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[Assistant] I don't think I could have stopped myself from exposing us for what we are. But I only thought of that excuse later. At the time, all I could think was, not her. He closed his eyes, lost in his agonized confession. I listened, more eager than rational. Common sense told me I should be terrified. Instead, I was relieved to finally understand. And I was filled with compassion for his suffering.


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[Assistant] Even now, as he confessed his craving to take my life. I finally was able to speak, though my voice was faint. In the hospital? His eyes flashed up to mine. I was appalled. I couldn't believe I had put us in danger after all, put myself in your power, you of all people. As if I needed another motive to kill you. We both flinched as that word slipped out.


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[Assistant] I fought with Rosalie, Emmett, and Jasper when they suggested that now was the time, the worst fight we've ever had. Carlisle sided with me and Alice. He grimaced when he said her name. I couldn't imagine why.


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[Assistant] Okay. It's your ball club. If you want to run a kindergarten for crackpots...


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[Assistant] He strikes them out. Yeah, he strikes them out in practice.


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[Assistant] He's sick, Mrs. Farnsworth. This will kill him. And he's not guilty of anything. It was about some worthless securities he sold, wasn't it?


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[Assistant] I don't know. I came here to ask him to...


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[Assistant] He can send an innocent man to jail. Well, I don't know about that. Mr. Abbott has all the facts on the case and he's in the study. Would you care to see him? Yes, if I could, please.


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[Assistant] Those talks were issued while my father was in Europe. He had nothing to do with them. Please let me see Mr. Farnsworth.


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[Assistant] Mr. Fonsworth, I... I'd like to speak to you privately.


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[Assistant] I just want one thing. I want you to get my father out of jail.


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[Assistant] You're just trying to put me off. You're trying to make a fool out of me. You think you can laugh me out of it as if I were a child.


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[Assistant] It was a wonderful thing you did. Not only for my father, I mean, to give that money back to all those people.


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[Assistant] I'd made up my mind about you and I was terribly rude. I always thought I'd be afraid of you, but something happened. You were so different. Strangely enough, when I was trying to hate you most, I couldn't deny there was something warm and friendly, even gentle in the way you smiled.


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[Assistant] In fact, I didn't come here so much to thank you as to... because I had to see you again.


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[Assistant] Well, that a man like Bruce Farnsworth could actually think the way I was brought up to think. About people. That he could have a real feeling for the happiness of others.


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[Assistant] Yes, that's all I meant. Except when you find that in somebody, it's a great discovery. I guess that's why I keep staring. I can't help it. I suddenly feel so warm and alive and happy.


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[Assistant] He evidently does, madam. It was in his bathroom. And he put it there. I'd better go right down.


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[Assistant] Written by Sarah J Maas and read by yours truly, Kari Wada with the exclamation point or the added emphasis.


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[Assistant] We're back here today after our birthday reading.


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[Assistant] We had a long one, we had about, it was about 30 minutes worth. It was, it was a nice, thick chapter. Basically everyone just getting together, catching back up with each other, talking about the three different other factions that are most likely going to be joining Highburn. And...


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[Assistant] Uh, Ryze and the crew saying, oh well, we're just trying to keep them at each other's necks until we can get enough allies together on our end. And that they may be using Nesta and Elaine to do so.


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[Assistant] So we'll see, we'll see how that works for them because so far they do not like them. They do not like them. They are now fey and they do not like that and not happy.


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[Assistant] I let Cassian carry me to the house two hours later, just because he admitted he was still working on strengthening his wings and needed to push himself.


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[Assistant] Heat rippled off of the tiled roofs and redstone as we soared high over them. The sea breeze a cool kiss against my face.


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[Assistant] We barely finished debating 30 minutes ago, only stopping when more stomach had grumbled as loudly as a breaking thunderhead.


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[Assistant] We'd spend our time weighing the merits of where to meet, who to bring along to the meeting with the High Lords. Invitations would go out tomorrow, but not specify the meeting place.


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[Assistant] There was no point in selecting one, Rise said, when the High Lords would no doubt refuse our initial selection and counter with their own choice of where to gather.


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[Assistant] All we had chosen was the day and the time. The two weeks, a cushion against the bickering that was sure to ensue. The rest, we just have to prepare for every possibility.


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[Assistant] We'd quickly returned to the townhouse to change before heading back up to the house, and I'd found Nuwala and Caridwen waiting in my room, smiles on their shadowy faces.


