We carried on a hundred years at that pace. Unrest with the humans distracted me from further investigation. They took umbrage with our longer lifespan. Many invaded Cinder to sack the castle or hunt for treasure. The desolate atmosphere dealt with them for us.

When I found a moment for myself, I took to flying more and more often. It was easier than facing Celindria. The Ignis Desert ruptured during my attempt at self-destruction on Yu. Rather than a field of lava veins, it sank into one massive channel of molten death. Awesome in its fury.

That's where I found Celindria slipping from a shadow as Andrius described. When she made her way into the Primary's cave, I wanted to feel surprise or shock. But after everything with Umbra, Savis, Gale, even Xelan... I expected this level of collusion from the people in my life.

Still, I alighted nearby, careful to avoid detection.

Celindria reported, "Andrius is secured. Why do you suppose he ventured so far from the expected range?"

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I could hear the shrug in the Tritan's words. "Nox interests me, more. He made my life Hell before you and the others arrived. I worry about the consequences of his defiance. Aside from you, of course, my dear. You always move him."

She ignored his lascivious tone. "I require more nacre glass."

"You know the payment. Drink this vial after you put our boy to bed, tonight. I will join you once asleep. Wear nothing as before."

Li doused her flames to a purple haze beyond the sphere in a terrifying pulse. Celindria's voice dropped into a pitch so deep my ear drums popped. "Primary. You and I both know, this is a privilege you may only indulge a few thousand more years. Do not take advantage. My memory is vast and unforgiving. Your usefulness will not outlive my rage."

Cinder pitched into total darkness. Everywhere. It lasted for one beat of my heart, but I know Celindria eclipsed our world.

Truly outmatched.

I couldn't unpack this. I couldn't even look at it. If I did, I endured an endless cycle. I murdered a good friend, an entire community of people, to have a woman who betrayed me wielding enough power to reduce Li--

Do you see my dilemma? Unending cycle...

But I knew one thing with perfect clarity. Celindria was a woman at her core. And she betrayed her King. To betray me was to betray all of Icarean kind. Seduced me while fucking the Primary. No doubt complicit in arranging Bin's assassination.

Oh, she would know my fury.