WHERE IS THE SUN SUMMONER?

Aleksander was trying to kill Ithaca. That had to be it. Because why else would he have removed his shirt during training, revealing a smooth and defined chest that was shining in the morning sun with a thin layer of sweat? Ithaca wanted to kill herself every time he adjusted her body to correct her form.

Okay, maybe she was being dramatic, but Saints, he was perfect and he fucking knew it.

But Ithaca was nothing if not spiteful, so she removed her own kefta, leaving her in a simple chest covering, exposing her own skin to him. She almost didn't hear the groan Aleksander let out when she sat the black kefta to the side. He decided then and there that the only thing better than seeing her in his color was seeing her out of it.

"Your movements are harsh and not thought out," he was saying, not that she was particularly paying attention. How could she when he'd come up behind her, his chest grazing her back. "If you take an extra moment, you can put more control behind them."

"An extra moment in battle is the difference between life and death," she argued.

He sighed as he always did when she argued with him. "Just try it. See if you can feel the increase in power."

She rolled her eyes as if he was wrong and then performed a similar move to when she'd killed the Drüskelle at the ambush. But rather than half-hazardly throw out her hands, she took a moment longer to concentrate on summoning the starlight. And fuck, if the tiny shards didn't fly all the way through the bark of a tree and out the other side rather than stopping halfway through as they usually did. She could already imagine using it on the enemy, and Kirigan could see the look in her eyes.

"Told you so," he murmured, lips brushing her ear.

She scoffed and rammed her elbow lightly into his stomach before moving away from him to grab some water. Then he beckoned her forward once more, requesting a fight — a non lethal one, meaning neither would be summoning. His excuse was that it was keeping his own combat skills fresh to go up against someone as skilled as she was.

"I want to ask you something," he said while dodging one of her punches. They always talked during their fights, using the excuse of learning not to get distracted. It certainly wasn't because they wanted to get to know each other better.

"Ask away, General," she said while jumping up, missing his ankle as he tried to kick her legs out from under her. Then she spun and landed a firm punch on his gut.

"Last night. I want to talk about what happened," he said before catching her oncoming punch and turning her in his arms, keeping her trapped to his chest.

Ithaca struggled against his grip, growing frustrated as always when she didn't have the upper hand in a fight. "Which part?"

"The Fold — fuck!" He swore as she knocked she head back against his face and got out of his hold. "How do you suggest going about that?"

"Weaponizing it?" she simplified before dodging a hit. Only to groan when he clipped the side of her ribs. "Simple really."

"Do tell," he huffed. He didn't think anything about it was simple.

"You make it stronger. Alina makes it weaker — she can keep it in check so it doesn't get out of hand. Imagine if you had an amplifier," she explained while performing a series of moves that made him almost dizzy. Before he knew it, he was on his back with her hovering over him, a cold, glowing piece of starlight in her hand and at his neck. "Maybe you could control it — move it. And you'd have me and Alina to keep the Volcra away. Zlatan wouldn't be a problem if you could shove him right inside the Fold. Neither would the Drüskelle."

Aleksander tapped the grass, letting her know he was giving in to the fight. So, she caught her breath and sat back on the ground while he sat up, staring at her with wide eyes. Never in his countless years alive had he met someone who thought so similarly to him.

"Look, I know I'm not supposed to talk like this," she said, thinking his look meant he was appalled with her. "The Fold is... bad. But I think in terms of war. I can't help it. And that's the greatest weapon Ravka has — not the First or Second army. Not even you and Alina. The Fold. I know it's ruined lives but I'm not as keen as some to get rid of it."

Silence fell over them, and thinking that she'd gone and ruined a good thing, Ithaca's eyes watered. She'd learned early on to keep her mouth closed when it came to certain things, and she'd just shared her darkest idea with a man that could have her killed for thinking such things.

Suddenly, she felt lips upon hers in a rushed kiss. And though she was thrown by his behavior, Ithaca pulled Aleksander closer, kissing him deeply. She whimpered when he harshly bit her bottom lip and then nearly scolded herself internally for making such a sound.

Aleksander slowly pushed her onto her back, sliding his body between her parted legs. She was breathless in seconds, overwhelmed between his heated lips and warm hands that were sliding down her bare sides, fingertips brushing the band of her leggings.

She writhed against him as he began kissing along her neck, leaving biting and bruising kisses. Then she lifted her hips off the ground, meeting his own, and he groaned lowly against her skin from the contact. He pushed into her hips, and she moaned at the feeling of a hardening cock pressed against her thigh.

