Ferdinand’s heart twisted as he stepped into the humming power of Leocivat. Xorn had unfurled ancient memories in him, ones where he’d once had a home and a sense of belonging. But he’d seen what the demons were capable of. They were all mad. Even though Xorn was calm, collected, and portrayed himself as human as he could, Ferdinand believed that perhaps Xorn was the worst of them all. At least when he saw a demon like Belial, or Nethara, he knew evil and malice by the hairs that stood on end. But Xorn, that one confused him. He could charm anyone to the Darkness.

His eyes went wide when he realized Xorn was likely playing him. He was going to go after the girl and try to bring her over to his side. If he didn’t hurry, he’d be too late.

“Ferdinand!” a woman shouted.

Ferdinand approached the open gates of the human city and smiled with relief to see Eliza, one of the few level-headed humans left in the city. She was a descendant of Nile’s bloodline, although he’d never told the boy. He’d promised Nile’s mother long ago that he’d always keep her daughters close.

This one, a daughter three generations down from that sweet, brave woman, smiled at him with relief crinkling her eyes. “You’re all right. I thought—” her breath caught as she caught his arm and peered over his shoulder. “Where’s Nile?”

Ferdinand rested a hand on hers. “It’s all right. Nile’s safe.” His smile faded. “But I must get to the Coterie.”

Her eyes went wide and it hurt him to see the fear glistening in her gaze. The Coterie was supposed to be a foundation of comfort and strength for his people, but they’d become something to be feared. “They’ll kill you.”

He shook his head. “No, they won’t. I have something they want.” He peeled her fingers away. “Go and alert the guards that I’m coming.”

Eliza hesitated, but when he flooded his gaze with Light, she took heed and scampered down the path.

Villagers shuffled to a halt and watched him as he walked through the streets. As he moved past them they fell into his shadow and silently followed.

His long staff echoed deliberate thumps each step he took towards the Coterie. He didn’t fear them, not because they didn’t deserve to be feared, but because he knew what fed the Coterie their power. They were slaves to the Light, unable to think for themselves any longer. Such blind lust for power could be overcome. But he’d wanted to save them, not obliterate them. Without the Coterie, humanity wouldn’t stand a chance against a world trapped in malice.

When he reached the cracked, ancient steps the Coterie was already waiting for him at the top.

Ferdinand frowned. “Perhaps we should speak privately,” he suggested as a crowd gathered at his back.

The entire Coterie had left their comfortable palace and bore their brilliant gazes down onto Ferdinand. The people at his back hummed with worry and shuffled away, but he wouldn’t be intimidated by their power. He knew them all, the seven that maintained this place. Geoni was their leader and eldest, and the six beneath him had fallen into their own places of power. But without emotions, they seemed to be a cohesive unit.

“I come with an offer,” he said.

Geoni broke the line to step forward. “We know you’ve hidden the boy away.” He frowned and favored one hip, and Ferdinand realized that the ancient Hallowed was actually injured. “You’ve shown us your true power, Ferdinand. We won’t challenge you.” His gaze turned to the people who whimpered in fear. “What is left of our people is too precious to risk in an internal battle.”

While he was glad that the Coterie still believed their people worthy of being saved, he wasn’t going to fall for the act. The only reason they hadn’t attempted to strike him down was because they were wounded. They’d been taken off guard when he’d lashed out at them with his power. He’d never revealed himself like that. He was a creature of Xorn’s making. He had enough of the demon’s blood running in his veins to amplify his gifts as a Hallowed. He didn’t need to become Changed to commune with the Light. He already had a conduit greater than anything the Coterie would be able to conjure.

“I need three of the Coterie to come with me to the uncovered city of angels,” he said.

A hush settled over the crowd and Geoni shot up a hand. He knew of the ancient houses built for the angels. He’d been there when they’d placed the stones. He’d also lent his own power to help cover them in a barrier to hide them from shadow.

“Only an angel could have broken that shield,” Geoni announced. It surprised Ferdinand to hear the glimmer of hope in his voice. “Have they finally returned?”

“Yes and no,” Ferdinand said as he leaned onto his staff. “My apprentice has befriended a Windborn girl. She’s fully grown and I believe her to have the capacity to fall into the powers of either side. With the help of the Coterie, I believe she may be useful to us.”

Logan stepped forward, one of the younger of the Coterie and once a friend. But that had been before the Change. Now, Logan’s lifeless, golden eyes gleamed only for the power of the Coterie. “And your apprentice?” he asked. “Will he be held accountable for his crimes?”

Ferdinand chewed on his lip. He forced himself to stop, but it was too late. The Coterie had seen the betrayal of worry that was such a human emotion he should have had stripped away. Geoni frowned, but didn’t comment. “My apprentice nearly died, but he has gained new powers. I believe him exempt from punishment. He shall repay any debt by bringing this girl to our attention and bringing her into the power of Leocivat.” He tapped his staff against the unforgiving stones that was the foundation of the city. They’d survived siege and famine, just like the rest of them. “He calls this city home,” he said, turning now to face the people. “How many among you have seen a world outside these walls? How many have lost loved ones to the malice on raids for the ever dwindling Divine Material?” A hum sounded in response to his words. He thrust a finger to the walls that encased the city, a golden glow arcing above them in the ever-present shield that kept malice out—and kept everyone else in. “My apprentice is out there, fighting for humanity. He’s found a means to contact the angels. I put my trust in Nile, and I’m asking you all to do the same.” He turned back to the Coterie and straightened, placing both hands on top of his staff. “All I need are three of the Coterie, the Hallowed who have vowed to protect this city, to come with me and help my young apprentice bring the angels to our aid.”

Silence threatened his powerful speech, but then a single person clapped. Another broke the silence, and then the crowd cheered and the ground shook as they stomped their feet.

Geoni frowned. “Fine,” he said. “Logan. Auric. Hephaus. You will go with Ferdinand to the outland city.”