I moved my hands in a new gesture Ashwood signaled to a nearby Stav Guard. In the next breath, the guard went through the unit, delivering orders for disembarking and making camp. The signal must’ve meant something about organizing the guard.

I blamed my craft, but there was something more, a pull toward Roark Ashwood that burned the words of his language into my mind. Like my own magic needed me to unravel anything about the man, and I could not help but want to learn the secrets he kept beneath his mask of cruelty.

“What if he’s merely flicking at a pest near his ear?” Kael closed his eyes and tilted his face toward the misty sun. “You might be memorizing nothing.”

I snorted a laugh. “Then I will learn it soon enough.”

“You really think a man like Roark Ashwood will be so careless with his words?”

“I think a man like him underestimates those of us who have been forced to hide to survive.”

“Lyra,” Kael began, voice low. “Don’t be foolish. Melder Fadey was constantly threatened by symbols and missives sent by commanders of the Dark Watch. The Draven army is known for spreading pieces of their victims across the Red Ravines. I don’t want them to even breathe your name. Perhaps you should not fight this so fiercely. You might come to need his protection.”

I picked at a few slivers in the damp laths. “How can you not see this as a betrayal? You’ve admired the Stav Guard—admired Ashwood—for seasons, now look what they’ve done to you.” When he didn’t answer, I pulled my knees against my chest and propped my elbows on the tops to press my fists into my brow. “How can you stand it?”

A muscle ticked in Kael’s jaw. “Because I am loyal to Jorvandal, but…I am also loyal to you.”

We were silent for a long moment before I whispered a question for which I was not certain I wanted an answer. “Why would Vella want me dead?”

“I don’t know, Ly. I never knew what Fadey’s role was at Stonegate to bring such hatred for melding craft.” With a wince, he pressed his hand to his side, and glanced over his shoulder before speaking. “For what she did, I do not mourn her death.”

Damn this man. I kissed his brow.

Kael coughed through a groan and pressed a palm against his bandaged ribs, then looked to the stars again. “I believe Vella was manipulated to fear you by the Dravens. They despise Prince Thane’s union with the princess of Myrda. And they despise that craft is strongest in Stonegate. King Damir has the power of melders and the support of the Myrdan king, and the Dravens want to take it all.”