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[Assistant] I'd embrace them both, even if Ryza's hello had been less... enthusiastic. Not for the dislike of the half-rates, but... I'd snapped at him. In Amrin's apartment. He hadn't seemed angry, and yet... I'd felt him carefully watching me these past few hours. It made it... strange to look at him.


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[Assistant] Strange enough that the appetite I'd been steadily building had been, had gone a bit queasy. I challenged him before, but not as high lady, not with the tone.


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[Assistant] So I didn't get to ask him about it, as Nuala and Cairdwen helped me dress, and he headed into the bathing room to wash up.


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[Assistant] Not that there was much finery to bother with. I'd opted for my Elyrian leather pants and a loose white shirt.


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[Assistant] And a pair of embroidered slippers that Cassian kept snorting at as we flew.


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[Assistant] When he did so for the third time in two minutes, I pinched his arm and he said, his brows rose, the portrait of innocence. I didn't say anything. You grunted again.


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[Assistant] I've been living with Moore for 500 years. I've learned the hard way not to question shoe choices. He smirked. However stupid they may be.


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[Assistant] Rise flew nearby. Far enough to remain out of earshot as I said.


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[Assistant] Would you use her to see if we can somehow fix the wall? Hazel eyes shot to me, fierce and clear. Yes, not only for our sakes, but she needs to get out of the house. She needs to.


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[Assistant] Cassian's wings kept up a steady booming beat, the new sections only detectable by their lack of scarring.


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[Assistant] I fought against the tensing of my muscles as I recalled those moments, the screaming and the blood and the nausea as I watched my sisters taken against their will, as I could do nothing. As we, I swallowed down the fear, the guilt. It was like, everything she was, that steel and fire, it became magnified, cataclysmic like,


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[Assistant] Looking at a house cat and suddenly finding a panther standing there instead. I shook my head.


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[Assistant] As if it would clear away the memory of the predator. The rage simmering in those blue-gray eyes.


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[Assistant] I will never forget those moments. Cassian said quietly.


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[Assistant] Sensing or sensing the memories wreaking havoc on me as long as I live. Have you seen any glimpse of it since? Nothing. The house loomed.


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[Assistant] Golden lights at the walls of windows and doorways beckoning us closer. But I can feel it. Sometimes. He added a bit ruefully.


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[Assistant] Usually when she's pissed at me, which is most of the time. Why? They'd always been at each other's throats, but this?


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[Assistant] Yes, the dynamic between them had been different earlier. Sharper.


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[Assistant] Cassian shook his dark hair out of his eyes, slightly longer than the last time I'd seen it.


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[Assistant] I don't think Nestle will ever forgive me for what happened in Hibern. To her, but mostly to Elaine.


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[Assistant] Your wings were shredded. You were barely alive.


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[Assistant] For that was guilt, ravaging and poisonous in each of Cassian's words. What the others had been fighting against in the loft. You were in no position to save anyone.


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[Assistant] I made her a promise. The wind ruffled Cassian's hair as he squinted at the sky. And when it mattered, I didn't keep it.


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[Assistant] I still dreamed of him trying to crawl toward her, reaching for her even in the semi-unconscious state of pain and blood loss had thrown him into.


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[Assistant] As Ryce had once done for me during those last moments with Amarantha.


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[Assistant] Perhaps only a few wingbeats separated us from the broad landing, Veranda, but I asked, why do you bother Cassian?


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[Assistant] His hazel eyes shuddered as we smoothly landed, and I thought he wouldn't answer. Especially not as we heard the others already in the dining room, beyond the veranda.


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[Assistant] Especially now when Ryze gracefully landed between us and strode in ahead with a wink.


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[Assistant] The Cassian said quietly as we headed for the dining room, because I can't stay away.


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[Assistant] Elaine, not surprisingly, didn't leave her room. Nesta, surprisingly did.


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[Assistant] It wasn't a formal dinner by any means, though Lucian, standing near the windows and watching the sun set over Valaris, was wearing a fine green jacket embroidered with gold.


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[Assistant] His cream-colored pants showing off muscled thighs and his knee-high black boots polished enough that the chandeliers of faillite reflected off them. He'd always had a casual grace about him, but here, tonight,


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[Assistant] With his hair tied back and jacket buttoned to his neck, he truly looked the part of a high lord's son. Handsome, powerful, a bit rakish, but well-mannered and elegant.