Gathering as much strength as she could muster — which wasn't much — she did her hands between them, feeling his firm pecs before pushing back slightly. Aleksander pulled back in an instant, his lips swollen and red and so perfect, making it hard not to pull him into another kiss.

"We should probably talk about that part of last night too," she whispered.

"As I've said," he said gently, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear, still hovering over her. "I believe I made my intentions quite clear."

She hummed and leaned into his touch when he cupped her cheek. "Maybe you couldn't make them a bit clearer then."

"Call me desperate, but I could see myself spending the rest of my life with you at my side," he said, adoration swimming in his dark eyes. "Everything about you calls out to me. Ithaca, you are beautiful and strong and magnificent — everything I could ever imagine for myself. I want you to be mine."

And when Ithaca's cheeks heated up, he considered that a greater success than any battle he'd ever won.

Never one to handle feelings well, Ithaca shyly looked to the side. "You're alright."

Aleksander scoffed playfully. "Just alright?"

In an instant, before he could even process it, she had flipped their position, getting him on his back. And his heart raced as she pinned his hands above his head and leaned down, her lips grazing his jaw.

"I think that you are commanding," she began, placing a soft kiss to his skin. "And powerful. And so damn handsome." He closed his eyes as she began sucking on his neck with the intent of leaving a mark. One that she wouldn't let a healer get rid of if she could help it.

Then she ground her hips against his, rocking against him slowly while releasing his wrists. He let out a breathy moan while digging his fingers into her hips hard enough to leave bruises in the shape of his lean fingers.

"If I'm yours," she said, pulling back and admiring her work. Not even the high collar of his kefta could hide it. "Then you're mine."

He cupped her face firmly, drawing her closer. "Agreed, Little Star."

☆︎

Ithaca wasn't really listening to Marie tell some story about a boy she liked. As she could think about was her morning spent with Kirigan. Their morning spent rolling around in the grass had been interrupted by Fedyor, who bashfully had an update about a missing Heartrender. Aleksander parted from Ithaca, placing a warm kiss to her forehead before doing so.

Now, Nadia and Marie were trying to help get the Sun and Starlight Summoners ready for the upcoming Winter Fete where they'd display their powers to dignitaries from all over.

"I panicked. Nobody's ever asked to spend time with me before," Marie was saying as Nadia put shimmering gold eyeshadow on Ithaca's eyelids — didn't she know that gold was Alina's color and hers was silver?

"So you set him on fire?" Alina laughed.

"It was an accident," she insisted.

"The Squallers had to launch him right into the lake," Nadia laughed.

"So, set ablaze, then nearly drowned. You've made quite a first impression," Ithaca joked. "What'd the poor boy do to you?"

Marie just groaned. "Well, we can't all have hot and heavy training sessions to help us get closer."

Alina was the one to notice Ithaca blush but kept her mouth shut, knowing she wouldn't want to talk about Kirigan with the other two in the room. Thankfully, Genya soon entered, saving them from the girls' disastrous attempts at fixing their makeup.

"They need you for the kefta," Genya told Maria, whose eyes went wide with horror.

"No, I'm so late. Nadia, come on," she said before scurrying out of the room.

For Alina's protection, Marie would be parading around a double after Genya changed her features. Ithaca was pleased with the plan, as she wouldn't ever risk something happening to Alina with so many powerful people around her.

"Thank all Saints I got here in time," Genya said, eying the girls who both had messy hair and poorly done makeup. With a wave of her hand, she undid it all.

"I think they tried their best, actually," Alina said, laughing.

"That's a terrifying thought," she muttered. "Still nothing from Mal."

Alina frowned and looked down at her hand — she'd had Genya erase her scar from their childhood. "You don't have to update me anymore. I'm sure you've got enough on your plate."

Ithaca held back an annoyed huff. Because how dare Mal keep ignoring Alina. They were best friends. Saints, they were more than friends even if neither would admit it out loud. It made her furious over his lack of loyalty.

"You have no idea," Genya muttered. "The Queen, Her Royal Bossiness, Tatiana, has absolutely no regard for my need to sleep. She woke before dawn and demanded I touch up her face before the rest of her team arrived."

"I can accidentally blind her in the demonstration, if you like," Alina offered.

"You've been spending too much time with Ithaca," Genya said while chuckling. Then she pulled out a dead beetle, and Ithaca cringed and leaned back. No, she wasn't scared of bugs, but she wasn't fond of them either.

"What's that for?" Alina asked.

"Relax your eyebrows."

