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“Well, that was interesting,” Ystelyan said. “I’m not sure it’s very ethical but it was certainly interesting.”

“We don’t have time to be ethical,” Indaturan said. “Not if we want to save Kayleigh.”

“You think Xantaria-ida won’t know what you did here?” Dialdra had somehow struggled to her hands and knees in spite of her bonds. “You think she won’t cut the girl to pieces for this?”

Indaturan grabbed Dialdra’s chin in his hand and forced her to meet his eyes. “Oh, I’m sure she knows. She could hardly have missed it. But no, I’m sure she won’t kill her just yet. She wants you back and Kayleigh is the only bargaining chip she has. Now do as I say and help Darya find Kayeigh.”

Dialdra glared at him and set her jaw, clearly trying to resist his command but then she twitched violently a couple of times and her face twisted into a mask of defeat. “I-I know where she is. There’s a link between us, so I can always find her.”

“I thought you’d say that.” Indaturan turned to Darya. “Confirm her directions with the pendant as soon as we can. Even though I don’t think Xantaria will kill her, we’d best move quickly anyway.”

“I know.” Darya took Hannah and Adrian’s hands again. “Let’s do this.”

“I’ll send a message to Matthias-idan,” Ystelyan said. “They’re going to need backup from him and his children to go up against Xantaria.”

***

Marian’s explanation of what had happened to her to cause her injuries and her previous obsession shocked the meeting so much Alexandra called another recess. While people calmed themselves, she sat by Julie and watched people gabbling at each other excitedly.

“I’m probably going to have to call another one after you’ve spoken to them,” she said wryly. “We’re not going to get much done today – but I think this has finally shaken them out of their political manoeuvring so perhaps we will tomorrow.”

“I hope so,” Julie said. “But if they could continue manoeuvring with that thing in the sky, I’m not sure.”

“Ah, but that wasn’t personal,” Alexandra said. “We’re pretty insulated from the chaos by our lifestyles. They were scared but not enough. This, however, struck close to home.”

“I hope so,” Julie repeated. “Have Matthias and Sonia told you about the final surprise they have for you?”

“The lost line they found?” Alexandra asked. “Yes. I’ve asked them to wait until tomorrow–” She broke off as a watery imp appeared and flew to Matthias. “An essence messenger! I haven’t seen one of those in a long time.”

“We call them imps,” Matthias said. “This one’s from Ystelyan – probably about the prisoner.” He closed his eyes and absorbed it. “Ah! They think they’ll have a fix on Kayleigh’s position by this evening and they are suggesting that backup will be needed to go up against someone as strong as Xantaria – which is probably wise.”

“It certainly sounds wise to me.” Alexandra tilted her head as the hubbub finally calmed. “And I think we can continue the meeting finally. Time to shock them some more.”

—

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