“I want to know if there’s anything in Master’s notes that will help me save Likh, but even I know the chances of a cure are small. The only way I can think to lift her curse is to rid the world of magic like Druj and the Gorvekai wanted.” He clenched his fist. “It’s a selfish desire, I know. But if that’s what you want as well, then I’ll help you. I’ll forge whatever you need, whatever you want. Just please—” His voice cracked. “If you love Likh, then help me save her.”

The bezoars glittered in my hands, and my black, half-finished heartsglass pulsed in answer. “Do they ask for me?”

Khalad nodded. “Fox was—is—frantic. He’s in Yadosha searching for you. He’s being watched closely, but I don’t think the elders believe he’s in contact with you.”

He paused. “Do you—do you want me to tell Fox where you are?”

I shook my head. He would not believe me about the oracle or Altaecia. Not like this. “No. He will learn soon enough. Thank you for keeping my location a secret. You’ve placed yourself at great risk for me.”

“Do you mean to stay here forever, Tea?”

“On the contrary.” I lifted my hand and traced a rune in the air. The ground beneath us shuddered, and several of the ancient skeletons that slumbered nearby moved.

“Go to Daanoris, and see what help your Master’s notes reveal,” I said. “I have my own trials to complete.”

• • •

I knelt on falling snow before the entrance to Stranger’s Peak. Lord Agnarr of the Gorvekai stood before me. His face was wooden and expressionless, but I saw sympathy in his gaze. “You are Little Tears’s salvation, and ours,” he said. “You have passed our trials as no other asha has done before you. I will teach you the secrets of shadowglass, to unmake the magic of the world. Do you accept, Tea of the Embers?”

A new vision swam through my mind. I saw all seven daeva bowing to me, with Kalen, smiling and alive, my hand in his, while I stood surrounded by light. You were right, Lily, my heartsglass wept. A prince on my arm, surrounded by silver. You were right.

“Are you ready, love?” the Kalen of my vision asked again.

I stood, and darkness swirled. There was no darkrot in me, only purpose. “Always,” I said.

“Do you think to stay long, milord?” the lady asked me, smiling brightly.