“In light of the recent incidents that have resulted in incalculable losses, we, the High Council of Regents, decided to sequester Nicholas Davis for his own safety as the Scion of Arthur, and for the safety of the Round Table. He; his father, Lord Martin Davis; and Lord Davis’s Kingsmage, Isaac Sorenson, will remain in a safe and undisclosed location—”

“Someone must answer for these deaths!” Bonnie Cooper remains undeterred.

A voice calls out from the crowd, “Is it not the Kingsmage’s responsibility to guard this chapter from demon attacks?”

Another parent—Whitty’s, I think—shouts, “How can we trust Kane to protect the king during Camlann if he could not protect our boys?”

Russ’s father nods, visibly enraged. All of that pain, with anger just under the surface, bubbling up and out, seeking blame. The first tendrils of something like violence rise in the air around us.

“Steady.” Lark’s voice is calm, but he must feel it too, because he pulls both hands to his side, palms upturned. The ready position for calling aether.

Aldrich’s mouth turns down at the edges. “These questions, too, have an answer. A truth that we owe you as parents of the fallen.” Aldrich steps aside, waving Cestra to the podium. “I will let Regent Cestra, commander of our military and security forces, speak to your concerns.”

Cestra steps smoothly toward the podium, displacing Aldrich without a second glance. Her pale blue eyes roam the audience, and when she speaks, her voice is lower even than Aldrich’s rich tone.

“Someone the chapter trusted was opening local Gates purposefully in advance of the campus attack, and even during the events of the ogof y ddraig. Someone who has betrayed our Order.”

My eyes widen. The Regents exposing Lord Davis’s betrayal is something I’d never expect to happen here and now. Not during a funeral, not before the Rite. Not when they’ve just announced that he’s been sequestered with Nick—a lie in and of itself. My chest goes tight with shock—but what Cestra says next takes me right out of my body.

“We believe that traitor is Selwyn Kane.”

8

I’M ON MY feet before Lark can stop me.

At the podium, Cestra’s gaze narrows to two blue daggers aimed right at me, daring me to say a word.

“Under my command,” she continues icily, “Mage Seneschal Erebus and a select group of Mageguard attempted to bring Selwyn Kane in for interrogation early this morning. Regretfully, he chose not to go peacefully.”

More gasps from the crowd. Behind Cestra, shock ripples through the Legendborn. Onstage, Sar rises to her feet—before Tor yanks her back down. Greer looks like they might fall out of their chair. William’s eyes are round as saucers.