The truth out, Nor and Darai sat in silence. After a time, she cleared her throat and spoke. “I will think on it.”

“My dear...” Darai sighed, shaking his head at her.

“No.” Nor glanced back at the flames, still low and dying out. It pained her greatly to even consider his plan. And yet the pain of having lost Zahn, the rift between her and Valen, forever to remain because of his hand in Zahn’s death...and his health, already declining, his obvious fate...

The choice was all too clear.

Still, she would not make it now. “I will give you an answer soon, Uncle. I promise.”

He nodded without words, as if he didn’t trust himself to contain his disappointment. Or perhaps he was lost in his own pain over the choice they would have to make, as she was.

“There is still the matter of Arachnid to discuss,” he said, changing the subject. “The attack was great, the casualties many. We must make a move while you decide what to do about Valen’s fate. We have also had no word from Androma Racella. Of course, we cannot be sure she saw the announcement, but surely she has heard news of the attack. Perhaps we should consider sending a second message, from within these walls, to let Arachnid know you will not falter, and to let Androma know you will carry out your threat if she doesn’t comply.”

Nor nodded. “Did her crew survive the attack?”

“They did. Smart soldiers, able to defend themselves. I believe the Godstars protected them as well, knowing what the future holds.”

“Bring them to me,” Nor said. “We will send out another message. If she didn’t believe the last...this one, she won’t ignore.”

Darai inclined his head to her, then left Nor to her thoughts.

There was much to consider. But for now, she turned the flames of the fire back up to a full roar. Then she lay down, curling up beside the hearth, and allowed herself, finally, to drift off to sleep.

CHAPTER 24

VALEN

Memories were fickle things, for they often warped or revealed different sides of themselves with the passing of time.

Valen felt the reality of this, perhaps more keenly than he ever had, as he beheld the door leading to his sister Kalee’s old bedroom. He could almost hear her voice echoing in the room beyond; could almost see Kalee’s face, her eyes bright with life and laughter.

Nor had once looked at him like that, too. And now she might never do so again.