If only.

If only Grey had told me the truth.

“You could kill us both,” I say to her. “Take what you want.”

“If I kill you both, the armies of Syhl Shallow will take Emberfall. Your people will not follow me. I cannot affect them all, Your Highness.” She steps closer to me, and her voice lowers. “Do you not understand that my goal has never been to rule your kingdom alone? My goal is to do it with you by my side.”

I look away. My throat is tight. I cannot do this again. “I will let him take Emberfall. I will not fight him.”

“You will if you want to keep Harper here with you.” She pauses. “Do you not think she would enjoy a return to her world? It would only take me a moment.”

A world where Harper was at risk every minute of every day.

A world I would have no way to reach if Lilith were to steal Harper away.

I cannot breathe.

“Grey has found a scraver,” says Lilith. “He is weak now, but with help, his magic will develop quickly, and he has an army at his disposal. Right now I can best him, but in time, he will take Emberfall if we do not stand against him.”

Sixty days. I wish I could tell him to make it an eternity. I wish I could warn him.

Lilith watches every move I make.

I take a deep breath. I need to formulate a plan. I clench my hands to stop their trembling. “You will not harm Harper. I want her protected at all costs.”

“Of course,” she says smoothly. “I hardly think Grey would allow any harm to come to her.”

“I do not want her to know you are here. I do not want her to know what you are doing. Do you understand me?”

“I am very good at keeping secrets.” She pauses. “Will you accept my offer? I have waited so long to claim your poor, pathetic country for my own.”

Her offer. As if I have a choice. As if I’d sacrifice Harper to her.

I stare down at Grey’s words. Do not make me do this.

I crumple the letter and toss it into the fire.

“Yes, Lilith,” I say. “I will.”