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[Assistant] I aim for him as the others help themselves to the wine breathing and the cancers on the ancient wood table.


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[Assistant] Keenly aware that while my friends chatted, they kept one eye on us.


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[Assistant] Passing him the glass of wine I brought over, it's whatever we feel like. That gold eye, clicked and narrowed, then returned to the city ahead. What did you do with yourself this afternoon?


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[Assistant] Oh, that was hers asking. Slept, he said. Washed. Sat on my ass.


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[Assistant] I could give you a tour of the city tomorrow morning, I offered. If you like.


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[Assistant] Never mind that, we had a meeting to plan for, a wall to heal, a war to fight. I could set aside half a day, show him why this place had become my home, why I had fallen in love with its ruler.


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[Assistant] As of sensing my thoughts, Lucian said, you don't need to waste time, your time convincing me. I get it. I get, I get that we were not what you wanted or needed.


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[Assistant] How small and isolated our home must have been for you, once you saw this.


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[Assistant] He jerked his chin toward the city, where lights were now sparking into view amid the falling twilight. Who'd compare?


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[Assistant] I almost said, don't you mean what could compare? But held my tongue.


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[Assistant] His focus shifted behind me before he replied, and Lucian shut his mouth, his metal eye word softly.


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[Assistant] I followed his glance and tried not to tense as Nesta stepped into the room. Yes.


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[Assistant] Devastating was a good word for how lovely she'd become as Haifei.


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[Assistant] And then a long-sleeved, dark blue gown that clung to her curves before falling gracefully to the ground in a spill of fabric. Cassian looked like someone had punched him in the gut, but Nesta stared right at me.


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[Assistant] A phallite shimmering along the silver combs in her upswept hair.


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[Assistant] The others, she dutifully ignored, chin lifting as she strode for us.


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[Assistant] I pray that Morran Amarin, their brows high, wouldn't say any. Where did that dress come from?


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[Assistant] More said, red gown flowing behind her as she breezed towards Nesta.


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[Assistant] My sister drew up short, shoulders tensing, readying too. But more was already there.


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[Assistant] Fingering the heavy blue fabric, surveying every stitch, I want one, she pouted, her attempt, no doubt, to segue into an invitation to shop for a larger wardrobe with me. As High Lady,


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[Assistant] I'd need clothes, fancier ones, especially for this meeting. My sister's too.


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[Assistant] Moors brown eyes flick to mine, and I had to fight the crushing gratitude that threatened to make my own burn as I approached them.


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[Assistant] I assume I may dug it up somewhere, I said, throwing a glance over my shoulder at Ryze, who's perched on the edge of the dining table, blanked by Az and Cassian.


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[Assistant] All three Illyrians pretending that they weren't listening to every word as they poured the wine amongst themselves.


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[Assistant] I sent the thought down the bond and Ryza's dark laughter echoed in return.


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[Assistant] He gets all the credit for clothes. Morsad examining the fabric of Nesta's skirt while my sister mumpsered like a hawk. And he never tells me where to find them.


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[Assistant] Rise chuckled. Cassian however didn't smile. Every pore of them seemingly fixed on Nesta and more. On what my sister would do. Morally examined the silver combs in Nesta's hair.


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[Assistant] It's a good thing we're not the same size, or else I might be tempted to steal that dress. Likely right off her, Cassian muttered. Moore's answering smirk wasn't reassuring, but Nesta's face remained blank. Cold.


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[Assistant] She looked more up and down, noting the dress that exposed much of her midriff, back, and chest, than the flowing skirts with sheer panels that revealed glimpses of her legs, scandalous by human fashions.


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[Assistant] Originally for you, Nesta said flatly, I don't return the sentiment.


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[Assistant] Azrael coughed into his wine. But Ness only walked to the table and claimed a seat.


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[Assistant] Cassian offered, disappearing through the inner hall doors to quickly to be casual. Nesta stiffened a bit more. Teasing my sister, poking fun at her, I snatched a seat at Nesta's side and murmured, they mean well.


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[Assistant] Nesta just ran a finger over a ivory and obsidian place setting, examining the silverware with vines of night-blooming jasmine engraved around the hilts. I don't care.


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[Assistant] Emrin slid into the seat right across from me, right as Cassian returned, a bottle in each hand and cringed.


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[Assistant] Amaryn said to my sister, you're a real piece of work.


