I can only imagine what I look like to Erebus. The still-healing welts of my own making run in red stripes down my forearms. My once shiny curls have escaped their twists, the ends loose and fraying.

Suddenly, Erebus’s gaze does not matter. His strength does not matter. What matters is how I respond right now, in this moment. I cannot cower before the first Council member I meet. I will not.

I lift my chin and stride forward to meet the fire of Erebus’s attention head-on.

“Seneschal Varelian.”

His crimson eyes widen. At this distance, his gaze is a silent, cutting thing… but interest and anticipation both flicker across his features at my approach. He is impressed.

“Crown Scion Matthews.” His voice is loud and resonant for all to hear. “It is an honor to be in your presence.”

Then, without warning, Erebus Varelian, the most powerful Merlin in the world, drops to one knee to bow before me.

3

THE MAGEGUARD FOLLOW suit, one at a time, until they have all kneeled to me. The ends of their robes lay over the dirt, covering the earth in black and shimmering silver.

To my left, William glances at the kneeling sorcerers, then back to me. Right. Now is the time to use the protocol I’ve studied. I clear my throat. “Rise, Mage Seneschal Varelian of the High Council and noble members of the Round Table Mageguard.”

Erebus and the Merlins rise gracefully to their feet to stand at parade rest.

Erebus holds my gaze without blinking, and I realize he’s waiting for me to direct the remainder of the conversation.

“I…” Protocol, protocol, come on, Bree. Start with formalities. “Welcome to the Southern Chapter, Seneschal of Shadows. Has your Regent accompanied you? I should like to meet her.”

Erebus smiles, expression nearing something fond. “Regent Cestra, as commander of the military, is with the other members of the Guard. She will be in attendance at tomorrow’s ceremony. As will the other two Regents and their Seneschals.”

Panic hits the back of my throat. All three Regents and their Seneschals at the memorial. The full Council of six, nearly upon us. I am more grateful than ever that I warned the Rootcrafters on campus.

Sel is displeased, and does not hide it. “We expected additional Merlins to join prior to the ceremony. We did not expect the Council, or the Mageguard.”

Erebus raises his chin. “The Mageguard clear every location in advance of the Council’s arrival. Advance notice gives our enemies time to plan against us.”

Sudden irritation flares within me. “Are we your enemies, then? Is that why we were not given notice that you would be attending tomorrow’s memorial?” Sel’s eyes cut to mine, brows lifted.

Erebus blinks. “N-no, my liege. Of course not.” His mouth opens, but closes again, like he wishes to reconsider his next sentence before releasing it.