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pressing firmly from the bottom of her rib cage to her lower back. Ember didn’t break from his intent gaze, but her every breath was short and trembling.
    “I could ease your fears,” Ember murmured.
    “Yes.” Barrow kissed the crown of her hair. “But only when the risk is mitigated.”
    Ember turned her face up. Barrow looked down at her, taking her chin in his hand. After a moment, he kissed her, letting his mouth linger on hers, tasting her. He didn’t push her away when she moved closer, settling onto his lap and wrapping her legs around him.
    When their lips parted, Ember was breathless. Barrow’s fingers dug into her hips. She didn’t want him to let go.
    “When we reach Krak des Chevaliers, I’ll find someone who knows of the herbs you need.” He let all his breath out in a huff. “Believe me, I’ll find someone.”
    “Good.” Ember backed away, toying with the lacings of his chausses.
    He caught her hand, pulling her fingers to his lips and kissing them softly. “I only have so much will, Ember. Be kind.”
    That made her laugh, and to demonstrate her kindness, she moved to sit beside him, her arms and legs no longer holding him hostage. Barrow smiled, and she nestled her head against his chest, afraid to look at him as she next spoke.
    “I never knew I could want like this.”
    Barrow didn’t answer, but he pulled her closer, letting his finger circle the hollow of her throat.
    With a blush, Ember asked, “Is it… supposed to hurt? Wanting you? Because it does. A little.”
    Barrow’s deep laugh rumbled in her ear. “Be assured that I share in your suffering. Now rest. I’ll wake you in an hour or so to take over watch.”
    Ember thought to protest, but the warmth of his body drained the tension from her mind and muscles. Her eyelids fluttered only once before she nodded against Barrow’s chest and slept.



EIRA PACED THE GREAT hall, her right hand grasping and releasing the hilt of her sword in agitation.
    “Tell me again,” Eira said to Cian, who was standing near the sacred tree.
    Cian sighed. “You know the names.”
    Eira cut a sharp look at her sister. Frustrated that she couldn’t silence the buzz of fear that chased her like a swarm of flies, Eira tried to recall the moments of this night when she’d felt triumphant.
    Before tonight, only Alistair had witnessed her ability to summon Bosque. But less than an hour ago, the Circle had witnessed her power… and trembled. Claudio and Fionn had already been present, and Eira summoned Thomas and Ewan—who’d joined the Guards’ vigil as a sign of the Circle’s grief and respect—to the great hall. The gathered leaders of Tearmunn watched as she spoke the invocation, standing in the pool of Fitch’s blood that stained the floor.
    When Bosque appeared at her side, bowing to her, Fionn had collapsed to his knees. Claudio stood his ground, but Eira noticed the throbbing pulse at his temples. Ewan took several steps back, making the sign of the cross, and Thomas gave a startled cry. Cian’s sword hissed out of its sheath; she held her ground, muscles quivering as she prepared to attack.
    Bosque took Eira’s hand, kissing the tips of her fingers. “My lady, I am here to serve you.”
    “Circle of Tearmunn, I would present to you Lord Bosque Mar,” Eira announced without breaking Bosque’s silver gaze.
    It was the narrowing of those liquid metal eyes that drew her gaze to Cian.
    Eira laughed at her sister. “You needn’t have drawn your sword. Here stands our greatest ally.”
    Cian hesitantly returned her weapon to its sheath.
    After her demonstration, Eira gave orders that they should write to their peers across Conatus, bringing more of the order into the fold, and had sent the other Circle members away—all save Cian, whom Eira wanted nearby. It was a relief to finally confide in her sister, though Cian’s response had been much cooler than Eira had hoped.
    Eira and Cian had taken Bosque to the stockade, where Alistair