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By the ti I can’t get any closer to Aren without hihto comfort me? I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for his on to my arm as if he’s afraid I’m about to run Idiot I’ood as chained to his side

Aren leads me to where Kelia and Naito wait in front of a modest, two-story structure made of tewar, a pale red stone abundant on the east coast of the Real special about the place Its nondescript, flat façade blends in with the others on the street The only difference between it and the buildings on either side is the glittery coat of silver painted over its walls

Lena joins us at the door No one says a word as she steps forward and taps the wooden planks with her fingertips I don’t notice the ical ward until its soft hu whoever’s inside that they have a visitor I oscillate between feeling claustrophobic and overexposed in my cloak It seems to take forever for someone to come to the door When a fae finally cracks it open, he levels a crossbow at Aren’s chest and wears a scowl effective enough tome in front of him On the other hand, death by crossbow appeals to me more than death by the hands of the Lyechaban citizens

"We’re here to speak with Lorn," Lena says

"He knows I’m here, Versh," Kelia adds

A hint of amusement touches the fae’s silver eyes "Kelia," he drawls "You’ve been absent for ain"

"Let us in"

A smile curves his lips He nods toward me and Naito "I need to see their faces first"

"You know Naito," Kelia says "You can see McKenzie inside"

Versh’s eyebrows rise just perceptibly, causing a current of unease to run through rip tightens on nizes McKenzie’s na about Lorn I don’t understand all her words, but I think she’s saying he has friends or servants or sources throughout the Realm Aren’s expression makes it clear he doesn’t accept that explanation Apparently, it took a lot of digging for the rebels to learn my name Aside from Atroth, Radath, Kyol, and a few other trusted ’s Inner Court, no one knoho I am No one’s supposed to, at least

Versh returns after a few h for us to enter As we step inside, he says, "Only Kelia and the son of Jorreb need to disaruts to use tech as outdated as a record player, it would have screeched to a halt just then Neverevery one of us but Aren and Kelia Not asking a guest to disarer They’re saying you have so little skill with your weapons you could never be a threat to theht worth a dah, and froht even be insulted

"No, she brushes by Versh "Lorn! Lorn!"

Versh lets her go and waits while Aren unbuckles his weapons belt and hangs it on soant coatrack The rack is the only piece of furniture in sight besides a couch with a broken back in the large rooainst a wall that is covered ingraffiti, I guess Fae symbols are scrawled from the baseboard up almost to the--