Ithaca watched curiously as a dark purple, almost black color of eyeshadow went onto Alina's eyelids. It was pretty but a bit too dramatic for her. And as she fixed her up, Genya kept talking.

"I don't mind, actually. It tends to shift the King's gaze in her direction. At least until nightfall."

Ithaca's frown deepened, knowing she needed to speak with Aleksander about that. But now wasn't the time for plotting with the Fete in a mere few hours.

"Let's just say the Fold is gone. What then?" Alina asked. "Ravka will be revived. The Second Army won't be as necessary. Grisha will have new opportunities. I've always wanted to travel the world. See the True Sea. Visit the library at the University of Ketterdam. Mal always talked about retiring to a farm. I never really liked farms. But perhaps a dacha in Balakirev."

"Assuming Saints get to retire," Genya said, a hint of amusement in her eyes.

"Right. Yeah, there's that," she mumbled. Then her eyes slid to Ithaca, a bit of mischief returning to them. "I know what Ithy will be doing once the Fold's gone."

"Looking for fights around every corner?" Ithaca guessed, laughing a little.

"No, you'll be settling down with our dear General," she teased, only to see the blush return, which excited her. "You're red. Did something happen? Please, tell me something happened."

Ithaca stubbornly looked away, which basically gave Alina her answer. "How do you feel about wearing black for the demonstration?"

"Jealous I'm in your color?" Alina asked, raising an eyebrow. "I'll be honest, I wish it was blue. But I understand the General's reasoning. Though I don't think my kefta's nearly as nice as yours is."

"She's right about that," Genya said, recalling how involved Kirigan had been in designing Ithaca's. When it came to Alina's he just told her to take care of it. "And Ithaca may be keeping her mouth shut tight, but a certain Heartrender saw quite a show in the woods this morning. Fedyor was as red as his kefta when telling me about it."

"He's such a gossip," Ithaca scoffed and Alina giggled. "Fine. We've... kissed a couple times."

That was all she could say, because how could she open up and explain the way he made her heart race. Explain that he'd already declared his desire to spend the rest of his life with her — and she didn't even know how long their lives actually were just yet.

But she did cave and add. "He makes me... happy." Which of course, made Alina squeal. Nothing ever made Ithaca happy.

"I like seeing you this way," Genya told her with a hesitant smile. "But... I want you to be careful."

"I always am, but of what in particular?" she asked, tilting her head. She respected Genya a lot and would take her warning seriously whatever it was.

"Powerful men."

Before Ithaca could inquire what she meant by that, there was a knock on the door. And when Alina told them to enter, a timid but handsome man in a purple kefta let himself inside. And instantly, Genya stood, subtly fixing her hair.

"Uh, this is David Kostyk. Expert resident Fabrikator," Genya explained, not taking her eyes off the man. "He created the blue light we use for crossing the Fold."

"Yeah, the general had me make these for your demonstration this evening," David told Alina, holding out a metal set of gloves to her.

"They're lovely," she said, taking them a bit awkwardly. "What do they do?"

"They'll make it easier to split one beam into two," he said, pointing his fingers in opposite directions as he explained. "Your show of power will determine who remains our ally. They'll help enhance your performance."

"Ingenious," Genya murmured, making Ithaca almost snicker.

With the glove on, Alina conjured a ball of sunlight and split it in two. Ithaca marveled as she always did at the warm light that was so different from her own. Once it was gone, Alina paused before removing the glove and trying again Ithaca watched proudly as she effortlessly split the beam again, not needing the glove. She knew how difficult it had been for her friend to learn control, so she was so happy for her.

"I think I'll be all right on my own," Alina said, handing the gloves back to David, who cleared his throat.

"Of course," he said before bowing and leaving.

"See you at the fete!" Genya called after him with a bit too much excitement. Which earned amused looks from Ithaca and Alina. "What?" she asked innocently.

"You never compliment anyone to their face," Alina said flatly. "You like him."

"Not a word," she muttered.

Alina chuckled as Ithaca leaned in, her lips brushing Genya's ear. "Ingenious."

☆︎

On the way to the room where Alina and Ithaca's special keftas were being kept, Genya was praising the outfits already. "Wait till you see these keftas. They're masterpieces. And now that I know how Ithaca spent her morning, it makes so much sense why General Kirigan was so invested in its creation. It's almost identical to his aside from the stitching."

"I can't wait to see Zoya's face when she sees you," Ithaca said with a smirk, knowing that all available Grisha had to come back for the Fete.

