The temperature in the Bane's camp was cooler than the temperature in Orynth, for which Nascha was grateful. She was sweating enough already without the additional heat of a lower altitude. Nascha wiped moisture from her brow and reformed her grip on her duel bladed swords.

    Aeron and Vaughan circled her, their weapons held at the ready. Aeron was brandishing a short sword while Vaughan bore two long daggers. Nascha had to admit that he was a powerful opponent. She'd always known that, of course. Every member of the Cadre was.

    Vaughan was sparring with her and Aeron for two reasons. One, Nascha's magic had hit another rough patch. She was struggling to keep it clamped down until it was safe for her to release it. Vaughan had been working with her long enough to recognize when she was about to breach her limits. He was there to make sure she left before that happened.

    The second reason was that Vaughan had fallen into a sullen, brooding mood over the past few days. Nascha couldn't convince him to open up about what might be bothering him, so instead, she invited him to spar with them and work through some of his emotions that way. Aeron had taken a little more convincing, when faced with the idea of sparring with the Fae warrior. Elgan had been the one to point out that Aeron might learn some useful tricks to give himself an advantage over the rest of the novice members of the Bane.

    Starlight swelled through her veins and Nascha swiftly grasped the magic, forcing it back down. More sweat broke out on her forehead. She clenched her jaw, drawing in steadying breaths. Vaughan stiffened, waving Aeron back. "Are you all right?" He asked.

    Nascha didn't answer right away. She waited until she'd caught her breath and the pressure in her body lessened. "I'm fine."

    "Are you sure?"

    Her magic was already spiking again. Nascha sheathed her swords. "I think I need to release my magic."

    Vaughan nodded, sheathing his daggers. Aeron rested his hand on Nascha's shoulder as she walked past. "I'm glad I don't have magic to worry about."

    "Lucky you," she laughed.

    "If Fenrys shows up, I'll let him know what's going on."

    Nascha gave him a short nod and shifted into her barn owl. Vaughan shifted into his osprey and quickly caught up with her. Nascha let herself glide on the air currents as she gripped the magic that was overflowing from her well of power. Vaughan had been teaching her how to control her magic while in her animal form. Now was as good a time as any to practice.

    Darkness swirled around Nascha as she released her power. Starlight shimmered within the inky black portion of her feathers. Nascha tumbled into a spin, leaving trails of darkness and starlight in her wake. Vaughan flew close, but not close enough to be hit by her magic.

    The male banked towards a clearing presently and Nascha followed him. She shifted into herself just before she reached the ground. Magic still fizzled at her fingertips. Vaughan sat on the trunk of a fallen tree while she crossed her legs beneath herself and continued releasing her magic.

    "Did everyone in your family have magic like yours?" Vaughan asked.

    "They had similar gifts, but they weren't exactly alike. Mother and I have strong healing abilities in addition to our usual sets of magic. Mother's magic was the most like mine. She could control darkness like I can. Zeno's magic reminds me of Rowan's. He could manipulate wind and starlight. Vandran's magic was the same as his, only, he possessed a drop of our father's power as well. My father's magic was fire."

    "What were their secondary forms?"

    "Father's was a fox. Mother's was also a barn owl. Vandran could shift into a great horned owl, and Zeno, a snowy owl."

    "If you and your mother have strong healing magic, why weren't you able to heal your leg better?" Vaughan tilted his head, his dark eyes shining with curiosity.

    "I had only just begun learning how to use my healing magic when Adarlan attacked. Zeno didn't know very much about it either, so my training came to a halt while we were on the run. I picked it up again when I reached the Southern Continent. I spent a few years living at the Torre Cesme, learning to use my magic, while freeing slaves in my spare time."

    "Were you there when Chaol Westfall arrived?"

    "I was, though I chose to keep out of sight when he was around. He was from Adarlan, and I was a Fae. I didn't trust anyone from Adarlan at the time."

    "I suppose I can understand that."

    "I noticed you've been sticking around Orynth more and taking part in a few Court affairs lately. Are you considering swearing the blood oath to Aelin?"

    Vaughan shook his head. "Aelin is a good person and a great Queen, but..." Nascha waited for him to continue. "But I don't think I'll ever let myself be bound to someone like that again. I've gained my freedom, and I don't want to lose it."

    "Fenrys said that serving Aelin is freedom to him."

    "Fenrys has always wanted to serve Aelin. I never wanted to serve anyone."

    "What did you want?"

    Vaughan stiffened. "What?"

    Nascha knit her brows. "I asked what was it you wanted, if you didn't want to serve someone?"

    Vaughan's lips twitched up. "No one has asked me that before, and I never expected you to be the first." Nascha rolled her eyes. "I suppose I wanted to be a scout. Maybe for an army, but not for a monarch directly. I wanted to travel the world and see all of its wonders." His smile faded. "And I did get to see the world, but I destroyed parts of it in the process."

    "You have a chance to right your wrongdoings now," Nascha pointed out. "You aren't bound to Maeve. You are free. You could still become a scout, or perhaps Aedion has a position in the Bane that you could fill."

    "We'll see," Vaughan answered. "Come on. If Fenrys was coming here today, he would've already arrived." He rose and shifted into his osprey. Nascha dispersed her magic and followed suit, relishing the breeze beneath her wings.

