The ride back to Liora's fortress felt different than the ride out had — lighter, though not unburdened. Jasmine watched the mountain shrink behind them and allowed herself, for the first time in months, to imagine a version of her life that wasn't defined entirely by the next threat.

"A season," she said, mostly to herself. "That's how long I have before Hardin drags me back into a chamber to fight over children who aren't even born yet."

"A season is enough time to prepare," Xavier said. "For the hearing. For the birth. For whatever Jeanne and Gianna are plotting while everyone's attention was on the Council."

"You think they're...