The dream lingered in the back of my mind as I donned the emerald gown Luciana had crafted for me. The soft royal blue fabric was cinched at the waist with turquoise embroidery. It fit perfectly, the kind of tailoring only Luciana could do. I tied my hair back into a ponytail, letting the wavy curls fall down my back and over my shoulder. It wasn’t elaborate, but it kept my hair out of my face, and that was enough. Mouriana was unnervingly silent, and I couldn’t decide whether to be relieved or suspicious.

I stepped out of my chambers, finding Marcus and Edward waiting with four additional sentinels, all standing at attention.

“We’re moving,” I said briskly, not slowing my stride or bothering with unnecessary pleasantries. They fell in behind me without a word, their boots clicking against the polished stone floors as we made our way to the main hall.

The house was a hive of activity as we passed the central hall, where Luciana and Julia were directing staff in preparation for the Witch’s Supper. The transformation from the mating ceremony’s decoration to the arcane elegance required for the witches was astonishing. The hall looked beautiful in green and gold colours. There were enchanted sconces that made the light flicker and shine on the fine designs on the walls.

Luciana, her silver hair pinned up delicately, glanced up from a row of charmed centrepieces she was arranging. Julia was busy with the placement of a banner inscribed with an antique invocation from the fire Oriental house.

“Your Grace,” they said in unison, curtsying in perfect sync. The rest of the staff froze momentarily before following suit, bowing their heads in deference.

I waved a hand, smiling faintly. “You’re doing great. Carry on.”

Luciana nodded, her silver eyes gleaming with pride and focus. “We’ll be done in the next hour.”

I caught the gaze of one of the newer attendees, an elf with dazzling features that stood out even in the vibrant setting. Her long, iridescent hair looked so pretty under the enchanted lights, and she had Luciana’s serious eyes. “You there,” I called, motioning for her to step forward. “You’re with me.”

Her hesitation was brief, and then she fell into step with the sentinels.

By the time we reached the carriages waiting outside, the cool breeze and open air had worked some of the fatigue from my mind. With a hungriness, I inhaled a lungful.

Marcus approached as I stopped near the lead carriage. While he kept his tone formal, his bright hazel eyes betrayed his curiosity. “Your Grace, where are we headed?”

Turning to face him, I squared my shoulders. “Capitol Hill,” I said. “Prepare the carriages. We leave immediately.”

Without waiting for a response, I climbed into the lead carriage, and the new elf hopped in beside me. The sentinels closed ranks, taking their positions as the convoy prepared to depart.

“What’s your name?” I asked her, settling into the plush seat and trying to shake Mouriana’s unsettling quiet. It was weird not hearing her constant nagging, even though I appreciated the quiet.

“Rynel, Your Grace,” she replied. Her bright eyes met mine briefly before lowering in a show of respect.

“Rynel.” I nodded, committing the name to memory. “You’re new to my service. What’s your speciality?”

“I was trained as a scribe and translator in the Fae district,” she said. “Though, I’ve also served as a mediator between houses.”

“A translator,” I mused. “That could be useful.”

Her lips curled into a smile. “I hope to prove my worth, Your Grace.”

The carriage hit a slight bump, and I shifted my gaze to the window. I leaned back, watching as the estate slowly disappeared behind us, the path ahead winding out of the island. I felt Mouriana stirring in my mind.

Ah, a new servant. Mouriana’s voice slithered into my thoughts, finally breaking her silence. Give me a look at her.

I let out a slow breath, then closed my eyes. I was wondering when you’d speak up again. Did you enjoy your little nap?

She scoffed. It wasn’t as restful as it could have been. You didn’t rest long enough for me to rest. Do you even know what you’re walking into?

I don’t, I replied sharply.

I could feel her smirk, her satisfaction creeping through my mind. How delightfully dull.

I crossed my legs and stared out the window, focusing on the landscape instead of her grating voice. It was my fault for wanting her to speak. The Irving island was about half an hour away from Capitol Hill. If I didn’t amp up the magic propelling our carriages, we wouldn’t get there as quickly as I wanted.

But why did Mouriana want us to go there so fast? She’d said Devon needed me, but she wasn’t specific about why.

Hey, Mouriana, I prodded after a long pause. Tell me what we’re walking into.

She snickered, a low, melodious sound that made my fingers twitch. If you must know, the dark veil cult you’re after plans on killing your parents and mate at sundown.

I sat up straight, gripping the edge of the seat like that would somehow ground me. What did you just say?

She said it casually, like she was talking about the weather. You heard me. It’s quite the ambitious plan. They’ve been plotting it for several seasons now and only escalated their timeline after your selection and union with the Lycan. Oh, don’t look so surprised. You didn’t think they’d leave two of their most powerful foes to continue opposing them, did you?

A knot of fear tightened in my stomach. And you’re just telling me this now? Why didn’t you mention it earlier?

I wasn’t sure they’d move forward until this morning, she said lightly. And you were busy negotiating our contract. Now that I have your attention, shall we do something about it? Or would you prefer to let fate take its course?

