I was grateful to be back in the library the following day. Azriel had teleported Emerie back to her shop so I'd asked to return to the house shortly after. I hadn't seen Eris again and Azriel had been sent back to the Autumn Court by our High Lord, to watch Beron's soldiers.

Merrill gave me two books she wanted notes on so I made my way into the library's depths, found a desk and got to work.

I was exhausted, I realised, as the day continued on. Not physically but mentally. I made the notes in my best hand anyway, pleased to be busy.

A note appeared on my desk.

I'm sorry we did not get to say goodbye. I do hope we get to see each other again soon, Gwyneth.

Keep on reaching into that pit inside of you and you'll find your fire,

Eris

When I'd finished the note, it turned to ash, as if hiding any communication between us. A thought struck me. My grandmother had lured him with her singing. I'd lured those spirits at Starfall, the knowing knife had moved at my command.

I held a hand out in front of me. I closed my eyes and found that magic source. Instead of tugging at it, I gently sang. The magic seemed to respond, zinging through my body like a melody. I opened my eyes and fire sat in my hand. It did not burn me but it felt warm. I looked over at the hearth and sang to the fire, giving it its instructions. It moved, a fireball through the air, and landed on the logs, lighting the fire. I smiled to myself as the fire seemed to reflect in my eyes.

The following day, the other priestesses managed to cut the ribbon. Joy filled the ring and I felt so pleased that they'd finally joined us. We tied their ribbons to their heads and Cassian made a promise of their own Valkyrie leathers soon.

We were then back in Windhaven the following day. The females seemed to be building their stamina now, building some muscle too. Maya was by far the strongest but there were two others who were close behind.

"We're using swords today," Nesta announced as we handed out the wooden training swords. "We're going to teach you some starter attacks and starter defends."

Nesta and Emerie unsheathed their swords in demonstration. They modelled the pivoting that we had practised over the last month and then showed a simple attack.

We moved back and forth, teaching the Illyrian females new moves and giving them opportunity to practise.

I walked over to Maya where she practised with Elena, a young female that looked too wise beyond her years.

"Back straight," I told them both, "Hold your posture or the enemy could slide right in."

"It must be easier without wings," Elena murmured and I shrugged.

"General Cassian and the Shadowsinger can do it," Maya said to her. "I know they're ripped but they have wings."

Their swords clashed together, this way and that.

"Flex your wrists," I said, showing them, "Otherwise you're going to injure your wrists."

They adjusted their swords and Maya blocked Elena's attack how we had shown. There was a loud crack overhead. Thunder. A few of the females flinched at the noise and I looked over at Nesta and Emerie. We only had a few minutes left of the session, no harm in ending early, before the storm broke through. The rain pelted down and we sent the females back to the warmth of their homes as we packed away the swords. We grabbed our own and headed up out of the ring.

My heart thundered in my chest as we walked back through the camp and I paused as a sense of dread filled me.

"What's wrong?" Nesta's eyes were wide as she looked at me.

"Something isn't right…"

Panic filled me. Azriel. I called but there was no answer. I staggered and Emerie grabbed my shoulder as Morrigan stormed towards us, dressed in her Illyrian leathers.

"What is it?" I asked her, my voice sounding weak.

"Beron marches to the Spring Court border," She said, "The war is imminent."

Morrigan winnowed the three of us to the camp and this time I swallowed down the nausea as dread filled me. The slope of the grass gave us the advantage, if their movement was correct and they were set to march this way towards Tamlin's manor. Tents had been erected behind the hill and Illyrians moved around with some of Helion's soldiers and soldiers I knew had to be from the Hewn City. Weapons were being prepared and Cassian walked about, armour over his Illyrian leathers, giving orders, ever the war general. We followed Morrigan towards him and I glanced around, but Azriel was nowhere to be seen. I watched as Rhys left a tent with Tamlin and Helion, all dressed for war, each with a helmet in their hand.

"We believe he does not know we lie in wait," Rhys said to Cassian and it was clear that Rhys had somehow managed to cloak us all.

"Good," Cassian nodded, "The air legions will make a surprise attack, surrounding them, We'll hold the front," He looked over at the three of us, "Mor, Valkyries, we're going to need you at the front too."

