On the morning of our third day of fruitless spying, it was my turn to watch the road. As I hunkered down in the underbrush, I planned our next move. We’d travel to the Cliffs. Hopefully Kade would know where Teegan and the others were hiding. Not the best strategy, but better than wasting more time. In fact, the more I thought about it, the stronger my desire to leave. It was already midafternoon. I stood and froze.

Walking along the road were two people I recognized—Cahil’s scouts, Hanni and Faxon. Which might mean that Cahil and the rest of his men were not far behind.

If that was the case, then we had a possible way into the Citadel. As long as they were still free of the Theobroma. Only one way to find out. Taking a risk, I strode from the woods and hailed them.

* * *

“No,” Ari said when I explained my plan. “It’s insane.”

“I gotta agree with the big guy on this one,” Janco said.

“It’s brilliant,” Onora said. “I’m in.”

Ari fisted his hands but kept them pressed to his sides. “No. Two of you can’t rescue Fisk. You’ll get captured.”

Onora snorted. I put my hand on her shoulder, stopping her retort before this turned ugly. “This would be an information-gathering mission only.”

“Still no.” Now Ari crossed his arms, trying to appear more massive and intimidating.

It worked on Hanni, who glanced at me with worry. “If you’re going to do it, you should leave soon. General Cahil and the rest of the team are departing Owl’s Hill in the morning.”

“Then we’ll all go,” Ari said.

“No. Too many unfamiliar faces will trigger suspicion. You and Janco have to go to The Cliffs and recruit a Stormdancer. You only have thirty days to get to the rendezvous point.” I outlined what I needed them to do as I rolled up my bedding.

“No.”

I sighed. “Ari, I don’t need your permission.”

“If you get into the Citadel, and that’s a huge if, how are you going to leave?” he asked.

“The same way. We’ll get papers from Cahil.”

“And the magician at the gate?” Janco asked.

“If we keep our thoughts on our duties for the General, we shouldn’t raise any alarms.”

“Sounds like your plan might just work,” a welcome voice said from the trees.

Everyone except me yanked weapons as they spun toward the sound. Our argument had put them all on edge.

Valek stood at the border of the clearing with his hands wide. “One change, though. I’m going with Yelena into the Citadel.”

17

VALEK

Yelena stepped into his arms, and he pulled her close. He hadn’t realized how much of the painful tightness in his chest had been due to worry. Having her by his side filled a void inside him.

Over her shoulder, Valek studied the expressions of the people gathered in the small clearing. Ari set his jaw and Janco stiffened, clearly preparing to continue to object to Yelena’s plan. Onora, too, appeared displeased with the change. Too bad. In the last five days, he and Opal hadn’t seen any other way into the Citadel. This was their only chance.

Breaking apart, he kept one arm around his wife’s waist. “We need to figure out where they’re holding Zitora and Fisk. See if there’s any hope for a rescue.”

“I knew Opal would find her,” Yelena said.

“Except I lost her.” Opal emerged from the greenery.

Yelena, Ari and Janco took a moment to greet their friend. However, they didn’t have time for lengthy explanations.

“We arrived just as Zitora entered the Citadel,” Opal said.

“Was she arrested?” Yelena asked.

“No, but a few of the guards followed her. Bruns is smart enough to try to recruit her to his cause before using strong-arm methods,” Valek said.

“And just how are you and Yelena going to rescue them?” Ari demanded.

“If we attempt a rescue, it will depend on a number of factors.” Valek used his flat tone, warning Ari.

But Ari was in protective bull mode. Nothing to do but let him say his piece.

“And how are you going to escape the Citadel?” he demanded. “They’ll have doubled the guard at the gate.”

“I don’t plan on taking any unnecessary risks. You should know that better than most.” He gazed at his friend. “Besides, Onora will be helping, as well.”

“I will?”

“How is she going to get inside?” Janco asked, more curious than combative.

“By doing what she does best—blending in.”

Onora’s gaze turned distant as she worked it out. The matching sour expressions on the power twins’ faces meant they had accepted the inevitable.

“Yelena, where are Devlen and Reema?” Opal asked.

Valek was surprised she’d waited this long to ask.

“On the way to Booruby.” Yelena filled them in on the hothouse, Nutty and about Theobroma-killing spores while she packed her bags and saddled Kiki. She also mentioned that Ari and Janco needed to find Valek’s siblings, Teegan and a Stormdancer to help spread those same spores.

Opal played with the ring on her finger as she listened. When Yelena finished, Opal glanced at Ari and Janco. “Kade would never let Teegan, Zethan and Zohav leave the safety of The Cliffs alone. He’d either go with them or send Heli.”

“That’s good to know,” Ari said. “Do you know where they might go?”