Genevieve is an air channeler, a powerful one at that, and she’s aerstepping me away. She kept this secret from me, allowing me to believe she had very little magic. We never discussed our magic, I realize. The last thing I see before I wink away is Silas slicing her throat, blood pouring down her slender frame, eyes unseeing.

Nemesia

The cells of the Thayarian palace are one of the strongest prisons in our world. Built atop an iron floor, even the water that seeps into the damp dungeon is laced with iron, the only substance known to nullify access to the aether. Most fae and other aether-made creatures cannot access the aether from within the cells, even without the iron cuffs typically placed on those kept there. Only the strongest fae can overcome its effects.

A Brief History of Modern Thayaria

Water drips from the ceiling in a torturous rhythm. The iron shackles around my wrists pinch my skin and rub blisters. The cell is dark and damp, and the cold seeps into my bones through the scrap of silk Mazus had required I wear to our dinner. Unfortunately, the magic nullifying effects down here mean the deep gash on my left shoulder isn’t healing, and I can barely move that arm with the way the cut makes it ache. I’ve never been a prisoner in these cells before—they’re horrific. When Laurel realizes what’s happened, several Royal Guards might lose their lives. I can’t say I’ll be upset by their deaths after they roughly seized me and brought me here after Genevieve aerstepped me to the port at Echosa.

Pain shoots in my chest at the thought of the sweet female I’d begun to care deeply for. Even though she betrayed me, in the end she lost her life trying to protect me. The way her usually vibrant face looked after Silas sliced her throat, those eyes completely hollow of the life I cherished, flashes across my mind. Deep breaths do little to ease the stab of grief, but I choke back my tears. I won’t cry, not down here, not until I’m out of here and know that Laurel is safe. Then I can lock myself in my family’s cabin far from here and grieve Genevieve the way she deserves.