“It’s too easy a story,” she whispers. “You would know what was in the letter, could easily have just spun this tale. There have been no other leaks in your absence.” Her features harden. “When you’re ready to tell the truth, send the guards for me. Until then, enjoy your cell.”

With that, she disappears, not even bothering to walk away.

Laurel

Iron is poisonous to fae. Without quick action, an iron wound can fester and make even the strongest fae very ill. Deep cuts or prolonged exposure will kill. It takes incredible amounts of aether to heal an iron wound. Healers treating those inflicted by iron should expect weeks of depleting their power stores to aid their patient.

A Practical Guide to Magical Healing

We’re in the greenhouse at Thorne’s request. He’s been experimenting with his light the last several weeks to see if it will influence the exotic plants here, exploring some hunch he’s yet to tell me about. As we walk around the room, he points out every plant in painstaking detail, not missing one tiny leaf that may have changed with his magic. As it turns out, the plants have thrived under his radiant tutelage. At least four that have never flowered before now display bright, unique blossoms, and even more have grown larger or brighter. It’s like they needed his power to fully mature.

When Thorne brought me in here, his eyes filled with pure joy, my heart—both of my hearts—had squeezed tightly. Despite the bone deep ache I’ve felt since the moment Carex informed me that Nemesia had been captured at the port in Echosa, Thorne somehow makes me smile. Since I’ve accepted the mating bond, my magic feels lighter, easier to carry. My aether-heart, the source of my magic, is soothed in a way I didn’t know was possible, a way I didn’t know I needed. I’m steady and grounded with Thorne by my side, despite everything closing in on me right now.

We still haven’t made any progress in finding the rebels after their disappearance from the throne room, nor have Silene and Fionn been able to contact them. It’s like the rebellion has completely disappeared from Thayaria. Not to mention, Nemesia’s reaction to the accusation that she was the mole isn’t sitting right with me. She looked utterly lost and confused in those cells, devastated when I accused her of being a traitor. Silene’s suggestion that the letter we found was intended for me but intercepted by the rebels has replayed in my mind at least a dozen times.