◦ ~ ❘ ☼ ❘ ~ ◦

    Fenrys stood beside Gavriel's tombstone, resting his hand on the polished marble. He had dreamed about the male the night before and was left with a sense of sorrow throughout the day. He'd accompanied Aelin and Rowan to a meeting with Rayan and Eliora's delegate, but hardly recalled what had been discussed. All he remembered was that no new agreements were reached.

    Boots crunched on the gravel path behind him. Fenrys recognized the weight in the steps, and knew the female approaching had wanted him to know she was there. Aelin could make her footsteps fall silently when she wanted to.

    "I think you visit him more than Aedion does," Aelin said.

    "Would it be wrong of me to say that I have more of a right to be here than Aedion?"

    "Yes and no."

    "That's unhelpful."

    Aelin came closer, placing her hand next to his on the tombstone. "Yes, because you knew Gavriel longer than Aedion did. You fought with him. You cared for him. You learned from him. He was like your father. Even Rowan and Lorcan have agreed that Gavriel cared for you and Connall very deeply."

    Fenrys closed his eyes as Aelin continued. "And no, because Aedion is his blood. He may not have known Gavriel for long, but he was still his son. Most people would say blood relatives always have more rights than others when it comes to the dead."

    Fenrys opened his eyes, shaking his head. "Part of me still can't forgive Aedion for how he treated Gavriel when they first met. I understand his confusion, but he should have asked why Gavriel left his mother. It was to protect her. He had no idea they'd had a son. I know he felt unimaginable guilt when he found out, because he hadn't been there to help raise Aedion."

    "I know. It's best not to dwell on it. What happened is in the past and can't be changed." Fenrys nodded slowly. "You should get some rest. You looked half asleep during our meeting today."

    "I'm sorry. I didn't sleep well last night."

    Aelin smirked, elbowing his side. "Are you enjoying the Lady of Arcelia's company?"

    Fenrys shook his head with a laugh. "No more than usual." After a moment, he sighed. "I've been having bad dreams again. They come and go in spurts."

    "I know."

    Fenrys glanced at her and recognized the weary look in her turquoise and gold eyes. He blinked four times. I am with you. Aelin blinked four times in response.

    "I should go. Vaughan will be bringing Nascha back to the cabin soon," he said, stepping away from the tombstone. Aelin nodded, but lingered beside the grave. Fenrys shifted into his wolf.

    He heard Aelin speak just as he bounded away. "They miss you, Uncle Kitty Cat. So do I."

    Fenrys delved into his magic and teleported when he was beyond the palace grounds. It wasn't long before he was standing just outside his cabin. Fenrys shifted into himself and entered. Vaughan was leaning against the kitchen counter. He jerked his head towards the hallway as Fenrys approached.

    "Keep an eye on her," the male said. "Her magic was more unpredictable than usual today. She released it before we came here, but I don't think it was enough."

    Fenrys inclined his head. "All right." Vaughan strode past him and left before he could say anything more. Fenrys entered the bedroom and grabbed a brush. He unbound his hair and swiftly combed the tangles out. The sound of running water came from the bathroom, accompanied by humming.

    Fenrys eyed the hole in the door and grimaced, recalling how he'd pulled the knob off. He opened a drawer in his dresser and grabbed the latch. He nudged the bathroom door open and knelt, quietly working to reattach the knob. Nascha pushed the curtain aside, poking her head out.

    "What are you doing?" She asked.

    "Reattaching the doorknob."

    "About time, but I thought you didn't want me to be able to lock you out of a room I'm in. You made such a fuss over it in Arcelia."

    "Don't tempt me to keep it." He flashed her a smirk. Nascha appeared unamused. "The bathroom in Arcelia had a window you could escape from. This bathroom doesn't. Besides, if I'm going to show that I trust you, giving you more privacy is a good way to do that, don't you think?"

    "Yes."

    Fenrys jiggled the latch, making sure it was secure. He rose and glanced at Nascha. She was still hidden behind the curtain, except for her head. He smiled, eyeing the foamy soap that clung to her crimson tresses. Nascha's hickory eyes narrowed as he came closer. He scooped up some of the soap on his fingers and blotted it onto Nascha's nose.

    She rolled her eyes, wiping it off. He leaned towards her and she stiffened. Fenrys let his nose brush against her neck as he drew in a deep breath. "Nutmeg," he murmured. Nascha swallowed. "You're so easily excited, Sweetheart. Is that normal, or is it because of me?"

    "You think too highly of yourself," Nascha scoffed.

    "It's because of me." She gave a disgusted huff and Fenrys swept his lips over her neck. He straightened and left, closing the door behind himself.

    By the time Nascha emerged from the bathroom, Fenrys was preparing for bed. She paused in the doorway as he tugged his clothes off. He glanced at her over his shoulder. Fenrys grinned, watching her gaze sweep over him. He raised his arms above his head and stretched. Nascha crossed her arms over her stomach.

    "Are you going to bed or do you have something else in mind for tonight?" Fenrys chuckled.

    "I hate you," Nascha grumbled.

    "The more you say it, the less I believe it."

    Nascha climbed into bed and rolled over so that her back would face him. Fenrys soon joined her. He only pulled one blanket over himself, knowing the night would be warm. Nascha was laying on top of the covers. Her breaths were already deep and even.

    Fenrys lay awake for a time, watching her. He could almost see the starlight flowing through her veins. Her skin was coated in that silvery dust that had given her one of her nicknames. Fenrys reached out and curled a lock of her hair around his finger. His eyes drifted shut and it wasn't long before sleep found him too.