“Almostdestroyed the High Court,” I amend. But then again, it’s currently unlivable, which is why we’re hiding away in the Frost Court.
Rev rolls his eyes. “There are two others.”
“The Lady of the Lake and the nomad,” I say. These are things we’ve been through a hundred times—things we’ve asked the spell book to explain over and over. We know that the nomad is the weakest of all the ancients and most likely can’t help us at all. “The nomad is awake and living in the Twisted Forest.” Which is nearly impossible to journey through. The vines are alive and will only allow fae with magic of the forest to pass. “He is the weakest of all the ancients, though. Along with the spell book, he could bindoneof the Night Ancients in a prison-like the Schorchedlands, but he doesn’t have enough magic to bind them both.”
If we trap one and not the other, we’re doomed all the same.
“The Lady of the Lake is strong enough to bind them both, though. That’s what the spell book said, right?” Rev says calmly, guiding me in the direction I know he wants me to head.
“She has enough power to bind both the Night Bringer and the Night Terror with the spell book’s guidance and power.”
Rev nods. “She’s our best bet.”
“She’s also slumbering beneath the lake beside one of your ally’s kingdoms.”
Rev doesn’t react. I don’t think King Raijin of the Crackling Court will be very pleased if we were to risk his kingdom. “But the last ancient...”
Rev narrows his eyes, shoulders tensing.
“Is the Light Ancient, who was once king of all the ancients, and is resting beneath the High Court and has the power tokillboth the Night Terror and Night Bringer.”
“Again, he’s the ancient that nearly destroyed the High Court the last time someone tried to wake him. And he will almost certainly killyouif we talk to him.”
I frown. He’s not a fan of Shadow fae, apparently. We were able to convince him to go back into his slumber without taking action—aka killing me—but he was still not pleased. Asking him for help would be... a challenge.
“I’d like to know more about him,” I say, knowing how Rev feels about this subject. “We very well may require his help.” I shrug casually.
“Caelynn,” Rev warns.
“Just information,” I say, appeasing him. “If we end up needing him, it’s best if we know as much as possible.”
Rev’s resounding sigh is exasperated. “You’ve heard everything there is to hear, haven’t you?”
I shrug. “I doubt it’s possible to hear all of it.” But he’s right, I’ve heard this story already. The story of how the Light Ancient became king and was betrayed by his own mate. But it’s an important one. Not only does it explain the origins of the beasts we’re battling and their conflicting motives, but it also explains how his mate betrayed him and why. Maybe I obsess over this too much, but when the key to winning a literal war hates you—well, it sure seems important to understand why.
“It’s a distraction,” I whisper, against his neck.
“I can think of more preferable distractions.” His hands curl around my thighs, squeezing gently. My breath hitches. As much as that would be enjoyable... my stomach is still in knots. My mind still spins. I can’t... I have to divert myself with hope of winning this battle.
“I need this,” I whisper. “I need to focus on ways to win, or I’ll—”
Rev waves his hand. “I get it.” His fingers still dig into my thighs as he turns to spell book. “Please tell us the whole story.”
