchasIwanttoquestionhim,wehaveabiggerproblem,whichishowthehellswe’regoingtogetridofCaptainEleiba.TheMarinerspokebrieflytothekingbeforeescortingusfromthethroneroomandhasn’tbeenmorethanafootawayfromussince.WhenMusaentersaneighborhoodwherethehousesaredenselypacked,Ipreparetopullonmyinvisibility,expectinghimtoattackourchaperone.Butinstead,hejuststopsinanalley.“Well?”hesays.

Eleibaclearsherthroatandturnstome.“HisRoyalHighnessKingIrmandthanksyouforyourwarning,Laia,andwishestoassureyouthathedoesnottakelightlytheinterferenceofthefeycreaturesinhisdomain.HeacceptsDarinofSerra’sofferforweaponsandvowsthathewillprovideshelterfortheScholarsinthecityuntilmorepermanentaccommodationscanbemade.Andhewishesyoutohavethis.”Eleibaplacesinmyhandasilversignetringemblazonedwithatrident.“ShowittoanyMariner,andtheyarehonorboundtoaidyou.”

Musasmiles.“Iknewyou’dgettohim.”“But,thecrownprincess,she—”“KingIrmandhasbeenrulerinMarinnforsixtyyears,”Eleibasays.

“PrincessNikla...wasnotalwaysassheisnow.Thekinghasnootherheir,andhedoesnotwishtoundermineherbydisagreeingwithheroutright.Butheknowswhatisbestforhispeople.”

AllIcanmanageisanod.“Goodluck,LaiaofSerra,”Eleibasaysquietly.“Perhapswewillmeetagain.”

“Prepareyourcity.”IsayitbeforeIlosemycourage.Eleibaraisesperfectlyarchedbrows,andIrushon,feelinglikeanidiotforgivingadvicetoawomantwentyyearsolderandfarwiserthanIam.“You’rethecaptainoftheguard.You

havepower.Pleasedowhatyoucan.AndifyouhavefriendselsewhereintheFreeLandswhocandothesame,tellthem.”

Whensheislonggone,Musaanswersmyunspokenquestion.“NiklaandIelopedtenyearsago,”hesays.“Wewereonlyalittleolderthanyou,butmuchmorefoolish.Shehadanolderbrotherwhowassupposedtobeking.Buthedied,shewasnamedcrownprincess,andwegrewapart.”

Iwinceattheperfunctorynatureofhisrecitation,adecadeofhistoryinfoursentences.

“Ididn’tmentionitbeforebecausetherewasnopoint.We’vebeenseparatedforyears.Shetookmylands,mytitles,myfortune—”

“Yourheart.”Musa’sharshlaughechoesoffthehardstoneofthebuildingsoneitherside

ofus.“Thattoo,”hesays.“Youshouldchangeandgetyourthings.Saygoodbyeto

Darin.I’llmeetyouattheeastgatewithsuppliesandinformationaboutmycontact.”

HemustseethatI’mabouttotrytoofferhimawordofcomfort,forhemeltsintothedarkquickly.Ahalfhourlater,I’vegatheredmyhairinafatplaitandreturnedthedresstoMusa’squartersattheforge.DarinsitswithTaureandZellainthecourtyard,stokingalowfirewhilethetwowomenpackclayontotheedgesofasword.

HeglancesupwhenIappearand,spottingmypackedbag,excuseshimself.“I’llbereadyinanhour,”hesaysafterItellhimofmyaudiencewiththe

king.“BesttellMusatomakeittwohorses.”“TheScholarsneedyou,Darin.AndnowtheMarinersneedyoutoo.”Darin’sshouldersstiffen.“IagreedtomakeweaponsfortheMarinersbefore

Irealizedyou’dbeleavingsosoon.Theycanwait.Iwon’tstaybehind.”“Youhaveto,”Isay.“ImusttrytostoptheNightbringer.ButifIfail,our

peopleneedtobeabletofight.Whatisthepointofallyousuffered—allwesuffered—ifwedon’tevengiveourpeopleachanceinbattle?”

“Whereyougo,Igo,”Darinsaysquietly.“Thatwasthepromisewemade.”“Isthatpromiseworthmorethanthefutureofourpeople?”“YousoundlikeMother.”“Yousaythatlikeit’sabadthing.”“Itisabadthing.SheputtheResistance—herpeople—aheadofeverything:

herhusband,herchildren,herself.Ifyouknew—”Myneckprickles.“IfIknewwhat—”Hesighs.“Nothing.”

“No,”Isay.“You’vedonethisbefore.IknowMotherwasn’tperfect.AndIheard...rumorswhenIwasoutinthecity.Butshewasn’twhatPrincessNiklamadeherouttobe.Shewasn’tamonster.”

Darintosseshisaprononananvilandbeginsthrowingtoolsinasack,stubbornlyrefusingtotalkaboutMother.“You’llneedsomeonetowatchyourback,Laia.Afyaisn’ttheretodoitandneitherisElias.Whobetterthanyourbrother?”

“YouheardMusa.Hehassomeonewhowillhelpme.”“Doyouknowwho?Hashegivenyouaname?Howdoyouknowyoucan

trustthatperson?”“Idon’t,butItrustMusa.”“Why?Youbarelyknowhim,likeyoubarelyknewKeenan—excuseme,the

Nightbringer.LikeyoubarelyknewMazen—”“Iwaswrongaboutthem.”Myirerises,butIquashit;heisangrybecausehe

isscared,andIknowthatfeelingwell.“ButIdon’tthinkI’mwrongaboutMusa.He’sfrustrating,andhegetsonmynerves,buthe’sbeenhonest.Andhe—weboth—wehavethemagic,Darin.There’snooneelseIcaneventalktoaboutit.”

“Youcouldtalktome.”“AfterKauf,Iwasbarelyabletotalktoyouaboutbreakfast,letalone

magic.”Ihatethis.Ihatefightingwithhim.Partofmewantstogivein.Lethimjoinme.Iwillbelesslonely,Iwillfeellessafraid.Yourfeardoesn’tmatter,Laia,noryourloneliness.TheScholars’survivalis

whatmatters.“Ifsomethinghappenstome,”Isay,“whowillspeakfortheScholars?Who

knowsthetruthabouttheNightbringer’splan?WhowillensurethattheMarinersprepare,nomattertheconsequence?”

“Bleedinghells,Laia,stop.”Darinneverraiseshisvoice,andIamsurprisedenoughthatIwaver.“I’mcomingwithyou.That’sit.”

Isigh,becauseIhopeditwouldn’tcometothis,andyetIsuspecteditmight.Mybrother,stubbornasthesun.NowIknowwhyEliasleftanoteallthosemonthsagowhenhedisappeared,insteadofsayinggoodbye.It’snotbecausehedidn’tcare.It’sbecausehecaredtoomuch.

“I’lljustdisappear,”Isay.“Youwon’tbeabletofollowme.”Daringlaresatmeindisgusteddisbelief.“Youwouldn’tdothat.”“IwouldifIthoughtitwouldkeepyoufromcomingafterme.”“Youjustexpectmetobeallrightwiththis,”Darinsays.“Towatchyou

leave,knowingthattheonlyfamilyIhaveleftisriskingherselfagain—”

“That’srich!Whatdidyoudo,meetingwithSpiroforallthosemonths?Ifanyoneshouldunderstandthis,Darin,it’syou.”Myangertakesholdnow,thewordspouringlikepoisonfrommymouth.Don’tsayit,Laia.Don’t.ButIdo.Icannotstop.“Theraidhappenedbecauseofyou.NanandPopdiedbecauseofyou.IwenttoBlackcliffforyou.Igotthis”—IyankmycollarbacktorevealtheCommandant’sK—“becauseofyou.AndItraveledhalfwayacrossthebleedingworld,lostoneoftheonlytruefriendsI’veeverhad,andsawthemanIlovegetchainedtosomehellishunderworldbecauseofyou.Sodon’ttalktomeaboutriskingmyself.Don’tyoubleedingdare.”

Ididn’tknowhowmuchwaslockedupinsidemeuntilIbeganshoutingit.Andnowmyrageisfull-throatedandthrobbing,tearingoutofme.

“Youstayhere,”Isnapathim.“Youmakeweapons.Andyougiveusafightingchance.YouowethattoNanandPopandIzziandEliasandme.Don’tthinkI’llbleedingforgetit!”

Darin’smouthhangsopen,andIstrideout,slammingtheforgedoorbehindme.Myangercarriesmeawayfromtheshipyardandupintothecity,andwhenIamhalfwaytothewesterngate,Musafallsintostepbesideme.

“Spectacularfight.”Hejogstocatchupwithme,stealthyasawraith.“Doyouthinkyoushouldapologizebeforeyouleave?Youwereabitharsh.”

“Isthereanythingyoudon’teavesdropon?”“Ican’thelpitifthewightsaregossips.”Heshrugs.“ThoughIwasgratified

tohearthatyoufinallyadmittedhowyoufeelaboutEliasoutloud.Younevertalkabouthim,youknow.”

Myfaceheats.“Eliasisnoneofyourbusiness.”“Aslongashedoesn’tstopyoufromkeepingyourpromise,aapan,”Musa

says,“Iagree.I’llwalkyoutoyourhorse.Therearemapsandsuppliesinthesaddlebags.Imarkedaroutestraightwest,throughthemountains.ShouldgetyoutotheForestofDuskinabitmorethanthreeweeks.MycontactwillmeetyouontheothersideandtakeyoutoAntium.”

Wecometothewestgatejustasanearbybelltowerchimesmidnight.Intunewiththelastbelltolling,thereisalowhiss.Adaggerleavingitssheath.AsIreachformyownweapon,somethingzingspastmyear.

Anangrychittereruptsnearme,andsmallhandsshoveatme.Idrop,draggingMusadownasanarrowfliesoverhead.Anotherarrowshootsoutofthedarkness,butittoomissesitsmark,droppinginmidair—courtesyofMusa’swights.

“Nikla!”Musasnarls.“Showyourself!”Theshadowsshift,andthecrownprincessstepsoutofthedarkness.She

glaresatusbalefully,herfacebarelyvisiblebeneaththeghulsswarmingallover

F

her.“IshouldhaveknownthattraitorEleibawouldletyougo,”shehisses.“She

willpay.”Morefootstepsapproach—Nikla’ssoldiers,closinginonMusaandme.Ever

soslowly,MusaputshimselfbetweenmeandNikla.“Listentoreason,please.Webothknow—”

“Don’tyouspeaktome!”theprincessgrowlsatMusa,andtheghulscluckhappilyatherpain.“Youhadyourchance.”

“WhenIrushher,”Musawhispers,barelyaudible,“run.”I’mjustprocessingwhathesayswhenhe’spastmeandheadingstraightfor

Nikla.Immediately,silver-armoredbodyguardsstepoutoftheshadowsandattackMusasoswiftlythatheisnownothingbutablur.

IcannotjustletNikla’smentakehim.Skiesknowwhattheywilldo.ButifIhurtanyoftheseMariners,itmightturnKingIrmandagainstus.Iflipmydaggeraroundtothehilt,butahandgrabsmeandyanksmeback.

“Go,littlesister,”Darinsays,astaffinhishands.Taure,Zella,andagroupofScholarsfromtherefugeecampareathisback.“We’llmakesurenoonedies.Getoutofhere.Saveus.”

“Musa—andyou—iftheyarrestyou—”“We’llbefine,”Darinsays.“Youwereright.Wehavetobeready.Butwe

don’thaveachanceifyoudon’tgo.Ridefast,Laia.Stophim.I’mwithyou,here.”Hetapsmyheart.“Go.”

AndlikethatdaylongagoinSerra,withmybrother’svoiceringinginmyears,Iflee.

orthefirstthreedaysontheroad,Ihardlystop,expectingatanymomentforNiklaandhermentofindme.Everypossibleoutcomeplaguesmymind,an

ever-changingplayofnightmares:TheMarinersovercomeDarinandMusaandZellaandTaure.Thekingsendssoldierstodragmeback.TheScholarsarelefttostarve—orworse,theyaredrivenfromAdisa,refugeesyetagain.

ButfourmorningsafterIleave,Iamwokenbeforedawnbyaquietchitterbesidemyear.IsoassociatethesoundwithMusathatIexpecttoseehimwhenIopenmyeyes.Instead,ascrollsitsonmychest,withonlyonewordprintedonit.Safe.

Afterthat,Istoplookingovermyshoulderandstartlookingahead.TruetoEleiba’sword,wheneverIstopatacourierstationandshowtheking’sring,Ireceiveafreshmountandsupplies,noquestionsasked.Thehelpcouldn’tcomeatabettertime,forIamgrippedbydesperation.EverydaybringsmeclosertotheGrainMoon—andtotheNightbringer’svictory.EverydaymakesitmorelikelythathewillfindawaytotricktheBloodShrikeintogivinghimthering,whichhe’llusetosethiswrathfulkindredfree.

AsIride,IparseouttheremainingbitsofShaeva’sprophecy.ThelineabouttheButcherworriesme,butnotasmuchastheDeadwillrise,andnonecansurvive.

ThedeadareElias’sdomain.Iftheyrise,doesthatmeantheywillescapetheWaitingPlace?Whathappensiftheydo?Andwhatoftheendoftheprophecy?Itmakeslittlesense—allbutTheGhostwillfall,herfleshwillwither.Themeaningthereisdisturbinglyclear:I’mgoingtodie.

Butthenagain,justbecauseit’saprophecydoesn’tmeanit’swritteninstone.Iencountermanyothertravelers,buttheking’ssigilonmysaddleandcloak

keepsthequestionsatbay,andIdonotinviteconversation.Afteraweekcuttingthroughthemountainsandtendayswindingdownintogentle,rollingfarmland,theForestofDuskappearsonthehorizon,abluelineoffuzzbeneathflocculentclouds.Thisfarfromthemajorcitiestherearenocourierstations,andthefarmsandvillagesarefarapart.ButIdonotfeellonely—asenseofanticipationbuilds.

Soon,IwillbereunitedwithElias.IrecallwhatIblurtedoutduringmyargumentwithDarin:themanIlove.IthoughtIlovedKeenan,butthatlovewasbornoutofdesperationand

loneliness,outofaneedtoseemyself,mystruggles,insomeoneelse.WhatIfeelforEliasisdifferent,aflameIholdclosetomyheartwhenIfeel

mystrengthflagging.Sometimes,deepinthenightasItravel,Ipictureafuturewithhim.ButIdarenotlookatittooclosely.HowcanI,whenitcanneverbe?

Iwonderwhathehasbecomeinthemonthswe’vebeenapart.Hashechanged?Isheeating?Takingcareofhimself?Skies,Ihopehehasnotgrownabeard.Ihatedhisbeard.

TheForesttransformsfromafurred,distantlinetoawallofknottedtrunksthatIknowwell.Evenbeneaththenoontimeshineofasummersun,theWaitingPlacefeelsominous.

Ileavemyhorsetograze,andasIdrawnearthetreeline,awindrisesandthegnarledForestcanopysways.Theleavessinginwhispers,agentlesound.

“Elias?”Thesilenceisuncanny—noghostswailorcryout.Anxietygnawsatme.WhatifEliascannotpasstheghoststhrough?Whatifsomethinghas

happenedtohim?ThestillnessoftheForestmakesmethinkofapredatorstalkingintall

grasses,watchingitsobliviousprey.Butasthesundipswest,afamiliardarknessrisesinme,urgingmetowardthetrees.IfeltthisdarknesswiththeNightbringer,longago,whenIsoughttogetanswersoutofhim.IfeltitagainafterShaevadied,whenIthoughtthejinnwouldhurtElias.

Itdoesnotfeelevil,thisdarkness.Itfeelslikepartofme.Istepintothetrees,tense,bladeinhand.Nothinghappens.TheForestis

quiet,butbirdsstillsing,andsmallcreaturesstillmovethroughtheunderbrush.Noghostsapproach.Imoveindeeper,allowingthatdarknesstopullmeonward.

WhenIamfarintothetrees,theshadowsgrowthick.Avoicecallsouttome.No—notonevoice.Many,speakingasone.WelcometotheWaitingPlace,LaiaofSerra,thevoicespurr.Welcometoour

home,andourprison.Comecloser,won’tyou?

T

XXXVII:Elias

heMasksdon’tnoticethedartsuntilmyfirstvictimisfacedowninhisrice.Theyarecomplacent—theirscoutshavetoldthemthattheTribespeoplewill

beaneasyconquest,andsotheypostednoguards,tooconfidentintheirownskill.

Whichisformidable.Butit’snotenough.ThefirstMasktospotmeknocksthetwodartsIsendathimoutoftheair

andrushesme,bladesappearinginhishandslikemagic.Butadarknessstirswithinme—magicofmyown.ThoughIamfarfromthe

WaitingPlace,IhavejustenoughphysicalmagictospinintoawindwalkuntilIambehindhimandIcanstickhimwithanotherdart.TwooftheMasksleaptowardme,weaponsflying,whilethethird—thecommander—lungesforthedoortoraisethealarm.

Iwindwalkinfrontofhim,usingtheinfinitesimalmomentofhissurprisetojamabladeintohisthroat.Don’tthink,justmove,Elias.Bloodspurtsallovermyhands,makingitexceedinglydifficultnottodwellontheviolenceofmyactions,buttheotherMasksapproach,andthisman’sbodymakesanadequateshield,jerkingasthebladesofhiscomradesglanceoffhisarmor.IshovehimatoneoftheremainingMasksandtakeontheother,duckingashethrowsapunchandonlyjustavoidinghiskneeashetriestonailmeinthejawwithit.

Hehasanopenpatchinhisarmorjustabovehiswrist,andIgrabit,stabbinghimwiththelastofAfya’sdartsbeforehetacklesmetotheground.Secondslater,hispronebodyisdraggedoffme,andthelastMaskhasmebythethroat.Youaremortal.ShaevaremindedmeofthatfactbeforetheNightbringer

murderedher.IfIdiehere,theWaitingPlacewillhavenoguardian.TheknowledgegivesmethestrengthtokneetheMaskinthegroinandwrenchawayfromhim.Iriphisknifefromascabbardandstabhiminthechestonce,twice,thrice,beforedrawingthebladeacrosshisthroat.

Thetent,whichhasbeenawhirlwindofactivity,issuddenlystill,otherthantheharshdrawofmybreath.Outside,thevoicesofsoldiersriseandfallinlaughterandcomplaint,thedinofthecampmaskingtheruckusofmyattack.

SomeoneintheMartialcampwilldiscovertheMaskssoonenough,soIslipoutthewayIcame,makingfortheedgeofthecamp,whereIstealahorse.Bythetimethefirstalarmsounds,I’mwellawayandheadingwest,towardtheclosestdrumtower.

Imakequickworkofthelegionnairesstandingguardoutfront.Oneofthemismid-complaintwhenIshootanarrowintohischest,andtheotheronlyrealizeswhatishappeningoncehehasascimpokingoutofhisthroat.Thekillingcomeseasiernow,andI’mhalfwayupthestairsofthetower,almosttothesleepingquarters,beforeabetterpartofmecriesout:Theydidn’tdeservedeath.Theydidn’tdoanythingtoyou.

Thefinalmaninthetoweristheheaddrummer,andhesitsonthetopfloor,besideadrumaswideasheistall,hiseartrainedtowardanotherdrumtowerinthenorth.Hetranscribeswhateverhehearsonlongscrolls,soengrossedinhisworkthathedoesn’thearme.Butbynow,I’mfartootiredtosneak.AndIneedhimfrightened.SoIsimplyappearinthedoorway,anightmarespectaclecoveredindriedgorewithunsheathedweaponsstainedwithblood.

“Getup,”Isaycalmly.“Walktothedrum.”“I—I—”Heglancesoverthetopofthetowertothedoorbelow,tothe

guardpost.“They’redead.”Igesturewithabloodyhand,“incaseyoucouldn’ttell.

Move.”Hepicksuphissticks,thoughfearmakeshimdropthemtwice.“I’dlikeyoutodrumsomethingoutforme.”Igetcloserandraiseoneofmy

Telumanscims.“Andifyouchangeit—evenonebit—Iwillknow.”“IfIdrumafalsemessage,mycommanderwill—he’llkillme.”“Isyourcommanderatall,pale-skinnedMaskwithablondbeardandascar

runningdownhischintohisneck?”Atthedrummer’snod,Ireassurehim.“He’sdead.And,ifyoudon’tdrumafalsemessage,I’llgutyouandthrowyouoverthetower.Yourchoice.”

ThemessageordersthelegionpreparingtoattacktheTribesbacktoagarrisonfortymilesfromhereanddemandstheorderbecarriedoutimmediately.Afterthedrummerisfinished,Ikillhim.Hehadtohaveknownitwascoming.Butstill,Ican’tlookhimintheeyesasIdoit.

Myarmorisdisgusting,andIcannotbearthestench,soIshedit,stealclothesfromthestoreroom,andturnbacktotheWaitingPlace.ThecloserIget,themorerelievedIfeel.TheTribesshouldhavemanyhoursbeforetheMartialsrealizethatthemessagetheyweregivenisfalse.MyfamilywillescapetheEmpire.Andatlast,IhavetheunderstandingIneedtopasstheghoststhrough.Tobeginrestoringthebalance.It’saboutbleedingtime.

Myfirstcluethatsomethingiswrong—deeplywrong—comeswhenIapproachtheborderwall.Itshouldbehighandgold,shimmeringwithpower.Instead,itappearswan,almostpatchy.Ithinktofixit,butthemomentIampastthetreeline,theghosts’painblastsintome,abarrageofmemoryandconfusion.ImakemyselfremembernotwhyIkilledallthoseMartialsbuthowitfelt.Thewayitdeadenedme.IpushtheTribesandMamieandAubaritfrommymind.Mauthrisesnow,tentative.Icalltotheclosestghost,whodriftsforward.

“WelcometotheWaitingPlace,therealmofghosts,”Isaytohim.“IamtheSoulCatcher,andIamheretohelpyoucrosstotheotherside.”

“Iamdead?”theghostwhispers.“Ithoughtthiswasadream...”ThemagicgivesmeanawarenessoftheghoststhatIdidnothavebefore,an

insightintotheirlives,theirneeds.Afteramoment,Iunderstandthatthisspiritneedsforgiveness.ButhowdoIofferit?HowdidShaevadoso—andsoquickly,withnothingbutathought?

Theconundrumgivesmepause,andatthatexactmoment,theghosts’howlingreachesanadir.QuitesuddenlyI’mawareofsomethingstrange:ashiftintheForest.Thelandfeelsdifferent.Itisdifferent.

Afterconsultingthemapinmyhead,Irealizewhy.Someone’shere—someonewhoshouldn’tbehere.

Andwhoeveritishasfoundtheirwaytothejinngrove.

I

XXXVIII:TheBloodShrike

amhunchedatmydesk,deepinthought,whenIfeelahandonmyshoulder—ahandInearlytakeoffwiththebladethatjumpsintomyhand,untilI

recognizeHarper’ssea-greeneyes.“Don’tdothatagain,”Isnarlathim,“unlessyouwanttoloseanappendage.”

ThemessofpagesonmydesktellsofdaysspentobsessivelyporingoverAlistar’sreports.Istand,andmyheadspins.Imighthavemissedameal—orthree.“Whattimeisit?”

“Thirdbellbeforedawn,Shrike.Forgivemefordisturbingyou.Dexjustsentamessage.”

“Abouttime.”It’sbeennearlyfourdayssinceweheardanything,andIwasstartingtowonderifsomemisfortunehadbefallenmyfriend.

IholdtheparchmenttothelampinHarper’shand.ThatiswhenIrealizethathe’sshirtlessanddisheveled,everymuscleinhisbodytense.Hismouthisthin,andthecalmthatusuallyemanatesfromhimisabsent.

“Whatthehellsiswrong?”“Justreadit.”

KarkaunforceofnearlyfiftythousandgatheringinUmbralPass,ledbyGrímarr.Callupthelegions.TheyarecomingforAntium.

“There’ssomethingelse,Shrike,”Avitassays.“ItriedtodecodetheletterwefoundonAlistar,butsheuseddisappearingink.TheonlythingleftbythetimeIgottoitwasthesign-off.”She.“KerisVeturia.”Avitasnods,andIwanttoscream.“Thattraitorous

bitch,”Isnarl.“ShemusthavebeenmeetingwithKarkaunswhenshewasattheRoost.WherethebleedinghellsisCorporalFavrus?”

“Foundhimdeadinhisquarters.Nowoundsonhim.Poison.”Kerishadoneofherassassinstakehimout,justlikeshehadsomeonemurder

CaptainAlistar.KnowinghowbadlyshewantstobeEmpress,herintentionsnowareobvious:Shedidn’twantustoknowofGrímarr’sapproach.ShewantedEmperorMarcusandmetolooklikefools—dangerous,incompetentfools.So

whatifablood-hungrywarlocklayssiegetoAntium?Sheknowsthatwithreinforcements,wecandestroytheKarkauns—thoughholdingoffaforceoffiftythousandmenwilltakeitstoll.Worse,she’llusethechaoscreatedbyasiegetodestroyMarcus,Livia,andme.She’llbeatbacktheKarkauns,behailedasahero,andgetwhatshealwayswanted,whattheNightbringerhasnodoubtpromisedher:thethrone.

AndIcannotproveanyofit.EvenifIknow,inmyverybones,thatthisisherintent.Itdidnothavetobethisway,BloodShrike.Rememberthat,beforetheend.“WeneedtotelltheEmperor,”Isay.AndsomehowIneedtoconvincehimto

getLiviaoutofthecity.IfGrímarr’sforceiscominghere,thereisnomoredangerousaplaceforher.Antiumwillbechaos.AndKeristhrivesinchaos.

WearearmedandlockedinEmperorMarcus’swarroomwithinthehour.Runnersfanoutacrossthecity,bringingintheEmpire’sgenerals,manyofwhomarealsoPatersoftheirGens.Adozenmapsarebroughtin,eachlayingoutdifferentsectionsoftheterraintothenorth.

“Whydidn’tweknowaboutthis?”asksGeneralCrispinRufius,theheadofGensRufia,ashecirclestheroom,cunningasavulture.MarcusthrewCrispin’sbrotheroverCardiumRockmonthsago.Idon’texpecthissupport.“Reportscomeineverydayfromthesegarrisons.Ifsomethingwasoutoftheordinary,thereareadozenpeoplewhoshouldhavecaughtit.”

Marcustiltshishead,asiflisteningtosomethingtherestofuscannothear.ThePatersexchangeaglance,andItrynottocurse.Nowisnotthetimeforouremperortostartchattingwithhisdeadbrother.Hemutterssomething,thennods.Butwhenhedoesfinallyspeak,hesoundsperfectlycalm.

“Thereportsweremanipulated,”Marcussays,“bysomeonewhovaluestheirowninterestsovertheEmpire,nodoubt.”Theimplicationisobvious,andeventhoughI’venoindicationthatRufiusisinanywayinvolvedinchangingthereports,therestofthemenintheroomlookathimsuspiciously.Hisfaceturnsred.

“Iammerelysayingthatthisishighlyirregular.”“It’sdone.”Ispeak,ahandonmyscimsothatheremembersIluredhis

brotherandthePatersofotheralliedGensintoVillaAquilla,trappedthem,andhadthemtakenatscimpointtoCardiumRocktodie.“Nowwereaptheconsequences.WhoeverplannedthiswantstheEmpireweak.Thereisnogreaterweaknessthaninfighting.Youcancontinuetodiscusswhywedidn’tknowabouttheKarkaunattack,oryoucanhelpusstopthebastards.”

Theroomissilent,andMarcus,takingadvantageofthemoment,tapsUmbralPass,northofAntium.“Grímarrgathershismenjustnorthofthepass,”

hesays.“Fromthere,it’safour-dayridetoAntiumonaswifthorse,twoweeksforanarmy.”

Forhours,weargue.Antiumhassixlegions—thirtythousandmen—guardingit.OnegeneralwantstosendalegionouttostopGrímarrbeforehereachesthecity.Thecaptainofthecityguard,mycousinBaristusAquillus,volunteerstoleadasmallerforce.Ipaceinirritation.Everyminutewedon’tmakeadecisionisanotherminutethattheCommandantgetsclosertoAntium,anotherminutethatmysister’sandnephew’slivesareindangerfrombothKerisandtheKarkauns.

AsthePaterspressMarcus,Iexpecthisvolatilitytoshow.Iwaitforhimtoacknowledgethevoicehehears.Butforonce,heappearshisoldself,asifthethreatofwarhasbroughtbackthecunningfoewhoplaguedEliasandmeduringouryearsatBlackcliff.

Bydawn,thegeneralshavedepartedwithneworders:togetthelegionsarmedandreadytofightandtoshoreupAntium’sdefenses.Thedrumsthunderceaselessly,demandingaidfromthegovernorsofSilasandEstium.Meanwhile,Marcuscallsupreservesoldiers,butheneedn’thavebothered.Antium’scitizensareMartialsthroughandthrough.Grímarrandhismensavagedourport.Atthenewsofanotherattack,hundredsofyoungmenandwomenarriveatbarracksacrossthecity,volunteeringforduty,hungryforrevenge.

“Mylord.”ItaketheEmperorasideaftertheothersleave.Iwishtherewereabettertime,butnooneknowsMarcus’smoodfromonemomenttothenext.Andrightnow,heseemsassaneashe’severbeen.“There’sthematterofyourwifeandheir.”

Marcus’swholebodygoesstill.He’slisteningtothevoicethatspeakstohim—toZak’sghost.Isendasilentpleatothespirittomakeouremperorseereason.“Whatofthem?”hesays.

“Ifthereisasiege,thisisthelastplaceyou’llwantthemtobe.TheGrainMoonislessthanamonthaway.Liviaisduethen.Iadvisethatyougethertosafety,ideallyinSilasorEstium.”

“No.”“It’snotjustthesiegethatthreatens,”Isay.“Keriswillbeherewithindays.

She’salreadymadeoneattemptontheEmpress’slife.She’sangry.Shewillmakeanother.Wemustthwartherbeforethathappens.Ifshedoesn’tknowwhereLivvyandyourheirare,thenshecannothurtthem.”

“IfIsendmywifeandunbornchildoutofAntium,peoplewillthinkIfearthosefur-wearing,woad-facedbastards.”Hedoesn’tlifthisattentionfromthemapbeforehim,buteverymuscleinhisbodyisbunched.Heholdshistemper

byathread.“ThechildshouldbeborninAntium,intheEmperor’spalace,withwitnesses,sotherearenoquestionsofhisparentage.”

“Wecoulddoitquietly,”Isay,desperationcreepingintomyvoice.Imustsecurearegency.Imustnotletanymoreharmcometomybabysister.I’vefailedenoughonthatscore.“Noonehastoknowshe’sgone.Thecitywillbepreparingforwar.ThePaterswon’tnotice.”

“You’resuddenlyveryinterestedinthesurvivalofmydynasty.”“LiviaistheonlysiblingIhaveleft,”Isay.“Idon’twanthertodie.Asfor

yourdynasty,IamyourBloodShrike.Iwillnotinsultyourintelligencebyclaimingtolikeyou,mylord.Ifindyou...difficult.Butmyfateandmysister’saretiedtoyours,andifyourlinefails,webothdie.Please,getLiviaandthechildtosafety.”Itakeadeepbreath.“Ithinkit’swhathewouldwant.”

Idon’tsayZacharias’sname.Mentioninghimiseitherbrilliantorunforgivablystupid.Marcusfinallylooksupfromthemap.Hisjawclenches,hisfistsbunch.Ibracefortheblow—

Butthenhehissesthroughhisteeth,asifinsuddenpain.“Sendhertomyfamily,”hesays.“MyparentsareinSilas.Nooneisto

know,especiallynottheBitchofBlackcliff.Ifanythinghappenstomyheirbecauseofthis,Shrike,itwillbeyourheadonapike.Aftershe’sgone,Iwantyoubackhere.YouandIhavesomethingweneedtodo.”

Cloudsthreatenonthehorizon,heavyandlow.Ismellthestormapproaching.Livvyneedstogetontheroadbeforeithits.

Farishasmenpositionedalongtheentirestreet,andasfarastheyknow,theEmpressisleavingtovisitanailingauntontheoutskirtsofthecity.ThecarriagewillreturnwithanotherwomandressedasLivvybynightfall.

“RalliusandIcanhandleit,Shrike.”FarislooksaskanceattheBlackGuardwaitingattheendoftheroad—adozenhandpicked,hardenedwarriors.

“YouaretravelingwithmyonlysisterandtheheiroftheEmpire,”Isay.“Icouldsendalegionwithyouanditwouldn’tbeenough.”

“Thisisridiculous,”LiviasaysasIbundleherintothecarriage.Thefirstraindropsbegintofall.“Wewillholdthecity.Youwillholdthecity.”

“TheKarkaunsarecoming,yes,”Isay.“ButKerisistoo.WenearlylostyouoncebecauseIwasn’twaryenoughofher.Theonlyreasonyou’restillalive—”

“Iknow.”Mysister’svoiceissoft.Shehasnotaskedmeaboutthehealing—aboutwhyIneverhealedherbefore.PerhapssheknowsIdonotwishtospeak

ofit.“Wecannotriskit.”Ihardenmyself.“Wecannotriskthefutureofthe

Empire.Go.Watchyourback.TrustFarisandRalliusandnooneelse.Whenit’ssafeagain,I’llsendforyou.”

“Iwon’tgo.”Liviagrabsmyhand.“Iwillnotleaveyouhere.”Ithinkofmyfather.Hissternness.IamMaterofGensAquillanow,anditis

thefutureoftheGens—thefutureofmypeople—thatImustprotect.“Youwillgo.”Ipullmyfingersfromhergrip.Thunderrumbles,closerthanIthoughtitwouldbe.“Youwillremainhidden.Andyouwilldoitwiththegracewithwhichyouhavedoneeverythingelse,EmpressLiviaAquillaFarrar.Loyaltotheend.Sayit.”

Mysisterbitesherlip,herpaleeyesglowingwithanger.Butthenshenods,asIknewshewould.“Loyaltotheend,”shesays.

BythetimethestormhasbrokenoverAntium,Liviaiswellawayfromthecapital.Butmyreliefisshort-lived.YouandIhavesomethingweneedtodo.IwillnotsoonforgettheabusethatMarcusinflictedonLivia.Ithinkbacktoayearago,duringtheTrials.TothenightmaresthatplaguedmeofMarcusasEmperorandmedoinghisbidding.Whatdoeshehaveplannedformenow?

M

XXXIX:Laia

ybloodtransformstoleadatthesoundofthejinnandtheirstrange,layeredvoice.Itthrobswithcunningandrage.Butbeneathitflowsariver

ofalmostimperceptiblesorrow,justlikewiththeNightbringer.“WhereisElias?”Iknowtheywillnottellmeanythingofworth,butIask

anyway,hopingthatsomeresponsewillbebetterthansilence.Wewilltellyou,theycroon.Butyoumustcometous.“I’mnotafool.”Irestmyhandonmydagger,thoughdoingsoservesno

practicalpurpose.“Iknowyourking,remember?You’reasslipperyasheis.”Notricks,Laia,daughterofMirra.Unlikeyou,wedonotfearthetruth,forit

isthetruththatshallfreeusfromourprison.Andthetruthshallfreeyoufromyours.Cometous.

Eliashasnevertrustedthejinn.Ishouldn’teither—Iknowthis.ButEliasisnothere.Noraretheghosts.Andsomethingisverywrong,otherwisehewouldbehere.IneedtogetacrosstheForest.ThereisnootherpathtoAntium—totheBloodShrike—tothelastpieceoftheStar.

Standinghereagonizingoveritisn’tgoingtodomeanygood.Imakemywaywest,followingthecompassinmyhead,movingasswiftlyasIcanwhileitisstilllightout.PerhapsEliasisonlyawayforashorttime.Perhapshewillreturn.

