Page 82 of These Fractured Bonds

“Of course. New recruits are being trained, and Leo continues his effort to develop light technology.”

Yareli’s attention snapped to Leo. She didn’t know he was also attempting to build a weapon against the nox. He winked at her, and her unease grew; she hated the muddied waters of their relationship. The Keepers stood, and she watched in irritation as they exchanged a few pleasantries with Augrys before departing. He had been right—they were well-intentioned cowards, but at least they had given in easily and were returning to their courts to continue the work.

Her ears perked up when the green-haired Fae approached.

“Sir Hua,” Augrys greeted.

“You shouldn’t entertain their foolishness, Augrys. The Keepers would have collapsed long ago if Linn and Nil had taken control. We were blessed by the Great Tree when you arrived at our doorstep.”

Augrys chuckled, and Yareli fought the temptation to sneak a peek at his face. Joy was rare from him, even if her memories said otherwise. It was another mark against Augrys. Sourness curled her stomach.

“It is, unfortunately, a habit from my schooling where listening to our elders was ingrained in us.”

“You may be young, but your wisdom goes beyond your years. May one day you embrace your own value and command the respect you deserve,” Sir Hua replied with a dip of his head. Without waiting for Augrys’s reply, he left.

Only Leo remained. He approached them, and Yareli relaxed her posture. She stretched her arms, her stiff shoulders aching, and winced.So much for that bath…

“That went pretty well,” he said.

Augrys gave him a grim smile. “As well as it could have.”

“I’m sure Sir Hua only attended to put a stop to their idiocy. The Earth Court has been… busy. He spoke of internal restructuring in the military and government. He remains, however, as part of the nobles’ council.”

“As expected. He comes from a longstanding noble family with great wealth.” Augrys walked away, pulling a chalkboard from the corner of the room. “Are you going to show me the letter in your back pocket?”

Leo guffawed, the hearty sound warming Yareli’s chest. “Is there anything you miss?”

“Plenty, but you did make it exceptionally easy to notice; it’s sticking out.”

“Letter?” Yareli asked. “Who’s it from?”

Leo glanced at her. “It came at an opportune time, you see.”

She narrowed her eyes. “What aren’t you saying?”

“It’s from Allyah.”

It was as though Leo had dropped a bucket of ice on them; Augrys stiffened, and Yareli pressed her lips together.

He coughed. “Glad to know we all feel the same about her. However, she is offering the alliance we need.” He handed the open envelope to Augrys.

Although Augrys’s face remained blank as he skimmed it, his jaw clenched.

“No,” was all he said.

“Augrys.” Leo glanced at her again for a brief second. “We need to consider it.”

“We don’t.”

“We do, and you know it. There’s only so much influence Ohna has. This could change things.”

She bounced between the two, watching them argue, and unable to bear being left in the dark, she snatched the letter from Augrys.

“Don’t waste your time reading it,” he said, but she shushed him.

Her focus had already snagged on her name.

I offer the Fire Court’s alliance.