In the middle of fighting demons, ankle deep in blood, I realized I wasn’t alone. I hadn’t heard the elephants this time. I’d seen no arrows from Thaena’s troops.

And yet, Teraeth was fighting alongside me, destroying demons too, slicing knives across throats and slipping blades under armor with the most elegant precision. He gave me no sign but a nod, and then we both fell back to killing.

I wasn’t done crying. I sobbed even as I discarded the sword as inadequate to my rage and began using my bare hands to rip and maim and slaughter.

Even though I had always acted as though my strength was a curse, this time I reveled in the power denied me in the Living World. I let my savage delight show in every skull crushed in my bare hands or throat ripped out by curled fingers.

And finally, we were the only ones left.

“Janel…” He sheathed his knives, his eyes on me filled with concern as he rushed over to me. “What happened? I heard—”

I almost sat on a demon’s corpse, but chose a rock instead, knowing the body would fade in minutes. I took a deep, shuddering breath and wrestled my emotions under control.

“Teraeth, I’ve made a terrible mistake.”

He knelt next to me, touched my cheek as delicately as I had once touched his. “I’ll organize a rescue party. Mother told me what happened. It’s not worth staying there.”

“They gaeshed Qown.” I winced. “Relos Var gaeshed Qown.”

He bit his lip. As he did, I realized he had no idea who Qown was. I’d never mentioned the priest to him before. But even without knowing Qown’s identity, Teraeth must have understood my guilt.

“Okay,” he said. “My mother can help. We can pull you out.”

“No, No. I—” I took a deep breath. “I still have to find the spear. Who knows how many more people across Jorat are going to die until I do?”

His expression tightened. “Thaena said the spear may be able to kill a dragon. May. She doesn’t know for sure. It’s never been done. It’s not worth putting you in jeopardy.”

I almost felt flattered at the concern in his voice. Almost. Except for the healthy dose of “I know better than you do” condescension that also lurked there.

I wasn’t in the mood.

“No,” I repeated. “I refuse to retreat when I’ve come this far. I need to find a way to recover Qown’s gaesh and the spear, and in the meantime, I’m learning invaluable information. For example, they have in their possession a Cornerstone called the Name of All Things, which can be used to answer any question. If it has seemed like your enemies know too much, it’s not your imagination.”

Teraeth’s eyes widened. “What?”

“You see? Now you know something new. You’re welcome.”