“It’s the truth, and at this point, it’s the best motivator we have. We have a chance at surviving the lake. Remember, I have magic more powerful than what those who came before us had.”

“And what about the snow monster?” He set his bag down on the ice. “We haven’t seen it yet.”

Sora frowned as she picked up some of his waterproof bombs. “You’re right.”

“What should we do?”

She fastened the explosives to her belt with metal clips. “I’ll go in the water. You stay onshore.”

“No way! That’s not what I meant.”

Sora held out her hand to stop his protest. “Hear me out. Suppose the monster doesn’t show up until after we enter the water. What if it’s a trap and that’s how people end up drowning there?”

“Because the snow monster won’t let them onto shore . . . ,” Broomstick said.

“Exactly. And maybe it’s smarter to have you act as the sentry on the shore while I swim to the vault. That way, if the lake is as bad as the legend says it is, only I lose my mind. You’ll be our backup plan to find another way to get into that vault.”

“No. I should be the one to swim,” Broomstick said.

But Sora shook her head. “My ryuu magic is stronger than your taiga magic, though. And Daemon and I have connected before in a similar situation.”

“That was genka related.”

“I know, but still. It has to be me.”

Broomstick sighed. “I don’t like it.”

“I’m not arguing,” Sora said. “You know this is the way it has to be done. One of us has to keep watch onshore for that monster, if it’s real. And if I fail, you have to be here to give the kingdom a second chance.”

He clenched his teeth. But she was right and Broomstick knew it. He sighed and gave in. “I’ll keep watch over you from here; the water is clear, and I’ll be able to see you the whole way down. And I’ll make sure nothing disturbs you.”

“Thank you.” Sora tried to look fearless as she stood on the shore. But there was no way it was going to be as simple as reminding herself that the lake was enchanted. If it were that easy, more people would have survived to tell about it. That’s why she needed Daemon to keep her tied to reality.

She reached out to him through their gemina bond, and her fear filled their connection. It was like falling off a rock face without a belay.

It took only the space of half a heartbeat for Daemon to catch her.