Orperhapshedoesn’tknowI’mhere.Perhapssomethinghashappenedtohim.Or,thejinnwhisper,hedoesn’tcare.Hehasgreaterthingstoworryabout

thanyou.Theydonotsayitwithmalice.Theysimplystateafact,whichmakesitallthemorechilling.Ourkingshowedyou,didhenot?Yousawitinhiseyes:Eliaswalkingaway.

Eliaschoosingdutyoveryou.Hewillnothelpyou,Laia.Butwecan.Ifyouallowus,wewillshowyouthetruth.

“Whywouldyouhelpme?YouknowwhyI’mhere.YouknowwhatI’mtryingtodo.”Thetruthshallfreeusfromourprison,thejinnsayagain.Asitwillfreeyou

fromyours.Letushelpyou.

“Stayawayfromme,”Isay.Thejinnfallsilent.DoIdarehopethattheywillleavemebe?Awindpushesatmyback,rufflingmyhairandpullingatmyclothes.Ijump,spinning,seekingtheshadowsforenemies.Itisjustwind.

Butasthenightdragson,Iflag.AndwhenIcanwalknomore,Ihavenochoicebuttostop.Abroadtreetrunkservesasmyshelter,andIhunkeragainstitwithmydaggersinhand.TheForestisstrangelypeaceful,andassoonasmybodymakescontactwiththeearth,thetree,Ifeelcalmer,likeI’minafamiliarplace.Itisnotthefamiliarityofawell-traveledroad.Itisdifferent.Older.Inmyveryblood.

Inthedarkesthourofthenight,sleepclaimsme,and,withit,dreams.IfindmyselfflyingovertheWaitingPlace,skimmingthetreetops,incensedandyetterrified.Mypeople.Theyareimprisoningmypeople.AllIknowisthatImustgettothem.Imustreachthem,ifonlyIcan...

Iawaketotheoverwhelmingsensethatsomethingiswrong.ThetreesthatsurroundmearenotthoseIfellasleepbeside.ThesetreesareaswideasanAdisanavenue,andtheyglowaneeriered,asifonfirefromwithin.

“Welcometoourprison,LaiaofSerra.”TheNightbringermaterializesfromtheshadows,speakingalmosttenderly.

Hebrusheshisstrangelyglowinghandsagainstthetreetrunksashecirclesthem.Theywhisperawordathim,awordIcannotmakeout,buthesilencesthemwithhistouch.

“You—youbroughtmehere?”“Mybrethrenbroughtyou.Bethankfultheyleftyouintact.Theylongedto

tearyouintoathousandpieces.”“Ifyoucouldkillme,you’dhavedoneitalready,”Isay.“TheStarprotects

me.”“Indeed,mylove.”Irecoil.“Don’tyoucallmethat.Youdon’tknowwhatloveis.”Hisbackwastome,butheturnsnow,immobilizingmewiththateerily

brightstare.“Ah,butIdo.”Hisbitternesscurdlestheveryair,itissoancient.“ForIwasborntolove.Itwasmycalling,mypurpose.Nowitismycurse.Iknowlovebetterthananyothercreaturealive.Certainlybetterthanagirlwhogivesherhearttowhoeverhappensby.”

“TellmewhereEliasis.”“Insuchahurry,Laia.Justlikeyourmother.Sitwithmybrethrenawhile.

Theyhavesofewvisitors.”“Youknownothingofmymotherandfather.TellmewhereEliasis.”MygorgerisesastheNightbringerspeaksagain.Hisvoicefeelstooclose,

likeheisforcinganintimacyIhavenotgranted.

“WhatwillyoudoifIdonottellyouwhereEliasis?Leave?”“ThatisexactlywhatI’lldo,”Isay,butmyvoiceisweakerthanIwishitto

be.Mylegsfeelstrange.Numb.Skies,Ifeelill.Ileanforward,andwhenmyhandstouchtheearth,ajoltrollsthroughme.ThewordthatcomestomymindisnottheoneIexpect.Home.

“TheWaitingPlacesingstoyou.Itknowsyou,LaiaofSerra.”“Wh—why?”TheNightbringerlaughs,anditisechoedbythejinninthegroveuntilitfeels

likeitiscomingfromallsides.“Itisthesourceofallmagicinthisworld.Weareconnectedtoit—throughit—toeachother.”

Thereisalieheresomewhere.Icansenseit.Butthereistruthtoo,andIcannotparsethefinelinesbetweenthem.

“Tellme,love.”Thewordsoundsobsceneinhismouth.“Haveyouhadvisionsafterusingyourmagic?”

Mybloodgoescold.Thewoman.Thecell.“Yousentthosevisions?Andyou—you’vebeenwatchingme.”

“Intruth,youshallfindfreedom.Letmefreeyou,LaiaofSerra.”“Idon’tneedyourtruth.”Iwanthimoutofmyhead,butheisasdeviousand

slipperyasaneel.Togetherwithhisbrethren,hetwistsaroundmymind,squeezingtighterandtighter.WhydidIletmyselfsleep?WhydidIletthejinntakeme?Getup,Laia!Escape!

“Youcannotescapethetruth,Laia.Youdeservetoknow,child.Ithasbeenkeptfromyouforfartoolong.Wheretobegin?Perhapswhereyoubegan:withyourmother.”

“No!”Theairbeforemewavers,andIdonotknowifthevisionisrealorinmy

head.Mymotherstandsbeforeme,bigwithchild.Me,Irealize.ShepacesbackandforthoutsideacottageasFatherspeakstoher.ThethicklyforestedmountainsofMarinnriseinthedistance.

“Wemustgoback,Jahan,”shesays.“Assoonasthechildisborn—”“Andbringhimorherwithus?”Myfatherdigshishandintothethick,

unrulyhairthatIinherited.Laughterringsoutbehindhim:Darin,fat-cheekedandblissfullyunaware,sitswithaseven-year-oldLis.Myhearttwistsatthesightofmysister.Ihavenotseenherfaceinsolong.UnlikeDarin,shewatcheseverythingwithcarefuleyes,hergazeflickingbackandforthbetweenMotherandFather.Sheisachildwhosehappinessisgaugedbythestrangeweatherbetweenherparents,sometimessunnybutmoreoftenagale.

“Wecan’texposethemtothatkindofdanger.Mirra—”

Darkness.Smellcomestomebeforelight.Apricotorchardsandhotsands.IaminSerra.Mymotherappearsagain,inleathersthistime,abowandquiverslungacrossherback.Herlighthairispulledbackintoatopknot,herstarefierceassheknocksuponafamiliarweathereddoor.Myfatherkneelsbehindher,holdingmeagainstoneshoulderandDarinagainsttheother.Iamfouryearsold.Darinissix.Fatherkissesourfacesoverandoverandwhisperstous,thoughIcannothearhiswords.

Whenthedooropens,Nanstandsthere,handsonherhips,soangrythatIwanttocry.Don’tbeangry,Iwanttotellher.Youwillmissherlater.Youwillregretyouranger.Youwillwishyouhadwelcomedherwithopenarms.Nancatchessightofmyfather,ofDarin,ofme.Shetakesasteptowardus.

Darkness.Andthenaneerilyfamiliarplace.Adankroom.Alight-hairedwomanwithin—awomanIfinallyrecognize:mymother.Andtheroomisnotaroom.Itisaprisoncell.

“Thetruthwillfreeyoufromyourillusions,LaiaofSerra,”theNightbringerwhispers.“Itwillfreeyoufromtheburdenofhope.”

“Idon’twantit.”Theimageofmymotherwon’tgoaway.“Idon’twanttobefree.JusttellmewhereEliasis,”Ibeg,aprisonerinmyownmind.“Letmego.”

TheNightbringerissilent.Torchlightbobsdistantly,andthedoortomymother’scellopens.Mother’sbruises,herwounds,herhackedhairandemaciation,aresuddenlyilluminated.

“Areyoureadytocooperate?”Thewinterinthatvoiceisunmistakable.“Iwillnevercooperatewithyou.”MymotherspitsatthefeetofKeris

Veturia.TheCommandantisyoungerbutjustasmonstrous.Ahigh-pitchedscreamstabsintomyears.Thescreamofachild.Iknowwhoitis.Skies,Iknow.Lis.Mysister.

Iwritheandscreammyselftotrytodrownherout.Icannotseethis.Icannothearit.ButtheNightbringerandhisbrethrenholdmefast.

“Shedoesn’thaveyourstrength,”KerissaystoMother.“Nordoesyourhusband.Hebrokedown.Beggedfordeath.Beggedforyourdeath.Noloyalty.Hetoldmeeverything.”

“He—hewouldnever.”Kerisentersthecell.“Howlittleweknowofpeopleuntilwewatchthem

break.Untilwestripthemdowntotheirsmallest,weakestselves.Ilearnedthatlessonlongago,MirraofSerra.AndsoIwillteachyou.Iwilllayyoubare.AndIdon’tevenhavetotouchyoutodoit.”

Anotherscream,thisonedeeper—aman’svoice.“Theyaskaboutyou,”theCommandantsays.“Theywonderwhyyoulet

themsuffer.Onewayoranother,Mirra,youwillgivemethenamesofyour

supportersinSerra.”ThereisanunholyjoyinKeris’seyes.“Iwillbleedyourfamilyuntilyoudo.”

Asshewalksaway,mymotherroarsather,throwingherselfagainstthedoorofhercell.Shadowsmoveacrossthefloor.Adaypasses,another.Allthewhile,mymotherlistenstothesoundsofLisandFathersuffering.Ilisten.Shegrowsmorecrazed.Shetriestobreakout.Shetriestotricktheguards.Shetriestomurderthem.Nothingworks.

Thecelldooropens,andtheKaufguardsdragmyfatherin.Iscarcelyrecognizehim.Heisunconsciousastheytosshiminacorner.Lisisnext,andIcannotlookatwhatKerishasdonetoher.Shewasjustachild,onlytwelve.Skies,Mother,howdidyoustandit?Howdidyounotgoutterlymad?

Mysistershiversandcurlsupinthecorner.Hersilence,theslacknessofherjaw,theemptinessinherblueeyes—theywillhauntmeuntilthedayIdie.

MothertakesLisinherarms.Lisdoesn’treact.TheirbodiesswaytogetherasMotherrocksher.

AstarshecameIntomyhomeAndlititbrightwithglo-ry

Liscloseshereyes.Mymothercurlsaroundher,herhandsmovingtowardmysister’sface,caressingit.TherearenotearsinMother’seyes.Thereisnothingatall.

HerlaughterlikeAgildedsongAraincloudsparrow’ssto-ry

MymotherputsoneofherhandsontopofLis’shead,shornnow,andanotheronherchin.

AndwhenshesleepsIt’slikethesunHasfaded,gonesocold,see.

Acracksounds,softerthaninmyvisions.Itisasmallnoise,likethebreakingofabird’swing.Lisslipslifelesstothefloor,herneckbrokenbyourmother’shand.

IthinkIscream.Ithinkthatsound,thatshriek,isme.Inthisworld?Insomeother?Icannotgetout.Icannotescapethisplace.IcannotescapewhatIsee.

“Mirra?”myfatherwhispers.“Lis...whereis...”“Sleeping,mylove.”Mother’svoiceiscalm,distant.Shecrawlstomyfather,

pullinghisheadintoherlap.“She’ssleepingnow.”“I—Itried,butIdon’tknowhowmuchlonger—”“Donotfear,mylove.Neitherofyouwillsufferanymore.”Whenshebreaksmyfather’sneck,itislouder.Thequietthatfollowssinks

intomybones.Itisthedeathofhope,suddenandunheralded.Still,theLionessdoesnotcry.TheCommandantenters,looksbetweenthebodies.“You’restrong,Mirra,”

shesays,andthereissomethinglikeadmirationinherpaleeyes.“Strongerthanmymotherwas.Iwouldhaveletyourchildlive,youknow.”

Mymother’sheadjerksup.Despairsuffuseseveryinchofher.“Itwouldn’thavebeenalife,”shewhispers.

“Perhaps,”Kerissays.“Butcanyoubesure?”Timeshiftsagain.TheCommandantholdscoalsinaglovedhandasshe

approachesmymother,whoistiedtoatable.Farbackinmymind,amemorysurfaces.Everbeentiedtoatablewhilehot

coalsburnedintoyourthroat?Cooksaidthosewordstomelongago,inakitchenatBlackcliff.WhydidCooksaythosewordstome?

Timespeeds.Mother’shairgoesfromblondetopuresnowwhite.TheCommandantcarvesscarsintoherface—horrible,disfiguringscars—untilitisnolongerthefaceofmymother,nolongerthefaceoftheLionessbutinsteadthefaceof—EverhadyourfacecarvedupwithadullknifewhileaMaskpouredsalt

waterintoyourwounds?No.Idonotbelieveit.Cookmusthaveexperiencedthesamethingasmy

mother.PerhapsitwastheCommandant’sparticularwayofgettingrebelfighterstotalk.Cookisanoldwoman,andmymotherwouldn’tbe—shewouldstillberelativelyyoung.

ButCookneveractedlikeanoldwoman,didshe?Shewasstrong.Thescarsarethesame.Thehair.

Andhereyes.IneverlookedcloselyatCook’seyes.ButIrememberthemnow:deepsetanddarkblue—darkerstillfortheshadowsthatlurkedwithin.

Butitcannotbe.Itcannot.“Itistrue,Laia,”theNightbringersays,andmyverysoulshudders,forI

knowhetellsnolies.“Yourmotherlives.Youknowher.Andnow,youarefree.”

H

XL:Elias

owdidsomeonegetallthewaytothejinngrovewithoutmeknowing?Theborderwallsshouldhavekeptoutsidersaway.Butnot,Irealize,if

they’rethinandweak.Ghostspushagainstonespot,fartotheeast,andIslowdown.DoIshoreupthewall?Movetheghosts?TheiragitationislikenothingI’veseenbefore,almostferalinitsintensity.

Butifthereisahumaninthegrove,skiesonlyknowwhattheymightbesufferingatthehandsofthejinn.

Iheadfortheinterloper,andMauthpullsatme,hisweightlikeananvilchainedtomylegs.Aheadofme,ghostsattempttoblockmypath,athickcloudthatIcan’tseethrough.Wehaveher,Elias.Thejinnspeak,andtheghostsstoptheirwailing.The

suddensilenceisunnerving.It’sasifalltheForestlistens.Wehaveher,Elias,andwehavetornhermindtoshreds.“Who?”Idragmyselfawayfromtheghosts,ignoringtheircriesandMauth’s

pull.“Whodoyouhave?”Comeandsee,usurper.DidtheysomehowcaptureMamie?OrAfya?Dreadgrowsinmelikeaweed,

speedingmywindwalking.TheirmachinationshavealreadyledtothesufferingofAubarit’sTribe.ToAfyaandGibranbeingpossessedbyghosts.ToMamielosingherbrother,andhundredsofTribespeopledying.TheBloodShrikeistoofarawayforthemtohurt.OfallthoseIlove,onlytheShrikeandoneotherhavebeensparedtheirpredations.

ButtheycannotpossiblyhaveLaia.SheisinAdisa,huntingforawaytostoptheNightbringer.Faster,Elias,faster.IbattleMauth’sdraw,tearingthroughtheincreasinglyfrenziedghostsuntilIreachthejinngrove.

Atfirst,itlooksasitalwaysdoes.ThenIseeher,crumpledontheearth.Irecognizethepatchygraycloak.Igaveittoherlongago,onanightwhenInevercouldhaveimaginedhowmuchshe’donedaymeantome.

Inthetreestothenorth,ashadowwatches.Nightbringer!Ileapforhim,buthedisappears,gonesofastthatifnotforhislaughonthewind,I’dhavethoughtI’dimaginedhim.

IamatLaia’ssideintwosteps,hardlybelievingsheisreal.Theearthshuddersmoreviolentlythaniteverhasbefore.Mauthisangry.Butitdoesnotmattertome.Whatintenbleedinghellshavethejinndonetoher?

“Laia,”Icalltoher,butwhenIlookintoherface,hergoldeyesarefaraway,herlipsparteddully.“Laia?”Itipherheadtowardme.“Listentome.WhatevertheNightbringersaidtoyou,whateverheandhisilkaretryingtoconvinceyouof,it’satrick.Alie—”Wedonotlie.Wetoldherthetruth,andthetruthhasfreedher.Shewillnever

hopeagain.Ineedtogethermindoutoftheirclutches.Howcanyou,usurper,whenyoucannotlayyourhandsonthemagic?“Youtellmewhatthehellsyou’vedonetoher!”Asyouwish.Secondslater,mybodyisasrootedtothegroveasLaia’sis,and

thejinnshowmeherpurposeincomingthroughtheWaitingPlace.ShemustgettoAntium,totheBloodShrike,tothering.ShemuststoptheNightbringer.

Buthermissionisforgottenasafireragesinhermind,leavingherlost,wanderinginaprison,forcedtowatchwhathappenedtoherfamilyoverandover.Weshowyouherstorysothatyoucansufferwithher,Elias,thejinnsay.Cry

outyourrage,won’tyou?Cryoutyouruselessness.Thesoundissosweet.Myscimswilldonothingagainstthis.Threatswilldonothing.Thejinnare

inherhead.ApowerfulyankfromMauthnearlyknocksmetomyknees,sosharpthatI

gaspfromthepain.SomethingishappeningoutintheWaitingPlace.Icanfeelit.Somethingishappeningtotheborder.Leaveher,then,Elias.Goandattendtoyourduty.“Iwillnotleaveher!”Youhavenochoice—notifyouwishtheworldofthelivingtosurvive.“Iwillnot!”Myvoiceisrawwithrageandfailure.“Iwillnotletyoutorment

hertodeath,evenifstoppingyoutearsmyownbodytoshreds.Alltheworldcanburn,butIwillnotsimplyleavehertosuffer.”Allthingshaveaprice,EliasVeturius.Thepriceofsavingherwillhauntyou

forallyourdays.Willyoupayit?“Justlethergo.Please.I—I’msorryforyourpain,yourhurt.Butshedidnot

causeit.It’snotherfault.Mauth,helpme.”WhyamIbegging?Why,whenIknowitwilldonogood?Onlymercilessnesscanhelpme.Onlyabandoningmyhumanity.AbandoningLaia.

ButIcan’tdoit.Ican’tpretendthatIdon’tloveher.

“Comebacktome,Laia.”Herbodyisheavyinmyarms,hairtangled,andIpushitbackfromherface.“Forgetthemandtheirlies.That’salltheyare.Comeback.”Yes,Elias,thejinnpurr.Pouryourloveintoher.Pouryourheartintoher.Iwishtheywouldshutthehellsup.“Comebacktotheworld.Whereverthey

havetakenyou,whatevermemorytheyhavelockedyouindoesn’tmatterasmuchasyoucomingback.Yourpeopleneedyou.Yourbrotherneedsyou.Ineedyou.”

AsIspeak,it’sasifIcanseeintoherthoughts.Icanseethejinnclawingathermind.Theyarestrange,warpedbeingsofsmokelessflamethatarenothinglikethebeautiful,gracefulcreaturesIsawinthecity.Laiatriestofightthem,butsheweakens.

“Youarestrong,Laia.Andyouareneededhere.”Hercheekfeelslikeice.“Youhavemuchyettodo.”

Laia’seyesareglazedover,andIshudder.Iholdhernow.Icalltoher.Butshewillgrowoldanddie,whileIwillliveon.Sheistheblinkofaneye.AndIamanage.

ButIcanacceptthat.IcansurvivelongyearswithoutherifIknowthatatleastshehadachanceatlife.I’dgiveupmytimewithher—Iwould—ifonlyshewouldwake.Please.Pleasecomeback.Herbodyjerksonce,andforoneheart-stoppingmoment,Ithinksheisdead.Thensheopenshereyes,staringatmewithbewilderment.Thankthe

bleedingskies.“They’regone,Laia,”Isay.“Butwehavetogetyououtofhere.”Hermindwillbefragileafterwhatthejinnjustputherthrough.Anymorepushingfromtheghostsorthejinnwouldfeeltorturous.

“Ican’t—can’twalk.Couldyou—”“Putyourarmsaroundmyneck,”Isay,andIwindwalkoutofthegrovewith

Laiaheldclose.Mauthyanksatmefutilely,andtheearthoftheWaitingPlaceshakesandcracks.Ireachouttotheborders;thepressureisimmense.Thestrainonthemmakesmebreakintoasweat.IneedtogetLaiaoutofheresoIcancorraltheghosts—getthemawayfromtheedgesoftheWaitingPlace,lesttheybreakfree.

“Elias,”Laiawhispers.“Are...areyoureal?Areyouatricktoo?”“No.”Itouchmyforeheadtohers.“No,love.I’mreal.You’rereal.”“What’swrongwiththisplace?”Sheshivers.“It’ssofull,asifit’saboutto

burst.Icanfeelit.”“Justtheghosts,”Isay.“NothingIcan’thandle.”Ihope.Flatpatchesof

rollinggrasslandappearthroughthetreesahead:theEmpire.

TheborderfeelsevenweakernowthanitdidwhenIfirstpassedthroughit.Manyoftheghostshavefollowedme,andtheypressagainsttheglowingbarrier,theircriesrisingeagerlyasiftheysenseitsweakness.

IgowellbeyondthetreelineandsetLaiadown.Thetreesswaybackandforthbehindme,afranticdance.Imustreturn.Butforjustthisonemoment,Iletmyselflookather.Themessycloudofherhair,herwornboots,thetinycutsonherfacefromtheForest,thewayherhandsgripthedaggerIgaveher.

“Thejinn,”shewhispers.“They—theytoldmethetruth.Butthetruthis...”Sheshakesherhead.

“Thetruthisugly,”Isay.“Thetruthofourparentsuglierstill.Butwearenotthem,Laia.”

“She’soutthere,Elias,”Laiasays,andIknowshespeaksofhermother.OfCook.“Somewhere.Ican’t—I—”Sheslipsbackintothememoryagain,andthoughtheForestseethesbehindme,itwillhavedonemenogoodtogetLaiaoutofthereifsheendsupinthegraspofthejinnagain.Itakehershoulders,strokeherface.Imakeherlookatme.

“Forgiveher,ifyoucan,”Isay.“Rememberthatfateisneverwhatwethinkitwillbe.Yourmother—mymother—wecanneverunderstandtheirtorments.Theirhurts.Wemaysuffertheconsequencesoftheirmistakesandtheirsins,butweshouldnotcarrythemonourhearts.Wedon’tdeservethat.”

“Willitalwaysbechaosforus,Elias?Willthingsneverbenormal?”Hereyesclearasshelooksatme,andsheisreleased,foramoment,from

whatshesawintheForest.“Willweevertakeawalkbythemoonlight,orspendanafternoonmakingjamormaking...”Love.Mybodyturnstofirejustthinkingaboutit.“Ihaddreamsaboutyou,”shewhispers.“Weweretogether—”“Itwasn’tadream.”Ipullherclose.Itkillsmethatshedoesn’tremember.I

wishshecould.IwishshecouldholdontothatdaythewayIdo.“Iwasthere,andyouwerethere.Anditwasaperfectsliceoftime.Itwon’talwaysbelikethis.”IsayitlikeIbelieveit.Butwithinmyownheart,somethinghasshifted.Ifeeldifferent.Colder.ThechangeisgreatenoughthatIspeakevenmoreadamantly,hopingthatbysayingwhatIwanttofeel,Iwillbringittolife.“Wewillfindaway,Laia.Somehow.Butif...ifIchange...ifIseemdifferent,rememberthatIloveyou.Nomatterwhathappenstome.Sayyou’llremember,please—”

“Youreyes...”Shelooksupatme,andmybreathcatchesattheintensityinhergaze.“They—they’redarker.LikeShaeva’s.”

“Ican’tstay.I’msorry.Ihavetogoback.Ihavetoattendtotheghosts.ButIwillseeyouagain.Ivowit.Hurry—gettoAntium.”

“Wait.”Shestands,stillunsteadyonherfeet.“Don’tgo.Please.Don’tleavemehere.”

“You’restrong,”Isay.“YouareLaiaofSerra.YouarenottheLioness.Herlegacy—hersins—theydon’tbelongtoyouanymorethanKeris’slegacybelongstome.”

“Whatdidyousaytome?”Laiaasks.“Thatnightbeforeyouleftmonthsago,whenwewereheadedtoKauf.IwassleepinginthewagonwithIzzi.Whatdidyousay?”

“Isaid,Youare—”ButMauthhaslostpatience.IamwrestedbacktotheWaitingPlace,backto

Mauth’sside,withaforcethatrattlesmybones.Iwillfindyou,Laia.Iwillfindaway.Thisisnotourend.Iscreamitinmy

mind.ButassoonasIgetintotheWaitingPlace,thethoughtisdashedfrommyconsciousness.Thebordersarebending—breaking.Igotoreinforcethem,butIamacorkinthefaceofadambreaking.Allthingshaveaprice,EliasVeturius.Thejinnspeakagain,aninexorable

truthintheirvoice.Wewarnedyou.AroarcleavestheWaitingPlace,arippingthatseemstocomefromthe

bowelsoftheearth.Theghostsscream,theirhighkeenrisingastheythrowthemselvesagainsttheborder.Ihavetostopthem.They’retooclose.They’llbreakfree.Toolate,usurper.Toolate.Acollectivehowlgoesup,andtheghostsoftheWaitingPlace,thetortured

soulswhoaremyswornduty,breakfreeoftheborderandpourintotheworldoftheliving,theirshriekslikelivingdeathcarriedonthewind.

“I’

XLI:TheBloodShrike

mnotgoingtotheAugurs,”IsaytoMarcus.IrememberwellwhatCaintoldmejustweeksago.Iwillseeyouoncemore,beforeyourend.“You

don’tunderstand,they—”“Growableedingspine,Shrike.”Marcusgrabsmyarmandbeginstodrag

mefromthethroneroom.“Thoseeeriebastardsscareeveryone.Wehaveaninvasiontoworryabout,andtheycanseethefuture.You’recomingwithmetotheirfoullittlecave.Unlessyouwanttofindoutifyoureallycanhealyoursister’sshatteredkneecaps.”

“Damnyou—”Hebackhandsmeandgrimaces,grabbinghishead.Iwipethebloodfrommy

mouthandlookaroundashemutterstohimself.Thethroneroomisempty,buttherearestillguardsnearby.

“Pullyourselftogether,”Ihiss.“Wedon’tneedKerishearingaboutthis.”Marcustakesasteadyingbreathandglowersatme.“Shutit.”Thesoftnessofhisgrowldoesnothingtolessenitsmenace.“And

move.”ThepilgrimsusuallycloggingthetrailtoMountVidennshavefled,ordered

backdowntothecitytoprepareforGrímarr’sapproach.ThepathuptotheAugurs’caveisemptybutforMarcus,me,andthedozenMaskswhoserveasMarcus’spersonalguard.Theentireway,Itrytoleashmyrage.Imustnotactonit.AsmuchasIhatethem,theyaretheholymenoftheEmpire.Hurtingonecouldleadtohorribleconsequences,andifsomethinghappenstome,thenLiviaandhersongounprotected.

Icursemyself.Evennow,evenwhenIloathethem,somepartofmeisstilltrainedtorespectthem.Thepushandpullofitmakesmesicktomystomach.JustgetMarcusupthereandlethimdothetalking.Don’tengage.Don’taskquestions.Don’tletthemsayanythingtoyou.Tellthemyoudon’twanttohearwhateveritistheyhavetosay.

Thestormthathasragedallmorningsquatsoverthemountains,soakingusandturningthepathtotheAugurs’homeintoatreacherous,slipperydeathtrap.Bythetimewemakeourwayacrossthewiderockbowlthatleadstothecave,

wearecoveredinmudandcuts,whichputsMarcusinanevenfoulermoodthanusual.

TheAugurs’caveisdark,withoutahintoflife,andIbrieflyholdouthopethattheseerswillnotallowuswithin.Itiswell-knownthattheycankeepoutwhomevertheywishto.

Butasweapproachthemouthofthecave,bluelightflares,andashadowdetachesfromtherock,redeyesvisibleevenatadistance.Whenwedrawcloser,theshadowspeaks.ItisthesameAugurwholetmeinlasttime.

“EmperorMarcusFarrar.BloodShrike,”shesays.“Youarewelcomehere.Yourmen,however,mustremainbehind.”

LikethelasttimeIcamehere,theAugurwalksmedownalongtunnelthatglowssapphirefromblue-firelamps.IgripmyscimsasIthinkbacktothatday.Firstyouwillbeunmade.Firstyouwillbebroken.

IwasstillHeleneAquillathen.NowIamsomeonenew.Thoughmymentalshielddidn’tworkagainsttheNightbringer,Iuseitanyway.Ifthered-eyedfiendswanttorootaroundinmyhead,theyshouldatleastknowtheyaren’twelcome.

Whenwegetdeeperintothemountain,anotherAugurawaitsus,oneIcannotname.ButfromMarcus’ssharpintakeofbreath,it’scleartheEmperorknowsher.

“Artan.”MarcussaysthenamethesamewayIsnarlCain’s.“LonghavetheemperorsoftheMartialscometotheAugursintimesof

need,”Artansays.“Youseekcounsel,EmperorMarcus.Iamhonorboundtoofferit.Sit,please.Iwillspeakwithyou.”Shegesturestoalowbenchbeforeclearingherthroatandglancingatme.“Alone.”

Thesamewomanwhoescortedusintakesmyarmandguidesmeaway.Shedoesnotspeakaswewalk.Distantly,Ihearthedripofwaterandthenwhatsoundslikethepingofsteel.Itechoesagainandagain,astrangeandincongruenttattoo.

Weenteracircularcavern,blackgemsglimmeringalongitswalls,andCainstepsfromtheshadows.Withoutthinking,Ireachformyblade.

“Nay,Shrike.”Cainliftsawitheredhand,andmyownfreezes.“Thereisnothreathere.”

Iforcemyhandawayfrommyscim,castingaboutforsomething—anything—todistractmefrommyrage.

“What’sthatsound?”Isayofthestrangeping-ping-ping.“It’sirritating.”“Justthecavessingingtheirstories,”Cainsays.“Afewarefilledwith

crystal,otherswithwater.Manyareastinyashouses,othersarelargeenoughto

holdacity.Butalways,theysing.SomedayswecanhearthehornsoftheriverboatsleavingDelphinium.”

“Delphiniumishundredsofmilesaway,”Isay.Bleedinghells.Iknewtherewerecavesandtunnelsunderthecity,butIdidn’tknowthattheAugurs’cavesweresoextensive.Thelandtothewestofhereissolidrock,theonlycavesinhabitedbybearsandwildcats.Iassumedthemountainstotheeastarethesame.

Cainwatchesmethoughtfully.“Youaremuchchanged,BloodShrike.Yourthoughtsareclosed.”

Satisfactioncoursesthroughme—I’llhavetotellHarper.“DidtheMeheryateachyou,ashedidtheFarrars?”Atmymystifiedlook,

Cainclarifies.“YourefertohimastheNightbringer.”“No,”Isnap,andthen,“WhydoyoucallhimMeherya?Isthathisname?”“Hisname,hishistory,hisbirthright,hiscurse.Thetruthofallcreatures,man

orjinn,liesintheirname.TheNightbringer’snamewashismaking.Anditwillbehisunmaking.”Hetiltshishead.“DidyoucometoaskabouttheNightbringer,BloodShrike?”

“Ihavenodesiretobehere,”Isay.“Marcusorderedmypresence.”“Ah.Letusmakecivilconversationthen.Yoursister—sheiswell?Soonto

beamother,ofcourse.”“IftheCommandantdoesn’tkillherfirst,”Isay.“Ifshesurviveschildbirth.”

AndeventhoughIdonotwishto,Iseektheanswertothosequestionsinhiseyes.Ifindnothing.

Hepacesaroundthecave,andunwillinglyIfallintostepwithhim.“TheTribespeoplesaythattheheavensliveunderthefeetofthemother,”he

says.“Sogreatistheirsacrifice.Andindeednoonesuffersinwarmorethanthemother.Thiswarwillbenodifferent.”

“AreyousayingLiviaisgoingtosuffer?”Iwanttoshaketheanswerfromhim.“She’ssafenow.”

Cainfixesmewithhisstare.“Nooneissafe.Haveyounotyetlearnedthatlesson,BloodShrike?”Thoughhesoundsmerelycurious,Isenseaninsultinhiswords,andmyfingersinchtowardmywarhammer.

“Youwishtocausemepain,”Cainsays.“Butalready,myeverybreathistorture.Longago,Itooksomethingthatdidnotbelongtome.AndI—andmykin—havespenteverymomentsincepayingforit.”

Atmyutterlackofsympathy,hesighs.“Soonenough,BloodShrike,”hesays,“youwillseemybrethrenandmebroughtlow.Andyoushallneednohammernorblade,forweshallundoourselves.Thetimetoatoneforoursins

approaches.”Hisattentionshiftstothehallwaybehindme.“Asitdoesforyouremperor.”

AmomentlaterMarcusappears,facegrim.InodacurtgoodbyetoCain.IhopeIneverbleedingseehimagain.

Aswewalkoutofthetunnelanddowntoourmen,clusteredbetweenboulderstoescapethelashingrain,Marcuslooksoveratme.

“Youwillbeinchargeofthedefenseofthecity,”Marcussays.“Iwilltellthegenerals.”

“MostofthemarefarmoreseasonedthanIamatdealingwithmaraudingarmies,mylord.”“ThestrengthofthebutcherbirdisthestrengthoftheEmpire,forsheisthe

torchagainstthenight.Yourlinewillriseorfallwithherhammer;yourfatewillriseorfallwithherwill.”

WhenMarcuslooksatme,IknowforaninstanthowCainmusthavefeltwhenIlookedathim.PurehateradiatesfromtheEmperor.Andyetheisstrangelydiminished.HeisnottellingmeeverythingtheAugursaid.

“Did—didtheAugursayanythingel—”“Thathaghasn’tbeenwrongyet,”Marcussays.“Notaboutme.Notabout

you.Sowhetheryoulikeitornot,Shrike,Antium’sdefenseisinyourhands.”Itisdeepnightbythetimeweapproachthenortherngatestothecapital.

TeamsofPlebeiansfortifythewalls,alegionnairebellowingatthemtoworkfaster.Theacridreekoftarfillstheairassoldierslugbucketsofitupladderstothetopofourdefenses.Fletcherstransportwagonloadsofarrowsdividedintotubsforthearcherstograbeasily.Thoughthemoonishigh,itseemsasifthereisnotasinglesleepingsoulinthecity.Vendorshawkfoodandale,andScholarslavescarrywatertothoseworking.

Thiswillnotlast.WhentheKarkaunscome,thecivilianswillbeforcedtoretreatintotheirhomestowaitandseewhethertheirbrothersandfathers,unclesandcousins,sonsandgrandsonscanholdthecity.Butinthismoment,asallthepeoplecometogether,unafraid,myheartswells.Comewhatmay,IamgladIamheretofightwithmypeople.AndIamgladIamtheBloodShrikechargedwithleadingtheMartialstovictory.

AndIwillleadthemtovictory—overtheKarkaunsandtheCommandant.Marcusappearstonoticenoneofthis.Heislostinthought,stridingforward

withoutlookingatallthosewholaborforhisempire.“Mylord,”Isay.“Perhapstakeamomenttoacknowledgetheworkers.”“Wehaveableedingwartoplan,youfool.”“Warssucceedorfailbasedonthemenwhofightthem,”Iremindhim.“Take

onemoment.Theywillremember.”

Heregardsmewithirritationbeforebreakingawayfromhismentospeakwithagroupofauxsoldiers.Iwatchfromadistance,andfromthecornerofmyeyeInoticeagroupofchildren.One—agirl—wearsawooden,silver-paintedmaskoverherfaceasshefightsaslightlysmallergirl,whoispresumablyposingasaBarbarian.Theclackoftheirwoodenswordsisjustonemoreinstrumentinthefranticsymphonyofacitypreparingforwar.

