Page 226 of The Crown’s Temptation

He crouched. A vial of stolen essence.

He looked up.

Flagsar watched him. One of his heads gave the smallest nod.

Larkin slipped the vial inside his coat.

The wind changed. A great shadow swept over them.

Deep landed first. She saw the body in Flagsar's arms, and froze.

She lowered her head.

"Our queen."

More shadows descended.

Umbrelai. Dozens of them, perhaps hundreds.

They gathered without command.

Flagsar looked toward Deep. "We have prepared the Mistress of Nightmares and Goodbyes. She will rise as our queen."

Deep gave a curt nod. "She is ready."

Her eyes shifted to Dali, still struggling toward consciousness beyond the ward.

"She is too weak.”

Another Umbrelai landed beside her.

"And if she is not?"

Deep smiled.

"Then she may try."

More creatures descended until the mouth of Morrath disappeared beneath wings and shadow.

Far below, voices began to rise.

Soft. Ancient. Patient.

"Umbrelai."

"Umbrelai."

"Umbrelai."

Larkin looked once toward the growing chorus.

Deep looked at Larkin and at the vial in his hand.

"Justice for your princess," Deep said quietly.

He nodded. Then he turned and ran.

Deep