Ironveil's senior patrol captain wants to close the north road. I tell him no. He looks at Councilor Breck before he looks back at me. Old habit.

Breck says, "She's running the route plan."

New habit.

The captain's mouth tightens. "If Kellan crosses into Silve

Evan sends the warning ahead before we leave the salt crossing. Two words. Luna stone. By the time we reach Ironveil, the ceremony hall doors are closed. No guards outside. That is worse than guards. Tessa reaches for the handle. I stop her.

"Listen."

Inside, two

Nine days later, my arm has healed to a thin silver line. The tribunal room has no Luna stone. I am grateful for that. It has tables, recorders, sealed evidence boxes, and too many chairs. Maeve sits beside Tessa because she claims someone has to stop Tessa fr