Themaskedgirlspinsundertheother’sscimbeforedeliveringakicktoherbottomandpinningherwithaboot.

Ismileandshelooksup,pullingoffhermaskhastily.Sheoffersaclumsysalute.Theothergirl—whoIrealizemustbeayoungersister—staresopenmouthed.

“Elbowup.”Ifixthegirl’sarm.“Handperfectlystraight,andthetipofyourmiddlefingershouldbeatthecenterofyourforehead.Keepyoureyesonthespacebetweenyouandme.Trynottoblinktoomuch.”Whenshe’sgotit,Inod.“Good,”Isay.“NowyoulooklikeaMask.”

“ChryssasaysI’mnotbigenough.”Shelookstoherstill-staringsister.“ButI’mgoingtofighttheKarkaunswhentheycome.”

“Thenwe’llsurelydefeatthem.”Ilookbetweenthegirls.“Takecareofeachother,”Isay.“Always.Promiseme.”

AsIwalkaway,Iwonderiftheywillrememberthevowtheymademetenyearsfromnow,twenty.Iwonderifthey’llstillbealive.IthinkofLivvy,faraway,Ihope.Safe.Thatfactistheonlythingthatgivesmecomfort.WewilldefeatGrímarr’sarmy.Wearethesuperiorfightingforce.Butthewarlockisacleveradversaryanditwillbeahardbattle.Skiesknowwhatwillhappeninthatchaos.Cain’swordshauntme:Nooneissafe.CursetheCommandantforbringingthisuponusoutofhergreed.CurseherforcaringmoreaboutbecomingEmpressthanabouttheEmpiresheseekstorule.

Marcusshoutsatmetogetmoving.Whenwereturntothepalace,itisahiveofactivity.Horses,men,weaponry,andwagonsclogthegatesasthepalaceguardssandbagtheouterwallsandhammerinplanksacrosstheentrancegates.Withsomanypeoplecominginandout,itwillbedifficulttokeeptheplacesecureagainsttheCommandant’sspies—andherassassins.ComeforMarcus,Keris,Ithink.Domyworkforme.Butyou’llneverget

yourhandsonmysisterorherchildagain.NotwhileIliveandbreathe.Asweapproachthethroneroom,there’sabuzzintheair.Ithinkoneofthe

courtierswhispersKeris’sname,butMarcuswalkstoofastformetolingerandlisten.ThethroneroomdoorsflyopenasMarcusstridestowardthem.AseaofIllustriannoblesmillswithin,waitingtohearwhattheEmperorwillsayabout

theapproachingarmy.Ifeelnofearintheair,onlyagrimsenseofdeterminationandastrangetension,asifeveryoneknowsasecrettheyaren’twillingtoshare.

Thesourceofitbecomesapparentmomentslater,asthewavesofIllustriansparttorevealasmallblondewomaninbloodiedarmorstandingbesideatall,equallyblondewomanheavywithchild.

TheCommandanthasreturnedtoAntium.Andshehasbroughtmysisterwithher.

T

I

XLII:Laia

hedayMothergavemeherarmlet,Iwasfive.Nan’scurtainsweredrawn.Icouldnotseethemoon.Popmusthavebeenthere.Darin,Lis,andFather

too.ButIrememberMother’scrookedsmilemostclearly.Herlapiseyesandlongfingers.Isatinherlaptryingtotuckmycoldfeetintoherwarmshirt.You’renotLaia,she’dsaid.You’reanefritofthenorthtryingtoturnmeintoanicicle.

Someonecalledouttoher.Timetogo.Shewhisperedtometokeepthearmletsafe.Thenshewrappedherarmsaroundme,andthoughshesqueezedtootightly,Ididnotcare.Iwantedtopullherintome.Iwantedtokeepher.Wewillseeeachotheragain.Shekissedmyhands,myforehead.Iswearit.When?Soon.Thecourtyardgatecreakedassheslippedthroughit.Shesmiledbackatme

andDarin,huddledbetweenourgrandparents.Thenshesteppedintothenight,andthedarknessswallowedherup.

reelfromwhattheNightbringershowedme,fromthecrawlingfeelingofhimandhiskinallovermymind.IholdthearmletEliasgavemeandIdonotlet

go.I’mfreeofthejinnnow.AsIstumbleawayfromtheForest,asthevoicesoftheghostspeak,Imove

moreswiftly.TheDeadwillrise,andnonecansurvive.Shaeva’sprophecyringsinmymind.SomethinghasgoneterriblywrongwithintheWaitingPlace,andIneedtogetasfarawayaspossible.

Irun,tryingtorememberagainwhatIammeanttodo,tryingtogettheNightbringer’svoiceoutofmyhead.

Musamarkedavillageonmymap.Imustgetthere,meethiscontact,andgettoAntium.Butbeforethen,Ineedtopulltheshardsofmymindoffthegroundandputthembacktogether.Icannotchangewhatisdone.IcanonlymoveforwardandhopetotheskiesthatbeforeImeetCookagain,I’vemademy

peacewithwhatshedidtoFatherandLis.Withwhatsheendured.WithwhatshesacrificedfortheResistance.

Imakemywaynorthwest.Apairofhillsrisesafewmilesahead,withadipinthemiddlethatshouldshelterthevillageofMyrtium.Musa’scontactismeanttoawaitmethere.Sinceit’sMartialterritory,Ishouldusemymagictobecomeinvisible.ButIcannotbearthethoughtofmorevisions,ofseeingmorepainandsuffering.

Icannotbearthethoughtofseeingher.IthinkofDarin.DidheknowaboutwhatMotherdid?IsthatwhyhetensedupeverytimeIspokeofher?Iwishtotheskiesthathewasherenow.

RattledthoughImaybe,IhavethewitstowaituntildarkbeforeIcreeptowardthevillageproper.Thesummernightiswarm,theonlynoiseagentlebreezeblowinginoffanearbycreek.IfeellouderthanahorsewithbellsonasIslinkalongthewalls.

Theinnisthecentralbuildinginthevillage,andIwatchforalongtimebeforegettingcloser.Musatoldmelittleofhiscontact,forfearthattheknowledgecouldbeextractedbyourenemiesifIamcaught.ButIknowthatheisnotaMartialandthathewillbewaitingwithintheinn,bythefire.Iamtocloakmyself,whispertohimthatI’vearrived,andthenfollowhisinstructions.HewilltakemetotheMarinerEmbassyinAntium,whereI’llgetmapsofthepalaceandthecity,informationabouttheBloodShrikeandwhereshewillbe—everythingI’llneedtogetin,getthering,andgetthehellsout.

Goldlightspillsoutintothestreetsfromtheinn’swide,roundedwindows,andthetaproomisfull,withagitatedconversationdriftingoutinbits.

“IftheShrikecan’tstopthem—”“Howthebleedinghellsisshesupposedtostopthemwithonly—”“—citywillneverbetaken,thosepigsdon’tknowhowtofight—”Ikeeptotheshadows,tryingtoseeintotheinnfromacrossthestreet.Itis

impossible.Imustgetcloser.Theinnhasaseriesofsmallersidewindows,andthealleysarounditare

quiet,soIskitteracrossthesquare,hopingnooneseesme,andclimbontoacrate,peekingthroughoneofthewindows.Itoffersadecentviewoftheroom,butsofar,everyonehereisaMartial.

Ipeerpastthebarkeep,throughthethicketofservingmaidspouringoutdrinksandladsdeliveringplatesoffood.Thelongbariscrowdedwithvillagers,allofwhomseemtobetalkingatonce.HowthehellsamIsupposedtofindhiminthismess?I’llhavetocloakmyselfininvisibility.Ihavenochoice.

“Hello,girl.”

Inearlyjumpoutofmyskin.Whenthehoodedfigureappearsbehindme,whenhervoiceraspsagreeting,allIcanthinkisthattheNightbringerhassomehowfollowedmehere,tothistinyvillage.Thatheisplayingmoretricksonmymind.

Butthefigurestepsforwardandlowersherhoodtorevealmoon-whitehairthatneverbelongedonherandmidnight-blueeyestooshadowedtobefamiliarandviolentlyscarredskinthatInevernoticedwasunwrinkleduntilnow.Herfingersarestainedadeep,strangetitian.Herdiminutiveheightdisorientsme.Alltheseyears,Ithoughtshewastall.

“Girl?”Ireachoutahandtotouchherandsheshiesaway.Howcanthisbereal?

HowcanIbestaringintoMother’sface,aftersolong?Butofcourse,itisreal.AndtheNightbringersomehowknewshewouldbe

waiting—whyelsetormentmewithhertrueidentity?Hecouldhaveshownmewhoshewasweeksago,anytimeIusedmyinvisibility.Buthedidn’t.Becauseheknewthisiswhenitwouldhitmethehardest.

Partofmewantstoruntoher,feelherhandsonmyskin,holdtheminmyown.IwishDarinwerehere.IwishIzziwerehere.

ButthepartofmethatthinksMotherisstifledtosilencebythedarkerpartofmethatscreamsLiar!IwanttoshoutandcurseatherandaskhereveryquestionthathasplaguedmesincethemomentIlearnedwhosheis.Understandingdawnsonherface.

“Whotoldyou?”Hercoldeyesareunfamiliar.“Can’thavebeenMusa.Hedoesn’tknow.Noonedoes—exceptKeris,ofcourse.”

“TheNightbringer,”Iwhisper.“TheNightbringertoldmewhoyouare.”“WhoIwas.”Shedrawsupherhoodandturnstothedarkness.“Come.We’ll

talkontheway.”Marrow-deeppanicgripsmewhensheturnsfromme.Don’tleave!Iwantto

followher.Andatthesametime,Ineverwanttoseeheragain.“I’mnotgoinganywherewithyou,”Isay,“untilyoutellmewhatthehells

happenedtoyou.Whydidn’tyousayanythingatBlackcliff?YouslavedforKerisforyears.Howcouldyou—”

Sheclenchesandunclenchesherfists.JustlikeDarinwhenheisupset.Idipmyheadbutshewillnotmeetmystare.Herfacetwitches,hermouth

curvingintoagrimace.“Listentome,girl,”shesays.“Wehavetogo.Youhaveamission,doyounot?Don’tbleedingforgetit.”

“Themission.Themission.Howcanyou—”Ithrowupmyhandsandwalkpasther.“I’llmakemyownway.Idon’tneedyou.Idon’t—”

Butafteronlyafewsteps,Iturnback.Icannotleaveher.Imissedherforsomanyyears.Ihavelongedforherfromtheageoffive,whenshewastakenfromme.

“We’vealongroadahead.”NothingabouthowshespeakssoundslikethemotherIknew.ThisisnotthewomanwhocalledmeCricket,ortickledmeuntilIcouldn’tbreathe,orpromisedmeshe’dteachmehowtoshootabowaswellasshedid.Whoeversheisnow,sheisMirraofSerranolonger.

“Therewillbeplentyoftimeforyoutoscreamatmeontheway.I’dwelcomeit.”Herscarredmouthliftsinasneer.“Butwecannotdelay.TheBloodShrikeisinAntium,andAntiumiswherewemustgo.Butifwedon’thurry,we’llnevergetinside.”

“No,”Iwhispertoher.“Wesettlethisfirst.Thisismoreimportant,andinanycase,youmusthaveadozenwaysofsneakingin—”

“Ido,”Cooksays.“ButtherearetensofthousandsofKarkaunsmarchingonthecapital,andallthesneakingintheworldwon’tdousawhitofgoodiftheysurroundthecitybeforewegetthere.”

F

XLIII:TheBloodShrike

arisandRalliusarebothpaleasghostswhenImeettheminLivia’squarters,rattledbywhattheyhavejustsurvived,eachbleedingfromadozenwounds.

Ihavenotimetocoddlethem.Ineedtoknowwhatthehellshappenedoutthere—andhowKerisgotthebestofusagain.

“ItwasaKarkaunattack.”FarispacesbackandforthacrossLivia’ssittingroomwhileherwomensettleherinherbedroom.“Twohundredofthosewoad-lovingdemons.Theycameoutofbleedingnowhere.”

“Theywerewaiting,”Ralliusgrowlsashetiesoffabandageonhisleg.“MaybenotfortheEmpressspecifically,butforanopportunity,certainly.IfKerishadn’tshownupwithhermen,we’dhavebeeninabadspot.”

“IfKerishadn’tshownup,”Isayinirritation,“Grímarrandhishordeswouldn’thaveeither.She’sworkingwiththem.ShedidthissoshecouldgettoLivia.ThanktheskiesforyouandtheotherMasks.Shemusthaverealizedshecouldn’tkillyouall,soshedecidedtoplaytheheroinstead.”

Devious,true,butjustliketheCommandant.Sheisalwaysadaptable.AndnowthePlebeiansinthecityarehailingherasaheroforsavingthelifeofthehalf-Plebeianheir—assheprobablyknewtheywould.

“Gocleanup,”Isay.“TriplethewatcharoundtheEmpress.Iwantherfoodtastedadayinadvance.Iwantoneortheotherofyoupresentwhenitisprepared.Shedoesn’tleavethepalace.Ifshewantstogetout,shecantakeawalkinthegardens.”

Themenleave,andIgooverandoverwhattheyhavesaidasIawaitthearrivalofDex,whomIsenttogetLivia’smidwife.Whenhefinallyreturns—afterhours—itiswithadifferentwomanfromtheoneI’dpersonallychosentotendtoLivia.

“Thefirstoneisgone,Shrike,”DextellsmeasthenewmidwifebustlesintoLivia’srooms.“Leftthecity,apparently.AlongwitheveryothermidwifeItriedtotrackdown.Thisoneonlycamebecauseshe’saMariner.WhomeverthehellsKerisVeturiasenttofrightenallthosewomenprobablydidn’thaveachancetogettoher.”

Icurse,keepingmyvoicelow.KerissavedmysisterfromtheKarkaunsbecauseitsuitedherneeds—thePlebeianssingherpraises.Nowshe’llseektokillLiviaquietly.Plentyofwomendieinchildbirth,especiallyiftheyaredeliveringwithoutamidwife.

“Whatofthebarracksphysicians?Surelyoneofthemcandeliverababy.”“Theyknowbattlefieldwounds,Shrike,notchildbirth.That’swhatmidwives

arefor,apparently.Theirwords”—Dexwincesatmywrath—“notmine.”Thenewmidwife,askinnyMarinerwithgentlehandsandaboomingvoice

thatwouldputanyMartialdrillsergeanttoshame,smilesatLivia,askingheraseriesofquestions.

“Keepthisonealive,Dex,”Imurmur.“Idon’tcareifyouhavetoputadozenguardsonherandlivewithherintheBlackGuardbarracks.Youkeepheralive.Andfindabackup.Thiscannotpossiblybetheonlymidwifeleftintheentirecity.”

Henods,andthoughI’vedismissedhim,Inoticehisreluctancetoleave.“Outwithit,Atrius.”“ThePlebeians,”hesays.“You’veheardthatthey’rerisinginsupportofthe

Commandant.Well,it’s...gottenworse.”“Howthehellscoulditgetworse?”“ThestoryabouthermurderingthehighbornIllustrianswhowrongedherhas

beenmakingtherounds,”Dexsays.“ThePatersareinfuriated.ButthePlebeiansaresayingthatKerisstooduptothosemorepowerfulthanher.They’resayingthatshedefendedaPlebeianmansheloved—thatshefoughtforoneandtookrightfulvengeance.They’resayingtheIllustrianswhodiedgotwhattheydeserved.”Hells.IftheCommandantnowhasPlebeiansupportinsteadofIllustrian,I

haven’thurtheratall.I’vejustmanagedtoshuffleherlistofallies.“Lettherumorplay,”Isay.AtDex’snod,Isigh.“We’llhavetofindanother

waytoundermineher.”Atthatmoment,themidwifepokesherheadout,gesturingmeintoLivia’s

quarters.“He’sstrongasabull.”Shebeamsatme,pattingLivia’sbellywithaffection.

“He’llbruisearibortwobeforehejoinsus,I’dbetmylifeonit.ButtheEmpressisdoingfine,asisthechild.Afewweeksmore,lass,andyou’llbeholdingyourpreciousbabeinyourarms.”

“Shouldwedoanythingforher?Somesortofteaor...”IrealizeIsoundlikeanidiot.Teas,Shrike?Truly?

“Goldrosepetalsingoat’smilkeverymorninguntilherownmilkcomesin,”themidwifesays.“Andwildwoodteatwiceaday.”

E

Whenthewomanisfinallygone,Livvysitsup,andIamsurprisedtoseeaknifeclutchedinherhands.“Haveherkilled,”shewhispers.

Iraiseaneyebrow.“Themidwife?What—”“Goldrosepetals,”Livvysays,“areusedwhenawomanispastherduedate.

They’remeanttomakeababycomemorequickly.I’mstillafewweeksaway.Itwouldn’tbesafeforhimtocomenow.”

IcallDexinimmediately.Whenheleaves,weaponsinhand,Liviashakesherhead.“ThisisKeris,isn’tit?Allofit.TheKarkaunattack.Themidwivesleaving.Thismidwife.”

“I’llstopher,”Ivowtomysister.“Idon’texpectyoutobelieveit,becauseallI’vedoneisfail,but—”

“No.”Liviatakesmyhand.“Wedon’tturnoneachother,Hel—Shrike.Nomatterwhathappens.Andyes,wemuststopher.ButwemustalsokeepthesupportofthePlebeians.IftheysupportKerisnow,youcannotspeakagainstherpublicly.Youmustwalkthatline,sister.WecannotputthischildonthethroneifthePlebeiansdon’tseehimasoneoftheirown.Andtheywon’t—notifyoucrossKeris.”

veningseesmeinMarcus’swarroom,lockedinanargumentwiththePaters,wantingnothingmorethantobeatallofthemintosilencebefore

doingwhatIwish.GeneralSissellius,whoisturningouttobeasirritatingashistwisteduncle,

theWarden,pacesbeforethelargemaplaidoutonthetable,stabbingatitoccasionally.

“IfwesendasmallforcetostopGrímarr,”hesays,“wearewastinggoodmenonalostcause.It’sasuicidemission.Howcanfivehundred—evenathousand—menstandagainstaforceahundredtimesthat?”

Avitas,whohasjoinedmeinthewarroom,givesmealook.Don’tloseyourtemper,thelooksays.

“Ifwesendalargeforce,”Isayforthethousandthtime,“weleaveAntiumvulnerable.WithoutthelegionsfromEstiumandSilas,wehaveonlysixlegionstoholdthecity.ReinforcementsfromtheTriballandsorNaviumorTiborumwouldtakemorethanamonthtoreachhere.Wemustsendasmallerattackforcetocauseasmuchdamageaspossible.”

It’ssuchabasictacticthatatfirstIamstunnedthatSisselliusandafewoftheotherPatersresistsomuch.UntilIrealize,ofcourse,thattheyareusingthis

opportunitytoundermineme—and,byextension,Marcus.TheymightnottrusttheCommandantanymore,butthatdoesn’tmeantheywantMarcusonthethrone.

Forhispart,theEmperor’sattentionisfixedonKerisVeturia.Whenhedoesfinallylookatme,Icanreadhisexpressionasclearlyasifheshoutedthewords.Whyisshehere,Shrike?Whyisshestillalive?Thosehyenaeyesofhisflare,

promisingpainformysister,andIlookaway.“WhyistheShrikeleadingtheforce?”PaterRufiusdemandsofme.“Would

notKerisVeturiabeabetterchoice?Idonotknowifyouunderstandthis,myLordEmperor,butitishighly—”HissentenceendsinayelpasMarcuscasuallyflingsathrowingknifeathim,missinghimbyahair.ThesoundofRufius’ssquealisdeeplysatisfying.

“Speaktomelikethatagain,”Marcussays,“andyou’llfindyourselfwithoutahead.KeriswasbarelyabletoholdNavium’sharboragainsttheBarbarianfleet.”

AvitasandIexchangeaglance.ThisisthefirsttimetheEmperorhasdaredtosayawordagainsttheCommandant.

“TheShrike,”Marcusgoeson,“tookbacktheharborandsavedthousandsofPlebeianlives.Thedecisionismade.TheShrikewillleadtheforceagainsttheKarkauns.”

“Butmylord—”Marcus’sgianthandisaroundRufius’sthroatsofastthatIalmostdidn’tsee

himmove.“Goon,”theEmperorsayssoftly.“I’mlistening.”Rufiusgaspshisapology,andMarcusdropshim.ThePaterscurriesaway,a

roosterwhohasescapedthestewpot.TheEmperorturnstome.“Asmallforce,Shrike.Strikeandrun.Takenoprisoners.Anddonotwaste

ourforcesifyoudon’thaveto.We’llneedeverylastmanfortheassaultonthecity.”

Fromthecornerofmyeye,InoticeKeriswatchingme.Shenodsagreeting—thefirsttimeshehasacknowledgedmesincereturningtoAntiumwithmysister.Myspinetinglesinwarning.Thatlookonherface—cunning,calculated.IsawitasastudentatBlackcliff.AndIsawitmonthsago,hereinAntium,beforeMarcuskilledmyfamily.

Iknowthatlooknow.Itisthelookshegetswhenshe’sabouttospringatrap.

Avitasarrivesinmyofficejustafterthesunhasset.“Allisprepared,Shrike,”hesays.“Themenwillbereadytoleaveatdawn.”

“Good.”Ipauseandclearmythroat.“Harper—”“Perhaps,BloodShrike,”Avitassays,“youareconsideringtellingmethatI

shouldnotgo.ThatIshouldremainheretokeepaneyeonourenemiesandtoremainclosetotheEmperor,shouldheneedit.”

Iopenandclosemymouth,takenaback.ThatwasexactlywhatIwasgoingtosuggest.

“Forgiveme.”Avitaslookstired,Inotice.I’vebeenleaningonhimtoomuch.“ButthatisexactlywhattheCommandantwouldexpect.Sheis,perhaps,countingonit.Whatevershehasplanned,yousurvivingisn’tapartofit.Andyouhaveamuchbetterchanceofsurvivingifyouhavesomeonewhoknowsherwatchingyourback.”

“Whatthehellsissheupto?”Isay.“Beyondjusttryingtotakethethrone,Imean.I’vereportsthatamanofGensVeturiawasseenattheHallofRecords.She’shadthePatersofthethreebiggestIllustrianGensovertohervillainthefewhoursshe’sbeenback.Sheevenhadthemasterofthetreasuryover.Shekilledthatman’ssonandtattooedhertriumphontoherownbody,Harper.Itwastenyearsago,butshestilldidit.Thosemenshouldhateher.Insteadtheyarebreakingbreadwithher.”

“She’swooingthembacktoherside,”Harpersays.“She’stryingtorattleyou.YoutookherbysurpriseinNavium.Shewon’tbetakenbysurpriseagain,whichiswhyIshouldcomewithyou.”Atmyhesitation,impatiencesparksonhisface.

“Useyourhead,Shrike!ShehadCaptainAlistarpoisoned.ShehadFavruspoisoned.ShegottothebleedingEmpress.You’renotimmortal.Shecangettoyoutoo.Besmartaboutthis,fortheloveofskies.Weneedyou.Youcannotplayintoherhands.”

Idon’tconsidermynextwords.Theyjustcomeout.“Whydoyoucaresomuchwhathappenstome?”

“Whydoyouthink?”Hiswordsaresharp,lackinghisusualcare.Andwhenhisgreeneyesmeetmine,theyareangry.Buthisvoiceiscool.“YouaretheBloodShrike.Iamyoursecond.Yoursafetyismyduty.”

“Sometimes,Avitas,”Isigh,“Iwishyou’dsaywhatyou’reactuallythinking.Comealongontheraid,then,”Isay,andathislookofsurprise,Irollmyeyes.“I’mnotafool,Harper.Let’skeepheronhertoes.There’ssomethingelse.”Aworryhasgrowninmymind—somethingnogeneralwouldpubliclyspeakof

beforeabattle,butsomethingImustconsider,especiallyaftertalkingtoLiviaofthePlebeians.

“Dowehaveexitroutesmappedoutofthecity?Pathsthroughwhichwecouldmovelargegroupsofpeople?”

“I’lldigthemup.”“Doitbeforeweleave,”Isay.“Giveorders—quietly—tomakesurethose

pathsareclearandthatweprotectthematallcosts.”“YouthinkwecannotholdbacktheKarkauns?”“Ithinkthatifthey’reinleaguewithKeris,itisfoolishtounderestimate

them.Wemightnotknowwhatshe’splayingat,butwecanpreparefortheworst.”

Wemoveoutthenextmorning,andIforceKerisandhermachinationsfrommymind.IfIcanroutGrímarr’sforces—oratleastweakenthem—beforetheygettoAntium,she’llloseherchancetotakeMarcusdown,andI’llbetheheroinsteadofher.TheKarkaunsaretwelvedaysfromthecity,butmyforcecanmovefasterthantheirs.MymenandIhavefivedaystomakelifeashellishaspossibleforthem.

Oursmallerforceallowsustorideswiftly,andontheeveningofthethirdday,ourscoutsconfirmthattheKarkaunforcehas,asDexreported,gatheredatUmbralPass.TheyhaveTundaranWildmenwiththem—that’slikelyhowGrímarrfiguredoutthewaythrough.Thosewomen-hatingTundaranbastardsknowthesemountainsalmostaswellastheMartialsdo.

“Whythehellsaretheyjustwaitingthere?”IaskDex.“Theyshouldbeclearofthepassbynowandoutintoopencountry.”

“Waitingformoremen,perhaps,”Dexsays,“thoughtheirforcedoesn’tseemmuchbiggerthanwhenIsawit.”

IsendmycousinBaristusouttoreconthenorthendofthepasstoseeif,indeed,moreKarkaunsarejoiningthemainbodyofthearmy.Butwhenhereturns,hebringsonlyquestions.

“Bleedingstrange,sir,”Baristussays.AsDex,Avitas,andIgatherinmytent,mycousinpacesbackandforth,agitated.“Therearenomoremencominginthroughthenorthernpasses.Truly,itappearstheyarewaiting,butforwhatIcannottell.Ithoughtitmightbeweaponryorartilleryfortheirsiegemachines.Buttheyhavenosiegemachines.HowthebleedinghellsdotheyplantogetpastthewallsofAntiumwithoutcatapults?”

“MaybeKerispromisedtoletthemin,”Isay.“Andtheydon’tyetrealizehowdevioussheis.Itwouldbejustlikehertoplaybothsides.”

“Andthenwhat?”Dexsays.“Sheletsthemlaysiegeforafewweeks?”

“EnoughtimeforhertofindawaytogetMarcuskilledinthefighting,”Isay.“Enoughtimeforhertosabotagethebirthofmynephew.”Ultimately,itistheEmpirethatKeriswishestoruleover.ShewillnotletthecapitaloftheEmpirefall.Butthelossofafewthousandlives?That’snothingtoher.I’velearnedthatlessonwell.

“IfwerouttheKarkaunshere,”Isay,“thenwekillherplanbeforeitdrawsitsfirstbreath.”IexaminethedrawingstheauxhasgivenmeofthelayoutoftheKarkaunarmycamp.Theirfoodstores,theirweaponry,thelocationsoftheirvariousprovisions.They’veburiedtheirmostvaluablegoodsintheveryheartofthearmy,wheretheywillbealmostimpossibletoreach.

ButIhaveMaskswithme.Andthewordimpossiblehasbeenwhippedandbeatenoutofus.

Myforcestrikesdeepinthenight,whenmuchoftheKarkauncampissleeping.Thesentriesgodownswiftly,andDexleadsaforcethatisinandoutbeforethefirstflamesrisefromtheKarkaunfoodstores.Wehitperhapsasixthoftheirsupply,butbythetimeourenemiessoundthealarm,wehaveretreatedbackintothemountains.

“I’llcomewithyouforthenextassault,Shrike,”Harpersaystomeasweprepareforanother.“Somethingfeelswrongtome.Theytookthatattacklyingdown.”

“Perhapsit’sbecausewesurprisedthem.”Harperpacesnervously,andIputahandonhisshouldertostillhim.Asparkjumpsbetweenus,andhelooksupinsurprise.Immediately,Ilethimgo.

“I—Ineedyouwiththerearguard,”Isaytocovermyawkwardness.“Ifsomethingdoesgowrong,I’llneedyoutogetthemenbacktoAntium.”

Ournextassaultcomesjustbeforedawn,whentheBarbariansarestillscramblingfromourearlierattack.Thistime,Ileadagroupofahundredmenarmedwitharrowsandflame.

Butalmostbeforethefirstvolleyflies,itisclearthattheKarkaunsarereadyforus.Awaveofmorethanathousandofthemonourwesternsidebreaksofffromthemainarmyandsurgesupwardinorderly,organizedlinesthatI’veneverseeninaKarkaunforce.

Butwehavethehigherground,sowepickoffasmanyaswecan.Theyhavenohorses,andthesemountainsarenottheirland.Theydon’tknowthesehillsthewaywedo.

Whenwe’veexhaustedourarrows,Isignaltheretreat—whichiswhentheunmistakablethudofadrumthundersoutfromtherearguard.Avitas’stroops.Onedeepthud—two—three.

Ambush.Weworkedoutthewarningsaheadoftime.Ispinabout,mywarhammerinhand,waitingfortheattack.Themencloseranks.Ahorsescreams—achillingandunmistakablesound.Cursesringoutwhenthedrumsoundsagain.

Butthistime,thedrumisunceasing,afranticcallforaid.“Therearguardisunderattack,”Dexcallsout.“Howthehells—”Hissentenceendsinagruntasheparriesaknifethatcomesflyingoutathim

fromthewoods.Andthenwecanthinkofnothingbutsurviving,becausewearesuddenlysurroundedbyKarkauns.Theyriseupfromwell-hiddentrapsintheground,dropdownfromtrees,raindownarrowsandbladesandfire.

Fromtherearguard,weheartheunholyhowlingofmoreKarkaunsastheypourdownthemountain,fromtheeast.Thousandsofthem.Morestillapproachfromthenorth.Onlythesouthisclear—butnotforlong,ifwedon’tclearthisambush.We’redead.We’rebleedingdead.“Thatravine.”Ipointtoanarrowpathbetweentheclosingpincerofthe

approachingforces,andwemakeabreakforit,sendingarrowsbackoverourshoulders.Theravinefollowstheriver,leadingdowntoawaterfall.Thereareboatsthere—enoughtotaketheremainingmendownstream.“Faster!They’reclosing!”

Werunfullforce,grimacingatthescreamsoftherearguarddyingswiftlyastheyareinundatedbyourenemy.Skies,somanymen.SomanyBlackGuards.AndAvitasisupthere.Somethingfeelswrongtome.Ifhe’dbeenwithus,hemighthaveseentheambush.WemighthaveretreatedbeforetheKarkaunsattackedtherearguard.

Andnow...Ilookupthemountain.Hecouldnotpossiblysurvivethatonslaught.Noneof

themcould.Therearetoomany.HenevertoldEliasthattheyarebrothers.HenevergottospeaktoEliasasa

brother.Andskies,thethingsI’vesaidtohiminmomentsofrage,inanger,whenallhedidwastrytohelpkeepmealive.Thatsparkbetweenus,extinguishedbeforeIcouldputanametoit.Myeyesburn.

“Shrike!”Dexscreamsandknocksmetothegroundasanarrowcutsthroughtheair,nearlyimpalingme.Wescrambleupandstumbleon.Theravinefinallyappears,aneight-footdropintotheremnantsofacreek.Ahailofarrowscomesdownasweapproachit.

“Shields!”Ishout.Steelthunksonwood,andthenmymenandIrunagain,yearsoftrainingpushingusintoneatrows.Everytimeasoldierispickedoff,anothermovestotakehisplacesothatwhenIlookback,Icancountalmostexactlyhowmanyareleft.

Onlyseventy-five—ofthefivehundredMarcussent.Wehurtledownthepathbesidethefalls,andthethunderofthewaterdrives

awayanyothersound.Thepathcurvesbackandforthonitselfuntilitdropsintoadustyflatwhereadozenlongboatsarebeached.

Themenneednoorders.WehearthechantsoftheKarkaunsbehindus.Oneboatlaunches,thenanotherandanother.

“Shrike.”Dexpullsmetowardaboat.“Youhavetogo.”“Notuntiltherestoftheboatslaunch,”Isay.Fourhundredandtwenty-five

men...gone.AndAvitas...gone.Skies,itwassoquick.Thesoundsofswordsclashingechoesfromthepathabove.Myhammerisin

myhand,andIamracingupthepath.Ifsomeofmymenarestillupthere,thenbytheskies,Iwillnotletthemfightalone.

“Shrike—no!”Dexgroans,drawshisscim,andfollows.Justbeyondtheentrancetothepath,wefindagroupofMartials,threeMasksamongthem,battlingtheTundaransbutbeinginexorablyshovedbackbythesheernumberofthem.AgroupofauxessupportsafourthMask,bloodpouringfromhisneck,fromawoundinhisgut,fromanotherinhisthigh.

Harper.Dexgrabshimfromtheauxes,staggeringunderhisweightashecarrieshim

downtowardthelastboat.Theauxesarmtheirbowsandfireoverandoveruntiltheairisbuzzingwitharrows,anditisamiracleIamnothit.OneoftheMasksturns—itisBaristus,mycousin.

“We’llholdthemoff,”heshouts.“Go,Shrike.Warnthecity.WarntheEmperor.Tellthemthere’sanother—”

AndthenDexisdraggingmeaway,shovingmedownthepathandintotheboat,sharkingthroughthewaterashepushesoff.Tellthemwhat?Iwanttoscream.Dexrowswithallhismight,andtheboatisthroughthefallsandmovingswiftlydownthefast-flowingriver.IkneelbesideHarper.

Hisbloodiseverywhere.Ifitweren’tmeinthisboatbesidehim,hewouldbedeadinamatterofminutes.Itakehishand.Ifitweren’tforBaristus’ssacrifice,we’dallbedead.

IexpecttosearchforHarper’ssong.HeistheconsummateMask,histhoughtsandemotionsburiedsodeeplythatIassumedhissongwouldbeequallyopaque.

Buthissongisnearthesurface,strongandbrightandclearasastar-filledwintersky.Idelveintohisessence.Iseethesmileofadark-hairedwomanwithwide-setgreeneyes—hismother—andthestronghandsofamanwholooksstrikinglysimilartoElias.HarperwalksBlackcliff’sdarkhallsandenduresday

afterdayofthehardshipandlonelinessIknowsowell.Heachesforhisfather,amysteriousfigurewhohauntshimwithanemptinesshecanneverquitefill.

Heisanopenbook,andIlearnthathedidsetLaiafreemonthsago,whenweambushedher.HesetherfreebecauseheknewIwouldkillher.AndheknewEliaswouldneverforgivemeforit.Iwitnessmyselfthroughhiseyes:angryandcoldandweakandstrongandbraveandwarm.NottheBloodShrike.Helene.AndIwouldbeblindnottoseewhathefeelsforme.IamwovenintohisconsciousnessthewayEliasusedtobewovenintomine.HarperisalwaysawareofwhereIam,ofwhetherIamallright.

Whenhiswoundshaveclosedandhisheartbeatsstrong,Istopsinging,weakened.Dexlooksatmewithawild,questioningexpressionbutsaysnothing.

IadjustHarper’sheadsoheismorecomfortable,andhiseyesopen.Iamabouttoscoldhim,buthisharshwhispersilencesme.

“Grímarrandthemenwhohittherearguardcamefromtheeast,Shrike,”herasps,determinedtodeliverthemessage.“Heattackedme—wouldhavekilledme...”

Allthemorereasontohatethatswine.“Theymusthavesnuckaroundussomehow,”Isay.“Orperhapstheywerewaiting—”

“No.”Avitasgrabsastraponmyarmor.“Theycamefromtheeast.IsentascoutbecauseIhadahunch.There’sanotherforce.Theysplittheirarmy,Shrike.Theydon’thavejustfiftythousandmenmarchingonAntium.Theyhavetwicethat.”