As they passed, Alina looked out the window and spotted all the stalls and entertainers that were crowded outside. Even Ithaca felt something stir inside of her, wishing to go outside and have fun for once. She blamed it on Aleksander, who was messing with her head.

"We have to go outside!" Alina gushed.

"No," Genya said firmly.

"Oh, come on, it's like Butter Week!" she said, and Ithaca nodded along. "In Keramzin, noblemen would drive around carts with all kinds of cheeses and breads. Then they'd open their estates, put on carnivals with traveling troupes. Orphans weren't allowed, but Mal, Ithy, and I used to sneak out."

"It's not safe. Somebody might recognize you," she warned.

"I can wear a scarf. Or a hat. Or two hats," she offered, making Ithaca giggle.

"Only the people in the palaces know who she is," Ithaca pointed out.

"Can't I have this one thing before everything changes?" Alina begged.

Genya sighed and glanced at the guards. "And what about them?"

"I'll take care of them," Ithaca said with a smirk.

☆︎

"When they wake, the General will have your head," Genya was saying as Ithaca and Alina pulled her to the center of the celebration outside. They'd left the two guards in a heap in a closet, the makings of a concussion lingering with them both.

The carnival of sorts was amazing with so many people and bright colors. Alina and Ithaca were wowed by everything, but Genya was on edge the entire time.

"Okay, that's enough. Let's go back," Genya pleaded, grabbing Alina's hand.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I present Alina Starkov!"

Ithaca stiffened, ready to attack, only to realize the man shouting was gesturing to a stage where dancers were gathered. There was a blonde woman who was clearly meant to be the Sun Summoner. She was surrounded by men in black cloaks to signify shadows as she danced around them.

"Well, this is awkward," Alina said over the dramatic music. "Should I tell them?"

When she stepped forward, both Genya and Ithaca pulled her back. Just because Ithaca was having fun didn't mean she was stupid.

"Alina, no!" Genya whispered. "Not everyone knows what you look like. If we get caught here—"

"Genya!" Fedyor snapped, storming up to them. Ithaca sighed. Usually, she was quite fond of the Heartrender, but he was interrupting a lot today. "What were you three thinking?

"It... it was my fault. I insisted," Alina stuttered, not used to seeing him angry.

Suddenly, he chuckled and shook his head, making it clear he wasn't that upset. "I'm sorry, I was just trying my Ivan impression. How did I do?"

"A little too convincing," Ithaca said, smirking. "You're getting good at it."

"Good," he grinned. "Intimidation is a useful tool. Now, let's hurry out of here because my better half might come looking."

Fedyor offered an arm to both Ithaca and Alina, leading them away. And Ithaca bumped into his shoulder playfully. "I'm sure you could sweet talk him into calming down."

☆

︎

While Genya was putting the finishing touches on Alina, Ithaca was waiting for her turn. And she decided to visit a certain General, whose door was cracked, letting her know it was okay to enter. Only to find that he wasn't in the war room.

Ithaca took a glance at the war table while tightening the robe around her form. She noticed that he hadn't returned the Fold to
it's initial place on the map, making her wonder if he was open to her idea — not that Alina ever would be, and she was necessary to the plan.

"Ivan!" Aleksander suddenly shouted from his attached bedroom. "My kefta!"

Smiling to herself, Ithaca grabbed his kefta, noting that it really did resemble the one she had for the night greatly, right down to the silver buckles on the front and sleeves. As she entered his room, he turned and raised a surprised by not disappointed eyebrow.

"You're not Ivan," he said with a small smile.

"Sorry to disappoint," she muttered. "Though I'd like to think I'm much more riveting company."

"Do I sense a little disdain for my Heartrender?" he teased. "You know, once you get to know him, he's actually quite funny."

"I bet you find volcra hilarious," she joked. Then she gestured to him with the jacket. "May I?"

He nodded and turned his back to her, letting her slide the kefta onto his form. "Thank you." Then he turned and faced her. "The king has requested a slightly less threatening display of power from you tonight before Alina's, if that's something you think you're capable of."

"Something like this?" she asked, waving her hands.

His eyes followed the shining light that she conjured, them flying around his head like a shooting star before hitting his back lightly, pushing him into her. He caught himself on her waist and smirked down at her.

"Don't start something you can't finish," he warned. "I won't have Genya in here yelling at me for defiling her masterpiece."

"You want to defile me, General?" she asked teasingly while gripping his waist.