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[Assistant] Nesta's eyes flicked up. Amarin idly swirled a goblet of blood, watching her like a cat with a new toy. A new, interesting toy. Nesta only said, why do your eyes glow? Little curiosity. Just a blunt need for explanation. And no fear. None. Amarin angled her head.


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[Assistant] You know, none of these busybodies have ever asked me that.


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[Assistant] Those busy, busy bodies were trying not to look too concerned. As was I. Nesta only waited.


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[Assistant] Amaryn sighed, her dark bobswing, they glow because it's the one part of me that containment spell could not quite get right. The one glimpse into what lurks beneath and what is beneath. None of the others spoke or even moved.


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[Assistant] Lushen. Still by the window had turned the color of fresh paper.


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[Assistant] Amaryn traced a finger along the rim of her goblet, her red-tinted nail gleaming as bright as the blood inside. They never dared ask me that, either. Why?


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[Assistant] Because it is not polite to ask, and they're afraid.


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[Assistant] Amaryn held Nesta's stare. My sister did not balk. Did not flinch. We are the same. You and I. Amaryn said. I wasn't sure I was breathing. Through the bond, I wasn't sure Ryze was either.


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[Assistant] Not in flesh, not in the thing that prowls beneath our skin and bones. Emrin's remarkable eyes narrowed, but I see the current old girl. Emrin nodded more to herself than anyone. You did not fit the mold that they shoved you into.


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[Assistant] The path you were born upon and forced to walk.


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[Assistant] You tried, and yet you did not. Could not fit. And then the path changed. A little nod. I know. What it is to be that way. I remember it. Long ago as it was.


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[Assistant] Nesta had mastered the phase pre-natural, preternatural stillness far more quickly than I did.


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[Assistant] And she sat there for a few heartbeats, simply staring at the strange, delicate female across from her, weighing the words, the power that radiated from Amron. And then Nesta merely said, I don't know what you're talking about.


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[Assistant] Amram's red lips parted in a wide serpentine smile.


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[Assistant] When you erupt, girl, make sure it's felt across worlds.


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[Assistant] A shiver slithered down my skin. Arise, Drauld.


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[Assistant] Emrin, it seems, has been taking drama lessons at the theater down the street from her house.


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[Assistant] She shot him a glare. I mean it, Ryzen.


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[Assistant] I'm sure you do, he said, claiming the seat to my right, but I'd prefer to eat something before you make us lose our appetites.


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[Assistant] His broad hand warmed my knee as he clasped it beneath the table, giving me a reassuring squeeze.


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[Assistant] Cassian took the seat on Amren's left, Azrael beside him, Mor grabbing the seat opposite him, leaving Lucian.


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[Assistant] Lucian frowned at the remaining place setting at the head of the table, then at the blank, barren spot across from Nesta. Hi. Shouldn't you sit at the head? Ryze raised an eyebrow.


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[Assistant] I don't care where you sit. I only care about eating something, right? He snapped his fingers. Now.


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[Assistant] The food, prepared by cooks, I made a point to go meat in the belly of the house, appeared across the table in platters and spreads and bowls.


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[Assistant] Roast meats, various sauces and gravies, rice and bread, steamed vegetables fresh from the surrounding farms. I nearly sighed at the smells curling around me.


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[Assistant] Lucian slid into his seat, looking for all the world like he was perching atop a pink cushion.


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[Assistant] I lean past Nesta to explain dilution. You get used to it. The informality.


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[Assistant] You say that fire darling, like it's a bad thing. Ry said, helping himself to a platter of pan fried trout, before passing it to me.


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[Assistant] I rolled my eyes, sliding a few crispy pieces onto my plate.


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[Assistant] Took me by surprise that first dinner we all had. Just so you know. Oh, I know. Rise grinned. Cassie and snickered. Honestly.


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[Assistant] I said to Lucian, who wordlessly stacked a pile of buttery green beans onto his plate, but didn't touch it. Perhaps marveling at the simple fare, so at odds with the overwrought dishes of spring. Azrael is the only polite one.


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[Assistant] Of course it's true, Morsout said with a loud sigh. But you needn't make us sound like heathens.


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[Assistant] I would've thought you'd find that term to be a compliment more. Rice said mildly.


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[Assistant] Nesta was watching the volley of words as if it were a sporting match, eyes darting between us. She didn't reach for any food, so I took the liberty of dumping spoonfuls of various things onto her plate. She watched that, too.


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[Assistant] And when I paused, moving on further, fill my own plate, Nesta said, I understand what you meant about the food.


