“Why here?” He scrubbed his face with his hands. “I know you suggested it but why? Why such a big city?”

“Because your Coven Leaders placed a curfew on their civilians. No one is to be out after sunset. But I do not yet want her realizing this. So I suggested this very populated, major metropolitan city in hopes that she would get distracted by the plethora of humans and therefore let the arcana go.” I glanced around and sighed. “Also, in times like this, arcana are going to be naturally wary of public places.”

“That’s a brutal bet to make, my friend,” he said softly, his eyes closed.

“Story of my entire life, my friend.” I smiled at the ease in which he’d referred to me as my friend. I didn’t have many of those, especially in fellow immortals. I was growing attached to having Braison at my side. It was a dangerous emotion but I wasn’t fighting it. “Let us pray most of your kind are heeding the warnings.”

“They’re not my kind anymore⁠—”

“Really? Is there not magic in your veins?”

His face fell. He licked his lips and nodded, his gaze locked on his palms. “Yes, but⁠—”

“The amount of time you’re capable of living does not dictate what you are.” I reached out and squeezed his shoulder, bringing his eyes back to mine. “If you do not believe me, then remind yourself of who my mother is and what I’ve spent my whole life doing.”

A slow smirk pulled at his lips. But then his eyes narrowed on me. “Speaking of, you left . . . You were here and then you left suddenly. Don’t lie to me —and don’t omit either.”

“They’re fine.” I gave him a reassuring smile. “The problem was addressed and handled. Your friends are all safe now. I promise.”

He sighed with relief. “I can’t take much more of this,” he whispered.

“Every hour grows with difficulty, I know.”

As if the universe was laughing in my face, the Unseelie Prince landed across the street. He didn’t look in our direction, my shadows kept us hidden, but I saw him. All of him, especially the bits. I’d had my suspicions over the centuries, but seeing them come to life in front of me sent a stream of panic through my veins. The Prince’s tan skin and yellow cat-eyes were a slap in the face. His hair looked black again, but I knew that was a result of being on Earth and not in Seelie.

“Wait a second . . .” Braison pointed to him, then turned to face me. “That weird armor—that’s the Prince?”

I nodded.

“What happened to him?”