“Yvan,” Trystan breathes out as they fall into an emotional embrace while Or’myr and Wrenfir regard Yvan and me with expressions of vast surprise—the Black Witch and the Icaral of Prophecy before them, potentially the Realms’ most powerful beings, quite alive and reunited as staunch allies.

The glittering Elf detaches himself from the wall and strides toward me, his lips lifting in a bemused smile, a silver stylus neatly sheathed at his side.

“Black Witch,” he drawls, the words touched with an Alfsigr inflection. He extends his hand, his short nails painted with rainbow glitter. I take his hand. “Famed Destroyer of Realms,” he enthuses, gaze flickering over me. “And nicely hidden under Ra’Ven’s glamour at that. I’m Rivyr’el Talonir. The most dangerous and reviled of all the Alfsigr Elves. It’s always nice to meet a fellow pariah.”

“I think I have you bested in that,” I note.

He lets out a short laugh and gently pivots my hand, scrutinizing the green rune Sage marked on my palm. “How much longer?” he asks Sage, his bemused tone whisking away.

“An hour,” she answers. “Two at most.”

“Are you ready to go up against the entire Forest?” I challenge him.

He flashes me a sultry smile. “Oh, tief’lin, I’m always ready.” His eyes flick to Yvan, mischief in them. “I don’t know if the Realm is prepared for you two. They can barely handle an Alfsigr Elf in the Vu Trin.” He shoots me a knowing look. “Just wait till they find out how thoroughly you’re thumbing your noses at their precious Prophecy.”

A troubled flush heats my face as water erupts from the river near the cave’s far end. My heart quickens over the eddy of water magic suddenly rippling through the air. And before I can voice my surprise, three kelpies leap onto the ledge’s far side, Tierney Calix astride one of them, her deep-blue form clad in a sapphire Wyvernguard uniform.

Elation swells in my chest as Tierney grins broadly. “Elloren!” Voicing a stream of Asrai, she advances, her kelpies dissolving, her feet deftly meeting stone as she throws back both hands, whisking the water from her form as I rush to her.

I fall into her arms, only half noticing the dual auras of powerful magery flashing toward her.

Tierney draws back, gripping my upper arms as her magic circles around me, her lake-blue eyes bright with feeling. “I told you we’d meet again in the Noi lands.” Her mouth tilts into a teasing grin. “Of course, I didn’t imagine the bulk of the Vu Trin forces intent on slaying you.”

I huff out a beleaguered laugh. “It’s thrown a bit of a wrench into my settling in.”

“Yes, well, we’re here to throw our own wrench into the mix,” she saucily returns as Yvan comes up beside me.