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[Assistant] Took me a moment to recall, to remember that particular conversation back at our father's estate, when she and I had been at each other's throats, over the differences between human and fae food.


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[Assistant] It was the same in terms of what was served, but it just tasted better above the wall. Is that a compliment?


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[Assistant] Nessa didn't return my smile as she speared some asparagus with her fork and dug in.


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[Assistant] And I figured it was a good time as any to, as I said to Cassian. What time are we back in the training ring tomorrow?


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[Assistant] I told you that the moment we started letting females into our group, they'd be nothing but trouble.


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[Assistant] Cassian gave her a vulgar gesture that made Lucian choke on his green beans.


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[Assistant] I was a young Illyrian and didn't know better, he said.


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[Assistant] Then pointed his fork at Azrael, don't try to blend into the shadows. You said the same thing.


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[Assistant] He did not, Moore said, and the shadows that Azrael had indeed been subtly weaving around himself vanished.


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[Assistant] Azrael has never once said anything that awful. Only you, Cassian. Only you. The general of the High Lord's army stuck out his tongue. More returned the gesture.


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[Assistant] Emron scowled at Ryze. You'd be wise to leave both of them at home for meeting with the others, Ryzen. He'll cause nothing but trouble.


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[Assistant] I dare to peek at Lucian, just to gauge his reaction.


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[Assistant] His face was indeed controlled, but a hint of surprise twinkled there. Weariness too, but surprise.


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[Assistant] I risked another glance at Nesta, but she was watching her plate, dutifully ignoring the others.


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[Assistant] Ryze said, it remains to be seen if they'll be joining us. Lucian looked at him then. The curiosity in that one eye unmistakable.


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[Assistant] Rise noted and shrugged. You'll find out soon enough, I suppose. Invitations are going out tomorrow. Calling all the High Lords together to discuss this war. Lucian's hand tightened on his fork. Ah?


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[Assistant] I wasn't sure if he meant Tamlin or his father, but Ryze nodded nonetheless. Lucian considered. Can I offer my unsolicited advice?


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[Assistant] Ryze smirked, I think that's the first time anyone at this table has ever asked such a thing. Moran and Cassian now stuck out their tongues at him. But Ryze waved a lazy hand at Lucian. By all means, advise away. Lucian studied my mate, then me. I assume fire is going. I am. Amaryn sipped it from her glass of blood. The only sound in the room is Lucian considered again. Are you planning to hide your powers?


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[Assistant] Ryze at last said, that was something I'd planned to discuss with my mate. Are you leaning one way or another Lucian?


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[Assistant] There was still something sharp in his tone. Something just a little vicious.


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[Assistant] Lucian studied me again, and it was an effort not to squirm.


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[Assistant] My father would likely join with Highburn if he thought he stood a chance of getting his power back that way by killing you. A snarl from Ryze.


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[Assistant] That's the information you need to gather. What my father knows. My brothers realized what she was doing. You need to start from there. Build your plan for his meeting accordingly.


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[Assistant] More said, Eris might keep that information to himself and convince the others to as well. If he thinks it'll be more useful that way.


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[Assistant] I wondered if Moore looked at that red hair, the golden brown skin that was a few shades darker than his brother's, still saw Eris.


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[Assistant] Or they might not show up at all, and instead go right to Hibern.


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[Assistant] Cassian swore softly, and I was inclined to echo with a sentiment.


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[Assistant] Rise, swirled his wine once, set it down and said to Lucian, you and Asriel should talk tomorrow. Lucian glanced toward the shadow singer who only nodded at him. I'm at your disposal.


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[Assistant] None of us were dumb enough to ask if he'd be willing to reveal details on the spring court. If he thought that Tamlin would arrive, that was perhaps a conversation best left for another time, with just him and me.


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[Assistant] Ryze leaned back in a seat, contemplating something. His jaw tightened.


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[Assistant] Then he let out a near silent huff of air, stealing himself.


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[Assistant] For whatever he was about to reveal, whatever plans he had decided not to reveal until now, and even as my stomach tightened, some sort of thrill went through me at it. Had that clever mind at work. Until Ryze said, there is another meeting that needs to be had, and soon. And that, my friends, was the end of chapter 17.


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[Assistant] Ooh, I thought we were gonna, you know, honestly I didn't see where the end of that one was. I thought we were gonna get like another page on that. I was like, oh man, so excited to flip the page over and then I saw the chapter. It's like, dang it. Come on.


