Skies, he’d better come home. My mother loves him like her own son. And me? It’s Ox who makes me feel the most alive, the most free … but Callen is steady. He has always been there for me. I would have no idea what to do if he died.

I’m too caught up in my own thoughts to realize that Shirene’s called the next name. His silhouette is contrasted by the sun, sending his shadow so far that it almost touches my feet. Cheers of support rise at his name. Ox.

“No,” I whisper. “Not all of you.”

“They’ll be okay,” Vera says quietly. “They’ll be fine.”

I swallow, trying in vain to believe she’s right. Going into the humans’ lands is dangerous enough as a lion. Magic wanes as you go farther inland. It’s why most of the battles between Leonodai and the humans happen at sea or near the Cliffs. Fighting in your human form has spelled death for Leonodai since the humans created guns.

Shirene adds Exin as the final member of their team, then closes the scroll. “Remaining warriors and warriors-elect, you are dismissed. Remember, the king compels you to remain quiet. The city knows you were called, but you are not to give the specifics of your fellow warriors’ mission. The city’s healers and teachers have been made aware so they can help in containing the disease, but no other citizens need know. An urgent need calls warriors to Balmora. That is all.”

Teachers, I think, drawing a small sense of reassurance from that knowledge. At least my mother will know, then. At least I’ll have someone to talk through this news with.

I list their names in my head again and again. Seth, patient and commanding. Exin, eager and battle-ready. Callen, careful in a fight and my oldest friend. Ox, with his arrows and wit.

They are going. And I am not.

The rest of us are dismissed, and some Leonodai not on team fly out right away, eager to reach loved ones and check if they’re all right. Turning, I seek out Bel and head over to him.

“Hey,” I say. “I’m with you. Let’s go ask if we can take the oath early. All we need is the king to speak the words.” I don’t need the songs and pageantry, though a part of me aches at the idea of going without them.

“The teams have been named,” he replies sullenly. “Look, I know. But we can be useful here. Keeping the citizens calm while still being ready to go if asked is as honorable as being put on a team.”

My shoulders drop. “You really think so?”