oaks. Tree houses with large open windows were anchored to heavy branches, and larger communal spaces with wide-open archways burrowed into the trunks. But the crown jewel? The shimmering castle of ivory and stone carved into the mountain with the streaming falls cresting down its side.
I breathed deeply, and the mist-coated air, thick with the scent of minerals, hit the back of my tongue. Iky sauntered to my side, an unconscious Calem still cradled like a child in his arms. Gaige ran a hand along his jaw and eyed my friend.
“Let’s find Kaori first.”
“Agreed.” Gently, I brushed my fingers along Calem’s forehead. Sticky heat met my touch, and droplets of sweat clung to his hair. Magic was cooking him alive.
We took off toward the keep, its cobblestone courtyard packed with flowers in full bloom. With winter upon us, the normal petals of lavender, fuchsia, and teal had given way to deep mahogany, plum, and vivid sapphire. A maiden carved of the same stone as the castle poured water from a vase into a wide fountain, and Charmers lingered on benches ringing the space. Beasts twined between their ankles, and their soft calls competed with the backdrop of crashing water from the falls.
While the water would never freeze, the trees would soon be dusted with icicles, and Charmers would hang decorated snowflakes from their doors. The first frost was near, and there was a palpable hum of excitement in the air. The veil to the gods’ realm, and therefore Celeste, was thinnest on crisp winter nights. Charmers would gather with loved ones to offer thanks for everything she’d offered.
Magical. Even with the horrors I’d endured, there was something special about coming back, especially during this time of year. A few curious glances targeted Calem and Iky, but no one was brave enough to ask. Passing through the open archways into the main floor of the keep, we rounded a corner and took the first set of ivory stairs.
“Kaori’s quarters are on the second floor.” Gaige peeled off after one flight of steps, and we paused in the foyer.
It’d been the same with Wynn. An entire floor dedicated to him. I craned my neck upward and tried to see through the ceiling. Would they offer me those quarters if I joined the Council? Bile soured my tongue. There had to be other floors, other spaces available. I hadn’t thought to count the flights.
Light footsteps sounded against the smooth slabs, and Kaori appeared in the mouth of the nearest archway. Her sleek, sable hair was glossy in the morning sun, and she wore a white charmeuse gown. Gold stitching lined the V-shaped cut around her collarbone and dripped down her sternum in filigree patterns. Velvety and red, the inside of her collar curled up against her chin, and cap sleeves fit snug against her slender shoulders. She was ethereal.
Her dark eyes swept over us and snagged on Calem. With a strangled breath, she waved over her shoulder and retreated in the direction from which she came. “In here.”
We followed the billowing tail of her gown into a formal seating area. Pale-blue armchairs encircled a low, walnut coffee table, and a chaise longue complete with indigo pillows was situated between two sets of double glass doors thrown open to the falls. She ushered us toward the chaise, and Iky placed Calem on the cream-colored cushions. As soon as his head met the pillow, I sent Iky back to the beast realm with a flood of rosewood light.
“When did it happen?” Kaori sank to the floor beside Calem and rested a delicate hand across his forehead.
“Yesterday.” I wrapped my fingers in my bestiary and chewed on the inside of my cheek.
Gaige’s heavy stare flickered between us. “He’ll be okay. Right?”
“It’s not too late.” Kaori’s fingers combed through Calem’s hair, fanning it out on either side of his face. If it weren’t for the glistening sheen of sweat across his bronzed skin, he’d almost seem peaceful.
“I should let Yazmin know we’re here. She’ll want to know about your decision, Leena.” Gaige tilted his chin in goodbye and turned, retreating from the room without looking back.
Kaori pinned me with an inquisitive stare. “Decision?”
I sank to my knees, and the cool stone bit through my breeches. “About joining the Council.” My hands fluttered aimlessly by Calem’s calves. “I need information.”
“What kind of information?”
To tell or not to tell? Those sharp eyes. They reminded me of the way Noc assessed people. I could trust her, right? She knew of