“Relations between the kingdoms have been strained for the last two hundred years,” he began, “but there has always been an open route of communication and the cordial politicking expected from neighboring kingdoms. As was said, roughly two decades ago, this curse hit the border. At least, that’s the most we know of it. No one has been able to see us, nor hear our words in the common tongue. Whatever this perception spell is, it has a death grip on its people.”

Zaccai made a face but said no more.

Amaris allowed a small, appreciative sound as she considered his information. Finally, she responded with, “Well…that’s pretty shit if you ask me.”

Zaccai, who’d been swigging from his waterskin, almost choked.

Gadriel laughed, his teeth reflecting the light of the fire with his crooked grin. It was a genuinely amused smile. “Yes, I’d say it’s pretty shit.”

Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, Zaccai looked to her and said, “This is where you come in. We’ve never had someone south of the border who could intercede on our behalf. Gad and I have been talking about it for the last several days, ever since you saw us in the woods. We can’t get near anyone without having arrows or spears or torches and pitchforks—”

“Yes, I get it, the things for demons.” Amaris raised her hands in conclusion. “You want me to be the demon whisperer.”

“Well, that’s rather rude.” Gadriel arched a brow.

She shrugged. “Listen, I’m sure you’re both perfectly lovely. Most women love having their missions disrupted and their friends abandon them in the middle of the night because demons were stalking them. Thanks for the beseul, by the way. But however noble your spying cause for infiltration of these lands may be, you saw how my companions reacted. I love those men. I’ve trained with them for years. They are my family. We would die in battle together if the occasion called for it. And now I am a—what was the word?” She held up the slip of paper Ash had scrawled. She looked at the note as she read, “That’s right, a traitorous bastard.”

Gadriel began to move around one end of the campfire, unable to stay fully still. She didn’t seem to understand the weight of this exchange. “I sympathize with your position,” he said.

“Do you?” she asked, making no attempt to conceal her contempt. “Because I did not ask to be hunted for days by two winged assailants. I certainly didn’t request the company of anyone who would further alienate me. Look at me. I don’t exactly fit in. The reevers were the only family—”

“You’re a reever?” he asked. Zaccai’s face lit at the word.

She paused, feeling a protective flare for her family. She slowly answered in a cautious affirmative.