Moira lay on her bedroll, nestled close to Kalian. Dawn couldn't be far off, she guessed. They'd been here for hours, moving from one side of the tent to the other. Moira couldn't help but smile at the memory, and a blush heated her face.

    It had seemed they were both starved for more than just each other. Kalian had claimed her on the table until she finished. She'd then pushed him onto the dusty floor, though he hadn't seemed to mind. He'd pulled her down until she was straddling him and told her exactly what he wanted her to do.

    She'd done it, but she'd made him beg first. He'd repaid her cruelty with excessive teasing until she felt ready to burst with frustration. Only then had he pulled her legs over his shoulders and given her what she wanted. First his tongue, then himself.

    They were both left thoroughly satisfied, and Moira was still hyper aware of the pleasant, though slightly sore, ache between her thighs. She hadn't bothered dressing yet, but Kalian had pulled his pants on before coming to bed. He was currently staring vacantly at a wall while toying with her hair.

    Moira pulled his free hand towards her and pressed a kiss to the scar on his wrist. "What are you thinking about?" She asked.

    "What we're going to do now."

    Her mouth quirked sideways. "I suppose that does need to be discussed."

    "Yeah." There wasn't a hint of a smile on his face.

    Moira swallowed hard. "You don't regret anything, do you?"

    Kalian's gaze met hers. He knit his brows, then cupped her cheek in his palm and pressed a soft kiss to her lips. "No, of course not." She breathed a small sigh of relief. "I just know you've mentioned that our relationship might complicate things."

    She gave a slow nod. "As long as I'm a Commander, it wouldn't be wise for us to have a public relationship."

    "But?"

    "I'm not sure how much longer my services will be required."

    "What do you mean?" Kalian pushed himself up on one elbow. "Is Dagen getting rid of you?"

    "He's getting rid of all of us, in a way."

    "What do you mean?"

    Moira sat up, combing her fingers through her curls. Kalian handed her his undershirt. She tugged it on and the thin fabric pooled at her hips. She crossed her legs, biting her lower lip, then began to explain. "At our meeting yesterday, he revealed his...grand scheme, so to speak."

    "For months, he's been having Ironblade units cross into the Faerie Lands through the mountains. They're hidden everywhere. Between Solis and Noctis, from the plains to the Vetiti..." Moira furrowed her brows, noticing the hint of terror that had crept into Kalian's eyes.

    She didn't question it though, and continued. "Every Ironblade unit is there. All except for his and ours. The units are waiting for Dagen's next orders, which he will deliver once we're back across the Strigas."

    "What will his orders be?" Kalian asked, even though she was certain he already knew the answer.

    "Attack." Moira looked at her feet, while Kalian's gaze bored holes through the side of her head. "He's going to wipe out all of Faeriekind."

    "Moira, you can't." Kalian reached for her, taking her hands in his own. "This is wrong and you know it. Tell me you know it. Please. Faeries have hurt you and your loved ones, yes, but genocide isn't the answer."

    Moira shook her head, unable to meet his gaze. "There's nothing I can do. We're leaving later today. I would've told you sooner, but..."

    "Tell me there's a way to stop this."

    "There isn't. Not unless we take down Dagen, and even then, the Ironblades won't disband. They'll just fall back and regroup at a later date." Kalian dropped her hands and scrubbed at his face, loosing a shaky breath. Moira touched his shoulder. "If you don't want to be a part of the fighting, I understand. You can stay with the medics. Defend them."

    Kalian shook his head, but didn't speak. Silence fell thick for several long moments. At last, Moira stood and changed into her own clothes. She sheathed her crystal and obsidian daggers at her thighs, watching Kalian all the while. He didn't move even an inch. She slipped her boots on and knelt beside him.

    Gently, Moira tilted his face towards hers. She smoothed hair from his brow and pressed a kiss to his lips. "We'll figure something out," she murmured. "I promise." Moira kissed him again, then rose.

    Kalian caught her hand and dragged her back down. She didn't have a chance to protest. He tucked a finger beneath her chin and kissed her deeply. He didn't let go until they were both breathless. Then, he touched his forehead to hers, briefly closing his eyes.

    "I love you," he whispered, so softly that she almost didn't hear him. "None of this is because of you. You... You deserve better."

    At last, he turned his face away. Moira touched her fingers to her lips, then rose and left the tent. Her thoughts spun with confusion, but she attempted to silence them. Dagen and Lir were waiting up ahead. She joined them and Dagen instantly began relaying orders for her to fulfill.

