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Prologue

The Fallen appeared on the su on so overhead The hipped past Jaron, brushing the black hair that fell to his shoulders He wore his human form, content to cloak his true nature and enjoy the sharp pleasure of the sun on his skin Ancient talesainst bronze He was a vision of glory, resting against the snow

His brothers appeared beside hi the birds overhead; Vasu, already pacing, his lean huave up your city, brother" Vasu stared down as he spoke, seely mesel chose to reside in warh none of their kind were truly bothered by either heat or cold They commanded their senses at will

"You ier interested me"

Barak murmured, "And the rest of your territories? Are they secure?"

"Volund knows better than to challenge me I allowed his child to overrun Istanbul because it served my purpose No doubt, he was confused to find my people withdrawn"

"Where are they?" Barak asked "And do not underestiht the same about him until he attacked Now my children think me dead They hide, afraid of their own shadows" Barak’s lip curled "I would cleanse the earth of their presence if doing so wouldn’t give away ," Jaron said He couldn’t take his eyes off the city So out The sun fell in the west, slipping below the clouds to shine pink over Asia Minor "I a"

"But for what?" Vasu asked "I hope your visions sing true"

"Have they ever not? I warned you of Galal’s attack, didn’t I?"

Gold eyes flashed froold Black and gold, the Fallen glared at his brother "And I allowed you to persuade od They fight to rehter theed "When the time comes, you will breed more"

Vasu curled his lip "I have not consorted with human women for years You know I tire of their attention"

"I hear sorrow," Barak growled, rising to his feet and looking west to the ancient city "What is this? I thought the female was unharmed"

"She formed a bond with one of the Irin scribes He sacrificed himself for her" Jaron’s voice held a faint note of ad?" Vasu asked

"No"

Barak cocked his head "Why did you allow the sacrifice? Did you foresee it?"