Suddenly, her hair was pulled harshly, her head falling back and exposing her neck to him. But both his hands were still on her hips — he'd used his shadows to do so. Then he dipped down low and brushed his lips along the hollow of her neck.

"Very much so," he admitted lowly. Her eyes fell shut as he kissed her neck slowly before pulling away. "But we can't keep the King waiting."

"Then let me just kill him really quickly," she said, wrapping her arms around his neck. He raised a surprised eyebrow. "Or better yet, let Genya."

"You'd kill King Pyotr for her?" he questioned.

"For her. For you. For Alina. Because it's a Thursday," she joked. "I'm not particularly fond of him, General."

He hummed and cupped her cheek. "Why don't you call me by my name?"

"Because," she whispered, "it scares me how easily you can hear how much I want you when I say it."

He gripped her chin firmly and made her look at him, his eyes darkening. "Say it." Then he pressed her thumb to her bottom lip, patting her mouth as if to help her with the first syllable.

"Aleksander," she murmured. Then he leaned down to kiss her while pushing her up against the wall of his bedroom. She whined when he pinned her to it with his hips. She moaned against his lips, "Aleksander—"

"General." They were interrupted by Ivan, who was standing in the doorway with a less than thrilled look on his face.

Ithaca glared at the Heartrender as Kirigan back away, smoothing down his wrinkled kefta.

"You and your little boyfriend are on thin ice today."

☆︎

Ithaca looked good, even she had to admit it. Shimmering silver dusted her cheeks and eyelids, and the black and silver kefta fit her like a glove, far nicer than the one she wore every day. When she looked in a mirror, she didn't see Ithaca the Bloody, Blade of Ravka. She saw Ithaca, the Sankta of Starlight. And maybe it was Aleksander's influence, but she didn't hate the sight of it.

Alina was being kept with Genya in a nearby room, no one allowed to see her until it was time. But Ithaca was allowed to wander, not quite as important. Crowds still parted when she passed, everyone knowing who she was by her kefta color.

She ignored most everyone, eyes seeking out a familiar face. And she found Aleksander in the main room where several couples were dancing as the King and Queen watched, looking miserable as the Queen said something to him. But then his bored eyes fell on her across the room and softened.

He thought she looked more radiant than any star in the sky and found himself rudely walking away from the King and Queen, unable to help how he was drawn to her.

"You look... beautiful," Aleksander said as he reached her, not taking his eyes off her. "I thought you were waiting to enter with Alina?"

"Well, you looked like you needed saving — I did make a promise when we first met," she joked, earning a small smile from him.

"Care to dance with me, Miss Zaiste?" he asked formally, offering his arm.

Ithaca instantly shook her head, quite serious about her answer. "I'm a soldier, not a dancer."

He smirked and pulled her close anyway. "If you can survive the Fold and countless Drüskelle, you can survive a dance with me, Little Star."

She gave in — how could she not when he had a pleading look in his eyes. Ithaca let him lead her to the center of the dance floor, many of the couples stopping to watch as a new song began. The General had a reputation for standing along the wall at these sorts of things, so this was quite the sight — him with a smile on his face, leading the Starlight Summoner around the room by her hand.

"People are staring," she murmured as he began swaying lightly with her in his arms.

"Aren't you used to stares?"

"Because I'm covered in the blood of my enemies. Not because I'm dancing with a handsome General."

He cocked an eyebrow and smirked. "You think I'm handsome?"

"Get over yourself," she laughed before letting him spin her.

Then when she spun back into his chest, he kept his arms wrapped around her body, forgoing the traditional and more appropriate dance form. He just wanted to hold her close.

It was evident to all those that watched, Grisha or not, that Kirigan cared about Ithaca, something no one ever thought they'd see. The general had a reputation for being cold and calculating, and Ithaca's reputation was no better — it was worse, even. So to see them so wrapped up in each other was startling.

And the only thing that could break them apart was Alina, who was escorted in shortly by Palace guards and Genya, signaling that it was time to begin. People began whispering and standing on their toes, trying to get a glimpse of her before her display.

Alina looked nervous as she made a beeline right for Ithaca, avoiding all the prying eyes. Ithaca instantly forgot about her moment with Aleksander and instead focused on comforting her friend.

"You're going to do just fine, Lina."

"Yeah, but I have to follow after you. You're amazing," she mumbled with a sheepish smile.

Ithaca rolled her eyes playfully and kissed Alina's cheek before Kirigan parted them. He led Ithaca up to a small platform, and all eyes turned to them.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Aleksander said, not once taking his eyes off of Ithaca as he spoke. "She is what legends are made of. The Blade of Ravka, Ithaca Zaiste."

