“I’m afraid so. Many who live within these trees know better than the outside world that sooner or later, we must all make a choice. We either choose to uphold the light, or we embrace the dark. We can build, or we can destroy.”

Idalia shifts uncomfortably, and we lock eyes before she turns to Rianne.

“Why did they send that mist after us? What do they want?” She asks timidly.

Rianne’s eyes skirt to Nuri before she answers.

“You.”

The table falls silent. “Why do they want Idalia?” I demand of Nuri.

The plump woman stares me down.

“The same reason your father wants her. Power. Why do you think he sent you to collect her? Baellileans have always been a greedy sort and it seems you are no stranger to the characteristic yourself.”

My breath hitches, and Torrent abruptly stands. Whatever lust brews between these two is no match for his loyalty to our group and his devotion to me.

“Down, Stoneman,” Nuri instructs, her hand lifted in a warning.

He flicks his eyes to me, then to Lin and Lorna, both tensed, awaiting my command. I lift my palm slightly, and Torrent slowly lowers himself. His eyes teem with warlike readiness.

“Your father?” Idalia finally says.

I can’t bear to look at her and see the dawning comprehension in her fawn eyes, which I know can warm to dark pools of honey when she’s upset.

“Is that why you kidnapped me, Braizen? To take me to Vaskis?” Her face is calm, but her voice rises in anguish.

Something sharp and deep pierces my gut. I grip my mug so tightly that I think it might break. “You crossed into Baelliles territory, Idalia. Verdana knows the risk.”

“So, it’s true,” her voice shakes. “You are working for him.”

“Why else would we steal you?” Lorna barks. “For the thrill of it?”

Idalia blinks slowly as if trying to remember what she did once believe.

Anger now steams inside me, a kettle ready to be poured. “Torrent, did you tell the Idunn this information?” I murmur, staring down at my plate.

“No, Boss. I wouldn’t do that,” he answers, confirming what I suspect. Unhurriedly, I sip, then gently set down my cup. I fix my eyes on his companion.

“Well, she had to find out somehow,” Nuri says, and her brow flicks up in amusement.

“I heard Lannex speak of your visions,” I return. It’s as if no one else is at the table. “Tell me, might you be one of the legends we were fed of this Wood when we were children. A heretic perhaps?”

Her smile is sharp and vixen as she lowers her chin.

“Very good, Prince. I wondered when you’d catch on. However, we don’t like to be called heretics. Prophet is as good a title as any.”

“Like the Woman of the Woods?” Lin asks as his gaze pounces on each person at the table.