A

XLIV:Laia

tfirst,Idon’tknowwhattosaytoCook.Mother.Mirra.Iwatchherwithwildeyes,partofmedesperatetounderstandherstoryandtheotherpart

wantingtoscreamoutthepainofadozenyearswithoutheruntilshethrobswithit.Perhaps,Ithinktomyself,shewillwishtotalk.Toexplainwhyshesurvived.

Howshesurvived.Idonotexpecthertojustifywhatshedidintheprison—sheisnotawarethatIknowofit.ButIhopeshewilltellmewhyshekeptheridentityhidden.Ihopeshewillatleastapologizeforit.

Insteadsheissilent,allherthoughtbentonmovingswiftlyacrossthecountryside.Herface,herprofileareburnedintome.Iseeherinathousandways,evenifshedoesn’tseeherself.Ifindmyselfdrawntoher.Shewasgoneforsomanyyears.AndIdonotwishtoholdontomyanger.IdonotwantafightwithherliketheoneIhadwithDarin.Onthefirstnightwetraveltogether,Isitdownbesideherbythefire.

WhatdidIhopefor?PerhapsforthewomanwhocalledmeCricketandrestedherhandonmyhead,heavyandgentle.Thewomanwhosesmilewasaflashinthedark,thelastjoyfulthingIcouldrememberforyears.

ButthemomentIgetclose,sheclearsherthroatandshiftsawayfromme.It’sonlyafewinches,butIunderstandhermeaning.

Inherraspingvoice,sheasksmeaboutIzziandaboutwhathashappenedtomesinceIleftBlackcliff.Partofmedoesn’twanttoanswer.Youdon’tdeservetoknow.Youdon’tdeservetohavemystory.Buttheotherpart—thepartthatseesabrokenwomanwheremymotheroncelived—isnotsocruel.

SoItellherofIzzi.Ofhersacrifice.Ofmyfoolhardiness.ItellheroftheNightbringer.OfKeenanandhowhebetrayednotjustmebutourentirefamily.

Whatmustshethinkofme,tohavefalleninlovewiththecreaturewhosedeceitledtothosedarkdaysinKaufPrison?Iwaitforherjudgment,butsheoffersnone.Insteadshenods,herhandscurledintofists,anddisappearsintothedarknight.Inthemorning,shesaysnothingofit.

Forthenextfewnights,everytimeIsomuchasmove,sheflinches,asifworriedIwillcomecloser.SoIstayfarawayfromher,alwaysontheotherside

ofthefire,alwaysafewyardsbehindherontheroad.Mymindchurns,butIdonotspeak.Itisasifhersilencechokesme.

Butfinally,thewordswillnolongerstaydown,andIfindthatImustsaythem,whatevertheconsequences.

“Whydidn’tyoukillher?”Thenightiswarm,andwedon’tlightafire,insteadlayingoutourbedrollsandlookingupatthestars.“TheCommandant?Youcouldhavepoisonedher.Stabbedher.Forskies’sake,you’reMirraofSerra—”

“ThereisnoMirraofSerra!”Cookshriekssoloudlythatapackofsparrowstakesflightfromanearbytree,asfrightenedasIam.“She’sdead.ShediedinKaufPrisonwhenherchildandhusbanddied!I’mnotMirra.I’mCook.Andyouwillnotspeaktomeofthatmurderous,traitorousbitchorwhatshewouldorwouldn’tdo.Youknownothingofher.”

Shebreathesheavily,herdarkeyessparklingwithrage.“Itried,girl,”shehissesatme.“ThefirsttimeIattackedKeris,shebrokemyarmandlashedIzzitowithinaninchofherlife.Thechildwasfive.Iwasforcedtowatch.ThenexttimeIgotitinmyheadtotrysomething,theBitchofBlackclifftookoutIzzi’seye.”

“Whynotescape?Youcouldhavegottenoutofthere.”“Itried.ButthechancesKeriswouldcatchusweretoohigh.She’dhave

torturedIzzi.AndI’dhadenoughofpeoplesufferingforme.PerhapsMirraofSerrawouldhavebeenwillingtosacrificeachildtosaveherownneck,butthat’sbecauseMirraofSerrahadnosoul.MirraofSerrawasasevilastheCommandant.AndI’mnother.Notanymore.”

“Youhaven’taskedaboutNanandPop,”Iwhisper.“OraboutDarin.You—”“Idon’tdeservetoknowhowyourbrotheris,”shesays.“Asforyour

grandparents...”HermouthsplitsintoasmallsmileIdonotrecognize.“Ihadvengeanceontheirkiller.”

“TheMask?”Isay.“How?”“Ihuntedhim.Hewantedtodie,intheend.Iwasmerciful.”Hereyesare

blackasdeadcoals.“You’rejudgingme.”“Iwantedtokillhimtoo.But...”“ButIenjoyedit.Andthatmakesmeevil?Comenow,girl.Youcannotwalk

intheshadowsaslongasIhaveandnotbecomeone.”Ishiftuncomfortably,rememberingwhattheJadunasaidtome.Youare

youngtostandsodeeplyintheshadow.“Iamgladyoukilledhim.”Ipause,consideringmynextwords.Butinthe

end,thereisnodelicatewaytoaskthequestion.“Why—whywon’tyoutouchme?Don’tyou—”Longforit,Iwantsosay.ThewayIdo?

T

“Thetouchofachildbringsamothercomfort.”Icanbarelyhearher.“ButI’mnomother,girl.I’mamonster.Monstersdon’tmeritcomfort.”

Sheturnsawayfrommeandfallssilent.Iwatchherbackforalongtime.She’ssoclose.Closeenoughtotouch.Closeenoughtohearwhisperedwordsofforgiveness.

ButIdonotthinkthatshewouldfeeltheembraceofadaughterifItouchedher.AndIdonotthinkshewouldcareaboutbeingforgiven.

hecloserwegettoAntium,thecleareritisthattroubleisnigh.Cartloadsofcarpetsandfurnituretrundleawayfromthecity,theirownerssurroundedby

dozensofguards.Once,weseeaheavilyarmedcaravanfromafar.Icannotseewhattheycarry,butIcountatleastadozenMasksguardingwhateveritis.

“They’rerunning,”Cookspits.“Tooscaredtostayandfight.MostlyIllustrians,itseems.Movefaster,girl.Ifthewealthyfleethecity,theKarkaunsmustbeclose.”

Wedonotstopnow,travelingdayandnight.ButbythetimewereachtheoutskirtsofAntium,itisclearthatdisasterhasalreadystrucktheMartials’fabledcapital.WehikeoveraridgeneartheArgentHills,andthecitycomesintoviewbelow.

Asdoestheenormousarmythatsurroundsitonthreesides.OnlythenorthendofAntium,whichabutsthemountains,isprotected.

“Sweetbleedingskies,”Cookmurmurs.“Ifthat’snotskies-givenjustice,Idon’tknowwhatis.”

“Somany.”Icanbarelyspeak.“Thepeopleinthecity...”Ishakemyhead,andimmediatelymythoughtsgototheScholarswhoarestillenslavedinthecity.Mypeople.“TheremustbeScholarsdownthere.TheCommandantdidn’tkillalltheslaves.TheIllustriansdidn’tlether.Whathappenstothemifthecityisoverrun?”

“Theydie,”Cooksays.“Justlikeeveryotherpoorbastardunfortunateenoughtogetstuckthere.LeavethattotheMartials.It’stheircapital;they’lldefendit.You’vegotsomethingelsetothinkabout.Howthebleedinghellsarewegoingtogetinthere?”

“They’veonlyjustgottenhere.”MenstreamintojointheKarkaunarmyfromanortheasternpass.“They’restayingoutofrangeofthecity’scatapults,whichmeanstheymustnotbeplanningtoattack.Yousaidyoucouldsneakusin.”

“Fromthemountainsnorthofthecity,”Cooksays.“We’dhavetogoaroundtheArgentHills.Itwouldtakeusdays.Longer.”

“Therewillbechaosastheysetupcamp,”Isay.“Wecouldtakeadvantageofthat.Sneakthroughatnight.They’llhavesomewomendownthere—”

“Whores,”Cooksays.“Don’tthinkI’dpassasoneofthose.”“Cookstoo,”Isay.“Laundresses.TheKarkaunsarehorrible.They’dnotgo

anywherewithouttheirwomentoscrapeandserveforthem.Icouldgoinvisible.”

Cookshakesherhead.“Yousaidtheinvisibilityalteredyourmind.Gaveyouvisions,sometimesforhours.Weneedtothinkofsomethingelse.Thisisabadidea.”

“It’snecessary.”“It’ssuicide.”“It’ssomethingyoumighthavedone,”Isayquietly.“Before.”“Thatmakesmetrustitevenless,”shesays,butIcanseeherwaver.She

knowsaswellasIdothatouroptionsarelimited.Anhourlater,Iwalkbyhersideasshehunchesoverabasketofstinking

laundry.We’vetakenouttwosentrieswhoblockedourwayintotheencampment.Simpleenough.ButnowthatwewalkamongtheKarkauns,itisanythingbut.

Therearesomanyofthem.MuchlikeintheEmpire,theirskintonesandfeaturesandhairvary.Buttheyareallheavilytattooed,thetophalvesoftheirfacesbluewithwoadsothatthewhitesoftheireyesstandouteerily.

TherearehundredsofcampfireslitbutfewtentsbehindwhichCookandIcantakecover.Mostofthemenwearleatherbreechesandfurvests,andIhavenosenseofwhicharehigher-rankingandwhicharenot.TheonlyKarkaunswhostandoutarethosewhowearstrangebone-and-steelarmorandwhocarrystaffswithhumanskullsontop.Whentheywalk,theyaregivenawideberth.Butmostaregatheredaroundenormousunlitpyres,pouringwhatlookstobedeepscarletsandinintricateshapesaroundthem.

“Karkaunwarlocks,”Cookmutterstome.“Spendalltheirtimeterrifyingthemassesandattemptingtoraisespirits.Theynevermanageit,butthey’restilltreatedlikegods.”

Thecampstinksofsweatandrancidvegetables.Hugepilesoffirewoodbeliethewarmweather,andtheKarkaunsdon’tbothercleaningupallthehorsedung.Jugsofsomepalealcoholareasubiquitousasthemen,andthere’sastenchofsourmilkthatlingersovereverything.

“Bah!”AnolderKarkaunshovesCookwhensheaccidentlybumpshimwithherbasket.“Tekfidkayadurqin!”

Cookswingsherheadbackandforth,playingtheold,confusedwomanwell.Themanknocksthebasketoutofherhands,andhisfriendslaughasclothescascadeontothefilthyground.Hekicksherinthegutasshetriestogatheruptheclothesquickly,makinglewdgestures.

Iquicklyhelphergathertheclothes,trustingthattheKarkaunsaretoodrunktonoticeaninvisiblehandhelpingCook.ButwhenIcrouch,shehissesatme.

“You’reflickering,girl!Move!”Sureenough,Ilookdowntofindmyinvisibilityfaltering.TheNightbringer!

HemustbeinAntium—hispresenceissnuffingoutmymagic.Cookboltsswiftlythroughtheknotofmen,makingherwaysteadilynorth.“Youstillthere,girl?”Tensionisthickonherskin,butshedoesn’tlookback.“They’renotveryorganized,”Iwhisperinreturn.“Butskies,thereareso

manyofthem.”“Longwintersinthesouth,”Cooksays.“They’vegotnothingtodobut

breed.”“Whystrikenow?”Iask.“Whyhere?”“There’safamineamongtheirpeopleandafirebrandwarlockwhohastaken

advantageofit.Nothingmotivatesamanlikehungerinthebelliesofhischildren.TheKarkaunslookednorthandsawawealthy,fatempire.Yearafteryear,theMartialshadplentyandtheKarkaunshadnothing.Empirewouldn’ttradefairlywiththemeither.Grímarr,theirwarlockpriest,remindedthemofthat.Andhereweare.”

Wearenearlythroughthenorthernendofthecampnow.Aflatclifffacestretchesaheadofus,butCookmakesherwayconfidentlytowardit,sheddingthebasketoflaundryasdarknessfallsandwegetfartherfromthecamp.“They’redependingentirelyonsheernumberstowinhere.Thatorthey’vegotsomethingnastyuptheirsleeves—somethingtheMartialscan’tfight.”

Iglanceupatthemoon—almostfull,butnotquite.Inthreedays,itwillfattenintotheGrainMoon.BytheGrainMoon,theforgottenwillfindtheirmaster.

Cookdoublesbacktwicetomakesurewearen’tfollowedbeforeshegesturesmeclosetothecliffface.Shenodsupward.“There’sacaveaboutfiftyfeetup,”shesays.“Leadsdeeperintothemountains.Stayhere,andstayinvisible,justincase.”

“Howthehellsareyougoingto—”Shecrooksherfingers.Thereissomethingfamiliaraboutthemotion,and

thensuddenlysheisclimbingthesheerrockfacewiththesprynessofaspider.Igape.Itisunnatural—no,impossible.Sheisnotflying,exactly,butthereisalightnesstoherthatisdistinctlyinhuman.

“Whatthehells—”Aropefallsandsmacksmeinthehead.Cook’sfaceappearsfromoverhead.

“Tieitaroundyou,”shesays.“Braceyourfeetonthewall,inthewedges,inwhateverspaceyoucanfind,andclimb.”

WhenIfinallyreachher,Iamoutofbreath,andwhenIaskherhowshedidit,shehissesatmeandstartsoffthroughthecavewithoutturningback.

WearedeepinthemountainsbeforeCookfinallysuggestsIdropmyinvisibility.

“Itmighttakemeafewminutestowakeup,”Isaytoher.“Ihavevisions,andI’mnotsure—”

“I’llmakesureyoudon’tdie.”Inodbutfindmyselfparalyzed.Idonotwishtofacethevisions—notafter

whattheNightbringershowedme.Thoughmymothercannotseeme,shecocksherhead,asifshesensesmy

discomfort.Myfaceflushes,andthoughIsearchforanexplanation,Icannotfindone.I’macoward,Iwanttosay.Ialwayshavebeen.Skies,thisishumiliating.IfshewerejustCook,Iwouldnothavecared.Butsheismymother.Mymother.Ihavespentyearswonderingwhatshewouldthinkofme.

Shelooksaroundthetunnelandfinallysitsontheearthfloor.“I’mtired,”shesays.“DamnKarkauns.Come.Sitnexttoanoldwoman,girl.”

Ieasedownbesideher,andforthefirsttimeshedoesn’tflinchawayfromme—becauseshecan’tseeme.

“Thesevisions,”shesaysafteratime.“Theyarefrightening?”Ithinkofherintheprisoncell.Thesinging.Thecrack.Thosesoundsthat

meantnothinguntiltheymeanteverything.Andevennow,evenwhenIdonotcomprehendwhoshehasbecome,IcannotbeartotellherwhatIsaw.Icannotsayit,forsayingitwillmakeitreal.

“Yes.”Idigmyfeetintotheground,slidingthembackandforth.“They’refrightening.”AndwhatwillIseenowthatthevisionsturnouttobefromthepast?Somethingelse?Someotherhorror?

“Bestgetitdonequicklythen.”Hervoiceisnotexactlygentle,butitisn’tharsheither.Shehesitatesandholdsoutahand,palmup.Herjawistight,andsheswallows.

Herskiniswarm.Calloused.Andthoughshemightnotlooklikemymother,orsoundlikeher,oractlikeher,shestillhasherhands.Isqueeze—andsheshudders.

Ishrugofftheinvisibility,welcomingthevisionsbecausetheycannotbeworsethanholdingthehandofawomanwhoboremebutwhoisdisgustedbymytouch.

W

Thevisionsareuponme,butthistimeIwalkthroughstreetsoffire,pastwallsburnedblack.Screamsechofromblazingbuildingsanddreadfillsmybones.Icryout.

WhenIopenmyeyes,Cookishoveringoverme,onehandonmyface,theotherstillclenchedbetweenmyfingers.Herfaceispained,asiftouchingmeismorethanshecanbear.Shedoesn’taskaboutthevisions.AndIdonottellher.

henweapproachtheentrancetotheMarinerEmbassy,awet,crumblingsetofstepsthatleaduptoawoodendoor,Cookslows.

“Thereshouldbetwoguardshere,”shesays.“Ithasalwaysbeenguarded.Thatleverthere—itallowsthemtocollapsethewholedamnthingincaseofanattack.”

Idrawmydagger,andCookdrawsherbow.Shepushesthedooropengently,andwhenweenter,allissilent.Inthestreetsbeyondthebuilding,drumsthunder,andIamtransportedbacktoBlackcliffalmostinstantly.Cartsrumblepast,theiroccupantsshoutingrequests,soldiersbellowingorders.Bootsthump,marchingintime,andacrispvoicedirectsaplatoontothewalls.Antiumpreparesforwar.

“Thisisn’tright,”Isay.“Musahadpeoplehere.Theyweretohaveslaves’cuffsreadyforus,maps,theBloodShrike’smovements...”

“TheymusthaveleftbeforetheKarkauns’attack,”Cooksays.“Theycan’tallhavegone.”

Buttheyhave.Icanfeelit.Thisplacehasbeenemptyfordays.We’reonourown.

T

XLV:Elias

heghostsexplodeintotheEmpirelikeflamingstoneshurtlingfromaballista.Theborderwallisnothingbutshreds.IfeelthespiritsinthesamewaythatIfeelthecontoursoftheWaitingPlace.

They’rebitsofwinterinablanketofwarmthandtheymovelikeaschooloffish,closelypackedandstreakinginonedirection—southwest,towardaMartialvillageIsneaksuppliesfrom.Thepeoplewholivetherearedecentandhardworking.Andthey’venobleedingideawhat’scoming.

Iwanttohelpthem.Butthat’salsowhatthejinnwant—forit’sadistractionfrommyduty.Yetagain,they’retryingtousemyhumanityagainstme.Notthistime.Whatmattersnowisnotthehumanswhomtheghostswill

possessandtorment.It’stheborderoftheWaitingPlace.Ihavetorestoreit.TherewillbemoreghostsenteringtheForest.They,atleast,mustbekeptwithinitsboundaries.

Thethoughthasscarcelyformedinmymindwhenthemagicrisesfromtheearth,windingitswayintomybody.It’sstrongerthistime,asifsensingthatfinallyIunderstandhowI’vebeenmanipulatedbythejinn.FeelingMauth,lettingthemagicconsumeme,isarelief—butalsoatransgression.IshudderatMauth’scloseness.Thisdoesn’tfeellikeusingmyphysicalmagic,whichissimplyamatterofharnessingsomethingthat’salreadypartofme.No—thismagicissomethingalien.Itsinksinlikeadiseaseandcolorsmysight.Themagicchangessomethingfundamentalwithin.Idonotfeellikemyself.

Butmydiscomfortcanwait.Ihavemorepressingwork.Themagicallowsmetoseewhatthebordershouldlooklike.AllIneedtodo

isapplymywillpowertorebuildit.Igathermystrength.Fartothesouth,theghostscloseinonthevillage.Don’tthinkaboutit.Mauth’smagicflaresinresponse,hispresencestronger.Sectionbysection,I

rebuildtheborder,imagininggreatbricksoflightrisingallatonce,solidandunbreakable.WhenIopenmyeyes,thewallisthere,glowingasifitnevercamedown.Thebordercannotcalltheescapedghostsback.ButitcancatchnewghostswhoareboundfortheWaitingPlace.

Andtherewillbemanyofthose.

Nowwhat?DoIgoaftertherogueghosts?AnudgefromMauthtowardthesouthwestismyanswer.Thewindwalkingcomeseasily—moreeasilythaniteverhas.AndthoughIexpectthemagictowearoffthefartherIgetfromtheForest,itstayswithme,forthisisMauth’smagic,notmyown.

Theghostshavescattered,splinteringamongthecountrysideintodozensofsmallgroups.ButImakeforthevillageclosesttotheWaitingPlace.WhenIamstillamileaway,Ihearscreams.

Islowinavillagesquare,anditisatestamenttothehavoctheghostshavecreatedthatnoneofthevillagersseemtonoticethatIappearedoutofthinair.

“Thaddius!Myson!No!”awhite-hairedmanscreams.Ayoungermantwiststheoldman’sarmsbehindhisbackandpullsthemupwithinhuman,inexorableforce.“Releaseme—don’tdothis—aaa—”Anaudiblecrunchsounds,andthefatherslumps,unconsciousfrompain.Theyoungermanliftshimup,asifhe’snothingbutapebble,andflingshimacrossthevillage—hundredsandhundredsofyards.

Idrawmyscims,preparedtoattack,whenMauthyanksatme.Ofcourse,Elias,youidiot,Ichidemyself.Ican’tsingle-handedlybeatup

everyoneinhabitedbyaghost.Shaevatappedmyheart,myhead.Mauth’struepowerishereandhere.Themagicnudgesmetowardtheclosestgroupofpossessedvillagers.Mythroatgrowswarm,andIcansense,somehow,thatMauthwantsmetospeak.

“Stop,”Isay,butnotasElias.IspeakastheBanual-Mauth.Ipinionthepossessedwithmygaze,onebyone.Iwaitforanattack,butalltheydoisstarebalefully,waryofthemagictheycansenseroilingwithinme.

“Come,”Iorderthem.Myvoiceboomswithasupernaturalnoteofcommand.Theymustlisten.“Come.”

Theysnarlandyip,andIcastMauth’smagicoutlikeathinline,wrappingitaroundeachofthem,tuggingthemclose.Somecomeinthebodiestheyhavestolen.Othersarestillspirits,andtheydrifttowardmewithhostilemoans.Soon,asmallgroupofafewdozenspiritsformsahalfcirclearoundme.

ShouldIropethemtogetherwithmagic?SendthemstreamingbacktotheWaitingPlace,asIdidwiththeghoststhatplaguedtheTribes?

No.ForasIlookatthesetorturedfaces,Irealizethespiritsdon’twishtobehere.Theywanttomoveon,toleavethisworld.SendingthembacktotheForestwillonlyprolongtheirsuffering.

Themagicfillsmysight,andIseetheghostsforwhattheyare:hurting,alone,confused,regretful.Somearedesperateforforgiveness.Othersforkindness.Othersforunderstanding.Othersforanexplanation.

D

Butafewrequirejudgment,andthosespiritstakelongertodealwith,fortheymustsufferthehurttheyinflictedonothersbeforetheyarefree.EachtimeIrecognizewhataspiritneeds,Ifindmyselfwillingitforthfromthemagicandgivingittothem.

Ittakestime.Longminutespass,andIgetthroughadozenghosts,thentwodozen.Soon,alltheghostsinthevicinityflocktome,desperatetospeak,desperateformetoseethem.Thevillagerscryoutforhelp,perhapshopingmymagicwillofferthemrespitefromtheirpain.Iglanceatthemandseenothumansbutlessercreatureswhoaredyingslowly.Thehumansaremortal,unimportant.Theghostsareallthatmatter.

Thethoughtfeelsunfamiliar.Strange.Asifitdoesn’tbelongtome.ButIhavenotimetodwellonit,formoreghostsawait.Ifixmygazeonthem,barelytwitchinguntilthelastofthemhasmovedon,eventhosewhofoundhumanbodiestosquatin.

WhenIfinish,Iobservethedevastationthey’veleftbehind.ThereareadozendeadbodiesthatIcanseeandprobablydozensmorethatIcan’t.

Distantly,Ifeelsomething.Sadness?Ipushitasidequickly.Thevillagerslookatmewithterrornow—they’resimplecreatures,afterall.Inanycase,it’sonlyamatteroftimebeforefeartransformsintotorchesandscimsandpitchforks.I’mstillmortal,andI’venowishtofightthem.

Ayoungmanstepsforward,ahesitantlookonhisface.Heopenshismouth,hislipsformingthewordsthankyou.

Beforehecanfinish,Iturnaway.Thereismuchworkaheadofme.Andinanycase,Idon’tdeservehisthanks.

ayspassinablurofvillagesandtowns.Ifindtheghosts,calltothem,gatherthemclose,andsendthemon.Insomevillages,doingsotakesonly

anhour.Inothers,ittakesnearlyanentireday.MyconnectiontoMauthgrowsstronger,butit’snotcomplete.Iknowitin

mybones.Themagicholdsback,andIwillnotbeatrueSoulCatcheruntilIfindawaytomergewithitfully.

Soon,themagicispowerfulenoughthatIcanhoneinquicklyonwheretheghostsare.Isendhundredson.Thousandsremain.Andhundredsmoreghostshavebeencreated,forthespiritswreakhavocwherevertheygo.Oneevening,Ireachatownwherenearlyeveryoneisalreadydead,andtheghostshavealreadymovedontoanothertown.

Nearlythreeweeksaftertheghosts’escape,whennighthasfallenandastormhasbrokenovertheland,Itakeshelteronagrassyknollfreeofbouldersandscrum,justafewmilesfromaMartialgarrison.Thedrumsofthegarrisonthunder—unusualthislateatnight,butIpaythemnomind,notevenbotheringtotranslate.

Shiveringinmysoakedleatherarmor,Igatherabundleofsticks.Buttheraindoesn’tletup,andafterahalfhouroftryingtolightthedamnfire,Iabandonitandhunchmiserablybeneathmyhood.

“What’stheuse,”Imuttertomyself,“ofhavingmagicifIcan’tuseittomakeafire?”

Iexpectnoresponse,sowhenthemagicrises,Iamsurprised.Moresowhenithoversoverme,creatinganinvisible,cocoon-likeshelter.

“Ah...thankyou?”Ipokeatthemagicwithafinger.Ithasnosubstance,justasenseofwarmth.Ididn’tknowitcoulddothis.Thereissomuchyoudonotyetknow.DidShaevaknowMauthwell?She

wasalwayssodeeplyrespectfulofthemagic—fearful,even.Andlikeachildwhowatcheshisparents’facesforcues,Ipickeduponthatwariness.

DidthemagicfeelanythingwhenShaevadied,Iwonder?Shewasboundtothatplaceforathousandyears.DidMauthcare?DidhefeelangryattheNightbringer’sfoulcrime?

IshudderwhenIthinkofthejinnlord.WhenIthinkofwhohewas—aSoulCatcherwhopassedthespiritsofhumansonwithsuchlove—versuswhathehasbecome:amonsterwhowantsnothingmorethantoannihilateus.InthestoriesMamietold,hewasonlyevercalledtheKingofNoNameortheNightbringer.ButIwonderifhehadatruename,oneushumansneverdeservedtoknow.

Thoughit’sdiscomfiting,Iamforcedtoadmitthatthejinnwerewronged.Grievouslywronged.Whichdoesn’tmakewhattheNightbringerhasdoneright.Butitdoescomplicatemyviewoftheworld—andmyabilitytolookonhimwithunadulteratedhatred.

WhenIfinallyarise,warmanddryduetoMauth’sshelter,it’slongbeforedawn.Immediately,I’mawareofashiftinthefabricoftheworld.TheghostsI’dsensedlurkinginthesurroundingcountrysidearegone.Andthereissomethingelse—somenewfeydarknessintheworld.Ican’tseeit.AndyetIknowitexists.

Istandup,scanningtherollingfarmlandaroundme.Thegarrisonistothenorth.ThenthereareafewhundredmilesofIllustrianestates.Thenthecapital,theNevennesRange,Delphinium.

Themagicstrainsnorth,asifwishingtodragmeinthatdirection.AsIreachoutwithmymind,Ifeelit.Chaos.Blood.Abattle.Andmoreghosts.Except

thesedonotcomefromtheWaitingPlace.Theyarefresh,new,andimprisonedbyastrangefeymagicthatI’veneverbeforeseen.Whatinthetenhells?Theghostsare,Iknow,sometimesdrawntoconflict.Blood.Couldtherebea

battleinthenorth?Atthistimeofyear,TiborumisoftenharassedbytheEmpire’senemies.ButTiborumisduewest.

Mauthnudgesmetomyfeet,andIwindwalknorth,mymindrangingoutovermiles.Ifinallycomeacrossaclusterofghostsandjustaheadofit,another.Moreofthespiritsarrowtowardaspecificplace,wildwithhungerandrage.Theyyearntowardbodies,towardbloodshed,towardwar.Iknowitassurelyasiftheghoststellmethemselves.Whatbleedingwar,though?Ithink,bewildered.AretheKarkaunsmurderingWildmenintheNevennesagain?Ifso,thatmustbewheretheghostsareheaded.

Thedrumsofanearbygarrisonthunder,andthistime,Ilisten.Karkaunattackimminent.AllreservesoldierstoreporttoSouthRiverbarracksimmediately.Themessagerepeats,andIfinallyunderstandthattheghostsarenot,infact,headedtotheNevennes.

TheyareheadedtoAntium.

PARTIV

SIEGE

T

XLVI:TheBloodShrike

heKarkaunshavenocatapults.Nosiegetowers.

Nobatteringrams.Noartillery.“Whatinthebleedinghells,”IsaytoDexandAvitasasIlookoutoverthe

vastforce,“isthepointofhavingahundredthousandmenifyouarejustgoingtoletthemsitoutsideacity,burningthroughfoodandsuppliesforthreedays?”

MaybethisiswhytheCommandantplottedwiththeKarkaunstosneakuponAntium.Sheknewthey’dbestupidenoughthatwecoulddestroythemquickly—butnotsostupidthatshecouldn’tusethechaostheycausedtoheradvantage.

“Theyarefools,”Dexsays.“Convincedthatbecausetheyhavesuchalargeforce,theywilltakethecity.”

“Orperhapswearethefools.”Marcusspeaksfrombehindme,andthemenonthewallswiftlykneel.TheEmperorgesturesusupandstridesforward,hishonorguardinlockstepbehindhim.“Andtheyhavesomethingelseplanned.”

“Mylord?”TheEmperorstandsbesideme,hyenaeyesnarrowingastheysweepacross

theKarkaunarmy.Thesunfades,andnightwillsoonbeuponus.“Mybrotherspeakstomefrombeyonddeath,Shrike.”Marcussoundscalm,

andthereisnohintofinstabilityinhisdemeanor.“HesaystheKarkaunsbringwarlockpriests—oneofwhomisthemostpowerfulintheirhistory—andthatthesewarlockssummondarkness.Theyhavenosiegeweaponrybecausetheydonotneedit.”Hepauses.“Isthecityprepared?”

“We’llhold,mylord.Formonths,ifneedbe.”Marcus’smouthtwists.He’skeepingsecrets.What?Whatareyounottelling

me?“We’llknowbytheGrainMoonifwewillhold,”hesayswithachilling

surety.Istiffen.TheGrainMoonisinthreebleedingdays.“TheAugurshaveseenit.”

“YourMajesty.”KerisVeturiaappearsfromthestairsleadinguptothewall.Iorderedhertoshoreuptheeasterngates,whicharethestrongestandwhich

keepsherfarfrombothMarcusandLivia.Myspiesreportthatsheisnotdeviatingfromherassignedtask.

Fornow,anyway.I’dwantedtogetherawayfromthecity,butthePlebeianssupporther

enthusiastically,andgettingridofherwillonlyundermineMarcusfurther.Shehastoomanydamnedallies.Butattheveryleast,she’slostmuchofherIllustriansupport.ThePatershave,itappears,remainedintheirownvillasthepastfewdays,nodoubtpreparingforthebattletocome.

“AmessengerfromtheKarkaunshasarrived,”Kerissays.“Theyseekterms.”

ThoughKerisinsistsonMarcusstayingbehind—yetanotherplayforpower—hewavesheroff,andthethreeofusrideout,joinedbyAvitasatmysideandbyMarcus’spersonalguard,whoformaprotectivehalf-moonaroundhim.

TheKarkaunwhoapproachesusridesalone,bare-chestedandwithoutaflagoftruce.Halfofhismilk-palebodyiscoveredinwoad,theotherhalfincrudetattoos.Hishairislighterthanmine,hiseyespracticallycolorlessagainstthewoadhe’susedtobluethemout.Thestallionheridesonisenormous,andheisnearlyastallasElias.Anecklaceofbonescircleshisthicknecktwice.

Fingerbones,Irealizewhenwearecloser.ThoughIonlysawhimdistantlyinNavium,Iknowhimimmediately:

Grímarr,thewarlockpriest.“Doyouhavesofewmen,heathen”—helooksbetweenKerisandme—“that

youmustaskyourwomentofight?”“Iwasplanningtocutoffyourhead,”Marcussayswithagrin,“afterI’d

stuffedyourmanhooddownyourthroat.ButIthinkI’llletyoulivejustsoIcanwatchKerisgutyouslowly.”

TheCommandantsaysnothing.ShemeetsGrímarr’seyesbriefly,alookthattellsme,sureasifshe’dspokenit,thattheyhavemetbefore.

Sheknewhewascoming.Andsheknewhewascomingwithahundredthousandmen.WhatdidshepromisethismonsterofamanthathewoulddoherbiddingandbringawartoAntium,allsoshecouldtaketheEmpire?DespitethefactthattheKarkaunsappeartohavenowarstrategy,Grímarrisnofool.HenearlybestedusinNavium.Hemustbegettingsomethingmorethanaweeks-longsiegeoutofthis.

“Deliveryourmessagequickly.”Marcuspullsoutabladeandcasuallypolishesit.“I’malreadywonderingifIshouldchangemymind.”

“MybrotherwarlocksandIdemandthatyougiveupthecityofAntium.Ifyoudosoimmediately,yourelderlywillbeexiledinsteadofexecuted,yourfightingmenenslavedinsteadoftorturedandputtothepyre,andyourwomen

anddaughterstakentowifeandconvertedinsteadofrapedanddebased.Ifyoudonotgiveupthecity,wewilltakeitbytheGrainMoon.ThisIvowtoyouonthebloodofmymotherandfatherandunbornchildren.”

AvitasandIexchangeaglance.TheGrainMoon—again.“Howdoyouplantotakethecity?”Isay.“Youhavenosiegemachines.”“Silence,heathen.Ispeaktoyourmaster.”Grímarrkeepshisattentionon

Marcusevenasmyhanditchesformywarhammer.“Youranswer,mylord?”“Youandyourcorpse-strokingwarlockscantakeyourtermswithyoutothe

hells—wherewewillshortlysendyou.”“Verywell.”Grímarrshrugs,asifheexpectednoless,andwheelshishorse

away.Whenwearebackwithinthecity,MarcusturnstoKerisandme.“Theywill

strikewithinthehour.”“MyLordEmperor,”Kerissays,“how—”“Theywillstrike,andwemustbeready,foritwillbeswiftandhard.”

Marcusisdistracted,headtiltedashelistenstowhateversecretshisbrother’sghostwhispers.“Iwillcommandthemenatthewesterngate.Keris,theShrikewillinformyouofyourduties.”

Hiscapewhipsbehindhimashewalksaway,andIturntoKeris.“Taketheeasternwall,”Isay.“Thedefenseisweakestnearthecentralgate.Holdit,orthefirstlevelwillbeoverrun.”

TheCommandantsalutes,andthoughherfaceiscarefullyneutralIcansensethesmugnessrollingoffofher.Whatthebleedinghellsissheuptonow?

“Keris.”Perhapsthisisalostcause,butIsayitanyway.“Iknowthiswasyou,”Isay.“Allofit.IassumeyoubelieveyoucanholdofftheKarkaunslongenoughtoridyourselfofMarcusandLivia.Longenoughtoridyourselfofme.”

