Fain nods, then opens his eyes and meets my gaze, a melancholy look passing over his elegant features. My throat tightens as a million questions about my mother strain against my throat. Questions that will have to wait.

He releases my wand hand and looks to my cousin Or’myr. “Five tiers of elemental magic. Bound in a tight weave.” He gives me a significant look. “It seems the Forest has thrown everything it has at you, my dear.”

“We’ll need a series of resonance runes to free her,” Or’myr postulates.

I turn to my cousin. “What’s that?”

Or’myr’s gaze sharpens on me. “Runes that mirror every element involved in another magical system’s spell.”

“Almost like a translation,” Fain adds, rocking back on his heels, “from Forest Elemental Magic into Realmic Rune Magic.”

“First,” Or’myr explains, “we’ll need to assemble the resonance runes that match each portion of the Forest’s binding. Then we’ll have to create another series of runes to counter and strike down each one of those spell-segments.”

A raw anticipation tightens my gut. “So, you think you can break the Forest’s hold?”

Fain tilts his head as if cautiously equivocating. “The Forest seems...intent in this. It’s likely to fight back against our intrusion. But yes, I think we’ve got a shot at it.”

“You’re working with some of Noilaan’s most advanced magical researchers, Elloren.” Or’myr gives me a savvy smile. “I imagine we’re up to the task.”

Fain squints at Or’myr. “Once Sagellyn links the resonance runes, how long do you think it will take to throw the Forest off of her?” He absently gives my shoulder a light, comforting squeeze as he rises and takes a seat at the table beside me.

Or’myr gives a noncommittal shrug. “One day, perhaps? Maybe two?”

Fain sends me a sly, almost feline smile. “Sagellyn is particularly adept at resonance magic. And after she sets down spells to unbind your magic, we’ll connect our own tracking spell to your fastlines and locate your fastmate.”

My pulse quickens. “How long will it take to track him?” I press.

“Not long,” Or’myr answers. “A few hours, considering the distance. But given what you’re up against, you’ll need to travel west with an army. Not alone.”

I rake my fingers through my knotted gray hair, feeling claustrophobic. “I’m terrified for Lukas. Waiting to act...it’s torture.”

“Elloren,” Or’myr says gently. “No grievous harm is likely to come to him while Vogel is using him to locate you. If Vogel does harm him, he’ll weaken the tracking link.”

“I got a clear image of Lukas through the wraith bat’s rune.” I’m unable to keep the worried outrage from my tone. “His chest...it was covered with lash marks...”