My jaw clenched as I forced myself to breathe. What do we need to do?

Ah, there’s the fire I was hoping for, Mouriana purred. First, we need to get you to Capitol Hill before sundown. And second we will nullify the veil, then really have fun.

“I’ve got to speed up the carriages,” I said.

Rynel glanced at me, her brows knitting together in confusion at my abrupt statement. “Your Grace?”

“We need to reach Capitol Hill before sundown,” I said again. “And at this pace, we won’t make it.”

As the carriage bumped along the uneven path, I felt impatience rising inside me.

How do I do this? I thought, hoping she’d guide me.

Did you forget you’re a witch? A simple enchantment will suffice. Surely you can handle propelling these little wagons faster, can’t you?

You’re insufferable. I shot back but took a deep breath to centre myself. My power pulsed to life, humming with a different strength that I suspected had something to do with the bond with Mouriana. I let it build, focusing on the connection between myself and the three carriages.

Even though it was deep in the earth, the water below the wheels of our convoy called to me. My heart pounded to the rhythm of its flow, like a distant drumbeat. Closing my eyes, I reached for it, imagining it surging up, wrapping around the axles, pushing the carriages forward like a swift current.

“Your Grace?” Rynel’s voice sounded agitated. I opened my eyes to see her staring as a faint blue glow surrounded my hands. My magic was spilling into the carriage.

With just a thought, the carriages lurched forward, their speed increasing gradually but noticeably. The jostling smoothed out like the path had been polished, and we were gliding higher and faster.

“That should do it,” I said, exhaling as I released the flow of magic, but it still remained at my fingertips.

Rynel’s wide eyes softened with admiration. “I’ve never seen enchantments applied so effortlessly.”

I nodded, but my mind was elsewhere. I felt the pressure of reaching Capitol Hill growing by the minute.

Not bad for a fledgling. Mouriana chimed in. You’re finally starting to realize what you’re capable of. Imagine what we could do if you stopped holding back.

I ignored her and glanced out the small window at the side of the carriage. With the faster speed, the trees blurred past us. Although we were making good time, I couldn’t shake the gnawing stress in my chest.

I leaned forward, peering out the window. The distance between our vehicle and the one ahead was too much to shout over the rumble of wheels and wind. There was no way to relay instructions to Marcus without wasting precious time.

Use your gift, you moron. Mouriana’s voice purred in my mind. Your powers aren’t just for decoration.

I huffed softly, ignoring the jab as I closed my eyes. Focusing on the faint thread that connected me to Marcus, I concentrated. It pulsed gently, like the beat of a drum, enough to follow.

Marcus, I thought, projecting his name as I tested the link.

There was a brief pause before his voice returned, as if he were sitting beside me. Your Grace?

It worked. Relief swept through me, so did a surge of exhilaration I refused to show. Prepare the sentinels, I commanded. Once we arrive, I need you all ready to act immediately. No hesitation. Do you understand?

Understood, Your Grace. There was the faintest tinge of astonishment in his voice, no doubt wondering how I’d managed to mind link with him—a privilege he probably thought belonged exclusively to Devon.

The connection faded, and I opened my eyes to find Rynel watching me closely. Her sharp eyes and the slight furrow of her brows betrayed her curiosity. “Are you alright, Your Grace?” she asked.

I arched a brow. “What makes you ask?”

Rynel flexed her fingers on her lap as she fretted. “You’ve been staring out the window like a statue for the past minute.”

I sighed, leaning back against the plush seat. I didn’t owe her an explanation, so I said nothing.

Why not show her? Mouriana’s suggestion slithered through my thoughts. They’ll all need to fall in line eventually—Fae, Elf, and everything in between. That is why you sought me out, isn’t it?

I clenched my jaw and turned my attention back to Rynel. “Capitol Hill won’t be a simple visit. I need you to be ready for anything.”

Her posture straightened, and she opened her mouth to respond, but I didn’t wait. Reaching for the thread I could feel pulsing between us, I tested the connection, much like I had with Marcus. To my surprise, it was easier this time.

Rynel, can you hear me? I thought, focusing on the connection.

Her gasp was soft but audible, and her wide eyes snapped to mine in surprise. Your Grace”? Is this you?

It is, I replied calmly. We don’t have time for doubts or hesitations. If there’s trouble ahead, I need to know I can rely on you.

Her shock faded quickly, replaced by a willful glint in her eyes. You can. What are your orders, Your Grace?

“Stay sharp,” I said aloud, breaking the connection as smoothly as I’d formed it. “And don’t let your guard down.”

Turning back to the window, I watched the trees blur into streaks of green as the carriages sped forward. Capitol Hill came into view in the distance, its towering spires framed by the ominous sky.

It’s almost time, Celeste, Mouriana murmured in the quiet of my mind. Are you ready?

I didn’t answer, but my fingers curled tightly into the fabric of my gown as the first outlines of the council fortress came into view.