Shadows crawled up the walls, and while most everyone was unsettled, Ithaca felt at home in them, welcoming the feeling of comfort that the coldness brought. And while keeping her eyes on Aleksander, she called upon the starlight. Shimmering and glittering flecks crawled up the walls, surrounding them all, not banishing the shadows but joining with them, intertwining like the sky on a cloudless night.

It was easily the most breathtakingly beautiful thing in the room, and yet Ithaca and Aleksander couldn't take their eyes off each other to enjoy the work of cosmic art.

☆︎

"Alina was perfect," Ithaca gushed as Aleksander led her down the hallway. She'd noted mentally that they weren't nearing the reception hall. In fact, they were heading far away from it and toward his bedroom. But he'd gotten her a bouquet of white moonflowers — her favorite — and so she didn't care.

Alina had performed perfectly. So perfectly that people were already bowing and erecting altars to Sankta Alina, and that's all Ithaca could have hoped for her. She deserved the praise she was beginning to get after all the hardships she'd faced in life.

"You were perfect too," Aleksander said, his hand intertwined with hers while walking her into the war room.

"Maybe so," she said coyly. Then she looked around with a smile. "I don't recall this being part of the schedule."

"It isn't," he admitted with a smirk. "Perhaps you'd prefer to attend the dinner."

"Alina can manage."

He tilted his head and backed her up against the war table. "By herself?"

"She has Genya," she replied. "And a horde of followers ready to pray on their knees to her."

"You should be the one they're on their knees for," he said, cupping her cheek. "Erecting statues and praying at alters. Worshiping you."

She rolled her eyes playfully. "I think you're being a bit dramatic, General."

"I can assure you that I'm not," he said, his lips hovering over hers. "Or need I show you?"

Before she could stop him, Aleksander dropped to his knees before her, his hands on her hips. She blushed at the sight of him below her.

"Sankta Ithaca," he murmured, looking up at her. "My Little Star." Something inside of her stirred as he called her his. "Let me worship you."

Ithaca reached down, running her fingers gently through his dark hair. "Since you asked so nicely."

She hooked her finger underneath his jaw and pulled him up until he was on his feet once more and could reach her lips. He kissed her deeply, slowly at first while letting his hands explore he body. But after a moment, he grew impatient and ripped her kefta open, sending buttons flying.

The general lifted her up onto the table, making her giggle and giving him the perfect opportunity to slide his tongue into her mouth to deepen the kiss. She moaned into it as he stood between her parted legs.

Aleksander kissed like a man starved, exploring every inch of her jaw as he reached underneath her shirt, fingertips brushing her warm skin. She got lost in him so easily that it was almost embarrassing — though she was more focused on the way he rolled his tongue, imagining it other places, rather than her embarrassment.

Then he pulled away from her lips, and she whined, trying to chase after him. Only for him to latch onto her neck, sucking on the skin.

"Aleksand—"

A knock at the door interrupted them, and they both pulled away with frustrated laughs. Why did everyone seem so dead set on interrupting them all day? Didn't they know that the couple would rather be wrapped up in each other's arms?

Ithaca groaned in annoyance, and Aleksander just laughed, pressing his forehead to hers. "If you'll excuse me."

When the knocking continued, he sighed and pulled away from her. And because Ithaca was so nosy, she stepped after him, wanting to know what was so important — because if it was someone there to tell them they needed to go to the dinner, she'd hit them.

"What is it?" Aleksander asked harshly as he opened the door, revealing Ivan.

"Marie and Genya were attacked in the fitting room," he said quickly. "Alina was the target. We have a suspect in custody."

"Where is she?" Ithaca asked, growing tense.

"She's in her room. She opted to skip the dinner. Said she was tired."

Ithaca pushed past Kirigan and Ivan, not waiting to hear them deliberate what to do with the suspect — the General would likely want to lay eyes on him before checking on Alina. But she came first in Ithaca's mind.

She ran all the way to Alina's room, where two guards were stationed. Rather than ask them to move, she shoved them out of the way — and they let her because they knew who she was. Ithaca threw open the doors, her eyes scanning the room for Alina only to freeze when she didn't see her.

"Lina?" she called while running into the bathroom, only to find it empty. She swore and then went back out to the guards, glaring at them. "Where's Alina?"

The guards looked between each other warily, having thought she was in the room. And they only grew more nervous when Ithaca's hands began to glow with starlight.

"Where is the hell is the Sun Summoner?"