Shemerelywatchesme.“Iknowwhatyoudesire,”Isay.“Andthissiegeyou’vebroughtuponthecity

tellsmehowbadlyyouwishforit.ButtherearehundredsofthousandsofMartials—”

“Youdon’tknowwhatIwant,”Kerissayssoftly.“Butyouwill.Soon.”Sheturnsandstalksaway,thePlebeiansnearbycheeringhernameasshe

passes.“Whatthebleedinghellsisthatsupposedtomean?”IturntoAvitas,whois

atmyback.Myhandisslick,clenchedaroundthehiltofmydagger.Myeveryinstinctscreamsthatsomethingiswrong.ThatIhaveirrevocablyunderestimatedKeris.“ShewantstheEmpire,”IsaytoAvitas.“Whatelsecouldshepossiblybeafter?”

Hedoesn’tgetachancetoanswer.Panickedshoutsrisefromthewall.WhenAvitasandIreachthewalkwaythatrunsalongthemassivestructure,Iunderstandwhy.

Theskyisilluminatedbythelightofscoresofpyres.SkiesonlyknowhowGrímarrdisguisedthem,becauseI’dhaveswornthosepyresweren’ttheremomentsago.Nowtheydominatethefield,theirflamesshootinghighintothesky.

Grímarrcirclesthelargestpyre,mutteringincantations.FromthisdistanceIshouldnotbeabletohearhim.Yetthemaliceofhismagictaintstheveryair,thewordssnakingbeneathmyskin.

“Readythecatapults.”IgiveDextheorder.“Readythearchers.TheEmperorwasright.They’remakingtheirmove.”

DownintheKarkauncamp,boundfiguresarebroughttowardthepyres,twistinginpanic.Atfirst,Ithinktheyareanimals,partofsomesortofritualsacrifice.

Howlsfilltheair.AndIrealizeitisasacrifice.“Bleedinghells,”Dexsays.“Arethose—”“Women.”Mystomachchurns.“And...children.”TheirscreamsechoacrosstheKarkauncamp,andwhenoneofmymen

retchesoverthewall,Icannotblamehim.Evenfromhere,Icansmellburnedflesh.GrímarrchantsandtheKarkaunsechohim,soonaccompaniedbythesteady,deepbeatofadrum.

TheMartialsonthewallarewellandtrulyrattlednow,butIwalkbackandforthamongthem.“Courageinthefaceoftheirbarbaricways,”Ishout.“Courage,lesttheybringtheirdarknessuponusall.”

Thechantingslows,eachworddrawnoutlongeruntilitisoneunendinglowhumthatseemstoarisefromtheearthitself.

Adistanthowltearsthroughtheair,high-pitched,likethescreamsofthoseonthepyresbutwithanunearthlytingethatraisesthehaironmyarms.Thepyresgoout.Thesuddendarknessisblinding.Asmyeyesadjust,Irealizethehumminghasstopped.Scrapsofwhiterisefromthepyres,lookingforalltheworldlike—

“Ghosts,”Harpersays.“They’resummoningghosts.”FromtheKarkauncamp,screamsarisefromthemenastheghoststurnon

themandplungeintothearmy,disappearing.Someofthemenappearunchanged.Othersjerkasifbattlingsomethingnoneofuscansee,theirunnaturalmovementsvisibleevenfromhere.

Silencedescends.Thenthethunderoffeet,thousandsuponthousandsofpeoplemovingatonce.

“They’rerushingthewalls,”Isaydisbelievingly.“Whywouldthey—”“Lookatthem,Shrike,”Harperwhispers.“Lookathowthey’removing.”TheKarkaunsareindeedrushingthewalls.Buttheyrunwithinhumanspeed.

WhentheyreachtheforestofpikespokingoutofthegroundtwohundredyardsfromAntium,insteadofimpalingthemselvestheKarkaunsleapoverthemwithunnaturalstrength.

ShoutsofalarmsoundfromtheMartialsastheKarkaunscomecloser.Evenfromadistance,theireyesglowastartling,purewhite.They’repossessedbytheghostsraisedbytheirwarlocks.

“Avitas,”Isaysoquietlythatnooneelsecanhear.“Theevacuationplan.Itisready?Allareinplace?Youhaveclearedtheway?”

“Yes,Shrike.”Harperturnsfromtheapproachinghorde.“Allisprepared.”“Thenseeitdone.”Hehesitates,abouttolaunchaprotest.ButIamalreadymoving.“Catapults!”Icalltothedrummer,whopoundsoutthemessage.“Fireat

will!”Withinseconds,thecatapultsrumbleandflamingprojectilesflyoverthe

wallstowardthepossessedKarkauns.Manygodown—butmoredodgetheprojectiles,movingwiththateeriespeed.

“Archers!”Ishout.“Fireatwill!”Withbreathtakingswiftness,Grímarr’spossessedsoldiershaveblownpastthemarkerswesetoutonthefield.

AhailofflamingarrowsrainsdownontheKarkauns.Ithardlyslowsthem.Iorderthearcherstofireagainandagain.SomeoftheKarkaunsfall,butnotenough.Nowondertheydidn’thaveanybleedingsiegemachines.

Analarmgoesupfromthemen,andlessthanahundredyardsaway,agroupofpossessedKarkaunsliftmassiveglowingmissiles,seeminglyunbotheredbytheirflames,andflingthematAntium.

“It’s—it’snotpossible,”Iwhisper.“Howcanthey—”Themissilesflyintothecity,smashingintobuildingsandsoldiersand

watchtowers.Thedrummersimmediatelyissueacallforthewaterbrigades.Thearchersfirevolleyaftervolley,andlegionnairesreloadthecatapultsasfastastheycan.

AstheKarkaunscloseonthewalls,Iheartheirhungry,beast-likesnarls.Tooquickly,theyarepastthetrenches,pastthesecondaryforestofpikesplantedatthebaseofthewallstodeflectahumanarmy.

Wehavenodefensenow.Inthespaceofminutes,thebattlewillgofromstrategyandtacticsthoughtupinadistantroomtotheshort,desperatestrokesofmenfightingfortheirnextbreath.

Sobeit.TheKarkaunsbegintoscalethewall,brandishingtheirweaponsasiftheyarepossessedbydemonsofthehells.Idrawmywarhammer.

AndthenIroartheattack.

T

XLVII:Laia

hesoldier’suniformisfartoobig,andthere’sanunpleasantwetnessacrossthesmallofmyback.Thepreviousownermusthavetakenablowtothe

kidney.Andhemusthavespentalongtimedying.Fortunately,theuniformisblack,sonoonenoticesthebloodasImove

throughthelinesofsoldiersalongthesouthernwallofAntium,dolingoutdippersofwater.Myhairistuckedtightlyintoahelm,andIhaveglovesontohidemyhands.Islumpmyshouldersbeneaththeyokeacrossmybackandshufflemyfeet.But,tiredastheyare,thesoldiershardlynoticeme.Icouldprobablystripdowntoskivviesandrunupanddownthewallscreaming,“IburneddownBlackcliff!”andtheywouldn’tcare.

Alightflashesonmyhelmet.Cook’ssignal.Finally.IthasbeentwodayssincewearrivedinAntium.Twodayssincethe

Karkaunsunleashedtheirhordesofpossessed,white-eyedsoldiersuponthecity.Twodaysofbone-shakingattacksandstreetscrumbledtodust.Twodaysofmenwithunnaturalstrengthpeltingthecitywithflamingmissileswhiletheairischokedwithscreams.Aboveitall,thebuzzofarrowsasthousandsareunleashedontheforcesarrayedoutsidethecity’sgates.

Ihaveposedasasweeper,aslopscollector,asquire—allinanattempttogetclosetotheBloodShrike.Ihavetriedtousemyinvisibility,butnomatterhowmuchwillpowerIpourintoit,Ihavebeenunabletoharnessit.

WhichmeanstheNightbringermustbenearby.Heistheonlythingthathaskeptmefromdrawingonmymagicinthepast.

Thusthedisguises—notthatanyofthemhavehelped.TheBloodShrikeleadsthedefenseofthecity,andsheiseverywhereatonce.InthefewglimpsesIhavehadofher,herringedhandhasbeenclenchedaroundherblood-drenchedwarhammer.

Thelightflashesonmyhelmagain,thistimewithanairofimpatience.Ibackawayfromthelineofmen,hurryingoffasiftogetmorewater,thoughthebucketsattachedtothepoleacrossmybackarenotevenhalf-emptyyet.

Amissilehitsthewalljustbehindme,andtheexplosionslamsmetomyknees,sendingthebucketsflying.Ishudder,everypartofmybodyhurting,a

shrillkeeninmyearsatthesoundoftheimpact.Getup,Laia!Iscrambleforthebucketsandrunfromwhereothersoldiers

arefalling.Themissilehasleftasmokingcraterintheearthbelowthewall,whereagroupofsoldiersandScholarslaveshadbeenstandingonlymomentsago.Thestenchmakesmegag.

Imakemywayacrossthelowerlevelofthewall,upasetofstairs,tothewalkwayatthetop.Ikeepmyheaddown.ThisistheclosestI’vegottentotheShrike.Icannotmakeamistakenow.

Themirrorflashesagain,thistimetomyleft.Cookistellingmewhichwaytogo,andIfollowtheflash,ignoringcriesforwater,pretendingthatIhavesomeplacemoreimportanttobe.

IspytheShrikeaheadofme,blood-drenchedandslumpedwithexhaustion.Herarmorisgougedinadozenplaces,herhairamess.Herringedhandhangsloose.

WhenIamthirtyfeetaway,Islowmypace.WhenIamtenfeetfromher,IclutchatthepoleIholdandslingitdown,asifpreparingtotakewatertothesoldiersaroundher.

Skies,sheissoclose,andshehas,foronce,putdownthatdamnedhammer.AllIhavetodoisgetmyhandsonthering.ThemomentIdo,Cookwilllaunchherdistraction—whichshehasrefusedtotellmeabout,forfearoftheNightbringerlearningofitandsabotagingus.

NowtheShrikeisamerefewfeetfromme.Mymouthissuddenlydry,myfeetheavy.Justgetyourhandsonthering.Getitoffher.

Ishouldhavepracticed.Cookspentwhatlittletimewehadtryingtoteachmetheartofpickpocketing,butintruth,Ihavenoideahowtofilcharing.Whatifitistightonher?WhatifIyankatitanditdoesnotcomeoff?Whatifshecurlsherhandintoafist?Whatif—

Atickleonmyneck.Apremonition.Awarningthatsomethingcomes.IscurryafewfeetfartherawayfromtheShrikeanddoleoutdippersofwatertogratefulmen.

Thelightaheadshiftsstrangely,acontortionintheairthatbirthsasliceofnight’sshadow.

TheBloodShrikesensesitasIdoandstands,herhandfistedaroundherwarhammeroncemore.Thenshetakesastepbackastheshadowscoalesce.

Itishim:theNightbringer.Iamnotaloneinbackingawayfromhim,anditisthatthatsavesmefromhis

gaze.AllofthesoldiersaroundtheShrikeareinasmuchofahurrytoescapethejinn’sattentionasIam.

“Shrike.”Hisgrating,grindingvoicemakesmeshudder.“KerisVeturiaseeksyourcounsel,forshe—”

Idonotheartherest.Iamhalfwaydownthestairs,bucketsabandoned,missionaborted.

“Whatthehells?”CookmeetsmewhenI’vegottenwellawayfromthewall.Iheartheunmistakablewhistleofanothermissilefalling.

“Wehadaplan,girl.”“Itdidn’twork.”Iyankmyhelmoff,notcaringwhosees,knowingitwillnot

makeadifferenceanyway—notinthischaos.“Hewasthere.TheNightbringer.Rightnexttoher.Hewouldhaveseenme.”Ishakemyhead.“Wehavetofindanotherway.Weneedtolurehertous.ButshortofholdingtheEmperorhostage,Idon’tknowwhatwouldwork.”

Cooktakesmyshouldersandturnsmetowardthewall.“Wearegoingbackthererightnow,”shesays.“Allwehavetodoiswaitforhimtoleave.Everythingisinplace,andwewon’t—”

Anexplosiontearsthroughtheairjustyardsaway,whereagroupofScholarslavechildrenarediggingthroughrubbleunderthewatchfuleyeofaMartiallegionnaire.

Ifindmyselfflatontheground,coughingdebrisfrommylungs,tryingtowaveawaythedust.

“Najaam!”Agirlcriesout.“Najaam!”Anansweringcry,andthenthegirl’ssobbingasshepullsanotherchildfromtherubble.Withhereyesonthelegionnaire,whoisstilltryingtorisefromtheblast,thelittlegirlgrabstheboy,andtheybegintorun,bothofthemlimping.

Cookseesmewatchinganddragsmetomyfeet.“Comeon,girl.”“Thosetwoneedhelp,”Isay.“Wecan’tjust—”“Wecanandwewill,”Cooksays.“Move.ThedistractionIarrangedwill

onlyworkforsolong,butitwillgiveyouenoughtimetogettothering.”ButIcannottakemyeyesoffthechild,whospinsandsearchesthecity

aroundher,huntingforawayout.Herfurrowedbrowisfartoooldforheryears,andheryoungerbrother—fortheyareclearlysiblings—looksupather,waitingforhertotellhimwhattheyshoulddo.ShespotsmeandCook,realizesthatweareScholars,andrushestous.

“Please,”shesays.“Canyouhelpusgetout?Wecan’tstay.We’lldie.MotherandFatherandSubhanarealreadydead.Ican’tletNajaamdie.Ipromisedmyparentsbeforethey—IpromisedI’dkeephimsafe.”

Ipickupthelittleboy,andCookisonmyheels.“Damnit,Laia!”“WecannotgetthatringbysneakingitofftheShrikeatthewall,”Ihissat

her.“Distractionornot.Butwecansavethesetwolives.Wecandosomething.

You’veseenthetunnels.Youknowthewayout.Getthemasfarasthat.Givethemachance.Becauseskiesknowthatiftheystayinthishellhole,theywilldie.They’llbothdie.”

“Putthechilddown,Laia.Wehaveamission.”“Isthatwhatyoutoldyourselfwhenyouleftus?”Iaskher.“Thatyouhada

mission?”Cook’sfacegoeshard.“Youcan’thelpthem.”“Wecangivethemawayout.”“Sotheycanstarvetodeathintheforest!”“Sotheycanhavehope!”Iscreamather,aneruptionbornofmyguiltover

givingupmyarmlettotheNightbringer.Itisbornofmyrageatmyselffornotbeingabletostophim,frustrationatmyutterinabilitytodoanythingtohelporprotectorsavemypeople.

“Iwillgetyouout,”Itellthechildren.ThisisonepromiseI’mgoingtokeep.“Comeon.We’lltakeyouthroughthetunnels.Whenyoucomeoutofthem,therewillbeaforest,andyouneedtogothroughitandintothemountainstobesafe.You’llhavetoeatmushroomsandberries—”

Theshrillscreeeofamissileringsout,growinglouderbythesecond.Itblazeswithfireasitarcsdownward,gracefulasafallingstar.

Andit’scomingrightforus.“Sissy!”Najaamgrabsforhissister,panicking.Sheyankshimfrommeand

runs.Iturntowardmymotherinapanic.“Run!”Isay.“Ru—”Ifeelanarmaroundmywaist,powerfulandfamiliarandsearinglyhot.The

lastthingIhearisadeep,scarredvoice,growlingasifitwasbornoftheearthitself.“Youareafool,LaiaofSerra.”ThenIamflungmuchfartherthananyhumancouldthrowme,andtheworld

goeswhite.

I

XLVIII:TheBloodShrike

donotknowhowlongithasbeensincetheKarkaunsdescended.IdonotknowhowmanyIhavekilled.Ionlyknowhowmanyofourmenhavedied.I

knowwhereourenemiesarestartingtopushthroughthewall.Mymenrolloutpitchandrocksandflames.Wethroweverythingwehaveat

thehordesswarmingupladdersandattemptingtooverrunus.Withbloodandsweatandunendingtoil,weholdthemback.Buttheydieslowly,ifatall.Andtheykeepcoming.

Themenslumpagainstthewall,bloodiedandexhausted.Weneedavictory.Weneedsomethingtoturnthetide.

IamconsideringthiswhenDexarrives,lookingasmuchamessasIfeel.HisreportisasIexpected:toomanylosses,toofewgains.WeunderestimatedtheKarkaunsandoverestimatedourownstrengthinbattle.

“Harpersaysthetunnelsarefull,”Dexsays.“He’sgottenaboutfivethousandPlebeiansupthePilgrimRoadalready,buttherearethousandslefttoevacuate.They’reallcomingoutjustnorthofPilgrim’sGap.Thatlandishardtotravel.It’sgoingtotaketime.”

“Doesheneedmen?”“Hehasallheneeds.”Inod.Atleastsomethinginthisskies-forsakencityisgoingright.“Andthe

Paters?”“Theirfamilieshavefled.Mostofthemhaveholedupintheirhouses.”Weneedthosemenouthere,fighting.Butitwouldtakemorementodrag

themout,andwedon’thavethemanpower.ThelegionsfromEstiumandSilas,whichshouldhavebeenpressingtheattackontheKarkaunarmy’srearguard,havebeendelayedbystorms.

“TheEmpress?”“Safe,Shrike,withRalliusandFaris.Istillsayweneedmoreguards—”“TheCommandantwillfindherifwemoveanyofherguardsfromthe

palace,”Isay.“WithjustRalliusandFaris,shecanremainhidden.HowfareKeris’sforces?TheEmperor’s?”

“TheEmperorholdsthewesterngateandrefusestobepulledfrombattle.They’vetakenthefewestlosses.He’sinhiselement.Kerisholdstheeasterngate,”Dexsays.“PaterRalliusandhismenarestickingtoherlikeburrs,asyou’veasked,butthey’vetakenlosses.TheKarkaunsarepushinghard.She’srequestedmoremen.”

Mylipcurls.Thattraitoroushag.Youdon’tknowwhatIwant.Istillhaven’tworkedoutwhatitcouldbe.ButIknowshewon’tsacrificetheentirecapital.She’llhavenoonetobleedingruleoverifshedoes.EverythingthatmakestheEmpiretheEmpireishere:thetreasury,theHallofRecords,theEmperor’spalace,and,mostimportantly,thepeople.Ifsheallowsthecitytofall,she’llbeEmpressofnothingbutash.

Ishakemyhead.Weneedthedamnedlegionsfromthesouth.Weneedsomethingtostopthesemonsters.Workwithwhatyouhave,notwhatyouwant.TheCommandant’sownwords.

“Whatelse,Dex?”“TheKarkaunswerespottedspreadingawhitesubstancearoundtheedgesof

theirarmy,Shrike.Almostlikeaborder.We’venoideawhatitis.”“Itissalt.”Theshudder-inducingvoiceoftheNightbringerbehindme

doesn’tevenmakemejump.Iamtooexhausted.“Salt?”Isay.“Whythebleedinghellswouldtheybespreadingsaltaround

theircamp?”“Ghostsdonotlikesalt,Shrike,”hesays,asifthisisthemostnaturalthingin

theworld.“ItwillnotstoptheKarkaunswhoarepossessed,fortheirhumanhostsmakethemimmunetosuchtricks.Butitwillstopattacksfromthewildghostswhoapproach,ghostswhoarenotenslavedtothewarlocks.”

Igapeathim.“Moreghosts?”“TheyhavebrokenfreeoftheWaitingPlaceandaredrawntothebloodand

violenceofthebattlehere.Theirarrivalisimminent.”TheNightbringerreachesahandtomyshoulderandsingsafewhighnotes.

Immediately,mybody,whichburnedfromadozenwounds,relaxes,thepainfading.Iaccepthisaidgratefully.HehasdonethiseverydaysincetheKarkaunslaunchedtheirassault,sometimestwiceaday,soIcankeepfighting.Hedoesnotaskquestions.Hesimplyarrives,healsme,anddisappearsagain.

Asheturnstoleave,Istophim.“ThedayIhealedLivia,yousaidthatonedaymy—mytrustinyouwouldbemyonlyweapon.”Ishakemyheadatthedisasterbeforeme.Theflaggingmen,theunendingarmyoftheKarkauns.Antium,thecapital,thePearloftheEmpire,slowlycrumbling.

“Todayisnotthatday,BloodShrike.”Hiseyeslingeronmyface—no,Irealize,onmyring,asmyhandisproppedagainstmyface.Thenheisgone.

“Dex,”Isay.“Findasmuchsaltasyoucan.Saltthewall,theinfirmaries,whereverourfightingmenare.Tellthemennottotouchit.”WhatdoesitmeanthattheghostshavebrokenfreeoftheWaitingPlace?HavetheykilledElias?

Whenthemoonrises,theKarkaunscallaretreat.Nothinghaschanged.Ourmenarestillbarelykeepingthematbay.Theirunnaturallypowerfulsoldiersstillwreakhavoc.Theyhavetheadvantage.Whythebleedinghellsaretheywithdrawing?

Araggedcheergoesupalongthewallfrommymen.Idonotjointhem.WhateverismakingtheKarkaunswithdrawcannotbegoodforus.

Momentslater,thewindcarriesastrangesoundtome:wailing.Thehaironthebackofmyneckrisesasitdrawscloser.Thecriesaretoohigh-pitchedtobeofthisworld.Thewildghosts.

Themengrasptheirweapons,stalwartinthefaceofthisnewterror.Thewailingintensifies.

“Shrike.”Dexappearsbesideme.“Whatintenhellsisthatsound?”“Thesalt,Dex,”Isay.“Didyouspreadit?”“Onlyalongthewall,”hesays.“Weranoutbeforewecouldspreaditinthe

city.”“Itwon’tbeenough.”Apale,smokycloudpassesneartheKarkauns,veering

awayfromthesaltbordertheyhavemarkedaroundtheirarmy,likeatrailofantsavoidingalineofwater.

Theshrieksfromthecloudblockouteveryothersound,includingthedrums,theshoutsofthemen,theraggedrhythmofmyownbreath.Therearefacesinthatcloud,thousandsofthem.Ghosts.Mymenexclaiminfear,andIdonotknowwhattodo.Idonotknowhowto

killthisenemy.Howtofightit.Idonotknowwhatitwilldotous.Help,Iscreaminmymind.Father.Mother.Elias.Someone.Helpus.Imightaswellbecallingouttothemoon.

Thecloudisatthewallnow,streamingover.Coldblaststhroughmeastheghostsshriekpast,hissingatthesaltalongthewallbeforeplummetingdowntotheunprotectedmenholdingthegates,andintothestreetsbeyond.

Thesoldiersdonotknowwhathitthem.Onemoment,theygazeatthecloudinwaryfear.Thenext,theytwitchandshake,possessed.Then,tomyhorror,theybeginattackingeachotherlikerabidanimals.

TheKarkaunsroarandstormthecitygates.Weraindownarrows,pitch,rocks,butitisnotenough.

IgrabDexbyhiscollar.“Weneedmoresalt!”“It’sgone—weusedeverythingwecouldfind.”

“Ifourownmenareattackingeachother,wecannotholdthegates,”Itellhim.“Wewilllosethecity.GettoHarper.Tellhimtocollapsetheentrancestothetunnels.WecannotrisktheKarkaunsgettingtoourpeople.”

“Butwhataboutthepeoplewhoarestillleft?”“Go!”“Shrike!”Anothervoicecallstome,andFarisbullsthroughthesoldiers

fightingtokeepbacktheKarkauns.Downbelow,thementeareachotherapart,attackingwithanythingtheycanfind.Oneofthesoldiersonthewallflingshandfulsofsaltdown,perhapshopingtoscaretheghostsoutofthebodiestheyhavepossessed.Butitdoesnothing.

Anyotherarmywouldhavefledthewallatthissight—Karkaunscrawlingoverthewalls,ourownmenpossessed.Butthelegionshold.

“Shrike.”Farisisoutofbreath,buthestillhasthesensetospeakquietly.“Themidwifewefoundtoreplacethelastoneisdead.Ijustfoundherswingingfromabeaminherownhouse.”

“Well,bloodyfindanother.”“Therearenoothers.”“Idon’thavetimeforthis!”“Youdon’tunderstand.”Fariscrouchesdownandhisses,andIcanseepanic

thathe’dneverfeelinbattleinhisshakinghands.“Isoughtoutthemidwifebecauseit’stime.Yoursisterisinlabor,Shrike.Thebabyiscoming.”

C

XLIX:Laia

ookdoesnotspeaktomeforalongtimeafterIwake.HerfacetellsmewhathappenedtothechildrenIwastryingtohelp.Still,Iask.

“Theblastkilledthem,”shesays.“Itwasquick.”Hergoldenskinispale,butherhunchedshouldersandshakinghandstellmeofherrage.“Nearlykilledyoutoo.”

Isitup.“Wherearewe?”“TheoldScholar’sDistrict,”shesays.“Intheslaves’quarters.It’sfarther

fromthechaosthantheMarinerEmbassy,thoughnotbymuch.”Shedabsawoundonmyfacewithawarmcloth,carefulnottoletherskintouchmine.“Theskiesmustloveyou,girl.Thatblastthrewyouthirtyfeetintoapileoffeed.”

Myheadaches,andIstruggletoremember.Theskiesmustloveyou.No.Nottheskies.Iknewthatvoice.Iknewwellthefeelofthatarm,strange

andwarpedandtoohot.WhywouldtheNightbringerthrowmeoutofthewayoftheblast?Why,

whenheknowswhatIamtryingtodo?Ihadnoplaninmyheadinthemomentoftheblast—nothingbuttryingtogetthechildrenout.AmIplayingintohishandssomehow?

Orwasitsomethingelse?“Yourheroicscostus.”Cookstirsapotofsomesortofacridteaoveracook

fire.“Doyouknowwhatdayitis?”Iopenmymouthtorespond,butCookcutsmeoff.“It’sthedayoftheGrainMoon,”shesays.“Welostourchancetogettothe

BloodShrike.Bytomorrow,thecitywillbebreached.TheMartialsarestretchedtoothin,andthere’snoreliefinsight.”

Shetakesasniffoftheteaandaddssomethingelsetoit.“Girl,”shesays,“youtrainedwithyour”—shetakesadeepbreath—“grandfather,”shespitsout,“inhealing?”

“Forayearandahalforso.”Shenodsthoughtfully.“AsdidI,”shesaid.“BeforeIranawaylikeadamned

fool.WhendidhetakeyoutomeetNelle,theapothecary?”

“Uh...”IambewilderedthatsheknowsaboutNelle,untilIremember,yetagain,thatofcourseshewouldknowNelle.Poptrainedmymotherfromwhensheturnedtwelveuntilshewassixteen,whenshelefthometojointheResistance.

“Itwasatthebeginningofmytraining,”Isay.“Maybethreemonthsin.”Nelleshowedmehowtomakedozensofpoulticesandteasfrombasicingredients.Mostoftheremedieswerethingsthatonlyawomanneeds—formooncyclesandtopreventthegettingofchild.

Shenods.“That’swhatIthought.”Shepoursthefoulteaintoawaitinggourdandcorksit.Ithinksheisgoingtogiveittome,butinsteadshestands.“Changethedressingonyourwounds,”shesays.“You’llfindeverythingyouneedthere.Stayinside.I’llbeback.”

Whileshe’sgone,Ichangethedressings,butIcan’tstopthinkingabouttheblast,theNightbringerthrowingmeoutoftheway,thebrotherandsisterwhodied.Skies,theyweresoyoung.Thatlittlegirlcouldn’thavebeenolderthantenandherlittlebrother—Najaam—nomorethanseven.IpromisedmyparentsI’dkeephimsafe.

“Iamsorry,”Iwhisper.IcouldhavesavedthemifIhadmovedfaster,ifIhadnottakentherouteI

did.HowmanyotherScholarchildrenhavebeenorderedtostayinthecity?Howmanyothershavenowayout?HowmanyareexpectedtodiealongwiththeirMartialoverlordsiftheKarkaunstakeAntium?Musa’svoiceringsinmyhead.WeneedyouasavoicefortheScholars.Weneedyouasourscimandshield.

ThoughCooktoldmenotto,Ileavethecrumblinglittleshackinwhichwe’vetakenshelterandwalkoutside,wincingfromthewaythemovementpullsatthegashonmyface.

ThehouseIaminfacesalargesquare.Thereareheapsofrubbleoneithersideandmoredilapidatedcottagesbeyondthem.Acrossthesquare,dozensofScholarsremovethebricksofastill-smokingshack,tryingtogettothosetrappedinside.

Bootsthudbeyondthesquare,theirrhythmictattoogrowinglouder.Quickaslightning,wordspreads.TheScholarsdisappearintotheirhousesasthepatrolmarchesintothesquare.ThehouseIaminissetback,butstill,Imakemywayupthestairs,daggerinhand.Icrouchbesideawindowtowatchthepatrol’sprogress,waitingforthescreamsoftheScholars.

Ihearonlyafew,fromthosetheMartialshavefoundanddraggedout,whippingthemintoalinetonodoubtsaveMartiallivesfromtheKarkauns’destruction.

WhentheMartialsaregone,theremainingScholarsemergeagain,backattherubbleoftheruinedhouse.Iamwonderinghowtheycommunicatedsoquicklywhenthestairwellcreaks.

“Girl,”Cookrasps,“areyouhere?”WhenIgetdownthestairs,shejerksherheadtothenorth.“Comewithme,”

shesays.“Anddon’taskquestions.”Shenolongerholdsthegourdoftea,andIwanttoknowwhatshehasdonewithit.ButIholdmytongue.Asweheadthroughthesquare,CookdoesnotspareaglancefortheScholars.

“Cook.”Iruntocatchupwithher.It’sasifsheknowswhatIamplanningtoask.“Thesepeople.Wecouldhelpthem.Getthemoutofhere.”

“Wecould.”Shesoundsutterlyunsurprisedatmysuggestion.“AndthenyoucouldwatchastheNightbringertakestheringfromtheShrike,setshisaccursedsubjectsfree,anddestroysourworld.”

“Iamtheonewhohastogetthering,”Isay.“Notyou.YoucouldrallytheScholars,showthemthewayoutofhere.YousaidyourselfthattheKarkaunswilloverrunthecity.Whatdoyouthinkwillhappentothesepeoplewhentheydo?”

AsIspeak,weslinkpastagroupofScholarsputtingoutafirealongsideMartialauxes.Theyarechildren—teenagersdraggingbucketsofwaterwhentheyshouldbegettingthehellsoutofhere.

“That’snotourproblem,”Cookhisses,andgrabsme,pullingmeawaybeforetheauxsoldiersseeusandpressusintoservice.“Ihaveotherthingstodowhileyougetthering.”

“Whatotherthings?”“Retribution!”Cooksays.“ThatbitchofaCommandantishere,andbythe

skies,I’ll—”“You’dtradevengeanceonKerisVeturiaforthousandsoflives?”“Gettingridofherwouldsavethousandsmore.Ihavewaitedyearsforthis.

Andnow,finally—”“Idon’tbleedingcare,”Isaytoher.“Whateveryourvengeanceis,whetherit

worksornot,itisnotasimportantastheScholarchildrenwhowilldieifthereisnoonetohelpthem.Please—”

“We’renotgods,girl.Wecan’tsaveeveryone.TheScholarshavesurvivedthislong.They’llsurviveabitlonger.Themissionisallthatmatters.Comenow.There’slittletime.”Shenodstoabuildingahead.“That’stheBlackGuardbarracks.TheShrikewillbearrivingwithinthehour.Whenthathappens,you’llknowwhattodo.”

“What—that’sit?HowamIsupposedtogetin?HowdoI—”

“YouneedaplanthattheNightbringercan’tpickoutofyourhead,”sherasps.“I’vejustgivenyouone.There’sastackofcleanuniformsinabasketoutsidethegates.Takeitinanduptothelaundryclosetonthesecondfloor.Watchthehallwayfromthatcloset.Whenthetimecomes,you’llknowwhattodo.AndiftheShrikethreatensyou,tellherIsentyou.Go.”

“You—whywouldI—doyouknowher?”“Move,girl!”Itaketwosteps,thenturnback.“Cook.”IlookinthedirectionoftheScholar

neightborhood.“Please,justtellthem—”“I’llbewaitinghereforyourreturn.”Cookgrabsmydaggersfromme,

includingtheoneEliasgaveme,ignoringmyprotestsassheglancesaboutfurtively.“Hurryup,oryou’llgetusbothkilled.”

Uneasywithoutmyblades,Igoaroundtothefrontofthebarracks.WhatdoesCookhaveplannedforme?HowwillIknowwhattodo?Ispotthebasketofcleanlaundryandbalanceitagainstmyhip.Takingadeepbreath,Ipassthroughthefrontgatesandacrossthecobblestonecourtyard.

Thegroundrumbles,andacrossthestreet,aprojectileslamsintoabuilding,levelingitinseconds.Thetwolegionnaireswhoguardthebarracksentrancetakecover,asdoI.Whenit’sclearnomoremissilesarecomingthisway,Imakeforthedoor,hopingthelegionnaireswillbetoodistractedtonoticeme.Nosuchluck.

“Youthere.”Oneofthemholdsoutahand.“Weneedtosearchthebasket.”Ohskies.“Noideawhyweevenneeduniforms,”theotherlegionnairesays.“We’reall

deadanyway.”“Shutit,Eddius.”Thelegionnairefinishessearchingthebasketandwavesme

on.“Goon,girl.”Thecentralroomofthebarracksislinedwithcots,perhapsformentosleep

onwhiletakingshiftsatthewall.Buttheyallstandempty.Nooneintheentiredamnedcityissleepingthroughthis.

Thoughit’sclearthebarracksarealmostentirelyabandoned,Iskirtthecotscarefullyandskulkupthestairs,unnervedbythesilenceoftheplace.Atthetopofthestairs,alonghallwaystretchesintodarkness.Thedoorsareshut,butfrombehindone,clothingrustlesandsomeonegaspsinpain.Ikeepwalkingandgettoalaundrycloset.Thecriescontinue.Someonemustbeinjured.

Afterhalfanhour,thecriestransformintoscreams.Itisdefinitelyawoman,andforamomentIwonder,isittheShrike?HasCookinjuredher?AmIsupposedtogointotheroomandtaketheringwhilesheliesdying?Icreepout

ofthelaundryclosetandinchdownthehalltowardthecries.Amalespeaks,anditsoundslikehe’stryingtosoothethewoman.

Anotherscream.ThistimeIcockmyhead.Itdoesn’tsoundlikesomeonewhoisinjured.Infact,itsoundslike—“Whereisshe?”Thewomanwails,andadoorinthehallwayslamsopen.I

boltbackintothelaundryclosetjustaftercatchingaglimpseofawomanpacingtheroom.Atfirst,IthinksheistheBloodShrike.Butshehasnomask,andsheisverypregnant.

Inthatmoment,Iunderstandthesoundsthatcamefromtheroom.IunderstandwhyCookaskedmeifI’dmetNelle.Nelletaughtmeremediesformoon-cyclepainandwaystopreventpregnancy—butshealsoshowedmetricksforrelievingpainduringchildbirthandafterward.IhadtolearnthembecausedeliveringbabieswasoneoftheveryfirstthingsPoptaughtme,oneofthemainthingshedidasahealer.

AndIunderstand,finally,howIamgoingtogettheringfromtheBloodShrike.

A

L:Elias

sIcomeupoverthewall,asIforcemyselftoignorethehavocwreakedbythepossessedKarkauns,IhearthelupinesnarlsofagroupofMartial

soldierstearingateachother,completelypossessed.IhavealwaysloathedthecityofAntium.Everythingaboutitscreams

Empire,fromthehigh,forbiddingwallstothestreetsarchitectedinlevelstorepelattack.Forthefirsttime,IamgladthatthecityissoquintessentiallyMartial.Becausetheforcesarrayedagainstit—andwithinit—aregreat,andthedefensesareterrifyinglyflimsy.

Iwindwalkdownthewall,racingtowardthestairsthatwilltakemetotheraveningmassesofpossessedMartialsoldiersbelow.Therearehundredsofghoststobefound,magicked,andsetfree.

