“We don’t need to prove it,” Han said. “Not under street rules, which seem to be what we’re using here.”

With that, Bird abruptly rose. “Hunts Alone. Briar Rose. I will support your marriage in any way I can.” She stalked out of the lodge, her back stiff with disapproval.

Han watched her go, then turned to Dancer. “How long have you known this?” he asked.

Dancer flipped a hand. “Not all that long. It wasn’t until I came back here and had time to do some reading that I figured it out.”

“Still.” Han shook his head. “You knew this and you’ve been carrying the amulet anyway? You should have destroyed it. You could have made a new one.”

“Why would I?” Dancer’s blue eyes glittered. “Elena Demonai is the best flashcrafter there is. This is a beautiful piece of work.” He ran his fingertips over the stone. “Of course, it was necessary for me to make a few modifications.”

“Are you saying that it no longer works as intended?” Elena asked.

“I’m saying that now it does work as intended,” Dancer said, with a faint smile.

“Father, Grandmother, that is despicable,” Raisa said, her cheeks smudged pink with anger. “I am so very disappointed in you.”

“Briar Rose,” Averill said, pleading in his voice. He extended his hands toward her. “We meant only to protect you. We have much more history with wizards than you do. We know what they are capable of.” He tilted his head toward Han. “This one is more dangerous than you know.”

“That’s just it,” Raisa said bitterly. “We are imprisoned by history, and so we repeat the mistakes of the past. If I make mistakes, they are going to be all my own.”

C H A P T E R  F I F T Y - E I G H T

TANGLE AND
A TWIST

Raisa and her party declined to remain at Marisa Pines Camp until Nightwalker returned. The atmosphere had been poisoned by the revelations about Demonai treachery and Averill’s and Elena’s continued and vocal opposition to the marriage. Raisa worried that they might yet make an attempt on Han’s life. His death was the one argument she could not counter.

Back in Fellsmarch, they proceeded with plans for a small wedding—suited to a country at war. Nothing like the extravaganza her parents had enjoyed.

Han wanted Dancer to announce the marriage to the Wizard Council, as representative of the queen.

Raisa argued the point. “When I confronted the Demonai, you came with me,” she said. “You and Dancer shouldn’t have to face the council alone.”

“You’ve already done the hard work,” Han said. “The majority supports us. If you come before the council, it will look as if you are asking permission, which you are not.”

“Are you tutoring me in politics, Alister?” Raisa tapped her foot.