“Well, that’s just it, sir. It’s only Alexei and two witches—Alyona and Fentis. He just walked up to the gate with them and asked for parley.”

Flanagan frowns. “Have our witches reported?”

“Yes, sir,” Seonu says. “They’re certain it’s clear for miles. No vamps anywhere. No other Glamours. No witches.”

Flanagan takes a long breath. He speaks to the young soldier I don’t recognize. “Tell Captain Nelson I want everyone on high alert, covering positions as though an army stands at the gate. Get the students into the basement. I’m coming up now.”

“Yes, sir.” The soldier gives a sharp nod in salute and leaves.

Flanagan wipes his beard with a hand and sighs. “I have to let him in. The Blackriver Treaty states that Fae-born must be allowed access to parley unless aggressive intent is shown.”

“That’s crazy,” I say, astounded. “You can’t just let him in. It’s obvious he’s up to something.” I ignore the excitement threatening to burst through my chest, every nerve ending singing with Alexei’s closeness, even as my stomach cramps with fear.

“Parley with him outside the gate,” Laasya offers.

Quinton shakes his head. “Under the treaty, Fae-born have the right to access with the company of two others. Alexei knows this. He has, of course, chosen his strongest witches.”

“Commander, it’s broad daylight,” Mason says, arms folded. “The vamps are weak. There are five witches in Blackriver, including the councilor, fifty trained Guardians, and you’re here. Even the prince has no chance against those odds. I say let the bastard in.”

“After his attack on the labs,” Seonu adds, “we have the right to incarcerate him, sir.”

“Not when he is here under parley, my dear,” Quinton corrects.

Seonu buries one of her scowls.

Flanagan stares at the ground, hands on hips. When he looks up, his eyes meet mine with an intensity that jolts me. “We’ll meet him on the front field. Councilor Quinton, you’re with me.”

Quinton side-eyes me, his forehead briefly scrunching. I can’t tell if his concern is for me or about me.

Flanagan grips the back of my neck and pulls me toward him. Without moving his eyes from mine, he speaks to Seonu. “Captain, take Michael to lockdown. Do not leave him at any point. Mason and Laasya, go with him.”

“Why am I going to lockdown?” I try to tug away from his hold, but his fingers tighten. The heat of his grip burns me like a brand.

“Michael, he will call you—to prove you are Anlu’kyr. To give him the proof he needs to attack Blackriver. Now that he’s woken your blood, his Call will be far stronger. Lockdown will help you.”

“I don’t need the cage. I’ll fight it.” But even as I say that, the fear knots tighter. The tingle of Alexei’s presence already tugs at my willpower.