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[Assistant] Oh my gosh, what is, like what is going on with this? So, it's a lot of like story driving right now, a lot of like,


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[Assistant] Pushing forward time and everyone getting like back into the ring with each other. So it's not as like action packed as you like it to be, but I think every story needs this as well. You need to just sit back, relax, not necessarily get more lore of the world, but more, I would say, lore of the current events at hand.


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[Assistant] I, you know what? Can we, can we ship? Is this, is this a potential to ship? I know this isn't like, for like the actual story.


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[Assistant] Cause it looks like it's leaning towards Lucian and Elaine. But can we get a Lucian Azrael shipping right there?


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[Assistant] That'd be so adorable. Like they're doing their little spy thing together, helping each other out, being little, little chill bros with each other. That'd be cute.


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[Assistant] Otherwise, otherwise, if you don't think that, otherwise, feel free to join us next time. Oh man, y'all stay beautiful, stay hydrated, and we'll see you in the next chapter. Bye.


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[Assistant] Welcome back. Welcome back. Welcome back everybody to another chapter of a court of wings and ruin.


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[Assistant] Written by Sarah J Maas. Read by yours truly, Rewatha. But the explanation point


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[Assistant] Now usually we go with the last time, but you know, I'll take, I'll take this time to say that as of today and recording this, and I think it's also coming out today, it's my birthday. Woo. Yeah. I'm a boy that was, I'm a boy that was one year younger.


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[Assistant] And after one whole day, I've grown one whole year.


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[Assistant] Time is a mysterious construct, and if you feel the, if you feel the need to say happy birthday, go ahead.


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[Assistant] If you're not worried about that, I'm not too much of a birthday guy myself, but you know, I just wanted to give you the opportunity, the opportunity to excel.


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[Assistant] They call it, you know, O-T-E's as I've heard. So with all of that, let's get back into Chapter 16.


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[Assistant] Bryson silently led Lucian to the suite he'd been occupying at the opposite end of the house of wind. Cassian and I trailed behind.


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[Assistant] None of us speaking until my mate opened a set of onyx doors to reveal a sunny sitting room carved from war redstone.


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[Assistant] Beyond the walls of windows, the city flowed far below, the view stretching to the distant, jagged mountains and glittering sea.


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[Assistant] Rise paused in the center of a midnight blue hand-woven rug and gestured to the sealed doors on his left. Bedroom. He waved a lazy hand toward the single door on the opposite wall. Bathing room. Lucian surveyed it all with cool indifference. What he thought about Elaine. What he planned to do. Didn't want to ask. I assume you'll need clothes.


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[Assistant] Rise went on, nodding toward Lucian's filthy jacket and pants, which he'd worn for the past week while we scrambled through territories. Indeed, that was blood splattered in several spots. Any preferences for attire? That drew Lucian's attention.


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[Assistant] The mail shifting enough to take in Ryze. The note Cassian and me lurking in the doorway. Is there a cost? If you're trying to say that you don't have no money, don't worry. The clothes are complimentary. Ryze gave him a half smile. If you're trying to ask if this is some sort of bribe, Shrug, you are a Highlord's son.


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[Assistant] Rattled, rising up, that taunting Lucian was an easy way to take the edge off. I stepped closer, Cassian remaining behind me as I told Lucian, we'll be back for dinner in a few hours. Rest a while, bathe. If you need anything, pull that rope by the door. Lucian stiffened, not at what I'd said, I'd realized, but at the tone, hostess. But he asked, what of Lane?


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[Assistant] Your call, Ryze offered. I need to think about it, I answered plainly, until I figure out what to do with her. With Nesta, stay out of the way.


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[Assistant] I added perhaps too tightly. This house is warded against winnowing both from outside and within.


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[Assistant] I could feel the response simmering in rise, but I shook my head. No.


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[Assistant] You are free to wander where you wish. Into the city itself if you feel like braving the stairs. But there are two conditions.


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[Assistant] You are not to take either sister, and you are not to enter their floor.


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[Assistant] If you require a book from the library, you will ask the servants. If you wish to speak to Elaine or Nesta, you will also ask the servants, who will ask us.


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[Assistant] If you disregard those rules, I'll lock you in a room with Amarin.


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[Assistant] Then Rice turned away, hands sliding into his pockets as he offered his hooked elbow to me.


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[Assistant] I looped my arm through his besed dilution. We'll see you in a few hours.


