Page 154 of Of Masks and Fury

“Which means you two could be the first alliance between them since.”

That landed in the room differently than everything else we’d discussed. Not as a horror or a warning but as something that felt, against all odds, like possibility.

“Someone orchestrated that split,” Derren said. “And they’ve been maintaining it ever since.” He leaned back in his chair. “The destruction of historical records. The creation of the Day of Mercy.” His voice hardened. “This wasn’t random. It was planned.”

“Veil-seers can see through magical manipulation,” I said, thinking out loud. “If someone was using magic to control people or events, veil-seers would be able to detect it.”

“Or control Skathes?” Lexie said. “If you eliminate anyone who can see the corruption, you reduce the chance you’ll be exposed.”

Derren grunted. “Killanyonewho can wield magic, and you’ll ensure no veil-seers survive.”

“And if you harvest their magic, you get an extra benefit,” I said in horror.

“Fear is an excellent weapon for maintaining control,” Kerralyn said softly. “Convince people that magic is dangerous and that those who possess it are a threat, and they’ll willingly go their death or expose those who can wield magic.”

“You can justify anything if it’s done in the name of protection,” Lexie said.

The wrongness I’d been feeling intensified. I looked around the table, taking in our friends’ serious faces.

“What’s bothering you?” Trew asked.

“I don’t know. Something feels off. Like we’re missing a piece that should be obvious.”

“Your instincts have kept you alive this long,” Derren said. “Don’t ignore them now.”

Pherin went rigid behind me, her feathers standing on end. A low aggressive chirp escaped her throat. On Trew’s chair, Gavelle mirrored her reaction, his wings flaring.

“What is it?” I turned to look at her, but she was focused on the door.

A knock rang out. Trew rose, gesturing for the rest of us to stay seated. He crossed to the door and opened it.

Naveah stood in the hall. Shadows haunted her eyes, and her face was creased with concern. “Your Majesty. Forgive the interruption, but we have a situation.”

“Come in.” Trew stepped aside to let her enter.

Naveah’s gaze swept across the table, taking in the breakfast spread and the assembled company.

“I meant to mention that the armory was raided while you were gone,” she said. “Someone broke in and took clothing and weapons. The guard has been investigating.”

Trew’s entire body went still. “How much was taken?”

“Enough to outfit a full squad.” Naveah’s mouth thinned. “Whoever did this knew exactly what they were looking for. They bypassed the ceremonial pieces and took practical gear. Battle-ready equipment.”

“How did they get past the guards?” Derren asked.

“That’s what we’re trying to determine.” Naveah shifted, her discomfort obvious. “The ones on duty claim they saw nothing unusual. No one entered or left during their watch.”

“They disguised themselves with magic,” Lexie said quietly.

“Possibly.” Naveah looked at Trew. “Or it was someone with access who knew the guard rotations well enough to slip through unnoticed.”

“Thank you for the report,” Trew said, his voice neutral.

Naveah bowed and left, closing the door behind her.

The moment the latch clicked, Trew spun more wards around the room. The air shimmered with power, thick enough that I could see the threads of magic weaving through space.

“This could be connected,” Kerralyn said quietly. “If someone knows what Isi is and what she can do, and they’re preparing to move…”