"The realms have heard rumors of the Midnight Star’s return, of power being restored. Of war being waged against the vampires. I came to seek the truth," Tavian says.

I remain quiet. Waiting. Worrying. He could easily betray me. Tell them who I am. Get the money he so desperately wants.

Metsi flicks her hand and someone brings her a silver goblet with drink in it. "So much talk. So many rumors. Some have merit, others less. We will soon have the Midnight Star in our control. And the vampires, well, they will meet their end. Their time has come. It's our turn now. Our turn to reclaim what is ours."

"I've seen the Outlands. People speak of your defeat at Stonehill while they cower and drink away their sorrows, and yet you speak of victory? You are not prepared."

I glance at Tavian, wondering why he speaks so freely. Who is he to question a Druid?

Metsi laughs. "We have many weapons and soldiers here. We have Druids coming back into power. We have a spy amongst the enemy’s midst. And… we have an ally. One of the princes is on our side. He will ensure our victory from within."

Tavian and I both flinch at her words. A prince is working with Metsi? Who? I cannot think of even one who would side with the Fae.

Metsi smiles, probably in response to our faces. "I would very much love to include you amongst our supporters," she says. "Come, Tavian. Join us. Give up your vagabond ways and I will make you wealthier than you can imagine. I will give you anything your heart desires. Join with your kin once more and help us defeat our enemies."

Her speech is persuasive, but I won’t fight my brothers. Tavian however….

"I appreciate the offer, but I am done with war, Metsi. You know this." Tavian sounds casual, but I see the tension in his muscles. This does not seem to be the conversation he expected.

Metsi rises from her throne and walks down the steps to stand closer to us. She stops a few feet in front of Tavian. "Have you not brought me anything then?" she asks. "Do tell me, who is this friend of yours? Has she a tongue?"

"This is Darnsa, my apprentice," he says without missing a beat. "We were just passing through and wanted to pay our respects. I have nothing to offer this visit, but if you have a request, I will do my best to oblige."

He's smooth, but she's looking too closely at me. I resist the urge to clutch the sword at my hip, but my hand is twitching. I'm ready.

"Oh, Tavian Gray. How you disappoint." Metsi raises her hand and waves it over my face. "Look here. Not a mere apprentice at all, but rather Kayla Windhelm. The bastard Shade of the late king. And a pretty prize, indeed."

A low growl forms under Tavian's breath. "She's with me, under my protection."

Metsi flashes a look at him, her eyes narrowing. "I will pay you handsomely for her. Rumor has it you are in want of a small fortune. I can provide that, no strings attached. Leave the girl here and you may leave with what you can carry."

I suck in my breath, waiting. This is what Tavian has wanted. And even if he refuses, why would that stop a Druid? I look around, searching for windows and doors, searching for a way to flee, wondering if I can find my way back to the Waystone. I see no options.

A moment. The air thickens between the three of us.

Tavian takes three measured breaths before answering. "Metsi, you do not wish to press me. We leave now."

"Guards!" the Druid screams, and dozens of armed soldiers surround us.

I pull my sword out, but Tavian lays a hand on mine. "Trust me, please," he whispers.

I don't sheathe my sword, but I lower it slowly.

All eyes are on us.

Tavian growls again, and the room grows dark. Candles flicker out. Smoke fills the space around us and the air crackles with lightning. His voice sounds louder, deeper, when he speaks. "Have you forgotten who I am? Do you take me for a common Fae? You do not wish to challenge me, Druid."

Metsi's eyes widen, and she takes a step back. Her serpent recoils. With a flick of her wrist, Metsi signals the guards, and they disappear from sight. Only then does the light return and the air settle. Only then does the tension fall from Tavian’s body.

Metsi walks slowly back to her throne and sits gracefully. Despite her mannerism, I can see the fear on her face, though I do not understand what a Druid has to fear but a prince of hell. "Now, now, Tavian. No need for all that. It was just a friendly request. Of course you and the princess are free to go."

The look Metsi gives me sends a chill up my back. Then it fills me with anger for the vampires and Shade outside, and I clutch my sword harder. But Tavian wastes no time. He grabs my hand and pulls us out of the room.

We speak no words as we make our way through the garden and back to the Waystone. It isn't until we are behind the stone door and moving back to the Outlands that I finally ask. "Who are you, Tavian? Who are you, to scare a Druid?"

He looks at me, his emerald eyes hiding so many secrets. "I'm not one to be trifled with."

Chapter 7

THE PLEASURE PALACE

"You will wake the ancient powers of our kind and bring balance back to the Four Tribes. And then we will free our people and rule our world once again."

—Madrid

I sit on a stump calming my breath after our escape, keeping my eye on the mirror. A part of me still fears Sly’s pet will follow us, finish what it started, but then I remember it’s not the mirror that is magic, but the vampires who brought me here.

Es bends over, puking and cursing between bouts of vomiting. "What just happened?" she mumbles, leaning against a tree in the moonlight. "What was that… that…" She collapses, and Pete barely catches her before her head hits the ground. He pats her face, calling out her name, but she doesn’t respond.