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[Assistant] We were almost to the door, Cassian already in the hall when Lucian said to me, thank you. I didn't dare ask him for what.


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[Assistant] His own smile is bright as the sun on the sidra.


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[Assistant] More, and Azrael. We're already waiting inside Ameren's apartment.


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[Assistant] Keeping a careful, too casual distance from her side. But it was Amarin who said from the floor.


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[Assistant] You should kill Baran and his sons and set up the handsome one as High Lord of Autumn. Self-imposed exile or no, it will make life easier.


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[Assistant] I'll take that into consideration, Bryce said, striding toward her while I remained with the others. They were hanging back. Cameron had to be in some mood. I blew out of breath.


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[Assistant] Who else thinks it's a terrible idea to leave the three of them up at the house of wind?


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[Assistant] Cassian raised his hand as rise and more chuckled.


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[Assistant] The High Lord's General said, I give them an hour before he tries to see her.


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[Assistant] 30 minutes. More countered. Sitting back down on the divan and crossing her legs. I cringed.


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[Assistant] I guarantee Nesta is now guarding the lane. I think she might honestly kill him if he so much as tries to touch her.


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[Assistant] Not without training, she won't. Cassian grumbled, tucking in his wings as he claimed to seep aside more that Azurla vacated. The Shadow Singer didn't so much look at it.


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[Assistant] No, Azrael just walked to the wall beside Cassian and leaned against the wood paneling. But Ryza and the others remained quiet enough that I knew. See carefully as I asked Cassian. Nesta spoke as if you've been up at the house often. You've offered a trainer?


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[Assistant] Cassian's hazel eyes shuddered as he crossed a booted ankle over another, stretching his muscled legs before him.


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[Assistant] I go up there every other day. It's good exercise for my wings. Those wings shifted in emphasis. Not a scratch, Martham. And?


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[Assistant] And what you saw in the library is a pleasanter version of the conversation we always have.


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[Assistant] Moore's lips pressed into a thin line, as if she was trying her best not to say anything.


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[Assistant] Asriel was trying his best to shoot a warning stare at Morr to remind her to indeed keep her mouth shut. Presumably they'd already discussed this many times. I don't blame her, Cassian said, shrugging despite his words. She was violated. Her body's not belonging wholly to her. His jaw clenched. Even Amryn didn't dare say anything.


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[Assistant] I'm sure the king will thoroughly enjoy that experience. Cassian glowered. I mean it. Oh, I have no doubt that you do. Ryza's vile eyes were dazzling in the dimness of the loft. But before you lose yourself and plan for revenge, do remember that we have a war to plan first. Asshole.


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[Assistant] A corner of my mate's mouth tugged upward, and Ryze was goading him, working Cassian into a temper to keep that brittle edge of guilt from consuming him.


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[Assistant] The others letting him take on the task, likely having done it several times themselves these weeks. I am most definitely that.


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[Assistant] Right, sad. But the fact still remains that revenge is secondary to winning this war.


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[Assistant] Cassian opened his mouth as if he'd keep arguing, but Rise peered at the books scattered on the lush carpet. Nothing? He asked Amrin. I don't know why you'd sent these two buffoons.


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[Assistant] Frankie, yes, but perhaps a bit of a front too.


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[Assistant] To banish that too fragile gleam in Cassian's eyes.


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[Assistant] We're not monitoring you, Moore said, tapping her foot on the carpet. We're monitoring the book. And as she said it, I felt it, heard it.


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[Assistant] Amaryn had placed the Book of Breathings on her nightstand. A glass of old blood atop it.


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[Assistant] I didn't know whether to laugh or cringe. The latter went out as the book murmured. Hello, sweet-faced liar. Hello, princess with... Oh, be quiet. Cameron hissed toward the book, who shut up. Odious thing. She muttered and went back to the tone before her. Rise gave me a rise smile.


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[Assistant] Since the two halves of the book were joined back together, it has been known to speak every now and then. What does it say?


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[Assistant] Utter nonsense. It just likes to hear itself talk. Like most of the people cramping up my apartment.


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[Assistant] Cassian smirked. Did someone forget to feed Ameren again? She pointed a warning finger at him without so much as looking up.


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[Assistant] Is there a reason, Ryson, why you dragged your yapping pack into my home?


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[Assistant] Her home was a little more than a giant converted attic.


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[Assistant] But none of us dared argue as more Cassian and Azrael finally came closer.


