My stomach clenches at the thought of war against my court, now, while we’re still so vulnerable. There’s little I can do to protect us on my own, though.
I suck in a few breaths. The High Court. Tomorrow.
“I’m surprised you’d even show me the whole message,” I say, slamming the book shut. “You won’t want me going to the High Court, will you? You can’t trust me to be near the ancient you dislike.”
The spell book sighs, pages fluttering. “I am sorry for withholding information from you. It was wrong,”the book says, its voice quiet. “I am still your ally. Your friend.”
I shake my head. My heart clenches again, the pang of betrayal still fresh. “Why? Why did you do it?”
“I feared you’d use the truth behind their actions as fuel to approach the Light Ancient.”
I bite the inside of my lip so hard I taste blood. “Why does that matter so much to you?”
“You will die if you approach him.”
“You don’t know that!”
“I am confident that once he realizes I am the one behind your knowledge—” the book cuts off.
I narrow my eyes as the spell book, now sitting haphazardly against the window frame where I slammed it in my anger. It is a living being, with hopes and fears and memories and trauma.
“Would you like an update on Raven?I can tell you everything I left out before.”
I narrow my eyes at him. He’s using her as a distraction now. Unfortunately, it’s going to work.
My chest tightens. I cross my arms, willing my face to remain impassive.
“Blane went to find her at her school on his brother’s orders, but he did not want to be involved in his brother’s plans. So he agreed, but when it was time to turn Raven in to Drake, he hid her instead. They are friends, the three of them. They have been hiding together ever since.”
My heart clenches. “I really wish you’d have told me that sooner.”
“I know. I am sorry.”
“Now? What are they doing now?”
“She and her allies are heading toward the Black Lake.”
I blink at the use of the work allies. Raven is with herallies. I sit up straighter. “Why?”
“They believe Drake or his allies are planning to approach the Lady.”
I press my eyes closed, fingers pinching the bridge of my nose. If Drake or the Night Ancients get the Lady of the lake on their side... we’ll be out of options.