Thestairsdisappeartwobytwoundermyfeet,andIamnearlyatthebottomwhenIrecognizeaheadofblondehairaheadofme,battlingthroughthepossessedsoldiers.Herfaceisdarkwithash,streakedwithtearsassheswingsagreatwarhammer,tryingtoknockhercountrymenaside.Fromthewest,agreatgroansounds,thesplinteringofwoodandwarpingofmetal.TheKarkaunsarenearlythroughthegatesofthecity.

“Stop!”Myvoice,amplifiedbyMauth’smagic,explodesacrosstheareabeneaththewall.Thepossessedturntomeasone,mymagicdrawingtheminlikeacobra’sgazedrawsamouse.

“E-Elias?”theBloodShrikewhispers,butIdonotlookather.“Cometome,”Iorderthespiritsforward.“Releasethoseyouhave

possessed.”Theseghostsaremoreferal,andtheyresist,curlingawayfromme.Myanger

rises,andIfindmyhandsareonmyscims.ButMauth’smagictakeshold,andanunnaturalcalmsettlesoverme.No,partofmescramblesagainsttheintrusionofthemagic,whichismoreaggressivethanbefore.Mauthiscontrollingmybody.Mymind.Thisisn’tright.

Butisn’tit?ImustjoinwiththemagictobecometheSoulCatcher.FirstIneededtoreleasemyattachmentstothehumanworld.AndnowImustletgoofmyself.Myidentity.Mybody.

No,somethingdeepwithinscreams.No.No.No.ButhowelsewillImovesomanyghostson?Theirpresencehereismyfault.

Thesufferingthey’vebroughtaboutismyfault.Icanneverundoit.AllthedeathstheyhavecausedwillbeonmyconscienceuntilthedayIpassfromthisearth.ButIcanstopit.Andtodothat,Imustsurrender.Takeover,Itellthemagic.Becomeme.“Releasethehumansyou’vepossessed.”Theghostsshybackatmyorder,so

bewilderedattheirowndeathsthattheyseekonlytohold,hurt,love,feeloncemore.“Thereisnothingforyouhere.Onlypain.”

Idrawthemallclosewiththemagic.Mauthsinksintomyverysoulwitheverysecondthatpasses,becomingirrevocablybondedtome.TheBloodShrikeandFarisgape,andtheydonotseetheirfriendEliasVeturius.TheydonotseethemanwhoescapedBlackcliff,whobrokehisvows,whodefiedtheCommandantandtheEmperortobreakintoKaufPrison.TheydonotseetheboytheysurvivedBlackcliffwith.

TheyseetheSoulCatcher.Theghostssighandreleasethebodiestheyhavepossessed,passingonfrom

thisworld.Firstdozens,then,asIletthemagictakeover,hundreds.Thechaosfadesasthissmallgroupofsoldiers,atleast,returnstothemselves.

“Youcame.”TheBloodShrikeweepsopenlynow.“Youheardme,andyoucame.Elias,theKarkaunsonthewall,they’rekillingus.They’reabouttobreakthrough.”

“Ididnotcomeforyou.”Itismyvoiceshehears—themercilessmonotoneofaMask.Andyetitisnotme.ItisMauth.Stop!Iscreamathiminmymind.Sheismyfriend.

ButMauthdoesnotlisten.“Icame,”Ihearmyselfsaying,“becauseitismysworndutytoprotecttheworldofthelivingfromtherealmofghosts.Leavemetomywork,BloodShrike,andIwillleaveyoutoyours.”

Iwindwalkawayfromher,movingswiftlytothenextgroupofpossessedsoldiers.WhydidIdothat?WhywasIsocruel?Becauseitisnecessary.IknowtheansweralmostbeforeIaskthequestion.

BecauseImustpasstheghosts.Becausemydutymustcomefirst.Becauselovecannotlivehere.Iskimoverthewallofthecitylookingforthenextgroupofwaywardghosts,

nothingbutaflashofdarknesstothehumaneye.JustoutsideAntium’seasterngate,theKarkaunsgatherandmarchforwardwithabatteringramthesizeofaMarinertradevessel.TheypunchthroughtheancientgatesofAntiumlikeafistthroughapaperscreen.

Noonemansthewall.Nopitchcomespouringdown.Noarchersfightback.TheMartialshavewithdrawn.Afamiliar,pale-skinnedfiguremakesherwayfromthebattle,agroupofmenatherback.KerisVeturia.Sheappearscalmassheallowsthegatetofall.

Agreatgroanechoesthroughtheair,louderthanthescreamsofthedyingandthecriesofthosewhostillfight.Woodsplinters,metalscreeches,andahair-raisinghowlofvictoryrisesfromtheranksoftheKarkauns.

Theeasterngatesagsopen,andtheKarkaunspourin.ThecityofAntium,foundedbyTaiustheFirst,seatoftheImperatorInvictusandPearloftheEmpire,isbreached.Thelivesofitspeopleareforfeit.

Iturnaway.Foritisnoconcernofmine.

I

LI:TheBloodShrike

canhearLivvyscreamingfromthebarracksdoorsandIflyupthestairs.Shemightbedying.Thebabymightbedying.Skies,whatdowedo—WhenIshovethedooropen,Ifindmysisterdoubledover,Rallius’slarge

handclenchedinhers.Everymuscleinmyfriend’shugebodytenses,hisdarkfaceturninggrim.

“Empress,”Isay.“Livia,I’mhere.”“He’scoming,Helly.”Liviapants.“Ralliustestedmyteathismorning,butit

tastedfunny.Idon’tknowwhattodo.Idon’t—Idon’tfeelright—”Ohhells.Iknowexactlynothingaboutchildbirth.“Maybeyoushouldsit

down.”Aknockonthedoor.Allofus—Rallius,Faris,Livia,andI—gosilent.NoonebutMarcusis

supposedtoknowshe’shere.ButIarrivedinsucharushwithFaristhatthoughwetookpainsnottobefollowed,wemightverywellhavebeen.

Mysisterstuffsherfisttohermouthandgroans,clutchingherbelly.Herdressiswetfromwhereherwatershavebroken,andhersweat-soakedfaceissicklygray.RalliusextricateshisfingersfromLivvy’sandapproachesthedoor,scimsdrawn.IshoveLivvybehindmewhileFarisswipesacrossbowfromthewallandpointsitatthedoor.

“Whogoesthere?”Afemalevoiceanswers.“I...IneedtospeaktotheBloodShrike.I...can

help.”Idonotrecognizethevoice,thoughsomethingaboutitisstrangelyfamiliar.I

gestureforRalliustoopenthedoor.Inlessthanasecond,hehashisscimsatthethroatofthehoodedfigureinthedoorway.

Shedoesn’tneedtolowerherhoodformetorecognizeher.Ispothergoldeneyespeeringoutatmefromtheshadows.

“You!”Isnarl,butsheraisesherhands,andthesheathsatherwaistareempty.

“Icandeliverthebaby,”shesaysquickly.“Cooksentme.”“Whythehellswouldthatoldbatsendyou?”Isay.

Liviascreamsagain,unabletostiflethesound,andLaialooksovermyshoulder.

“She’sclose,”shesays.“She’llhaveanothercontractioninonlyafewmoments.Thechildiscoming.”

Idonotknowhowintheburningskiesshegothere.Perhapsitisanassassinationattempt.ButwhywouldLaiaofSerrarisksuchathingwhensheknowsthathurtingmysisterwouldresultinherimmediatedeath?

“Ihavenowishtoharmher,”shesays.“Fateledmehere,BloodShrike.Letmehelpyou.”

“Ifmysisterorthebabedie,”IsaytoherasIstandaside,“sodoyou.”Agrimnodistheonlyresponse.Sheknows.Immediately,sheturnstoFaris,

whosquintsashelooksather.“Hangonaminute,”hesays.“Aren’tyou—”“Yes,”shesays.“Hotwater,please,LieutenantFaris—twopotsofit.And

cleansheetsfromthelaundry—adozenofthem.Towelstoo.”Shegoestomysister,takingherbythearm.

“Let’sgetyououtoftheseclothes,”shesays,andthere’sagentlenesstohervoice,asweetnessthatimmediatelycalmsLivia.Mysistersighs,andmomentslaterLaiaunlacesherdress,orderingRalliustoturnaway.

Ishiftfromfoottofoot.“Idon’tknowifthisisappro—”“She’sgivingbirth,BloodShrike,”Laiasays.“Itishot,difficultwork,and

sheshouldn’tbetrussedupforit.Badforthebaby.”“Right,”Isay,knowingIsoundlikeanidiot.“Well,ifit’sbadforthe

baby...”Laiaglancesatme,andIcan’ttellifshe’sirritatedbymeorlaughingatme.“OnceLieutenantFarisreturnswiththewater,”shesays,“pouritintothe

basin,please.Washyourhandswell,withsoap.Removeyourrings.Youcanleavethemthere.”ShenodstothebasinandhelpsanowscantilydressedLiviasettleherselfattheedgeofmysimplewoodendeskchair.

Fariscomesin,takesonelookatLivvy,andturnsbrightredbeforeItakethewaterfromhimandheasks,inachokedvoice,whereLaiawantsthesheets.

“Standwatch,LieutenantFaris,”Laiasaysasshetakesthesheets.“Therewereonlytwoguardsoutsideandtheybarelysearchedme.IfIgotinherewithrelativeease,socanyourenemies.”

Thedrumsthunder,andIhearthepanicintheordergivenout.Allunitstothesecond-levelgateimmediately.Breachimminent.Bleedinghells,hasthefirstlevelbeenbreached?“Ishouldgo,”Isay.“Thecity—”

“Icannotdothisalone,Shrike,”Laiasaysquickly.“ThoughI’msureyourmanhere”—shenodstoawild-eyedLieutenantRallius—“wouldhelpif

ordered,theEmpressisyoursister,andyourpresencewillbringhercomfort.”“Thecity—theKarkauns—”ButLivvyscreamsagain,andLaiacurses.“Shrike,haveyouwashedyourhandsyet?”Idoitquickly,andLaiagrabsmeandyanksmeovertoLivia.“Pushyourfistsintoyoursister’ships,likeso.”Shepointstojustbelowthe

smallofmysister’sback.“Everytimeshescreams,Iwantyoutopushthere,”shesays.“Itwillgiveherrelief.Inbetween,rubhershoulders,pullherhairoutoftheway,andhelpkeephercool.”

“Ohskies,”Liviasays.“I’mgoingtobesick.”Mystomachsinks.“What’swrong?”“Feelingsickisgood.”Laia’stoneissoothing,butshegivesmealookthat

veryplainlyasksthatIkeepmymouthshut.“Itcleansesthebody.”TheScholargirlgivesmysisterabucketandcontinuestospeaktoherinlow,

calmtonesasshescrubsherownhandsandarms,overandoveruntilhergold-brownskinisred.Thenshecomesbackandfeelsbetweenmysister’slegs.Ilookaway,uncomfortable.Liviashuddersagain—it’sonlybeenminutessincethelasttimeshecriedout.Idigmyfistsintoherhips.Immediately,sherelaxes.

“How—howmanytimeshaveyoudonethis?”LivvyasksLaia.“Enoughtoknowthatyou’regoingtobejustfine,”Laiasays.“Nowbreathe

withme.”Forthenexttwohours,withtheScholargirl’scalmvoiceguidingher,Livia

labors.Sometimesshewalks,sometimesshesits.WhenIsuggestLivvylieinthebedatonepoint,bothwomenturnonmewithaunified“No!”andIcease.

Outside,thedrumsgrowmorefrantic.Ineedtogetoutthere—Ineedtohelpdefendthiscity.AndyetIcannotleaveLivia.Imustseethischildborn,forheisourfuture.Ifthecityfalls,Imustseehimtosafety.Iamtorn,andIpacebackandforth,notknowingwhatthebleedingskiesI’msupposedtodo.Whyischildbirthsodamnedmessy?Andwhydidn’tIlearnanythingaboutit?

“Laia,”IfinallysaytotheScholarwhenLiviaisrestingbetweenoneofhercontractions.“Thecity—it’sabouttobebreached.Icanhearitfromthedrums.Icannotbehere.Ralliuscan—”

Laiayanksmeaside,mouththin.“It’stakingtoolong,”shesays.“Yousaideverythingwasfine.”“I’mnotabouttotellapregnantwomanshe’snotfine,”shehisses.“I’veseen

ithappenbefore.Bothtimesthechilddied,andthemotherdidtoo.Theyareindanger.Imightneedyou.”Shegivesmeasignificantlook.Imightneedyourhealing.BREACH,MAINGATE.ALLUNITSTOSECOND-LEVELGATE.Thedrums

thunderfranticallynowasmessageaftermessageispassedthrough,sothat

troopsmightknowwheretogo,wheretofight.Liviascreams,andthistimethereisadifferentqualityaboutit.Iturnbackto

mysister,hopingtotheskiesthatthedrumshaveitwrong.Laiadrapessheetsoverthechairs,onthefloors.Sheordersmetobringmore

bucketsofwater,andwhensheasksmetolayatowelonthebed,mysistershakesherhead.

“There’sablanket,”shesays.“It’s—it’sinthebureau.I—Ibroughtitwithme.”

Igrabit,asimplepale-blue-and-whitesquarethatissoftasclouds.Irealizesuddenlythatthischildwillbemykin.AnewAquilla.Mynephew.ThemomentdeservesmorethanthethunderofKarkaunmissilesandmysister’sscreams.Mothershouldbehere.Hannah.

Insteaditisonlyme.Howthehellsdiditallgosowrong?“Allright,Livia,”Laiasays.“It’stimenow.You’vebeenverybrave,very

strong.Bebraveabitlongerandyou’llbeholdingyourbaby,andIpromisethatyouwon’tmuchcareaboutthepain.”

“How—howdoyouknow—”“Trustme.”Laia’ssmileissoconvincingthatevenIbelieveit.“Shrike,hold

herhands.”Shelowershervoice.“Andsing.”MysistergrabsontomewiththestrengthofaMaskinanarm-wrestling

competition.WithRalliusandFariswatching,IfindLivia’ssonginmymindandsingit,pouringmywillintogivingherstrength,keepingherwhole.AtLaia’surging,mysisterpusheswithallofhermight.

ChildbirthisnotsomethingIhavewastedmuchthoughton.Idonotwishforchildren.Iwillneverbeamidwife.Ihaveasister,butnofemalefriends.Babiesholdnoappealforme,thoughIwasalwaysfascinatedbythewaymymotherlovedus:withafiercenessthatwasalmostfrightening.Sheusedtocallushermiracles.Now,asmysisterreleasesaroar,Ifinallyunderstand.

Laiaisholdingaslippery,wet,dirty...thinginherhands.Shesnatchesthetowelsfromme,pullingthechildintoonewhileusingherotherhandtounwrapthecordfromhisneck.Shemovesquickly,almostfrantically,andastrange,unfamiliarterrorfillsme.

“Whyisn’themakinganysounds?”Idemand.“Whyishe—”Laiaputsherfingerinthebabe’smouth,clearingit,andamomentlater,he

releasesanear-shatteringwail.“Oh,”IsqueakasLaiashovesthebabyatme.“I—”“Whisperyourhopesforhiminhisear,”shesays.WhenIstareather,she

sighsimpatiently.“It’sconsideredgoodluck.”

Sheturnsbacktomysister,doingskiesknowwhat,andIstaredownatthechild.Hiswailshavefaded,andhewatchesme,appearingmildlybewildered.IcannotsayIblamehim.

Hisskinisgoldenbrown,afewshadesdarkerthanLivia’swhenshehasspentasummerinthesun.Hishairisfineandblack.Hehashisfather’syelloweyes,andyettheyarenotMarcus’s.Theyarebeautiful.Innocent.

Heopenshismouthandvocalizes,anditsoundstomelike“Hah,”asifhe’stryingtosaythebeginningofmyname.Itisaridiculousthought,butaburstofpridefloodsme.Heknowsme.

“Hail,nephew.”Ipullhimclosetomesothathe’sonlyinchesfrommyface.“Iwishforyoujoyandafamilythatlovesyou,adventuresthatshapeyou,andtruefriendstohavethemwith.”

Hisfistflails,leavingatrailofbloodacrossmymask.Irecognizesomethinginhimthen.Somethingofme,thoughitisnotinhisface.Itisdeeper.IthinkofthesongIsanghim.IwonderhowIchangedhim.

Shoutsoutsidepullmyattentionawayfromthechild.Theangrytenorofafamiliarvoicerisesdownstairs.Footstepsthunderupthesteps,andthedoorburstsopen.Marcus,alongwithahalfdozenmenofGensAquilla,enters,scimdrawn.TheEmperoriscoveredinblood—hisownorthatoftheKarkauns,Idonotknow.HedoesnotlookatmeorLiviaorLaia.Hereachesmeintwosteps.Withoutsheathinghissword,heholdsouthisleftarmforhischild.Ihandthebabyover,hatingthefeeling,myentirebodytense.

Marcuslooksintothechild’sface.Icannotreadhisexpression.BothMarcusandhissonaresilent,theEmperor’sheadcocked,asifheislisteningtosomething.Henodsonce.

“ZachariasMarcusLiviusAquillusFarrar,”hesays,“IwishyoualongreignasEmperor,gloryinbattle,andabrotheratyourback.”Hegivesthechildbacktome,unnaturallycareful.“Takeyoursisterandthechild,Shrike,andleavethecity.Thatisanorder.She’scomingforhim.”

“TheCommandant?”“Yes,thebleedingCommandant,”Marcussnaps.“Thegatesarebreached.

TheKarkaunshavebrokenthroughthefirstlevel.She’sleftthebattleinthehandsofoneofherlieutenantsandisonherwayhere.”

“Shrike.”Laia’svoiceischoked.Inoticeshe’spulledherhoodup,andIrecallthenthatsheknowsMarcus.Thathenearlykilledheronce—afterhetriedtorapeher.Ishudder,thinkingofit.Sheishunchedover,hervoiceraspyasshetriestodisguiseherself.“Yoursister.”

Liviaisdeathlypale.“I’mfine,”shemurmursasshetriestostand.“Givehim—givehimtome.”

W

Iamathersideintwosteps,hersongalreadyonmylips.IdonotthinkofMarcus’ssoldiers,whowillwitnessthis,orofRalliusorFaris.IsinguntilIfeelherbodyheal.Themomentthatcolorreturnstoherface,Marcusdragsherthroughthedooranddowntothelaundryroom,flingingitopen.Ralliusgoesthrough,thenFaris,thenmysister.

Marcusdoesnotlookatthechildagain.Hegesturesmeimpatientlyon.“Mylord,”Isay,“Icannotleavethecitywhenit—”“Protectmyheir,”hesays.“Thecityislost.”“It—itcan’tbe—”Butheshovesmeintothetunnelandclosesthedoorbehindme.Anditis

onlythere,inthedarkness,thatIrealizeIhavenoideawhereLaiais.

erun.Fromthetunnels,wecannothearthemadnessabove,butmymindistorn,halfofmewantingtogobacktofightandtheotherhalfknowing

thatImustgetmysisterandbabyZachariasoutofAntium.WhenwereachawaystationinthetunnelswhereHarperhasplacedsoldiers

toguardtheevacuationroutes,Islow.“Ineedtogoback,”Isay.Liviashakesherhead,frantic.Zachariaswails,asifsensinghismother’s

distress.“Youweregivenanorder.”“Icannotleavethecity,”Isay.“Notlikethis.Notskulkingthroughthe

shadows.Therearemenbacktherewhowerecountingonme,andIleftthem.”“Helly,no.”“Faris,Rallius,gethertoHarper.Youknowhowtofindhim.Helphim

howeveryoucan.TherearestillPlebeiansinthecity,inthesetunnels,andweneedtogetthemout.”Ileantowardbothofthem,pinningthemwithmygaze.“Ifanythinghappenstoherorthechild,Isweartotheskies,Iwillkillyoubothmyself.”

Theysalute,andIturntomysister,takingonelastlookatthebaby.Uponseeingmyface,hegoesquiet.“I’llseeyousoon,youngone.”IkisshimandLivia,andturnback,ignoringmysister’spleas,thendemands,formetoreturntohersideatonce.

WhenIgetbacktotheBlackGuardbarracks,Iimmediatelychokeonthesmokethatfillsthelaundrycloset.Flamesroaratthefrontofthebarracks.Fromafewstreetsaway,thehowlsoframpagingKarkaunsfillthestreets.Theyhavenotreachedhereyet,buttheywillsoon.

Idrawascarfupovermyfaceandcrouchlowtoavoidthesmoke,mywarhammerdrawn.WhenIemergefromtheroom,Inearlysliponthepoolsofbloodeverywhere.

ThemenofGensAquilla,sworntoprotectMarcus,liedead,thoughitisclearthattheytookmanyoftheCommandant’smenwiththem.Herbodyisnotamongthecarnage.Butthen,Iknewitwouldnotbe.KerisVeturiawouldneverdieinsoundignifiedamanner.

Thereareotherbodiesamongthedead—Mariners.BeforeIcanunderstandwhatthehellstheyweredoinghere,avoicecallsout.

“Sh-Shrike.”ThevoiceissoquietthatIdonotatfirstknowwhereitcomesfrom.ButI

huntthroughthesmokeuntilIfindMarcusFarrar,ImperatorInvictusandOverlordoftheRealm,pinnedagainstawallbyhisownscim,drowninginhisownblood,unabletomove.Hishandsarelimpoverthewoundinhisstomach.Hehashoursyetuntilhedies.TheCommandantdidthisonpurpose.

Igotohim.Flameslickthewoodofthestairwell,andaloudcracksoundsfromdownstairs—abeamfalling.Ishouldescapethroughawindow.Ishouldletthismonsterburn.

HowlonghaveIwaitedforthis?HowlonghaveIwantedhimtodie?AndyetwhenIseehimpinnedherelikeananimalkilledforsport,Ifeelonlypity.

Andsomethingelse.Acompulsion.Aneed.Adesiretohealhim.No.Ohno.“KerismovedtheHallofRecords,Shrike.”Hespeakscalmly,ifsoftly,

savinghisbreathtorelaywhathemust.“Shemovedthetreasury.”Isighinrelief.“ThentheEmpirewillstillstand,evenifweloseAntium.”“Shediditweeksago.Shewantedthecitytofall,Shrike.Sheknewthe

Karkaunswouldbringghosts.Sheknewtheywouldwin.”Adozendisparatepuzzlepiecesclickintoplace.“TheIllustrianPaters—”“LeftdaysagoforSerra,”Marcussays.“Sheevacuatedthem.”Andthemasterofthetreasurymetwithherdespitehermurderinghisson.

Shemusthavetoldhimwhatwascoming.ShemusthavepromisedtogethisfamilyoutinexchangeforhimmovingtheEmpire’swealth.

AndtheHallofRecords.Therecordarchivistswerepreparingforamove.HarpertoldmethatwhenhewasgettinginformationontheCommandant.Wesimplydidn’trealizewhatitmeant.

Kerisknewthecitywouldfall.Shewasplanningforitrightinfrontofme.Skies,Ishouldhavekilledher.WhetherthePlebeianshatedmeornot,

whetherMarcuswasoverthrownornot,Ishouldhavekilledthatdemon.“Thelegions,”Isay,“fromSilasandEstium—”

“Theyaren’tcoming.Shesabotagedthecommuniqués.”Itdidnothavetobethisway,BloodShrike.Keris’swordshauntme.

Rememberthat,beforetheend.Hedoesnotsayitismyfault;hedoesn’thaveto.“Antiumwillfall,”Marcus

goesonquietly.“ButtheEmpirewillsurvive.Kerishasensuredthat,thoughshewishestomakecertainthatmysonwillnotsurvivewithit.Stopher,BloodShrike.Seehimonthethrone.”Hereachesformyhand,hisownstillstrongenoughtodigintomyfleshsohardthatitdrawsblood.“Swearabloodoaththatyouwillseeitdone.”

“Iswearit,”Isay.“Bybloodandbybone.”Thecompulsiontohealhimcomesovermeagain.Ifightit,butthenhespeaks.

“Shrike,”hesays.“Ihaveafinalorderforyou.”Healme.Iknowhe’sgoingtosayit.Themagicrisesinme,ready,evenasI

shrinkawayfromthethought,disgusted,repulsedbyit.HowcanIhealhim,thedemonwhokilledmyfather,whoorderedmytorture,whoabusedandbeatmysister?

Thefireedgescloser.Leave,Shrike!Run!Marcusreleasesmyhandandscrabblesathissideforadagger,whichhe

thrustsintomyhand.“Mercy,BloodShrike.Thatismyorder.Idonotdeserveit.Idonotevenwishit.Butyou’llgiveittomeanyway.Becauseyou’regood.”Hespitsouttheword,acurse.“It’swhymybrotherlovedyou.”

TheEmperormeetsmyeyes.Asever,hisarefilledwithrage,hatred.ButbeneaththatissomethingIhaveneverseenbeforeinthefifteenyearsIhaveknownMarcusFarrar:resignation.

“Doit,Shrike,”hewhispers.“Hewaitsforme.”IthinkofbabyZachariasandtheinnocenceofhisgaze.Marcustoomust

havelookedthatwayonce.Perhapsthat’swhathistwin,Zak,sawwhenhelookedathim:notthemonsterhehadbecome,butthebrotherhehadbeen.

Iremembermyfatherashedied.Mymotherandmysister.Myfaceiswet.WhenMarcusspeaks,Icanbarelyhearthewords.

“Please,Shrike.”“TheEmperorisdead.”Myvoiceshakes,butIfindmystrengthinthemaskI

wear,andwhenIspeakagain,itiswithoutemotion.“LonglivetheEmperor.”ThenIdrivethedaggerintohisthroat,andIdonotlookawayuntilthelight

inhiseyesisgone.

T

LII:Laia

heringdoesnotevanesce.IdonotallowmyselftolookatituntilIamoutsidetheBlackGuard

barracks,tuckedinanalcovenearthestables,safelyawayfromEmperorMarcus.Thebabyisstrong,andtheBloodShrike’ssisterisaswell.Iwhisperedtohertokeepherselfclean,totakecareofherselftopreventinfection.ButshesawmyfacewhenMarcusentered.Sheknew.

“Go,”shewhispered.“Takethetowels,asifyouarechangingthem.”Ididasshesaid.Swipingtheringsatthesametimewasonlyamoment’s

work.Nooneevenlookedmyway.Itookboth,notknowingwhichwastheShrike’sringandwhichwasthering

ofherfamily.NowIstandwiththeminthemadnessofAntium’sstreets,staring.Hoping.OnlytheGhostmaystandagainsttheonslaught.ShouldtheLioness’sheir

claimtheButcher’spride,itwillevanesce,andthebloodofsevengenerationsshallpassfromtheearthbeforetheKingmayseekvengeanceagain.

Theringshouldbegone.Whydiditnothappen?Iputitonmyfinger,pullitoff.Butthere’ssomethingwrongwithit.Itdoesnotfeellikemyarmlet.Itjustfeelslikeanormalhunkofmetal.

IrackmybraintryingtorememberifImissedsomethingintheprophecy.PerhapsIhavetodosomethingtoit.Burnit,orbreakitwithSerricsteel.Icastaboutforaweapon—somethingasoldiermighthavedropped.

Whichiswhenmyneckprickles,andIknowinstantlythatsomeonewatchesme.Itisafeelingthathasbecomeunsettlinglyfamiliarinthepastfewmonths.

Butthistime,heshowshimself.“Forgiveme,LaiaofSerra.”TheNightbringerspeaksquietly,buttheviolencelatentinhisvoicestillcutsthroughtheshrieksofmissilesflyingandmendyingpainfully.“Iwishedtoseeyourfacewhenyourealizedthatallyourwork,allyourhope,wasfornothing.”

“Itisnotfornothing,”Isay.Itcannotbe.“Itwas.”Hesaunterstowardme.“BecausewhatyouholdisnottheStar.”“Youlie.”

“DoI?”Heclosesthedistancebetweenusandsnatchestheringsfrommyhand.Icryout,buthecloseshishandaroundthemand,beforemyeyes,crushesthemtopowder.No.Impossible.

Thecuriositythatemanatesfromhimissomehowworsethanifhesimplygloated.

“Whatisitlike,LaiaofSerra,”hesays,“toknowthatnomatterwhatyoudo,nothingwillstopthewarthatiscoming?Thewarthatwillannihilateyourpeople.”

He’stoyingwithme.“Whydidyousaveme,”Isnarlathim,“whentheblasthit?”

Foramoment,heisstill.Andthenhisshouldersripple,likeagreatcatshakingitself.

“Runtoyourbrother,LaiaofSerra,”hesays.“Findashiptotakeyoufaraway.Youdonotwishtowitnesswhatistocome.”

“Youknowwhatitmeanstodestroyanentirerace.Howcouldyouwantitwhenyouhavesurvivedit?”

“TheScholarsdeservedestruction.”“Youhavealreadydestroyedus,”Ishout.Ifighttokeepfromhittinghim—

notbecauseIamafraid,butbecauseIknowitwilldonogood.“LookatwhattheScholarsare.Lookatwhatwehavebecome.Wearenothing.Wearedust.Look”—myvoiceisraggednow—“lookatwhatyoudidtome.Lookathowyoubetrayedme.Isitnotenough?”

“Itisneverenough.”Heisangrynow,mywordspokingatsomethingtenderthathedoesnotwishtotouch.“DoasIsay,LaiaofSerra.Run.YouheardShaeva’sprophecy.Thelibraryburned.Thedeadescapedandmarauded.TheChildwillbebathedinbloodbutalive.Ibelieveyouhadahandinthat.ThePearlwillcrack,thecoldwillenter.”Heliftshishandsatthechaosaroundus.

Ofcourse.AntiumisreferredtoasthePearloftheEmpire.“Jinnpropheciesaretruth,”hesays.“Iwillfreemybrethren.Andwewill

haveourvengeance.”Istepbackfromhim.“Iwillstopyou,”Isay.“Iwillfindsomeway—”“Youfailed.”Hebrushesascorching,flame-veinedhandacrossmyface,and

thoughallthatisvisibleofhimarethoseburningsunsbeneathhishood,Iknowhe’ssmiling.“Nowgo,child.”Heshovesmyfaceaway.“Run.”

I

LIII:Elias

ngroupsoftenandfiftyandahundred,MauthandIhuntdowntheghostsandpassthemon.ThescreamsofdyingMartialsgrowmoredistant,thehowlof

firerippingthroughthecitymoremuted,thecriesofciviliansandchildrensufferinganddyinglessimportanttomewitheveryghostIattendto.

Oncetheescapedghostsareherded,IturntothoseenslavedbytheKarkauns.Themagicusedtosummonandcontrolthemisancient,butithasafamiliartainttoit—theNightbringerorhisilktaughttheKarkaunsthismagic.Thespiritsarechainedtoadozenorsowarlocks—minionsoftheKarkauns’leader.IfImurderthosewarlocks,theghostswillbefree.

Idonotgivethekillingasecondthought.Idonotevenusemyweapons,thoughtheyarestrappedacrossmyback.Mauth’smagicsuffusesme,andIcallonitaseasilyasIwouldmyownskillswithascim.Wecirclethewarlocksandchokethelifefromthemonebyone,untilfinally,asthedayfadesandthedrumsscreamoutwhichpartsofthecityhavefallen,IfindmyselfnearanenormousbuildingIknowwell:theBlackGuardbarracks.

Ifeelformoreghostsandfindnothing.ButasIpreparetoleave,Icatchaflashofbrownskinandblackhair.Laia.Isteptowardherimmediately;thesmallbitofmymindthatstillfeelshuman

drawsmetoher,asever.AsIapproachher,IexpectMauthtopullatmeortakeovermybody,ashedidwhenIencounteredtheShrike.ButthoughIfeelhimthereinmymind,stillapartofme,hedoesnothing.

Laiahasseenme.“Elias!”Sherunstome,throwingherselfintomyarms,almostsobbing.Asshedoes,myarmscomeuparoundheroftheirownaccord,asifit’ssomethingI’vedonemanytimes.Ifeelstrange.No,notstrange.

Ifeelnothing.“Itwasn’tthering,”sheissaying.“Idon’tknowwhatthelastpieceofthe

Staris,buttheremightstillbetimetofindout.Willyouhelpme?”Yes,Iwanttosay.“No”iswhatcomesoutofmymouth.

Shockfillshereyes.Andthen,justlikeintheMarinervillageweeksago,shegoescompletelystill.Everythingdoes.Elias.Thevoiceinmyheadisnotmyown,norisitthejinn’s.Doyouknowme?“I—Idon’t.”LonghaveIwaitedforthisday,foryoutoreleasethelastshredsthatbound

youtotheworldoftheliving.“Mauth?”Thesame,Elias.Look.MybodyremainsbeforeLaia,frozenintime.Butmymindtravelstoa

familiarplace.Iknowthissallowyellowsky.Thisblackseathatroilswithunknowablecreaturesjustunderthesurface.Isawthisplaceoncebefore,whenShaevapulledmefromtheraid.

Ablurredfigureapproaches,hoveringjustabovethewater,likeme.Iknowwhoheiswithouthimsayingso.Mauth.Welcometomydimension,EliasVeturius.“Whatthetenbleedinghells,”Isayshakily,pointingtothesea,“arethose

things?”Donotconcernyourselfwiththem,Mauthsays.Theyareadiscussionfor

anotherday.Look.Hewaveshishand,andatapestryofimagesunspoolsbeforeme.

TheimagesbeginwiththeScholars’waronthejinnandunravelfromthere,threadsofdarknessbloominglikespilledink,darkeningalltheytouch.IseehowthecrimesoftheScholarkingreachedfarbeyondwhatheeverimagined.

Iseethetruth:thatwithoutthejinninthisworld,thereisnobalance.Theywerethedestinedgatekeepersbetweentheworldsofthelivingandthedead.Andnoone,nomatterhowskilled,canreplaceanentirecivilization.

Theymustreturn—evenifthatmeanswar.Evenifitmeansdestruction.Forwithoutthem,theghostswillcontinuetobuildup,andwhetherinfiveyearsorfiftyorfivehundred,theywillescapeagain.Andwhenthathappens,theywilldestroytheworld.

“Whycan’tyoujustsetthejinnfree?Makethem...forgetwhathappened?”Irequireaconduit—abeingfromyourworldtoharnessmypower.The

amountofpowerrequiredtorestoreacivilizationwoulddestroyanyconduitIchose,humanorwraith,jinnorefrit.

Iunderstandthenthatthereisonlyonepathforward:freedomforthejinn.Butthatfreedomwillcomeataprice.

“Laia,”Iwhisper.“TheBloodShrike.They—theywillsuffer.But—”

Youdaretoputthoseyoulovebeforeallofhumanity,child?Mauthasksmesoftly.Youdaretobesoselfish?

“WhyshouldLaiaandtheShrikepayforwhataScholarmonsterdidathousandyearsago?”Thereisapriceforgreedandviolence.Wedonotalwaysknowwhowillpay

it.Butforgoodorill,itwillbepaid.Icannotstopwhatistocome.Icannotchangeit.Bleedinghells.Youcangivethoseyouoncelovedaworldfreeofghosts.Youcandoyour

duty.Youcangivethemachanceatsurvivingtheonslaughtthatmustcome.Youcangivethemachancetowin,oneday.

“Butnottoday.”Nottoday.Youhavereleasedyourtiestostrangers,tofriends,tofamily,to

yourtruelove.Nowsurrendertome,foritisyourdestiny.Itisthemeaningofyourname,thereasonforyourexistence.Itistime.

Itistime.Iknowthemomenteverythingchanges.ThemomentMauthjoinswithmeso

completelythatIcannottellwhereIendandthemagicbegins.Iambackinmybody,inAntium,standingbeforeLaia.It’sasifnotimehaspassedatallsincesheaskedformyaidandIrejectedher.

WhenIlookdownintothatbeautifulface,InolongerseethegirlIloved.Iseesomeonelesser.Someonewhoisaging,dyingslowly,likeallhumans.Iseeamortal.

