We spend the day and night helping clean up the wreckage. The city feels like it’s dangling on the edge of a knifepoint. Rumors are spreading, and some of them are closer to the truth than anyone would like. Not that Gabriel is trying to keep this knowledge from anyone, but it might also cause a mass panic, and that’s the last thing anyone needs.

The sun is rising on the following day when we all meet in the palace, occupying one of the large dining rooms where the cooks have been bringing in food on a regular rotation so the soldiers, healers, and anyone else on duty can stop in and grab something whenever they need.

Last night, I found a spare moment to catch up with Halo and Marici and revealed everything to them. They were as shocked as everyone else and only wished the best for me. I wish the best for them too and pray that if we come out the end of this, I will see them again.

Nadir and I now find ourselves in a quiet moment, sitting with Gabriel, Erevan, Tristan, and Mael. After the quake, the rebel leader appeared at the palace, and I watched from a distance as he sat in a serious conversation with Gabriel for a long time. When they were finished, Erevan remained here, helping deal with the aftermath.

Everyone is exhausted, and no one says much as we pick at our food and occasionally sip our drinks.

“We need to meet the other rulers in two days,” Nadir finally says, looking at Gabriel. “We sent the missives just before the quake.”

“We understand. Thank you for all of your help.”

I exchange a look with Nadir. I feel terrible about abandoning them right now.

“I’m sorry,” I say, but Gabriel waves me off. “If you really think this is a part of some bigger change in Ouranos, then you need to deal with it. This is only a minor thing compared to what might happen if it continues.”

I nod and take a sip of my water. It’s boiling hot in the room despite every window flung open to the breeze. The air is filled with smoke and ash, which does nothing but coat everything in a depressing layer of grey dust.

“The heat,” I say. “According to the Empyrium, that’s what happened to Aphelion last time.”

I look around the room, half expecting Zerra to be standing there, smirking at me. If she didn’t cause the quake, I’m still all too aware that she might strike again at any moment, which seems like a good reason to clear out of Aphelion as soon as possible. They’ve got enough on their hands.

“Can we talk about the ark?” I ask.

Gabriel shrugs his shoulders. “Tyr said you should have it. Who am I to argue with my . . . king?”

He keeps stumbling on that word.