The Valispath was usually comforting, but this time it gave Tasha no time to think. No time to even process what was going on.

She had spent too long talking. Gaiel Varsae was right behind Alex. She was turning, a confused smile on her face, the glowing door in front of her.

It was as if an angel had whispered it in her ear.

Tasha leapt off the Valispath, arms outstretched. It all happened so quickly, but this time, she absorbed it all.

Gaiel nearly dropped the dark powder in his hand, his narrow eyes widening. Alex opened her mouth to scream as a blur of blonde hair and combat boots slammed into her. They tumbled into the door, falling into the Library. The glowing door closed behind them.

Alex immediately shoved Tasha off her. "What the hell? Who - Tasha?"

"I can explain. You need to get out of here," Tasha responded urgently. God. God. How much longer did they have? Aven would launch his attack soon, quicker now that Alex would not be his to torture. How quickly could Gaiel get a message to Aven?

"I'm not moving until you explain," Alex said firmly. "What was that? That stuff in Gaiel's hand?"

"Alex, listen to me. Gaiel was going to turn you in for his daughter. You're not safe in Draekora for much longer, and now that he knows you know, he's going to tell Aven. I'm not sure what Aven'll do to him, and I don't want to care, but I do, and you need to find Niyx."

Alex stepped back, her face frozen. She didn't cry. She didn't shout.

Her eyes went cold. "Where is he?"

"The palace. I can take you there, but then I need to get to Graevale."

Alex looked like she was about to explode from the overload of information.

"Why Graevale?" She demanded. "What's going on?"

Oh, yeah. She was mortal.

"Aven," Tasha blurted. "Aven's going to launch an attack on Graevale. You need to get to Niyx. Now."

Alex frowned. "But..."

"Alex!" Tasha cried furiously. "If you don't get to Niyx now and rally the remaining Meyarins and your mortal army, N -"

Hesitation.

"-something terrible will happen. I can't let it. Okay?"

Alex sucked in a sharp breath. "Okay. I trust you, okay? Talk to Kyia and Zain for me - this might go quicker if you're on board."

Tasha nodded. Just as Alex was about to step through to Niyx's chamber, though, Tasha turned.

"Stay safe," She called.

Because she couldn't bear it if Alexandra were to die.