Once, not that long ago, Andrew had sat across from another Icarus with a murderous past. He’d pilfered through Korac’s intentions at Sagan’s request and found in them a man worth redeeming. Now, here he was again with an Icarus of the most questionable morals at the request of a close friend.

Would Andrew find Nox a man worthy of mercy?

The light in Rayne’s eyes made it hard not to hope for it.

“Hi, Nox. During the many times you tried to kill us, we never formally met. I’m Andrew Holt, and I’ll be reading your intentions today. I hope you don’t mind the precautions.”

Nox sat straight on the edge of the couch, unable to move his arms and legs as Andrew suggested he keep still. He was calm despite the restraints, and his curiosity about Andrew’s ability filled his black eyes.

And they were black. Not sporting a midnight ring like Xelan’s or tinged with brown like Matt’s.

Andrew could almost see himself, perched on the coffee table, reflected in Nox’s glossy irises. After a concealed shiver, he said, “This is how it works. I’ll say a series of statements and read your intentions to judge your response.”

Xelan was further back in the treeloft, near the library, biting his thumbnail. Korac sat this one out on the stairs off to the side, looking wrung out with all the back and forth.

Lucas stood behind Nox, ready to intervene if things got hot. When Andrew’s knight in golden armor nodded, Andrew got straight to it. “Thanks for the mushrooms, by the way. Sorry for the overbearing dinner atmosphere, but you understand we can’t simply eat a meal with you on the first encounter.” As he spoke, he gauged Nox’s intentions.

I’m honored that Andrew and the others seemed to trust me enough to eat my cooking. Rayne looked sad sitting beside Xelan at the table without saying a word. That’s not what I want.

Nox’s intentions twinged Andrew’s heartstrings before the massive Icarus responded outwardly with a bow of his head.

Xelan stepped into Andrew’s line of sight beside Lucas.

Heavy.

There was an enormous weight pulling Wingmaster down, and Andrew understood. He’d get to the heart of the matter shortly. To Nox, Andrew said, “Baiting Celindria into surrendering is quite the bold move. We all hope it works.”

As do I. If I could end this without costing the Shadow any casualties, then perhaps I’ll have earned my redemption. Finally.

Earned Rayne.

Rayne was behind Andrew, and he noted Nox’s eyes move to her often. Their connection was intense, which made the next statement all the harder to say.

“You know, we never could go back for Nikki’s body. What with the school burning down and all?”

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Brave warrior. I tormented her like my father. My death at Rayne’s hand was righteous, and I’d accept it again for my crimes.

A hot tear spilled down Andrew’s cheek. His eyes must’ve been solid teal, because his voice was tripled in octave. “Nikki was my friend. Our friend. J.A. Fair wasn’t my school, which was lucky, I guess, because you leveled Hall High where I attended. My friends and family died during your invasion. Loved ones across the state—the world—and they all died because of you!”

How can I expect forgiveness after so much wrong? How can I make amends? My execution? My Eternity? How—

Rayne.

She’s crying, and it will always be my fault. I keep breaking her heart.

Nox hung his head and spoke to the floor. “Xelan, whatever justice you choose to exact from me, do it now. This gauntlet is causing more pain than I’m worth.”

Behind Andrew, Rayne sobbed, and he could hear Tameka and Sagan soothing her. Behind Nox, a fine tremor had seized their leader. Emotions warred within Xelan’s eyes, flashing in and out of Atramentous. Lucas gripped Wingmaster’s shoulder and steadied him with whatever he said in Xelan’s ear.

Korac came down the stairs and put his face in Xelan’s until he focused on his General. Korac shook his head, a silent reminder of their pact against abuse and execution.

But Andrew wasn’t convinced Xelan wanted to execute Nox. His intentions implied a deeper conflict.

My brother and Rayne’s lover is the most hated and lauded Icarus in the Twelve Worlds, and I don’t know what to do. His victims deserve restitution, but what punishment could ever absolve these sins?

The brothers wore the same expression of grief and misery. And that was what softened Andrew’s Atramentous and let him swallow the emotional clog in his throat. He suggested Nox face him again.

The enormous Icarus’ eyes widened in surprise at the involuntary movement, but Andrew didn’t have time to gloat. Instead, he said one word.

“Rayne.”

I’d die to protect her. All I want is to see her happy. She fights and fucks like a goddess. How could I ever let her go? Because if she ever asked, if I was ever to make her unhappy again, I would leave the Worlds and never return.

Rayne is my saving grace, and I will spend Eternity earning her forgiveness.

A different kind of tear spilled from Andrew’s eyes. Nox loved Rayne, and the extreme intensity of it expanded Andrew’s heart. His eyes flicked to Lucas, and the recognition there. There was no denying it.

Andrew wiped his face and cleared his throat to say, “His loyalty is unquestionable. I say we give this a try.”

Arms wrapped around Andrew’s neck and wrenched him into a dangerous hug. Rayne squeezed him until he couldn’t breathe, and he needed to tap out. She’d matured a lot, but there was no growing out of her mood swings. Perhaps she’d inherited some of Xelan’s issues, because Wingmaster looked properly split down the middle.

Hope.

Indignation.

There was no in-between.

With a sigh, Andrew released Nox and went in search of more mushrooms. Lucas joined him in the kitchen while the Shadow convened with a complicated discussion.

Lucas sat across the island from him, saying, “You were magnificent.”

Andrew chuffed into his bowl of the most delicious roasted fungi he’d ever eaten. “Thanks. I don’t know if I made the situation worse or better—Oh, wait.” The tab in his pocket was vibrating, alerting him.

Shaking with apprehension, Andrew checked it.

Yup.

As he’d feared, the calculations he’d initiated before they left were finished. The results were in. And…

Was this good news? Or bad news?

“What is it?” Lucas asked, peering down at the screen.

Andrew swallowed a tender mushroom before saying, “I ran some configurations to determine if there was an order or a pattern to the disappearing Probabilities. And there is. The longest branched Probabilities—The ones furthest spun from our reality vanished first. Then, those more similar to ours. And so on, they steadily move closer. I think our Probability is the epicenter.”

Lucas’ entire body slacked with relief, closing his eyes with it. It did not ease Andrew, who still wasn’t sure if this was good or bad news.

Fuck it.

Andrew gave into a third helping of mushrooms. He’d earned the calories.