We all nodded to the orders and three helmets were thrown our way, golden wings carved into the side to match our armour. Next, plated armour was distributed onto a table in front of us and we didn't hesitate before putting it on.

"Do not break, do not buckle," Cassian said to each of us, "This could be over quickly if we play our hand right." He pressed a quick kiss to Nesta's lips and added to her, "Stay safe." He turned to face the rest of us. "All of you."

Waiting was the worst part. We waited for word, word no doubt being sent from my mate. We were all fed and watered with the other soldiers and kept ourselves warmed up, ready to fight.

"It gets easier," Morrigan said, breaking the silence after a while. "The killing… but the loss… the loss remains the same." She looked at each of us as she spoke. "We show them no mercy." She got to her feet and grabbed her helmet, "It is time."

We got into position. Rhys moved to stand with the left flank of on-foot soldiers. Helion on the right. Tamlin in the middle, where we too stood with Morrigan. Cassian waited with the aerial legions, ready to inflict hell on the Autumn Court's forces. We stood, watching as the Autumn Court's forces came closer. An even match in number to our own. I looked at one flank, where I knew Eris stood, ready to turn his own soldiers on his father. If he didn't betray us all. His men were marked by the red armbands they wore, barely visible.

The shield over us was removed and the Autumn Court could see us finally.

We were on orders not to leave the hillside, but to let them mostly come to us. Nesta glanced over at me and at Emerie as the three of us unsheathed our swords. Morrigan, in her silver armour, did the same and then she called out to charge, as the three flanks moved forwards towards the enemy.

We met them quickly, a few of their soldiers already breathing heavily from running up hill. The three of us fought back to back as we were surrounded and I watched as the aerial legions, led by Cassian and Azriel, flew overhead. Siphons sent magic raining down on the soldiers, shattering them, turning them into little more than muscle and bone. Our swords clashed against our enemies and then we spread apart, giving ourselves the better angles. Twisting this way and that. Each move was precise and I ignored the splatter of blood that flew as I made my first kill. I winced as I did so but then continued, remembering my promise. To always do what was right for Prythian.

I had no idea how we fared as I continued hacking through the soldiers. I thought of my grandmother and mother as I did so, of what these soldiers had let happen. Of those lesser fae who did not deserve the treatment given by their cruel High Lord. How long had it been? Because soldiers were tiring and my muscles were aching. Only adrenaline drove me on. That and the warm blood flowing through my veins.

A sword swung towards Tamlin from behind him and I leapt through the air, parrying the attack. The soldier hissed at me as I knocked the blade from his hand and ended him.

Tamlin looked my way in surprise and gave a grateful nod of the head as I continued.

I watched as Morrigan took on two soldiers at once, a sword in each hand. They ended swiftly and she clenched her teeth before she moved to the next ones.

Four soldiers came for me then. I swore under my breath as I fought back as best as I could, my breath hard. A thud as a familiar Illyrian warrior landed beside me. I continued fighting, both of us back to back, swords clanging as we spun around each other, to protect the other. A dance. A soldier fell, a victim to my blade across his throat. The next was dead in seconds and soon they were all dealt with.

"Thank you," I murmured to my mate and he gave a nod before he shot back into the skies.

I moved onwards, my sword slicing through the soldiers that just seemed to keep coming. I dodged a spear coming towards me, a narrow miss as it grazed my arm. Just a scratch, I told myself. I was okay. I lifted the spear and threw it back, humming as I did so. It hit its target then, straight into the chest of a soldier.

My fire seemed to buzz in warning and I turned with my dagger, just in time to stab a soldier in the neck. He gurgled as he fell to the ground and I swallowed, pausing for breath and looking around.

I watched as a few Autumn Court soldiers had started surrendering now. How long had it even been?

"GET UP YOU FOOLS!" A voice bellowed and I glanced to my right. Beron. "COWARDS, THE LOT OF YOU!" He glanced my way and although I could hardly see his eyes through his helmet, his grin turned feral as he walked towards me. My fire magic seemed to hum in response. "Females do not belong on the battlefield," He said as he paced, circling me. I tracked every movement. "Did your mother never tell you that?"