“Hunts Alone and I intend to marry,” she said. “We hope for your blessing, but will proceed with or without it.”

Elena shot an accusing look at Han. “Granddaughter, this cannot happen,” she said. “You know this is impossible. The Nǽming forbids it.”

“A few weeks ago, you would have said it was impossible for wizards and clan to fight shoulder to shoulder,” Han said. “And yet it’s happened.”

Elena jabbed a finger in Han’s face. “Admit it. You’ve jinxed her, haven’t you?”

Raisa held up her hand, with Hanalea’s ring in place on her forefinger, Han’s ring next to it. “I still wear Hanalea’s talisman, the ring you gave me. I’m making this choice freely.”

“You are not free to make this choice!” Averill exploded. “Just when we are on the brink of victory, you mean to throw it all away by marrying this—this”—his expression delivered all sorts of possible finishes—“this one who carries the blood of the Demon King.”

“As do I,” Raisa said dryly. “As did my mother. Yet you’ve managed to ignore that when it suited you, Father.”

Averill turned furious eyes on Han. “No doubt you believe you are Waterlow’s heir, suited to reestablish the line of gifted kings. You already hold the Crimson Crown.”

“I don’t want to be king,” Han said. “As for the crown, you can melt it down and make flashcraft, as far as I’m concerned. I want your daughter—that’s all.”

“That’s too much to ask,” Averill growled. He took a deep breath, struggling to regain his trader face. He opened his mouth to speak, but Elena spoke first.

“I have a trade for you, jinxflinger,” she said. “Leave the Fells and go wherever pleases you, and never come back. Do this, and we will allow you to live.”

Averill studied Raisa, frowning, as if trying to gauge how long it would take for her to get over Han’s death.

Han sensed Dancer and Bird shifting a little to either side. Dancer slid his hand inside his tunic.

“I’m not going anywhere,” Han said, his voice low and deadly. “Think twice before you go toe-to-toe with me.”

“If anything happens to Han Alister, there will never be peace between us,” Raisa said. “We Gray Wolf queens have long memories.”

Averill exchanged glances with Elena, some secret message passing between them. Elena nodded.

Han didn’t like it.

“Very well, daughter,” Averill said, with a sigh. “If this is what you really and truly want, it seems we have no choice. But I beg you to reconsider before you take this step.”

This is too easy, Han thought, frowning.

Dancer spoke up suddenly. “Lightfoot. Elena Cennestre. I hope you are not thinking of using this against Hunts Alone.” He pulled the Lone Hunter amulet from under his shirt.