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    "This is bad," Kalian groaned, pacing back and forth across Samson's tent. The Scindo sat on a chair, his face hidden in his hands. "What are we going to do?"

    "My family is in Tower Dawn." Samson's voice was thick with fear. "Do you think they're in danger?"

    "Everyone in our lands is in danger." Kalian buried a hand in his hair and rested the other on his hip. "Fuck."

    "Maybe we can find a Witch and have her send a warning to both of our Kings and Queens."

    "There won't be a Witch here for miles around," Kalian pointed out. "The closest one would be in Levrune, I imagine, and that's three days away."

    "Shit," Samson grunted. "Maybe...no, that won't work."

    Kalian continued pacing, trying to ignore the dark feeling in the pit of his stomach. His thoughts dredged up a warning he'd long since forgotten. The warning the Tenebris had given him.

    "Be warned, Shadow of Death. The path before you is a dangerous one. A great sacrifice will be demanded. One you will have to pay. There will be no way to avoid it."

    The time to make his sacrifice was drawing close. It had to be. But what sacrifice could be demanded of him? The lives of his people? Or would he have to sacrifice something in order to deliver a warning to them? Slowly, understanding dawned on him. Kalian swallowed hard, facing Samson.

    "I could make it to Levrune by nightfall if I fly," he said. "The units will have left by then, but a Witch could send a warning to the Faeries before they're through the mountains."

    Samson shook his head immediately. "It's too dangerous. Who knows how many spies and scouts Dagen has over here? Someone will see you and there's no way you won't be recognized."

    "And we can't wait until nightfall," Kalian thought aloud. "It's a risk we'll have to take."

    "No, we can figure something else out."

    Kalian turned away, lifting a hand to his chin. "Does Bellamy know what you are?"

    "Yes? I told him the night we stayed in Selcouth."

    "How did he take it?"

    "Better than I expected. He still spent the night with me and many nights since then."

    "Would he accept what I am?"

    "I don't know," Samson admitted. "If I'm being honest, I think he only accepted my heritage because I'm half Human. You're a full blooded Faerie. He might look past it, but..."

    "But he might not," Kalian finished for him. "Then it's best if he doesn't know. Moira doesn't know either. If I'm caught, their reactions will help with their credibility."

    "What are you planning?"

    "I have to find a Witch. We don't have any other options."

    "Kalian..."

    "If something happens, tell Bellamy and Moira the truth about me. Make up an excuse for how you know. Don't reveal your own heritage to Moira unless you believe you can trust her with it."

    "Do you think I can?"

    Kalian hesitated, then nodded. "She's different than she was before. I think even she doesn't want to go through with Dagen's plan. If you tell her, I believe she'll accept it."

    Samson sighed, but inclined his head. "Are you sure you want to do this? No one will be able to help you if you're caught. They'll kill you."

    "I don't have a choice. I can't let our people be slaughtered. I knew the risks when I accepted this assignment. King Arius and Queen Iyan trust me to do what's necessary and to warn them so they can protect our people. I never failed King Torin. I won't fail them."

    "At least tell me you've taken care of your loose ends."

    Kalian narrowed his eyes. "The only one left is Dagen," he growled. "I plan to live long enough to take him down with me." He left the tent without another word, not giving his resolve a chance to falter.

    He had to at least try to contact a Witch. He couldn't let his people be massacred, and there was no one else he could trust to do this for him. As long as his King and Queen were warned, there was a chance the Faeries might survive the coming attack, even if he did not.

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    Moira's nerves were frayed to extinction as the day dragged on. Dagen's plans were quickly being enacted, but she couldn't hide from the feeling that he had to be stopped. Kalian was right. This was wrong. It was all wrong. But what could she do?

    Where is Kalian anyway? She wondered for the hundredth time. She hadn't seen him since leaving the tent that morning. It was well past midday now, and there was still no sign of Kalian. Not even Bellamy knew where he was. Moira crossed her arms with a nervous sigh.

    What if he decided to take a stand against all of this? She thought. Dagen would kill him. Her heart clenched in fear. Moira drew a steadying breath. No, he isn't dead. If something like that had happened, I would've been informed. Dagen and Malachi would make sure I knew what Kalian had done. Her fear grew the next moment. Malachi has been gone all day too.

    Where was he? Where was Kalian? What was going on? What was she going to do? How could she stop this? Moira clenched her jaw, scanning the people around her. There was no one she recognized, save for Lir and Dagen. Where was Kalian? Her dread continued to grow, and there was nothing she could do to staunch it.