“E-Elias?”Thegirl—Laia—speaks,andIturntoher.“Thejinnhaveaparttoplayinthisworld,andtheymustbesetfree.”Ispeak

gentlybecausesheisamortal,andshewilltakethisnewshard.“Theworldmustbebrokenbeforeitcanberemade,”Isay,“orelsethebalancewillneverberestored.”

“No,”shesays.“Elias,no.Thisisthejinnwearespeakingof.Iftheyarefree—”

“Icannotkeepthebalancealone.”ItisunfairtoexpectLaiatounderstand.Sheisonlyamortal,afterall.“Theworldwillburn,”Isay.“Butitwillberebornfromtheashes.”

“Elias,”shesays.“Howcanyousaythis?”“Youshouldleave,”Isay.“IdonotwishtowelcomeyoutotheWaiting

Place—notyet.Maytheskiesspeedyourway.”“Whatthehellshasthatplacedonetoyou?”shecries.“Ineedyourhelp,

Elias.Thepeopleneedyou.TherearethousandsofScholarshere.IfIcannotgettheStar,thenIcanatleastgetthemout.Youcould—”

“ImustreturntotheWaitingPlace,”Isay.“Goodbye,LaiaofSerra.”Laiagrabsmyfaceandpeersintomyeyes.Adarknessrisesinher—

somethingthatisfey,butnot.Itismorethanfey.Itisatavistic,theessenceofmagicitself.Anditrages.

“Whathaveyoudonetohim?”ShespeakstoMauth,asifsheknowshehasjoinedwithme.Asifshecanseehim.“Givehimback!”

Myvoice,whenitcomes,isanunearthlyrumblethatisn’tmyown.Ifeelshovedtothesideinmyownmind,watchingasIinclinemyhead.“Forgiveme,dearone,”Mauthsaysthroughme.“Itistheonlyway.”

Ibackawayfromherandturneast,towardtheForestofDusk.Momentslater,IamthroughthemassesofKarkaunsravagingthecity,thenbeyondthem,speedingthroughthecountryside,atlastonewithMauth.

ButthoughIknowIgonowtomyduty,someoldpartofmetwinges,reachesouttowhateveritisthatIhavelost.Itfeelsstrange.Itisthepainofwhatyouhavegivenup.Butitwillfade,Banual-Mauth.You

haveenduredmuchinashorttime,learnedmuchinashorttime.Youcannotexpecttobereadyovernight.

“It...”Isearchfortheword.“Ithurts.”Surrenderalwaysdoes.Butitwillnothurtforever.“Whyme?”Iask.“Whydowehavetochangeandnotyou?Whydowehave

tobecomelesshumaninsteadofyoubecomingmoreso?”Theoceanwavesthunderon,anditismanwhomustswimamongthem.The

windblows,coldandbrittle,anditismanwhomustprotectagainstit.Theearthshakesandcracks,swallowsanddestroys,butitismanwhomustwalkuponit.Soitiswithdeath.Icannotsurrender,Elias.Itmustbeyou.

“Idon’tfeellikemyselfanymore.”Becauseyouarenotyourself.Youareme.Iamyou.Andinthisway,wewill

passtheghoststhrough,thatyourworldbesparedfromtheirpredations.HefallssilentasweleaveAntiumfarbehind.Soon,Iforgetthefighting.I

forgetthefaceofthegirlIloved.Ithinkonlyofthetaskahead.Allisasitmustbe.

C

LIV:Laia

ookfindsmebesidethestablesmomentsafterEliasdisappears.Istareafterhim,disbelieving.HeisnottheEliasIlefteventwoweeksago,theElias

whobroughtmebackfromtheNightbringer’shell,whotoldmethatwewouldfindaway.

ButthenIrememberwhathesaid:IfIseemdifferent,rememberthatIloveyou.Nomatterwhathappenstome.

Whatintheskieshappenedtohim?Whatwasitinsidemethatlashedoutathim?IthinkofwhattheNightbringersaidtomeinAdisa:Youknownotthedarknessthatlieswithinyourownheart.DealwithEliaslater,Laia.Mymindreels.Thecityhasfallen.Ihavefailed.

AndtheScholarslaves—theyaretrappedhere.Antiumissurroundedonthreesides.Onlythenorthend,builtagainstMountVidenns,isnotoverrunwithKarkauns.

ThatiswhereCookandIenteredthecity,andthatishowwewillescape.ThatishowwewillhelptheScholarsescape.

BecauseIknowthisfeelingsweepingthroughmefartoowell,thefeelingthatallmyeffort,allIhaveworkedfor,meansnothing.Thateverythingandeveryoneisalie.Thatalliscruelandunforgivingandthatthereisnojustice.

Ihavesurvivedthisfeelingbefore,andIwillsurviveitagain.Inthisfieryhellscapeofaworld,thismessofbloodandmadness,justiceexistsonlyforthosewhotakeit.I’llbedamnedifI’mnotoneofthem.

“Girl.”Cookappearsfromthestreets.“Whathashappened?”“IstheMarinerEmbassystillclear?”Iaskherasweheadawayfromthe

soundsoffighting.“HavetheKarkaunstakenthatdistrict,orcanweescapethatway?”

“Wecanescape.”“Good,”Isay.“We’regettingasmanyScholarsoutaswecan—doyou

understand?I’mgoingtosendthemtoyouattheembassy.Ineedyoutotellthemwheretogo.”

“TheKarkaunshavebrokenthroughtothecity’ssecondlevel.They’llbeattheembassyinamatterofhours,andthenwhatwillyoudo?Escapewithme

now.TheScholarswillfindtheirownwayout.”“Theywillnot,”Isay.“Becausethereisnowayout.We’resurroundedon

threesides.Theydon’tknowthereareescaperoutes.”“Letsomeoneelsedothis.”“Thereisnooneelse!Thereisonlyus.”“Thisisastupididea,”Cooksays,“that’sgoingtogetusbothkilled.”“Ihaveneveraskedanythingofyou.”Igrabherhands,andsheflinches,butI

holdtighttoher.“Ineverhadtheopportunity.Iamaskingyoutodothisforme.Please.I’llsendthemtotheembassy.Youleadthemout.”

Idonotwaitforherresponse.Iturnandrun,knowingthatshewillnotsayno—notafterwhatIjustsaidtoher.

TheScholar’sDistrictisinapanic,withpeoplepackingandsearchingforrelativesandtryingtofathomhowtheywillescapethecity.IstoponeofthegirlsIseerunningacrossthemainsquare.Shelooksafewyearsyoungerthanme.

“Whereiseveryonegoing?”Iaskher.“Nooneknowswheretogo!”shewails.“Ican’tfindmymother,andthe

Martialsareallgone—theymusthavestartedevacuatingthecity,butnoonetoldus.”

“MynameisLaiaofSerra,”Isay.“TheKarkaunshavebrokenthrough.Theywillbeheresoon,butI’mgoingtohelpyouleave.DoyouknowwheretheMarinerEmbassyis?”

Shenods,andIheaveasighofrelief.“Telleveryone,everyScholaryousee,togototheMarinerEmbassy.Ascar-facedwomanwilltakeyououtofthecity.Tellthemtogonow,toleavetheirthingsandrun.”

Thegirlnodsrapidlyandrunsaway.IgrabanotherScholar,amanDarin’sage,andgivehimthesamemessage.Whoeverwillstop,whoeverwilllisten,Itellthemtogototheembassy.Tofindthescar-facedwoman.IseerecognitionintheeyesofafewwhenItellthemmyname,butthesoundsoffightingdrawcloser,andnooneisstupidenoughtoaskquestions.Themessagespreads,andsoontheScholarsarefleeingthesquareenmasse.

Ihopetotheskieseveryoneinthedistrictgetsthemessage,thenIplungeintothecity.Thegirlwasright—theonlyMartialsIseearesoldiers,allofwhomarerunningtowardthefighting.IthinkofthewagontrainsIsawleavingwhenCookandIwereapproachingAntium.ThewealthiestoftheMartialslefthereweeksago.TheygaveupontheircapitalandleftthesoldiersandthePlebeiansandtheScholarstodie.

IspotagroupofScholarsclearingrubbleunderthedirectionoftwoMartialswhoaren’tpayingattentionbecausetheyarelisteningtodrummessages.They

discussthemessagesinlow,urgenttones,asawareofthesoundsofnearbyfightingasIam.IusetheMartials’distractiontosneakuptotheScholars.

“Wecan’tsimplyrun.”AwomanglancesattheMartialsfearfully.“They’llcomeafterus.”

“Youmust,”Isay.“Ifyoudon’trunfromthemnow,you’llberunningfromtheKarkauns,butbythen,you’llhavenowheretogo.”

Anotherwomaninthegrouphears,dropsherpick,andbreaksaway,andthatisalltheotherScholarsneed.Threescoreofthemscatter,theadultsgrabbingthefewchildren,alldisappearinginadozendirectionsbeforetheMartialscanevenunderstandwhatishappening.

IurgetheScholarsonandstoptowarnanyothersIsee,askingthemtopassonthemessage.BythetimeIreachtheForeignDistrict,IseehundredsofScholarsstreamingtowardtheembassy.

Afightspillsintothestreetsinfrontofme.AgroupofMartialauxesbattlesamuchlargerforceofKarkauns.ThoughtheBarbariansteelbreaksontheauxes’scims,theMartialsarehard-pressed,overwhelmedbysheernumbers.Ifthisishappeningalloverthecity,thentheBarbarianswillbeincontrolofAntiumbynightfall.

Iskirtaroundthebattle,andwhenIgettotheembassy,Scholarsspilloutthedoors.Cook’sgrumpy,raspyvoiceisinstantlyrecognizableassheorderseveryonedownthestepsandintothetunnels.

“Aboutbleedingtime!”Cooksayswhensheseesme.“Getdownthere.Afewoftheseslavesknowthewayout.Follow—”CookseesmyfaceandgroanswhensherealizesthatIhavenoplanstoleave—atleastnotuntileveryoneisthrough.

Evenasshespeaks,moreScholarsarrive.IseeMartialsnowtoo,mostofwhomarePlebeians,judgingbytheirclothing.Theyaredrawnbythecrowd,assumingrightlythatthereisareasonsomanyScholarsflockhere.

“Bleedinghells,girl,”Cooksays.“Doyouseewhatyou’vedone?”IgesturetheMartialsin.“I’mnotgoingtotellamotherwithacryingchild

shecan’tescapethroughhere,”Isnap.“Idon’tcareifshe’sMartialornot.Areyou?”

“Damnyou,girl,”Cooksnarls.“You’rejustlikeyourf-f-f-fath—”Shepresseshermouthclosedandturnsawayinfrustration.“Move,youbleedingsloths!”SheunleashesherwrathontheScholarsclosesttoher.“Therearehundredsbehindyouwhowanttoliveasbadlyasyoudo!”

UrgedonbyCook’sthreats,theScholarsslowlymaketheirwaythroughthetunnels,andtheembassybeginstoempty—butnotswiftlyenough.TheKarkaunsareclosingin,pouringthroughthestreets.TheMartialsareovercome.

AsIwatch,Iseeanauxsquadgodown,bloodandviscerasprayingtheairred.AnddespitethefactthatIknowtheEmpire’sevilsfirsthand,myeyesgrowhot.Iwillneverunderstandthesavageryofwar,evenwhenitismyfoesbeingdestroyed.

“Timetogo,girl.”Cookappearsatmyshoulderandshovesmedownthestepstothecellar.Idonotprotest.NodoubtthereareScholarsstillleftinthecity.ButIhavedonewhatIcan.

“Helpmewiththis.”Shebarsthecellardoor,herhandssteady.Above,glassbreaks,followedbytheharshbarksoftheKarkauns.

Cookfiddleswithsomethinginthedoor,eventuallypullingoutwhatlookslikeaverylongcandlewick.Momentslater,itissparking.

“Takecover!”Weruntothedoorthatleadstothetunnel,pullingitshutjustasthegroundbeginsshuddering.Thetunnelsgroan,andforlongmoments,Iworrythatstonesaboveuswillcollapse.Butwhenthedustclears,thepassagewayhasheld,andIturntoCook.

“Explosives?How?”“TheMarinershadastockpile,”Cooksays.“Musa’slittlefriendsshowedme.

Well,girl,that’sit.Tunnel’ssealed.Nowwhat?”“Now,”Isay,“wegetthehellsoutofthiscity.”

T

LV:TheBloodShrike

heKarkaunsfloodAntium,breachinggateaftergate,thescreamsoftheirwarriorschillingmetomycore.Theirghost-possessedfightersaregone,

thanks,perhaps,toElias.Butthedamageisdone.Theyhavedecimatedourforces.Marcuswasright.

TheEmpire’scapitalislost.Myrageisapure,glowingflamethatdrivesmetotearthroughanyKarkaun

Isee.Andwhen,inthedistance,Ispotafamiliarblondefiguremakingherwaythroughthecitywithahandfulofsoldiersatherback,myangerburnswhite-hot.“Youtreacherousbitch!”Shestopswhenshehearsmebuttakeshersweettimeturningaround.“Howcouldyou?”Myvoicebreaks.“Yourownpeople?Justforthethrone?

WhatisthepointofbeingEmpressifyouhavenoloveforthoseyourule?Ifyouhavenoonetoruleover?”

“Empress?”Shecocksherhead.“TobeEmpressistheleastofmydesires,girl.WhystopatEmpress?Why,whentheNightbringerwouldoffermedominionovertheTribes,theScholars,theMariners,theKarkauns—overalltheworldofman?”No—ohbleedinghells,no.Ilungeforherthen,becauseIhavenothingtolosenow,noPaterstoplacate,

noorderstofollow,justaboltofwraththatpossessesmelikeademonspirit.Shestepseasilytotheside,andinmomentshermen,allMasks,haveme

pinned.Aknifegleamsinherhand,andsherunsitlightlydownmyface,tracingmyforehead,mycheeks.

“Iwonderifitwillhurt,”shemurmurs.Thensheturnsaround,leapsontohermount,andridesaway.Hermenhold

meuntilsheislonggone,beforecastingmetothesideofaroadlikeoffal.Idonotchasethem.Idonotevenlookatthem.TheCommandantcouldhave

killedme.Insteadsheleftmealive.Skiesonlyknowwhy,butIwillnotwastethischance.Ilistentothedrums,andsoonenoughIamracingtowardthemenoftheBlackGuardwhostilllive,alongwithafewhundredsoldiers,astheyholdoffawaveofattackersfromasquareinaMercatordistrict.Isearchthe

B

facesforDex,hopingtotheskiesthathe’sstillalive,andnearlycrushhisribswhenhefindsme.

“Wherethebleedinghellsareourmen,Dex?”Ishoutoverthecacophony.“Thiscan’tbeallthat’sleft!”

Dexshakeshishead,bleedingfromadozenwounds.“Thisisit.”“Theevacuation?”“ThousandsmaketheirwaythroughtheAugurs’caves.Thousandsmoreare

stillinthetunnels.Theentranceshavebeencollapsed.Thosewhocouldgetthrough—”

Iholdupahand.Thedrumtowerclosesttousthudsoutamessage.Itisalmostlostamidallthenoise,butIjustmakeouttheendofit:KarkaunforceapproachingPilgrim’sGap.

“HarperhasourpeoplecomingoutjustbeyondtheGap,”Isay.Livia,mymindscreamsatme.Thebaby!“TheKarkaunsmusthavescoutsupthere.IfthosebastardsgetthroughtheGap,they’llslaughtereveryoneHarperhasevacuated.”

“Whyfollowus?”Dexsays.“Why,whentheyknowtheyhavethecity?”“BecauseGrímarrknowswewon’tlethimkeepAntium,”Isay.“Andhe

wantstomakedamnsurethatwhilehismenhavetheadvantage,theykillasmanyofusaspossiblesowecan’tfightthemlater.”IknowwhatImustsay,andImakemyselfsayit.

“Thecityislost.ItbelongstoGrímarrnow.”Skieshelpthepoorsoulswhoremainhereunderthatfiend.Iwillnotforgetthem.Butrightnow,Icannotsavethem—notifIwanttosavethosewhodohaveachanceatescape.“Getoutthisorder:EverysoldierwehaveistoreporttotheGapimmediately.Thatisourlaststand.Ifwestopthem,thatiswherewewilldoit.”

ythetimeDex,mymen,andIreachtheGap,justbeyondthenorthernborderofthecity,theKarkaunforceisonthemarch,bentoncrushingus.

AsIwatchthempouroutofAntium’snortherngateandupthePilgrimRoad,Iknowthatwewillnotwinthisbattle.Ihavewithmenomorethanathousandmen.Theenemyhasmorethantenthousand—andthousandsmoretheycancallfromthecity,iftheymust.Evenwithoursuperiorblades,wecannotbeatthem.

Pilgrim’sGapisaten-foot-wideopeningbetweentwosheercliffsthatsitatopawidevalley.ThePilgrimRoadcurvesacrossthevalley,throughtheGapandtowardtheAugurs’caves.

Iglancebackovermyshoulder,awayfromtheKarkauns.IhadhopedwhenIarrivedthatthePilgrimRoadwouldbeempty,thattheevacueeswouldhavegottenthrough.ButtherearehundredsofMartials—andScholars,Inotice—ontheroadandhundredsmoreemergingfromthetunnelentrancestomaketheirwayuptotheAugurs’caves.

“GetamessagetoHarper,”ItellDex.“Takeityourself.Whitesmokewhenthelastpersonisthrough.Thenhe’stocollapsetheentrancetothecaves.Heisnottowait,andneitherareyou.”

“Shrike—”“Thatisanorder,LieutenantAtrius.Youkeephersafe.Youkeepmynephew

safe.Youseehimonthethrone.”Myfriendstaresatme.HeknowswhatIamsaying:thatIdon’twanthimbackhere.ThatIwilldieheretoday,withmypeople,andhewillnot.

“Dutyfirst”—hesalutes—“untodeath.”Iturntomymen—Masks,auxes,legionnaires.Allhavesurvivedonslaught

afteronslaught.Theyareexhausted.Theyarebroken.Ihaveheardmanyprettyspeechesasasoldier.Iremembernoneofthem.So

intheend,IdigupwordsthatKerisgavemelongago—andIhopetotheskiesthattheywillcomebacktohaunther.

“Thereissuccess,”Isay.“Andthereisfailure.Thelandinbetweenisforthosetooweaktolive.Dutyfirst,untodeath.”

Theyroaritbackatme,andweformup,rowuponrowofshieldsandspearsandscims.Ourarchershavefewarrows,buttheyreadywhattheydohave.TherumbleinthevalleygrowslouderastheKarkaunssurgeuptherisetowardus,andnowmybloodsingsandIpulloutmywarhammerandsnarl.

“Comeon,youbastards.Comeforme!”Andsuddenly,theKarkaunsareadistantrumblenomorebutathundering,

frenziedhordeofthousandswhowantnothingmorethantoannihilateallthatisleftofus.Inthepassbehindus,mypeoplecryout.Now,Ithink,letusseewhattheMartialsaremadeof.

Afteranhour,theKarkaunshaverippedthroughthefronthalfofourforces.Allisbloodandpainandbrutality.Still,Ifight,andthemenfightbesideme,asbehindus,thosefleeingthecitycontinueuptheroad.Faster,Ithinkatthem.Fortheloveoftheskies,gofaster.Wewaitforthe

whitesmokeastheKarkaunskeepcoming,waveuponwave.Ourforce

dwindlesfromfivehundredmentofourhundred.Twohundred.Fifty.Nosmoke.

Thegapistoowideforustoholditmuchlonger.Itispiledwithbodies,buttheKarkaunssimplyclimboverthemanddown,asifthehillismadeofrockandnottheirdeadcountrymen.

Fromthecity,ahellishsoundrises.ItisworsethanthesilenceofBlackcliffaftertheThirdTrial,worsethanthetorturedmoansofKauf’sprisoners.ItisthescreamingofthoseIleftbehindastheyfacetheviolenceoftheKarkauns.Thewolvesareamongmypeoplenow.

Wecannotfalter.TherearestillhundredsonthePilgrimRoadanddozensemergingfromthetunnels.Alittlemoretime.Justalittlemore.

Butwedonothavemoretime,fortomyleft,twomoreofmymenfall,cutdownbyKarkaunarrows.Myhammerslipsagainstmypalm,slickfromthebloodthatdrencheseveryinchofmyskin.Buttherearemorecoming—toomany.Icannotfightthemall.Ishoutforaid.TheonlyresponsesarethebattlecriesoftheKarkauns.

WhichiswhenIunderstand,finally,thatIamalone.Thereisnooneelselefttofightatmyback.Allofmymenaredead.

Andstill,moreKarkaunssurgeoverthewallofbodies.Skies,aretheirnumbersunending?Willtheyevergiveup?

Theywillnot,Irealize,anditmakesmewanttoscreamandcryandkill.Theywilltearthroughthispass.Theywillbeontheevacueeslikejackalsuponinjuredrabbits.

Isearchtheskyforwhitesmoke—please,please.AndthenIfeelasharppaininmyshoulder.Stunned,Ilookdowntoseeanarrowstickingoutofit.Ideflectthenextonethatcomesatme,buttherearemorebowmencoming.Toomany.

Thisisnothappening.Itcannotbe.MysisterisuptheresomewherewiththehopeoftheEmpireheldinherarms.Shemightnothavereachedthecavesyet.

Atthethoughtofher,ofyoungZacharias,ofthetwolittlegirlswhosaidthey’dfighttheKarkauns,IdrawoneverylastbitofstrengthIhave.IamathingfromtheBarbarians’nightmares,asilver-faced,blood-drencheddemonofthehells,andIwillnotletthempass.

IkillandIkillandIkill.ButIamnosupernaturalcreature.Iamfleshandblood,andIamflagging.Please.Please.Moretime.Ijustneedmoretime.ButIhavenone.Itisgone.Onedaysoon,youwillbetested,child.Allthatyoucherishwillburn.You

willhavenofriendsthatday.Noallies.Nocomradesinarms.Onthatday,yourtrustinmewillbeyouronlyweapon.

Ifalltomyknees.“Helpme,”Isob.“Please—pleasehelpme.Please—”Buthowcanhehelpmeifhecannothearme?Howcanheofferaidifheisnothere?

“BloodShrike.”IwhirltofindtheNightbringerstandingjustbehindme.Hishandrisesand

flicks,andtheKarkaunsstop,heldbackbythejinn’simmensepower.Hesurveysthecarnagewithdispassion.Thenheturnstomebutdoesnotspeak.

“Whateveryouwantfromme,takeit,”Isay.“Justsavethem—please—”“Iwantabitofyoursoul,Shrike.”“You—”Ishakemyhead.Idonotunderstand.“Takemylife,”Isay.“Ifthat

istheprice—”“Iwantabitofyoursoul.”Irackmyminddesperately.“Idon’t—Idon’thave—”Amemorycomestome,aghostoutofthedarkness:Quin’svoice,weeks

ago,whenIgavehimElias’smask.Theybecomepartofus,youknow.Itisonlywhentheyjoinwithusthatwe

becomeourtruestselves.Myfatherusedtosaythatafterthejoining,amaskheldasoldier’sidentity—andthatwithoutit,abitofhissoulwasstrippedaway,nevertoberecovered.Abitofhissoul...“It’sjustamask,”Isay.“It’snot—”“TheAugursthemselvesplacedthelastpieceofalong-lostweaponinyour

mask,”theNightbringersays.“Ihaveknownitsincethedaytheygaveittoyou.Allthatyouare,allthattheymoldedyouinto,allthatyouhavebecome—itwasallforthisday,BloodShrike.”

“Idon’tunderstand.”“Yourloveofyourpeoplerunsdeep.Itwasnurturedthroughalltheyears

spentatBlackcliff.ItgrewdeeperwhenyousawthesufferinginNaviumandhealedthechildrenintheinfirmary.Deeperwhenyouhealedyoursisterandimbuedyournephewwiththeloveyouhaveofyourcountry.Deeperstillwhenyousawthestrengthofyourcountrymenastheypreparedforthesiege.ItfusedwithyoursoulwhenyoufoughtforthemonthewallsofAntium.Andnowitculminatesinyoursacrificeforthem.”

“Takeoffmyheadthen,forIcannotremoveit,”Isay,sobbing.“Itispartofme,alivingpartofmybody.Ithassunkintomyskin!”

“Thatismyprice,”theNightbringersays.“Iwillnottakefromyou.Iwillnotthreatenyouorcoerceyou.Themaskmustbeofferedwithloveinyourheart.”

IlookbackovermyshoulderatthePilgrimRoad.Hundredsmaketheirwayup,andIknowthousandsmoreareinthecaves.Wehavealreadylostsomany.Wecannotlosemore.

Youareallthatholdsbackthedarkness.FortheEmpire.Forthemothersandfathers.Forthesistersandbrothers.For

thelovers.FortheEmpire,HeleneAquilla.Foryourpeople.Igrabatmyfaceandtear.Iclawatmyskin,howling,wailing,beggingthe

masktoreleaseme.Idon’twantyouanymore,Ijustwantmypeopletobesafe.Releaseme,

please,releaseme.FortheEmpire,releaseme.Formypeople,releaseme.Please—please—

Myfaceburns.BloodpoursfromwhereIhavealreadyclawedatthemask.Within,someessentialpartofmecriesoutattherecklessnesswithwhichItearitaway.Amaskholdsasoldier’sidentity...ButIdon’tcareaboutmyidentity.Idon’tevencareifIamasoldier

anymore.Ijustwantmypeopletolive,tosurvivetofightanotherday.Themaskletsmego.Bloodpoursdownmyneck,mycheeks,intomyeyes.I

cannotsee.Icanhardlymove.Iretchfromthesearingagonyofit.“Takeit.”MyvoiceisasrawastheCook’s.“Takeitandsavethem.”“Whydoyouofferittome,Shrike?Sayit.”“Becausetheyaremypeople!”Iholditouttohim,andwhenhedoesnot

takeit,Ishoveitintohishands.“BecauseIlovethem.BecausetheydonotdeservetodiebecauseIfailedthem!”

Heinclineshishead,agestureofdeeprespect,andIsagtotheground.Iwaitforhimtowavehishandandwreakhavoc.Insteadheturnsandwalksaway,risingintotheairlikealeaf.

“No!”Whyisn’thefightingtheKarkauns?“Wait,Itrustedyou!Please—yousaid—youhavetohelpme!”

Helooksoverhisshoulderatsomethingbehindme—beyondme.“Ihave,BloodShrike.”

Withthat,heisgone,adarkcloudcarriedawaybythewind.ThepowerthatheldbacktheKarkaunsfails,andtheytumbleforwardtowardme,morethanIcancount.MorethanIcanfight.

“Comeback.”Ihavenovoice.Itwouldn’tmatterifIdid.TheNightbringerisgone.Skies,whereismywarhammer,myscim,anything—

ButIhavenoweapons.Nostrengthleftinmybody.Ihavenothing.

W

LVI:Laia

henIemergefromthetunnelsandintothebrightsunlight,Igrimaceatthereekofblood.Amassivepileofbodiessitsahundredyardsaway,atthe

baseofanarrowgap.Throughit,IcanmakeoutthecityofAntium.Andbesidethebodies,onherkneeswiththedark-cloakedNightbringer

standingbeforeher,istheBloodShrike.IdonotknowwhattheNightbringersaystotheBloodShrike.Ionlyknow

thatwhenshecriesout,itsoundsjustlikeNandidwhensheheardaboutmymother’sdeath.LikeIdidwhenIunderstoodhowthatjinnbeasthadbetrayedme.

Itisacryofloneliness.Ofbetrayal.Ofdespair.Thejinnturns.Looksinmydirection.Thenhedisappearsonthewind.“Girl.”Cookscramblesupbehindme,havingsweptthetunnelsatmysideto

makesurethatnooneelselingered.ThelastScholarshavelongsincedisappeared.Itisonlyusnow.“Let’sgo!They’recoming!”

AsmoreKarkaunsmaketheirwaythroughtheGap,theShrikecrawlstowardherwarhammer,attemptingtostand.Shelurchesaroundtolookbehindheratthesky—

—whereaplumeofwhitesmokecurlsintotheheavens.Shesobsandsinkstoherknees,droppingherhammer,bowingherhead.I

knowthenthatsheisreadytodie.IalsoknowthatIcannotlether.Iamalreadymoving—awayfromCook,awayfromthepathtosafetyand

towardtheBloodShrike.IthrowmyselfattheKarkaunattackingher,andashesnapsatmythroatwithhisteeth,Ishovemydaggerinhisgutandthenpushhimaway.IonlyjustmanagetopullmyknifefreeintimetoshoveitintothethroatofanotherKarkaun.Athirdattacksmefrombehind,andIstumbleandrolloutofthewayjustasanarrowexplodesthroughhishead.

MyjawdropsasCookletsarrowafterarrowfly,executingtheKarkaunswiththeprecisionofaMask.ShestopstosnatchupaquiverfullofarrowsfromthebackofadeadKarkaun.

“GrabtheShrike!”CookgetsherarmundertheBloodShrike’sleftshoulder,andItakeherright.WestaggerupthePilgrimRoadasswiftlyaswecan,buttheShrikecanbarelywalk,andourprogressisslow.

“There.”Cooknodstoaclusterofboulders.WeclamberbehinditandputtheShrikedown.DozensofKarkaunsclimbthroughtheGap.Soon,itwillbehundreds.Wehaveafewminutes—ifthat.

“Howthehellsdowegetoutofthis?”IwhispertoCook.“Wecan’tjustleaveher.”

“DoyouknowwhytheCommandantneverfails,girl?”Cookdoesn’tseemtoexpectareplytoherbizarrelytimedquestion,becauseshebarrelson.“Becausenooneknowsherstory.Learnherstory,andyou’lllearnherweakness.Learnherweakness,andyoucandestroyher.TalktoMusaaboutit.He’llhelpyou.”

“Whyareyoutellingmethisnow?”“Becauseyou’regoingtotakevengeanceonthatsavagedemonqueenfor

me,”shesays.“Andyouneedtoknow.Getup.GettheShrikeupthatmountain.TheMartialsaregoingtosealoffthosecavessoonenough,iftheyhaven’talready.Youneedtomovequickly.”

AgroupofKarkaunsracesupthePilgrimRoadtowardus,andCookrisesandshootsadozenarrows.TheBarbariansfall.ButmorecomethroughtheGap.

“Ihaveanotherfiftyarrows,girl,”Cooksays.“OnceI’mout,we’redonefor.Wecouldfightthreeorfourofthosebastardsatthemost—nothundreds.Notthousands.Oneofushastoholdthemoff.”

Oh.Ohno.Itakehermeaningnow.Finally,Iunderstandwhatsheissaying.“Absolutelybleeding—no.Iwillnotleaveyouheretodie—”

“Go!”MymothershovesmetowardtheShrike,andthoughherteetharebared,hereyesarefilledwithtears.“Youdon’twanttosaveme!I’mnotworthit.Go!”

“Iwillnot—”“DoyouknowwhatIdidinKaufPrison,girl?”Thereishatredinhereyesas

shesaysit.BeforeIknewwhoshewas,Iwouldhavethoughtthathatewasdirectedatme.Iunderstandnowthatitwasneverforme.Itwasforherself.“Ifyoudid,youwouldrun—”

“Iknowwhatyoudid.”Nowisnotthetimetobenoble.IgrabherarmandtrytodraghertowardtheShrike.Shedoesn’tbudge.“YoudidittosaveDarinandme.BecauseFatherandLisweren’tstronglikeyou,andyouknewthattheywouldgiveusupeventually,andthenwe’dalldie.IknewthatthemomentIlearnedofit,Mother.IforgaveyouthemomentIlearnedofit.Butyouhavetocomewithme.Wecanrun—”

“Damnyou,girl.”Cookgrabsmebytheshoulder.“Listentome.Oneday,youwillhavechildren.Andyouwilllearnthatyouwouldrathersufferathousandtormentsthanletonehairontheirheadsbeharmed.Givemethisgift.LetmeprotectyouasIshouldhaveprotectedL-L-L-Lis.”Thenameburstsfromherlips.“AsIshouldhaveprotectedyourf-fath-fath—”

Shesnarlsatherinabilitytospeakandspinsaway,nockingherbow,lettingarrowafterarrowloose.TheGhostwillfall,herfleshwillwither.TheGhostwasneverme.Itwasher.MirraofSerra,risenfromthedead.Butifthat’sthecase,thenthisisonelineoftheprophecyIwillfight.Motherspins,grabstheShrike,andheavesherup.TheBloodShrike’seyes

flutteropen,andsheleansheavilyonmymother,whothenshovesheratme.Ihavenochoicebuttocatchher,mykneesnearlybucklingatthesudden

weight.ButtheShrikerightsherself,tryingtostaysteadyonherfeet,usingmeassupport.

“Iloveyou,L-L-Laia.”ThesoundofmynameonMother’slipsismorethanIcanbear,andIamshakingmyhead,tryingtotellhernothroughmysobs.Notagain.Notagain.

“Tellyourbrothereverything,”shesays,“ifhedoesn’tknowalready.TellhimIamproudofhim.TellhimthatIamsorry.”

Sherisesupfromtherocksanddartsaway,drawingtheKarkauns’fireassheskewersthemwithmorearrows.

“No!”Iscream,butsheisdoingthis,andifIdon’tmove,itwillbefornothing.Ilookatherforonemoremoment,andIknowIwillneverforgethowherwhitehairsnapslikeavictorybanner,andhowherblueeyesshinewithfuryanddetermination.SheisfinallytheLioness,thewomanIknewasachild—and,somehow,more.

“BloodShrike!”IcalltoherasIturnupthePilgrimRoad.“Wakeup—please—”

“Who—”Shetriestoseeme,butherravagedfaceisdrenchedwithblood.“It’sLaia,”Isay.“Youmustwalk,doyouunderstand?Youmust.”“Isawwhitesmoke.”“Walk,Shrike—walk!”Stepbystep,wemakeourwayupthePilgrimRoaduntilwearehighenough

toseeoverthebodiesandintotheKarkaunforce,diminishedbutstillenormous.Highenoughtowatchasmymotherpicksthemoffonebyone,grabbingthearrowstheKarkaunsarehailingdownuponher,givingusasmuchtimeasshecan.

AndthenIdonotlookbackanymore.Ijustmove,halfdragging,halfurgingtheBloodShrikeonwardandupward.ButitistoofarandtheShrikeistooinjured,herclothessoakedwithblood,herbodyheavywithpain.

“I’mso-sorry,”shewhispers.“Go—goonwithout—”“BloodShrike!”Avoicefromupahead,andaflashofsilver.Iknowthat

face.TheMaskwhohelpedmeatKauf.Theonewhosetmefreemonthsago.AvitasHarper.

“Thankthebleedingskies—”“I’vegotthisside,Laia.”HarperthrowstheShrike’sotherarmoverhis

shoulder,andtogetherwepullherupthepath,thendownacrossashallowbowltoacavewhereahandsome,dark-skinnedMaskwaits.DexAtrius.

“Harp—Harper,”theShrikeslursinawhisper.“Toldyou...collapsethetunnels.Youdisobeyedorders.”

“Withrespect,Shrike,theywerestupidbleedingorders,”Harpersays.“Stoptalking.”

Itwistmyheadaroundasweenterthecave.Fromthisheight,IcanseedownthehilltotheGap.

TotheKarkaunswhoarenowmakingtheirwayupthepathwithnoonetoblocktheirway.

“No,”Iwhisper.“No—no—no—”Butweareinthecavenow,Dexusheringusforwardquickly.“Blastit,”Avitassays.“Laia,comequickly.They’renotfarbehind.”Idon’twanttoleaveher,Iwanttoscream.Idon’twanthertodiealone.I

don’twanttoloseheragain.Whenweareattheendofalongpassagelinedwithblue-firetorches,an

earth-shatteringrumbleboomsout,followedbytheunmistakablesoundofthousandsofpoundsofrocksfalling.

