Ranami closed her eyes, focusing on the touch of Phalue’s hand against her cheek, the leathery scent of her armor. When Phalue had finally come to understand, when she’d read all the books Ranami had asked her to, when she’d apologized and asked Ranami to marry her for the thousandth time – she hadn’t foreseen this outcome. She’d thought their struggles were over. She’d thought they would tackle Nephilanu’s problems as one and come out stronger for it.

Instead, they were being parted, the future and fate of Nephilanu in question. Phalue rose, as if to emphasize that point, picked up her sword, and sheathed it. “There. Ready.”

Ranami wanted to ask for one more night together, one more morning, one more afternoon. There was never enough time. But the guards were waiting, the ship was at the harbor, and an army was fast approaching Gaelung. They’d need to use most of their witstone stores to get there in time. She took in a deep breath, held it, then let it out slowly. Wan morning light from the window limned Phalue’s figure, catching in the scratches on her armor, highlighting her high cheekbones, her full lips, her fierce brows.

“You look ready to fight the constructs all on your own,” Ranami told her. She’d sent letters to other islands, stating Nephilanu’s intention to join the fray. Hopefully they would not be the only island to assist Gaelung.

Phalue tugged on the straps of her pouldrons and paused. “Could you look for Ayesh while I’m gone? See if you can find her? I shouldn’t have grabbed for her bag. Tell her I’m sorry? Tell her I’ll be back to finish training her.”

“I’ll look for her,” Ranami promised. “I’ll keep her safe, if she’ll let me.”

Some of the tension fled from Phalue’s shoulders, a weight lifted. “And find the spy while you’re at it?”

If it wasn’t Ayesh, then who was it? Ranami had been forming theories, but the only other person that made sense was one she couldn’t reveal to Phalue. Not until she knew for sure. “Should I add that to the list?” she said lightly.

Phalue touched a finger to her chin, considering. “Is there a cost associated with finding the spy?”

She couldn’t help the bitterness that crept into her voice. “According to Gio, there is always a cost.”

Phalue laughed. “Don’t let him get to you, even if he does have an army at his back. Old men always think they know better than everyone else, even when the world has long since changed around them.” She held out a hand and Ranami rose and took it.