Before I can say anything, Dean walks over to us, and Seri excuses herself to get back to her patients.
"Your presence is requested, Princess," Dean says with a bow and a wink. "At the war meeting. It is time to prepare for battle."
He offers his arm, so I take it and walk with him back to the Pleasure Palace, to the War Room. We come in at the middle of a discussion between Fen and Asher, and I get the distinct impression this room doesn't see a lot of use. Cobwebs dangle in the corners and the air is stale and damp despite the fire blazing in the corner.
"Can we engage a frontal assault?" Asher asks, adjusting the cufflinks on his sleeves.
Fen shakes his head. "Not until those within the city unlock the gates. I suggest we sneak in a few men, masquerading as traders, and support the rebels inside. Then, once the gate is breached, the rest can follow."
Dean nods. "Solid. So what’s the timeline?"
"We strike in a week," Asher says. "That is when the rebels plan their attack from within." He points to Stonehill on the map and—
Something clacks against the wooden door behind me, and I get a shiver up my arms. I walk to the entrance, and when I open it, Seri is there, about to come in.
"Hello," she says, turning to the group. "I'm sorry, is this not a good time? I needed to speak to Prince Asher."
Asher shakes his hand. "Not a good time. Find me when this is over."
Seri nods. "Apologies. I'll speak with you later, then."
She closes the door as she leaves, but my arms still tingle. Something feels odd. Seri seemed uneasy. So I slip out quietly and follow her.
I stay far enough behind that she does not see or hear me down the long hallways, but close enough that I can see if she turns or changes directions. It's a delicate dance, but one that ultimately pays off. We exit the palace and head to the edges of the city, to the forest. What business does Seri have in the woods?
Between the trees, I must stay closer to keep sight of her, so I use an illusion to muffle my steps, making me near silent. Sometimes, I still lose track of her, and then I follow her footprints. Eventually, she comes upon a clearing and sits down on a stump. Near her, on a tree, sits a black owl, and I see its leg is tied to a branch. Seri pull something out of her bag. Pen and paper. And she begins to write.
Dread fills me. I know what's happening, but I don’t want it to be true. Silently, illusion masking my steps, I walk up behind Seri and read the letter she writes.
They will attack Stonehill in a week. This is your chance to strike while they are distracted.
I've known for some time we had a spy amongst us.
And now I know that spy is Seri.
***
The Keeper turns, noticing me. Her voice is cold. "If you choose to have me killed, I understand."
I draw my sword, holding it up to her neck. "Why?"
"My family died in this war, and now my people are tortured in the north. The rule of the vampires must come to an end. The rule of the Fae must return."
She speaks so casually, while inside I spin with rage and sorrow. I pull back my sword, ready to strike.
"Go ahead," she says. "I would do the same in your place."
I feel something stir within me. The wind howls into the night. The shadows grow darker. The earth begins to tremble.
My sword glows a pale blue, and I hold it against Seri's throat, and when the blade touches her flesh, it burns—a fire so hot it's scorching.
Fire that killed so many. That killed Daison. Fire that burned into my body when Oren tortured me. Fire that burned the grove and the innocent.
How many more will die? How many more will suffer?
No. This will stop. Now.
I calm my mind, wiping away all thoughts of anger and vengeance, and the wind and earth grow still. My blade no longer glows. The Darkness recedes.
I let the sword fall from my hands and clash to the floor.
I'm not here to destroy. I'm here to bring peace.
"I will not kill you," I tell Seri, whose eyes widen in surprise. I don’t even know if I can trust her. Or if she will betray me again. But I know I will no longer be the cause of pain. "Instead, you will help me. You will help me bring peace to all the people in these lands."
She nods, a tear sliding down her cheek. "I’m sorry…"
I clutch her shoulder. "Go back to the Healing Tents. Burn the letter. I will find you later. But right now, I have something I must do."
I walk back to the Crystal Garden. Back to the stone and the flame.
And I forge.
***
It takes a week, working night and day—sometimes with magic, and the aid of master armorsmiths and who live in this realm, to accomplish my task. On the last day, I take a drink of cool water and admire our work.
A set of armor, half black, half white. Like my sword. It shimmers. Like Yami.
An iridescent dragon is engraved on the chest. And the moonlight steel is built in folds like scales. Strong but light. A midnight cape flows behind, clasped to the shoulders.