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The ceiling of the barroas a good thirty feet over our heads, while the walls enclosing us were granite on three sides The fourth side opened into a huge ravine, and fro A streah the bottom of the channel, but it was so deep and di but reined in s on the agenda

Chase had just been released froh we hadn’t quite decided on the ter to establish our relationship, ere deter the fact that he was alive

I glanced around the roo my sister yet, and I wasn’t entirely sure why There was just so that keptas I could before I let anybody pick it apart and dissect it

At that moment, a knock resounded from outside the barrow, and Sracefully as the Elfin Queen--Queen Asteria--entered She was followed by Trenyth, her assistant I noticed S outside, a look of surprise on his face He said nothing, however, just shut the door and followed them back to the table

After the round of introductions, everyone presented their news

Venus went first "Zachary will recover, but he’s out of the game for a while His plans to run for council Nerissa to run in his place I’ve ree to sponsor her, and they agree that it’s in our best interests to offer you whatever help the Puive you We’ve spoken to son the Supe Community Treaties Within aabout the troll incident with Ca attacked by the Rāksasa spurred them into action"

Ti for the database, and we’ll have an expansive phone tree printed out soon This will go to the elders of every tribe participating, as well as to individualthe different coood What about privacy?"

Tiree of privacy while still allowing us to reach everyone on the rolls within an hour, providing they’re near their phones But the only people ill have access to the entire organization’s files will be the council, once it’s elected, and Camille, Menolly, Delilah, and me"

Camille nodded and turned to Lindsey "What do you have for us?"

The newly pregnant--and thoroughly delighted--newcoave everyone a timid smile Lindsey had been so much help with Erin Mathews, and she was a well-known priestess a her into the fold She’d been terrified e told her about the de to help

"As you know, ans and psychics are a scattered lot and not taken too seriously, but I’ve ical orders that there are dangerous energies around, and that you’re trying to help deflect these We’re working together to seal areas of the city with protective runes It’s too early to tell, but we should keep an eye on the crime rates in those areas Several of the Fae you recothen our own ic Kind of scary, but we’re with you"

"Then it see our allies"

"Good Speaking of allies, we have much to discuss and little spare tio next," Queen Asteria said, "then I can return to Elqaneve beforeon the three Earthside Fae Queens "First, I have important news about the war in Y’Elestrial Tanaquar’s forces have breached the city, and she’s claimed the crown"

My sisters and I let out a cheer, but Queen Asteria held up her hand "Lethesanar is on the run, but she and her ar everyone in her path as she atte She decided to raze it rather than hand it over to her sister"

My stomach lurched, and Camille blanched Menolly stared at the Elfin Queen, her eyes dripping bloody tears Our ho, and now the city of our youth lay in ruins

Ca breath "At least Tanaquar has taken the city If she can destroy Lethesanar, then perhaps Y’Elestrial can be rebuilt"

Queen Asteria nodded "Yes, it’s very good news indeed Though there has been sotilory"

"Will Tanaquar help us out, when she gets the city back to order?" Menolly leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table "Or are we still on our own?"

Queen Asteria let out a long sigh "The death threat on your head has been rescinded, but the OIA will be a long ti Tanaquar made it quite clear she intends to overhaul the entire structure of the governravity of the situation, but she is as strong-willed as her sister Andthere’s so that may present a problem in the future"

She paused and looked over at Cas of Fate required, but the fact that you broke the spell holding Aeval in stasis is causing quite the concern, as is the fact that you now bear the horn of the Black Unicorn I’ve kept both bits of news quiet, but somehow, rumors have filtered back to Otherworld You and your sisters--but especially you--are fueling debates all through the cities there"

Ca so downcast that I wanted to wrapaway the pain

"Wonderful," I said "We’re over here busting our asses to protect our holed out for controversy? Let them put their pussies on the line and see how quickly they talk"

Queen Asteria smiled at reat Sidhe lords who co their spell, there are icians aplenty onder how to claim her powers for theer just the foe you see in front of you Ityou up"

"You see?" Aeval said, shaking her head "This is the thanks you get from those who ran away Stay here, you are part of our world, too"

"Hush!" Queen Asteria rose and glared at the Queen of Darkness "Be silent QuitMyis to discuss hoe can ainst the deainst the dah "Oh very well We’ll put aside petty grievances for noill speak for the Triple Threat" Here she gave us all a dark smile It was my turn to blush