“I am also going to make an unorthodox request of you,” Empress Aki said. “This war with the ryuu has taught me something very important. While we have much to learn from the old ways, fresh perspective is also invaluable. As such, I would like to ask if you, Fairy, would like to serve as one of my Imperial Taigas.”

Fairy gasped. Sora did, too. Becoming an Imperial Taiga was only for the best of the best, and it took a decade or more to even have a chance to be one of Empress Aki’s elite guards. But she was offering to let Fairy skip all that. Would she make the same offer to the rest of them? Sora could hardly believe it.

“I—I . . .” Fairy couldn’t get any words out, which further underscored what a shock this was. She usually had an answer for everything.

Empress Aki smiled kindly. “You can just nod to accept.”

Fairy nodded furiously, stars still in her eyes. She stood there, unmoving.

Bullfrog led her back to the line. Sora mouthed, Good gods! and Fairy clamped her hands over her mouth as though she was using everything she had not to squeal on stage in front of the entire Society.

“Please step forward, Broomstick,” Empress Aki said as Renegade, another Councilmember, brought forth a new black chest.

Broomstick lunged forward, more like an eager little boy in a sweets shop than an enormously grown one on the brink of official warriorhood. Some of the apprentices in the audience laughed. Broomstick either didn’t hear or didn’t care. He bounced on his toes while he bowed to receive his pendant and accepted a position as an Imperial Taiga.

Daemon was next. He was cool and collected as he received his warrior pendant, carrying himself with the dignity of a demigod.

“Wolf,” Empress Aki said, “I know you recently reunited with your celestial brethren and have obligations in Celestae in the autumn and winter. I would like to offer you a position in my Imperial Taigas during your months on earth, but I understand if you prefer not to spend your time in my service—”

“Your Majesty,” Daemon interrupted, and Sora was taken aback because he’d never been this bold before. She liked this new side of him. “I would be honored to serve as an Imperial Taiga,” he finished.

Empress Aki’s elegant composure faltered for a moment as she pursed her lips, not quite able to contain the excitement of having a demigod in her guards. “It is my honor to have you.”

Daemon smiled, then bowed again and returned to his place in line between Sora and Fairy.

It was almost Sora’s turn. Her heartbeat fluttered in her chest, like a dream knowing it was about to be released from its cage.

“And last, but certainly not least,” Empress Aki said, lifting the last pendant, “Spirit.”

Sora stepped forward. Her heart tried to burst through her ribs.