I kept my hands clasped in front of my body, stopping in the center of the chamber. The space was wide and arched, filled with benches and high-backed chairs covered in soft furs. A chandelier made of antlers was overhead and held at least three dozen tall candles.

“I heard you know how to handle a blade. Apparently, you pulled one on my Sentry in Skalfirth.”

“I did not pull it on the Sentry, Your Grace. I pulled it on myself.”

Damir made a low grunt in his throat. “There won’t be any of that now, am I clear?”

I swallowed with a nod, but said nothing, made no promise.

“I want to speak with you about your duty as a melder without so many prying eyes. But you must understand, to meld brings risks, Lyra. It is the lot the silver scar delivers to those born with the curse. Ravagers of the assassin Skul Drek are often sent by the Draven court whenever a melder works.”

“How do they know, sire?”

“I suspect spies and traitors have something to do with it,” said Damir. “But when you meld at my request, I will see to it precautions are taken.”

“I melded today.” I stared down at my palms as though I might see the gold threads on my fingertips. “Will they retaliate?”

“Perhaps. They seem keener to prevent us from melding soul bones than binding bones. Souls bound to another bring more power, you see.”

Damir returned the horn to a table near the hearth and sat in one of the chairs. The king crossed one ankle over his knee, his gaze never leaving me. “Soul bones are offered to Stav Guard advancing in rank. That is your main purpose as my melder. So you can see why the Draven folk despise you, for you, Lyra Bien, are what makes my army stronger.”

Dread weighed heavy in my chest from the unshakable fear of my own craft, of being tossed into the mirrored land where the shadow and his glowing eyes would at last catch hold of me.

Damir took a slow drink. “Rank melding is a practice restored from the myths of the Wanderer by my father’s father.”

Heat prickled beneath the neckline of my gown. “The craft that destroyed the Wanderer’s kingdom?”

“Ah, you’ve been reading from the lore.” Damir’s lip twitched. “Many tales are meant to teach lessons. That version of the tale warns of greed, does it not, Lyra?”

I didn’t disagree, but I did not agree either. Tales were there for us to learn where caution ought to be taken in our lives.