Andthensilence.IslipdownontothegroundbesidetheShrike.Shecannotseeme,butshe

reachesoutherhandandtakesmine.“You—youknewher?”shewhispers.“TheCook?”Ittakesmealongtimetoanswer.BythetimeIdo,theShrikehaslost

consciousness.“HernamewasMirraofSerra,”Ispeak,thoughnoonecanhearme.“And

yes.Iknewher.”

PARTV

BELOVED

L

LVII:TheBloodShrike

aiaofSerracannotholdatunetosaveherlife.Butherhumissweetandlightandstrangelycomforting.Asshemovesaroundtheedgesoftheroom,

Itrytogetasenseofmysurroundings.Lamplightfiltersthroughanenormouswindow,andIfeelanipintheair—asignthatsummerclosesinthenorth.Irecognizethelow,archedbuildingsbeyondthewindowandthelargesquareitfaces.WeareinDelphinium.Thereisaweighttotheair.Aheaviness.Distantly,lightningflashesovertheNevennes.Icansmellthestorm.

Myfacefeelsstrange,andIreachmyhandsup.Themask.Thejinn.Ithoughtithadbeenanightmare.ButasIfeelmyownskinforthefirsttimeinsevenyears,Irealizethatitwasnotadream.Mymaskisgone.

Andapieceofmysoulwithit.Laiahearsmemoveandturns.Iseethebladeatherwaist,andoninstinctI

reachformyown.“Noneedforthat,BloodShrike.”Shetiltsherhead,herfacenotexactly

friendlybutnotunkindeither.“Wedidn’tdragyouthroughahundredmilesofcavessoyourfirstactuponwakingwouldbetostabme.”

Acrysoundsfromnearby,andIforcemyselftositup,eyeswide.Laiarollshereyes.“TheEmperor,”shesays,“isalwayshungry.Andwhenhedoesn’tgetfood...skies,helpusall.”

“Livvy...they’re...”“Safe.”AshadowflickersacrosstheScholargirl’sface,butshehidesit

quickly.“Yes.Yourfamilyissafe.”Awhisperofmovementatthedoor,andAvitasisthere.Immediately,Laia

excusesherself.Iunderstandherquicksmile,andIflush.Forjustasecond,IseethelookonHarper’sface.Notthecarefullycontrolled

blanknessthatallMaskswear,buttheheartfeltreliefofafriend.Though,ifIambeinghonest,itisnotthelookofsomeonewhothinksofme

asjustafriend.Iwouldknow.Iwanttosaysomethingtohim.Youcameforme.YouandLaiadraggedme

fromtheclawsofDeathhimself.Youhavemoreofyourfather’sgoodnessinyouthanyouwilleveracknowledge.

Instead,Iclearmythroatandswingmylegs,shakingwithweakness,overthesideofthebed.

“Report,CaptainHarper.”Hissilvereyebrowsflickupforamoment,andIthinkIseefrustrationinhis

eyes.Hecrushesit,thewayIwould.Heknowsmebynow.HeknowswhatIneed.

“WehaveseventhousandfivehundredtwentyMartialswhofledAntium,”hesays.“Anotheronethousandsixhundredthirty-fourScholars.Webelievethatatleasttenthousandmore—IllustriansandMercators—leftbeforetheinvasionorweresiphonedoutbytheCommandant.”

“Andtherest?”“Halfdiedinthesiege.TheotherhalfremainstheprisonersoftheKarkauns.

TheBarbarianshaveenslavedthem.”Asweknewtheywould.“Thenwemustfreethem,”Isay.“WhatofKeris?”“SheretreatedtoSerraandestablishedthecapitalthere.”Avitaspauses,

attemptingtogetholdofhisanger.“TheIllustrianPatershavenamedherEmpress—andtheEmpirehasembracedit.Antium’sfallisblamedonMarcus,and—”

“Andonme.”Iledthedefenseofthecity,afterall.Ifailed.“QuinVeturiushaspledgedhisfealtytoEmperorZachariusandGens

Aquilla,”Harpersays,“ashavetheIllustrianGensofDelphinium.TheCommandanthasdeclaredyournephewanenemyoftheEmpire.Allwhosupporthimorhisclaimaretobecrushedforthwith.”

Noneofwhathesayssurprisesme—notanymore.Allmyplottingandschemingwasfornothing.IfI’dhaveknowncivilwarwasinevitable,I’dhavekilledKerisoutright,whatevertheconsequences.AtleastAntiumwouldn’tbeinthehandsofGrímarr.

Thestormrollscloser,andrainbeginstopatterthinlyonthecobblestonesoutside.Harperstaresopenlyatme,andIturnmyheadaway,wonderinghowmyfacemustlook.Iwearblackfatigues,butwithoutmymaskIfeelstrange.Naked.

IrememberwhattheCommandantsaidbeforeshefledAntium.Iwonderifitwillhurt.Sheknew.It’swhysheleftmealive.TheNightbringermusthaveorderedit.

Harperliftsahandtomycheekandtracesoneside,thentheother.“Youhaven’tseenyourself,”hesays.

“Ihaven’twantedto.”“Youhavescars,”hesays.“Twoofthem,liketwinscims.”

“DoI—”Thewordscomeoutawhisper,andIbrusquelyclearmythroat.“Howbadisit?”

“Theyarebeautiful.”Hisgreeneyesarethoughtful.“Yourfacecouldn’tbeanythingbutbeautiful,BloodShrike.Withorwithoutthemask.”

Myblushrises,andthistimethereisnomasktohideit.Idon’tknowwhattodowithmyhands.Myhairmustlookamess.Imustlookamess.Doesn’tmatter.It’sjustHarper.

Butit’snotjustHarperanymore,isit?HewasloyaltotheCommandant.HetorturedyouonMarcus’sorders.ButhewasnevertrulyloyaltoKeris.Asfortheinterrogation,howthehells

canIjudgehimforthatafterwhatIorderedDextodotoMamie?ToTribeSaif?He’sElias’sbrother.Mythoughtsareawelterofconfusion.Icannotmakesenseofthem.Avitas

reachesformyhands,pullingthemintohisown,examiningthemwithsuchcare.

Hedrawsalineupmyforearmwiththetipofhisfinger,fromonefreckletoanother.Atthatfeather-lighttouch,everynerveendinginmybodyawakens.Iinhaleunsteadily,tormentedbyhisscent,bythetriangleofskinathisthroat.Heleansclose.Thecurveofhislowerlipistheonlysoftnessinafacethatlookscutfromstone.Iwonder,dohislipstastethewayIthinktheymust,likehoneyandcinnamonteaonacoldnight?

WhenIliftmygazetohis,hehidesnothing,finally,finallyunmaskinghisdesire.Thepowerofitisdizzying,andIdonotprotestwhenhepullsmeclose.Avitasstopswhenhe’sahairsbreadthfrommylips,careful,alwayssocareful.Inthatmomentofwaiting,helayshimselfbare.Onlyifyouwantit.Iclosethedistance,myownneedtearingthroughmewithaforcethatleavesmeshaken.

Iexpectedmyimpatience.Ididnotanticipatehis.Forsomeonewhoisalwayssoinfuriatinglycalm,hekisseslikeamanwhowillneverbesated.More.Icravehishandsinmyhair,hislipsonmybody.Ishouldgetup,lock

thedoor—Itistheintoxicatingforceofthatimpulsethatstopsmecold,thatcompresses

mythoughtsintotwoequallyclearsentiments.Iwanthim.ButIcannothavehim.AssuddenlyasImetHarper’slips,Ipullmyselfaway.Hisgreeneyesare

darkwithwant,butwhenheseesmyexpression,heinhalessharply.“Lookatme.”Heisabouttosaymyname—myheart’sname—thewayhe

didinhismindwhenIsanghimwell.AndifIlethim,Iwillbeundone.“Lookatme.Hel—”

“BloodShrike,CaptainHarper.”Iharnessmytrainingandgivehimmycoldestglare.Heisadistraction.OnlytheEmpirematters.Onlyyourpeoplematter.TheMartialsareinfartoomuchdangerforeitherofustoallowdistractions.Iwithdrawmyhandsfromhissharply.“IamtheBloodShrike.Youwoulddowelltorememberit.”

Foramoment,heisfrozen,painflashingnakedlyacrosshisface.Thenhestandsandsalutes,theconsummateMaskoncemore.“Ofcourse,BloodShrike,sir.Permissiontoreturntoduty.”

“Granted.”AfterHarperleaves,Ifeelhollow.Lonely.Voicesrisefromnearby,andI

forcemyselftomyfeetanddownthehallway.Thundergrowls,closeenoughtomaskmyfootstepsasIapproachtheopendoortowhatmustbeLivia’sroom.

“—peoplesavedyoufromtheKarkauns,thoughdoingsoputthematgreatrisk.Ibegyou,Empress,beginyourson’sreignwithanactbefittingatrueemperor.FreetheScholarslaves.”

“It’snotsosimple.”IrecognizeFaris’srumble.“Isn’tit?”Theclarityandstrengthinmysister’svoicemakemestandup

taller.Shealwayshatedslavery,likeourmother.ButunlikeMother,it’sclearsheplanstodosomethingaboutit.“LaiaofSerradoesnotlie.AgroupofScholarssavedusfromtheKarkaunswhoinfiltratedthetunnels.TheycarriedmewhenIwastooweaktowalk,anditwasaScholarwhonursedEmperorZachariuswhenIlostconsciousness.”

“Wefoundthemossesthatfedyourpeopleinthetunnels.”Laia’svoiceisarch,andIscowl.“Ifnotforus,you’dhaveallstarvedtodeath.”

“You’vemadeajustcaseforyourpeople.”Livia’svoiceissocalmthattensiondissipatesinstantly.“AsEmpressregent,IdecreethateveryScholarwhoescapedthetunnelsisnowafreeman.LieutenantFaris,passthenewstothePatersofDelphinium.CaptainDex,ensurethattheMartialresponseisnotoverly...emotional.”

Istepintotheroomthen,andLiviatakesasteptowardme,stoppingshortatmywarningglare.Ishiftmyattentiontothedark-hairedbundleonthebed,freshlyfedandfastasleep.

“Hegotbigger,”Isay,surprised.“Theydothat.”Laiasmiles.“Youshouldnotyetbeupandabout,Blood

Shrike.”Iwaveoffherfussingbutsitwhenmysisterinsists.“DidyouseeElias,Laia?Didyou...speakwithhim?”Somethinginherfacechanges,afleetingpainIknowalltoowell.Shehas

spokenwithhimthen.Shehasseenwhathe’sbecome.“He’sreturnedtothe

Forest.Ihavenottriedtofindhim.Iwantedtomakesureyouwerewellfirst.And...”

“Andyou’vebeenbusy,”Isay.“Nowthatyourpeoplehavechosenyouasaleader.”

Herreluctanceiswrittenalloverherface.Butinsteadsheshrugs.“Fornow,perhaps.”

“AndtheNightbringer?”“TheNightbringerhasnotbeenseensincethesiege,”shesays.“Ithasbeen

morethanaweek.Iexpectedhimtohavesethisbrethrenfreebynow.But...”Shetakesinmyexpression.Therainpoursdownhardnow,asteadylashagainstthewindows.“Butyoufeelittoo,don’tyou?Somethingiscoming.”

“Somethingiscoming,”Iagree.“HewantstodestroytheScholars—andheplansonusingtheMartialstodoit.”

Laia’sexpressionisunreadable.“Andwillyouletyourpeoplebeused?”Idonotexpectthequestion.Livia,however,appearsunsurprised,andIhave

thedistinctfeelingthatsheandLaiahavealreadyhadthisconversation.“Ifyouplantotakethethronebackforyournephew,”Laiasays,“youwill

needalliestobattletheCommandant—strongallies.Youdon’thavethementodoitonyourown.”

“Andifyoudon’twantyourpeopleutterlydestroyedbythejinnandtheMartialarmy,”Iretort,“youwillneedalliestoo.ParticularlyoneswhoknowtheMartialswell.”

Westareateachotherliketwowarydogs.“TheAugurmentionedsomethingtomeabouttheNightbringerafewweeks

ago,”Iofferfinally.“BeforethesiegeonAntium.Thetruthofallcreatures,manorjinn,liesintheirname.”

AsparkofinterestinLaia’sface.“Cooktoldmesomethingsimilar,”shesays.“ShesaidthattoknowtheCommandant’sstorywouldhelpdestroyher.AndIknowsomeonewithuniqueskillswhocanhelpus.”

“Us?”“Helpmypeople,BloodShrike.”IcanseehowmuchitcostsLaiatoaskthis

ofme.“AndI—andmyallies—willhelpyouwinbackyournephew’scrown.But...”

Shecocksherhead,andasI’mtryingtopuzzleoutherlook,shewhipsadaggerfromherwaistandflingsitatme.

“Whatthebleedinghells—”Ipluckthebladeoutoftheaironinstinctandturnitonherinthetimeittakestoblinktwice.“Howdare—”

“IfI’mgoingtocarrySerricsteel,”Laiasaysquitecalmly,“thenI’dliketolearntouseit.AndifI’mgoingtobeanallytoaMartial,Iwouldliketofight

likeone.”Igapeather,distantlytakingnoteofLivia’squietsmile.Laialooksdownat

Zachariasandthenoutthewindow,andthatshadowpassesoverherfaceagain.“ThoughIwonder,wouldyouteachmetousethebow,BloodShrike?”

Amemoryrisesfromthehazeofthepastweek:Cook’sstronghandsassheshotarrowafterarrowintotheKarkauns.Iloveyou,Laia,she’dsaid.Laia’sfaceasCookhowledathertogetmetotheAugurs’cave.Andoldermemories:Cook’sfiercenesswhenshetoldmeshe’dmurdermeifIhurtLaia.Theway,whenIhealedthatoldwoman,somedistantmusicwithinherremindedmeoftheScholargirl.

Andsuddenly,Iunderstand.Mother.Irememberthefaceofmyownmotherasshewenttoherdeath.Strength,my

girl,she’dsaid.Cursethisworldforwhatitdoestothemothers,forwhatitdoestothe

daughters.Curseitformakingusstrongthroughlossandpain,ourheartstornfromourchestsagainandagain.Curseitforforcingustoendure.

WhenImeettheScholargirl’sstare,Irealizeshe’sbeenwatchingme.Wedonotspeak.Butforthismoment,sheknowsmyheart.AndIknowhers.

“Well?”LaiaofSerraoffersherhand.Itakeit.

I

LVIII:TheSoulCatcher

ttakesmanydaysfortheghosttospeakhispain.Listeningtoitchillsmyblood.Hesufferseachmemory,arushofviolenceandselfishnessand

brutalitythat,forthefirsttime,hemustfeelinallitshorror.Mostoftheghostshavepassedquickly.Butsometimestheirsinsaresogreat

thatMauthdoesnotletthemmoveon.Notuntiltheyhavesufferedwhattheyinflicted.

SoitiswiththeghostofMarcusFarrar.Throughit,hisbrotherremainsathisside,silent,patient.Havingspentthe

pastninemonthstiedtohistwin’scorporealbody,Zakhashadplentyoftimetosufferwhathewas.Hewaits,now,forhisbrother.

ThedayfinallycomeswhenMauthissatisfiedwithMarcus’ssuffering.Thetwinswalkbesidemequietly,oneoneachside.Theyareemptyofanger,ofpain,ofloneliness.Theyarereadytopasson.

Weapproachtheriver,andIturntothebrothers.Isiftthroughtheirmindsdispassionatelyandfindamemorythatisjoyful—inthiscase,adaytheyspenttogetherontherooftopsofSilasbeforetheyweretakenforBlackcliff.Theirfatherboughtthemakite.Thewindswerefair,andtheyflewithigh.

Igivethebrothersthatmemorysothattheymightslipintotheriverwithouttroublingmefurther.Itaketheirdarkness—thatwhichBlackclifffoundwithinthemandnurtured—andMauthconsumesit.Whereitgoes,Idonotknow.Isuspect,however,thatitmighthavesomethingtodowiththatseethingseaIsawwhenIspoketoMauth,andthecreatureslurkingwithinit.

WhenIlookbackatthetwins,theyareboysoncemore,untaintedbytheworld.Andwhentheystepintotheriver,theydoittogether,smallhandsclasped.

Thedaysgoswiftlynow,andwithMauthjoinedfullytome,Icyclethroughtheghosts,dividingmyattentionbetweenmanyatatimeaseasilyasifIammadeofwaterandnotflesh.ThejinnchafeatMauth’spower,butthoughtheyhissandwhisperatmestill,Icanusuallysilencethemwithathought,andtheytroublemenomore.

Atleastfornow.

WhenIhavebeenbackintheWaitingPlacemorethanaweek,Isuddenlyfeelanoutsider’spresencefartothenorth,nearDelphinium.Ittakesmeonlyamomenttorealizewhoitis.Leaveit,Mauthsaysinmyhead.Youknowshewillbringyounojoy.“IwouldliketotellherwhyIleft.”Ihaveletgoofher.Butsometimesold

imagesdrifttotheshoresofmymind,leavingmerestless.“PerhapsifIdo,shewillceasetohauntme.”

IfeelMauthsigh,buthespeaksnomore,andinahalfhourIcanseeherthroughthetrees,pacingbackandforth.Sheisalone.

“Laia.”Sheturns,andatthesightofher,somethinginmetwists.Anoldmemory.A

kiss.Adream.Herhairlikesilkbetweenmyfingers,herbodyrisingbeneathmyhands.

Behindme,theghostswhisper,andintheoceantideoftheirsong,thememoryofLaiafadesaway.Idrawonanothermemory—thatofamanwhoonceworeasilvermaskandwhofeltnothingwhenhedid.Inmymind,Iputonthemaskagain.

“Itisnotyourtimeyet,LaiaofSerra,”Isay.“Youarenotwelcomehere.”“Ithought—”Sheshudders.“Areyouallright?Youjustleft.”“Youmustgo.”“Whathappenedtoyou?”Laiawhispers.“Yousaidwewouldbetogether.

Yousaidwewouldfindaway.Butthen...”Sheshakesherhead.“Why?”“ThousandsacrosstheEmpirediednotbecauseoftheKarkaunsbutbecause

oftheghosts.Becausetheghostspossessedwhomevertheycouldandmadethemdoterriblethings.Doyouknowhowtheyescaped?”

“Did—didMauth—”“Ifailedtoholdtheborders.IfailedtoupholdmydutytotheWaitingPlace.I

puteverythingelsefirst—strangers,friends,family,you.Becauseofthat,thebordersfell.”

“Youdidn’tknow.Therewasnoonetoteachyou.”Shetakesadeepbreath,herhandspressedtogether.“Donotdothis,Elias.Donotleaveme.Iknowyou’reinthere.Please—comebacktome.Ineedyou.TheBloodShrikeneedsyou.TheTribesneedyou.”

Iwalktoher,takeherhands,lookdownintoherface.WhateverIwanttofeelisdullednowbythesteady,soothingpresenceofMauth,thethrumofghostsintheWaitingPlace.

“Youreyes.”Sherunsafingeracrossmybrows.“They’relikehers.”“LikeShaeva’s,”Isay.Astheyshouldbe.“No,”Laiasays.“LiketheCommandant’s.”

Thewordstroubleme.Butthattoowillfade.Intime.“EliasiswhoIwas,”Isay.“TheSoulCatcher—theBanual-Mauth—the

ChosenofDeath—thatiswhoIam.Butdonotdespair.Weare,allofus,justvisitorsineachother’slives.Youwillforgetmyvisitsoonenough.”Ireachdownandkissherontheforehead.“Bewell,LaiaofSerra.”

WhenIturnaway,shesobs,asoul-deepcryofwoundedbetrayal.“Takethis.”Hervoiceiswretched,herfacestreamingtears.Shetearsa

woodenarmletfromherbicepandshovesitintomyhands.“Idon’twantit.”Sheturnsawaythen,makesforthehorsewaitingnearby.Momentslater,Iamalone.

Thewoodisstillwarmfromherbody.WhenItouchit,somepartofmecallsoutinragefrombehindashutdoor,demandingtobesetfree.Butasecondlater,Ishakemyhead,frowning.Thefeelingfades.Ithinktocastthearmlettothegrass.Idonotneedit,andneitherdoesthegirl.

Somethingmakesmeputitinmypocketinstead.Itrytoturnbacktotheghosts,tomywork.ButIamperturbed,andeventuallyIfindmyselfatthebaseofatreenearthespringnotfarfromtheruinsofShaeva’scabin,staringoutatthewater.Amemoryrisesinmymind.Soonyouwilllearnthecostofyourvow,mybrother.Ihopeyoudonotthink

tooillofme.Isthatwhatthisfeelingisinside?AngeratShaeva?Itisnotanger,child,Mauthsaysgently.Itissimplythatyoufeelyour

mortality.Butyouhavenomortalityanymore.Youwillliveaslongasyoucanserve.

“It’snotmortalityIfeel,”Isay,“thoughitissomethinguniquelymortal.”Sadness?“Atypeofsadness,”Isay,“calledloneliness.”Thereisalongsilence,solongthatIthinkhehasleftme.ThenIfeelthe

earthshiftaroundme.Thetree’srootsrumble,curving,softening,untiltheyfashionthemselvesaroundme,intoasortofseat.Vinesgrow,andflowersburstfromthem.Youarenotalone,Banual-Mauth.Iamherewithyou.Aghostdriftsclosetome,flittingaboutinagitation.Searching,always

searching.Iknowher.TheWisp.“Hello,youngone.”Herhanddriftsacrossmyface.“Haveyouseenmy

lovey?”“Ihavenot,”Isay,butthistimeIgiveherallofmyattention.“Canyoutell

mehername?”“Lovey.”

Inod,feelingnoneoftheimpatienceIfeltbefore.“Lovey,”Isay.“Whataboutyou?Whatisyourname?”

“Myname,”shewhispers.“Myname?ShecalledmeAma.ButIhadanothername.”Isenseheragitationandtrytosootheher.Iseekawayintohermemories,butIcannotfindone.Shehasbuiltawallaroundherself.Whenshetiltsherhead,herprofilemanifestsbriefly.Thecurvesofherfacestrikeadeepandvisceralchord.IfeellikeI’mcatchingaglimpseofsomeoneI’vealwaysknown.

“Karinna.”Shesitsdownnexttome.“Thatwasmyname.BeforeIwasAma,IwasKarinna.”Karinna.Irecognizethename,thoughittakesmeamomenttorealizewhy.

Karinnawasmygrandmother’sname.Quin’swife.Butitcouldn’tbe...Iopenmymouthtoaskhermore,butherheadwhipsaround,asifshe’s

heardsomething.Immediately,sheisbackintheair,vanishingintothetrees.Somethinghasspookedher.

IrunmymindalongthebordersoftheForest.Thewallisstrong.Noghostslurknearit.

ThenIfeelit.Forthesecondtimethisday,someonefromtheoutsideworldenterstheWaitingPlace.Butthistime,itisnotatrespasser.

Thistime,itissomeonereturninghome.

I

LIX:TheNightbringer

nthedeepshadeoftheWaitingPlace,theghostssightheirsongofregretinsteadofscreamingit.Thespiritsarequelled;theBanual-Mauthhasfinally

learnedwhatitmeanstobetheChosenofDeath.Shadowsemergefrombehindme,fourteeninnumber.IknowthemandI

hatethem,fortheyarethewellspringsofallmysorrows.TheAugurs.Dotheystillhearthescreamsofthejinnchildrenwhowereslaughteredwith

coldsteelandsummerrain?Dotheyrecallhowmypeoplebeggedformercyevenastheyweresealedintothejinngrove?

“Youcannotstopme,”IsaytotheAugurs.“Myvengeanceiswritten.”“Weareheretowitness.”Cainspeaks.Heisafarcryfromthepower-

obsessedScholarkingofamillenniumago.Strangetothinkthatthiswitheredcreatureisthesamemanwhobetrayedthejinn,promisingpeacewhileplottingdestruction.“Thosewhoignitedtheblazemustsufferitswrath,”hesays.

“Whatdoyouthinkwillhappentoyouwhenallthemagicyoustolefrommypeopleisrestoredtothem?”Iask.“Themagicthathassustainedyouinyourpitifulformsforalltheseyears?”

“Wewilldie.”“Youwishtodie.Immortalitywasamorepainfulburdenthanyou

anticipated,wasitnot,snake?”Ifashionmymagicintoathick,iridescentchainandlashtheAugurstome.Theydonotfightit.Theycannot,forIamhome,andhereamidthetreesofmybirth,mymagicisatitsmostpowerful.“Fearnomore,YourMajesty.Youwilldie.Yourpainwillend.Butfirst,youwillwatchasIdestroyeverythingyouhopedtosave,sothatyoumayknowwhatyourgreedandviolencehavewrought.”

Cainonlysmiles,avestigeofhisoldconceit.“Thejinnwillbefreed,”hesays.“Thebalancebetweenworldsrestored.But

thehumansarereadyforyou,Nightbringer.Theywillprevail.”“Youpoorfool.”Iseizehim,andwhenheunleasheshispowertothrowme

off,theairshimmersbrieflybeforeIshaketheattackawaylikeahumanwouldamosquito.

“Lookintomyeyes,youwretchofaman,”Iwhisper.“Seethedarkestmomentsofyourfuture.WitnessthedevastationIwillunleash.”

Cainstiffensashelooks,asheseesinmygazefielduponfieldofthedead.Villages,towns,citiesaflame.Hispeople,hispreciousScholarsobliteratedatthehandsofmybrethren,grounddownuntileventheirnameisnolongerremembered.TheMariners,theTribes,theMartialsallunderthebloody,iron-fistedruleofKerisVeturia.

Andhischampions,thosethreeflamesinwhichheplacedallhishopes—LaiaofSerra,HeleneAquilla,andEliasVeturius—Ismotherthoseflames.ForIhavetakentheBloodShrike’ssoul.TheWaitingPlacehastakentheSoulCatcher’shumanity.AndIwillcrushLaiaofSerra’sheart.

TheAugurtriestoturnawayfromthenightmareimages.Idonotlethim.“Stillsoarrogant,”Isay.“Soassuredthatyouknewwhatwasbest.Your

foretellingsshowedyouawaytofreeyourselvesandreleasethejinnwhileprotectinghumanity.Butyouneverunderstoodthemagic.Aboveallelse,itischangeable.Yourdreamsofthefutureonlybloomiftheyhaveafirmhandtonurturethemtolife.Otherwise,theywitherbeforetheyevertakeroot.”

Iturntothejinngrove,draggingthestrugglingAugurswithme.Theypushatmewiththeirstolenmagic,desperatetoescapenowthattheyknowwhatistocome.Iwrapthemtighter.Theywillbefreesoonenough.

WhenIarriveamongthehauntedtrees,thesufferingofmybrethrenwashesoverme.Iwanttoscream.

IdrivetheStarintotheground.Nowcomplete,itbearsnosignofitssplinteringandstandsastallasIdo,thefour-pointeddiamondharkeningtothesymbolofBlackcliff.TheAugursadoptedtheshapetoremindthemselvesoftheirsins.Apathetic,humannotion—thatbydrowninginguiltandregret,onecanatoneforanycrime,nomatterhowdespicable.

WhenIplacemyhandsontheStar,theearthstills.Iclosemyeyes.Athousandyearsofloneliness.Athousandyearsofdeceit.Athousandyearsofplottingandplanningandatonement.Allforthismoment.

Dozensoffacesfloodmymind,allthosewhopossessedtheStar.AllthoseIloved.Father-mother-brother-daughter-friend-lover.Releasethejinn.TheStargroansinresponsetomycommand,themagic

withinitsmetaltwisting,warping,pouringintomeanddrawingfromme,bothatonce.Itisalive,itsconsciousnesssimplebutthrummingwithpower.Iseizethatpower,andmakeitmine.

TheAugursshudder,andIbindthemtighter—allbutCain.Iweaveashieldfrommymagic,protectinghimfromwhatistocome.

Thoughhewillnotthankmeforit.

Releasethejinn.Thetreesmoanawake,andtheStarfightsme,itsancientsorcerysluggishandunwillingtobend.Youhaveheldthemlongenough.Releasethem.

Acrackechoesthroughthegrove,loudassummerthunder.DeepintheWaitingPlace,thesoughsofthespiritstransformintoscreamsasoneofthetreessplits,thenanother.Flamespourfromthosegreatgouges,burstingforthasifthegatestoallofthehellshavebeenbreached.Myflames.Myfamily.Myjinn.

Thetreesexplodeintocinders,theirglowpaintingthefirmamentaninfernalred.Mossandshrubscurdletosoot,leavinganacres-wideblackring.Theearthshudders,atremorthatwillshatterglassfromMarinntoNavium.

Itastefearontheair:fromtheAugursandtheghosts,fromthehumansthatinfestthisworld.Visionsflashacrossmymind:ascarredsoldiercriesout,reachingfordaggersthatwillnothelpher.Anewbornbabeawakes,howling.AgirlIoncelovedgasps,wheelingherhorseabouttogazewithgoldeyesatthecrimsonskyovertheForestofDusk.

Foraninstant,everyhumanwithinathousandleaguesisunitedinamomentofineffabledread.Theyknow.Theirhopes,theirloves,theirjoy—allwillsoonbenaughtbutash.

Mypeoplestaggertowardme,theirflamescoalescingintoarms,legs,faces.Firstadozen,thentwoscore,thenhundreds.Onebyone,theytumblefromtheirprisonsandgathernearme.

Attheedgeoftheclearing,thirteenofthefourteenAugurssilentlycollapseintoheapsofash.Thepowerthattheysiphonedfromthejinnflowsbacktoitsrightfulowners.TheStarcrumbles,dustyremnantsswirlingrestlesslybeforedisappearingonaswiftwind.

Iturntomyfamily.“Bisham,”Isay.Mychildren.Igathertheflamesclose,hundredsandhundredsofthem.Theirheatisa

balmonthesoulIthoughtIhadlongsincelost.“Forgiveme,”Ibegthem.“Forgivemeforfailingyou.”

Theysurroundme,touchmyface,pullawaymycloak,andreleasemeintomytrueform,theformofflame,whichIhaverepressedfortencenturies.

“Youfreedus,”theymurmur.“Ourking.Ourfather.OurMeherya.Youdidnotforgetus.”

Thehumanswerewrong.Ihadaname,once.Abeautifulname.Anamespokenbythegreatdarkthatcamebeforeallelse.AnamewhosemeaningbroughtmeintoexistenceanddefinedallIwouldeverbe.

Myqueenspokemynamelongago.Nowmypeoplewhisperit.“Meherya.”

Theirlong-bankedflamesblazebrighter.Fromredtoincandescentwhite,toobrightforhumaneyes,butglorioustomine.Iseetheirpowerandmagic,theirpainandrage.

Iseetheirsoul-deepneedforvengeance.Iseethebloodyreapingtocome.“Meherya.”Mychildrensaymynameagain,andthesoundofitdropsmeto

myknees.“Meherya.”Beloved.

T

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

omyincrediblereadersallovertheworld:Thankyouforlaughingatmytalkingvegetablesandhootingowls,andforallthelove.Iamluckytohave

you.BenSchrankandMarissaGrossman:Youhelpedmetransformthisstrange

feverdreamintoanactualbook.I’verunoutofwordstosaythanks,soI’llkeepsendingyouweaponryandsocks,andhopethatsuffices.

Kashi,thankyouforteachingmehowtovanishintotheattack,forcheeringtheloudestwhenIdidso.Yourpatiencewithmyflinty-eyed,gunslingerwaysissaintly.GodonlyknowswhatI’ddowithoutyou.

Thankyoutomyboys,myfalconandmysword,forknowingIneedcoffeeinthemorning.Ihopeyoureadthisbookoneday,andIhopeyouareproud.

Myfamilyismyscimandmyshield,myownlittlefellowship.Mama,thankyouforyourloveandgrace.Daddy,blessyouforassumingthatIammoreawesomethanIactuallyam.Boon,youareonetoughbrotherandIamproudofyou.Also,youowemedinner.Mer,nexttimeIwon’tcallyouquiteasmuch,ha-ha,lying,I’llprobablycallyoumore.Heelah,AuntieMahboob,Maani,andArmo—thankyouforthehugsandduas.AftabandSahibTahir,Iamsoblessedtohaveyou.

AlexandraMachinist—here’stobulletjournals,philosophizingonthephone,andflailingoverthethingswecannotcontrol.IadoreyouandIamforevergratefulforyou.

CathyYardley—Iwouldnothavesurvivedwritingthisbookwithoutyourcalmwisdom.You’reabadass.

RenéeAhdieh—yourfriendshipmeansmoretomethanallthecroissantsinthegalaxy.NicolaYoon,blessyouforbeingthesaneone.Ourcallsarethehighlightofmyweek.AbigailWen,Thursdaysat10aremyhappyplace—Iamluckytoknowyou.AdamSilvera—Iamsodamnproudtobeoneofyourtattoolines.MarieLu,allthehugsforyourfriendship,andforthemostdiabolicalpedicureever.LeighBardugo,youlovely,wisegothowl,longmayweeats’moreswhilstlaughingevilly.VictoriaAveyard—noonebettertobeinthewritingtrencheswith;wesurvived!LaurenDeStefano,DRiCforever.

Abig,sock-filledthank-youto:JenLojaforyourleadershipandsupport;FeliciaFrazierandthesalesteam;EmilyRomero,ErinBerger,FelicityVallence,andthemarketingteam;ShantaNewlinandLindsayBoggs,whodeserveallthechocolate;KimWileyforputtingupwiththelateness;ShaneRebenschied,KristinBoyle,TheresaEvangelista,andMaggieEdkinsforalltheirworkonthecovers;KristaAhlbergandShariBeckforsavingmefromsomegenuinelyhorrifyingmistakes;CarmelaIaria,VenessaCarson,andtheschoolandlibraryteam;andCaseyMcIntyre,AlexSanchez,andallthefolksatRazorbill.GreatthankstomapmakerJonathanRoberts,whosetalentisgobsmacking.

Myforeignrightsagents,RoxaneEdouardandStephanieKoven,havemademybooksworldtravelers—thankyou.Toalloftheforeignpublishers,coverartists,andtranslators,yourdedicationtothisseriesisagift.

HugsandgreatthankstoLillyTahir,ChristineOakes,TalaAbbasi,KellyLoyGilbert,StephanieGarber,StaceyLee,KathleenMiller,DhonielleClayton,andLizWard.MuchappreciationtoFarrahKhanforallyoursupportandforlettingmeusethelineaboutbeingavisitor.

Musicismyhome,andthisbookwouldn’texistwithoutit.Thankyouto:Austrafor“BeatandthePulse,”MattMaesonfor“Cringe,”Missiofor“BottomoftheDeepBlueSea,”Nasfor“War,”Daughterfor“Numbers,”KingsofLeonfor“WasteaMoment,”AnthonyGreenfor“You’llBeFine,”andLinkinParkfor“Krwlng.”ChesterBennington,thankyouforsingingyourpain,soIdidn’thavetobealonewithmine.

Asever,myfinalthankstotheOnewhowitnessestheseenandunseen,andwhowalkswithme,evenonthedarkestroads.

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

SabaaTahiristhe#1NewYorkTimesbestsellingauthorofAnEmberintheAshesanditssequel,ATorchAgainsttheNight.ShegrewupinCalifornia’sMojaveDesertatherfamily’seighteen-roommotel.There,shespenthertimedevouringfantasynovels,raidingherbrother’scomicbookstash,andplayingguitarbadly.ShebeganwritingAnEmberintheAsheswhileworkingnightsasanewspapereditor.Shelikesthunderousindierock,garishsocks,andallthingsnerd.SabaacurrentlylivesintheSanFranciscoBayAreawithherfamily.

What’snextonyourreadinglist?

Discoveryournextgreatread!

Getpersonalizedbookpicksandup-to-datenewsaboutthisauthor.

Signupnow.