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[Assistant] Forming a small circle around Amaryn's sprawl in the center of the room, Price said to me,


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[Assistant] The information you got from Dagdan and Brannick confirms that we've been gathering ourselves while you were gone.


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[Assistant] Especially Highburn's potential allies in other territories on the continent. Vultures. More muttered. And Cassian looked inclined to agree.


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[Assistant] But Ryze, Ryze had indeed been spying while Azrael had been. Ryze snorted, I can stay hidden, mate. I glared at him, but Azrael cut in. Having Highburn's movements confirmed by you, Vyra is what we needed. Why?


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[Assistant] Casting crosses arms. We barely stand a chance of surviving Highburn's armies on our own.


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[Assistant] If armies from Valahen, Montessere, and Ras joined them, he drew a line across his tan throat.


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[Assistant] More elbowed him in the ribs. Cassian nudged her right back as Azrael shook his head at both of them. Shadows coiling around the tips of his wings.


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[Assistant] Are those three territories that powerful?


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[Assistant] Perhaps it was a foolish question, showing how little I knew of the fairy lands on the continent.


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[Assistant] Yes, Azrael said, no judgment in his hazel eyes. The Allahen has the numbers, Monteserre has the money, and Rask is large enough to have both.


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[Assistant] And we have no potential allies amongst the overseas territories?


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[Assistant] Rise pulled at a stray thread on the cuff of his black jacket. Not ones that would sail here to help. My stomach turned. What of Miriam and Drakon? He'd once refused to consider, but...


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[Assistant] You fought for Miriam and Drakon centuries ago, I said to Ryze.


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[Assistant] He done a great deal more than that. If Jurian was to be believed, perhaps it is time to call in that debt.


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[Assistant] Pariah shook his head. We tried. Asriel went to Cre-Credia.


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[Assistant] The island where Miriam, Drakon, and their unified human and fey peoples had secretly lived for the past five centuries. It was abandoned, Azrael said, in ruin, with no trace of what happened or where they went. You think Hibern? There was no sign of Hibern, or any harm, Moore cut in, her face taut. They had been her friends, too, during the Great War. Miriam and Drakon,


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[Assistant] The human queens who had gotten the treaty signed. And it was worry, true deep worry, that guttered in her brown eyes, in all their eyes. Then do you think they heard about Highburn and ran? I asked.


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[Assistant] Dracon had a winged legion, Ryze had once told me. If there was any chance of finding them. The Dracon and Miriam I knew wouldn't have run. Not from this, Ryze said.


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[Assistant] More lean forward, her golden hair spilling over her shoulders.


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[Assistant] But with Jeriam, now a player in this conflict, Miriam and Drakon, whether they like it or not, have always been tied to him. I don't blame them for running, he truly hunts them.


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[Assistant] Rise his face slack and for a heartbeat. That is what the King of Hibern has on Jurion, he murmured. Why Jurion works for him. My brow furrowed. Miriam died.


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[Assistant] A spear threw her chest during the last battle at the sea. Ryze explained. She bled out while she was carried to safety.


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[Assistant] But Ch'ka knew of a sacred hidden island where an object of great and terrible power had been concealed. An object made by the cauldron itself, legend claimed. He brought her here to Cretea, used the item to resurrect her, make her immortal, as you were made, Vyra. Emren had said it months ago, that Miriam had been made as I was.


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[Assistant] The King of Hibern must have promised Jurian to use the Cauldron to track the item, to where Miriam and Drakhan now live.


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[Assistant] Perhaps they figured that out and left as fast as they could.


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[Assistant] And for revenge, for that insane rage that hounded Jurion, he'd do whatever the King of Highburn asked, so he could kill Miriam himself. But where did they go? I looked to Azrael.


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[Assistant] The shadow singer still standing with preternatural stillness against the wall. He found no trace at all of where they might have vanished to?


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[Assistant] None. Raya's answered for him. We've sent messengers back since, to no avail. I rubbed up my face, sealing off that path of hope. Then if they are not a possible ally...


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[Assistant] How do we keep those other territories on the continent from joining with Hibern? From sending their armies here? I winced. That's our plan, isn't it?


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[Assistant] Rise, smiled grimly. It is. One we've been working on while you were away.


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[Assistant] I waited, trying not to pace as amber and silver eyes seemed to glow with amusement.


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[Assistant] I looked at Hibern first, at its people, as best as I could.


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[Assistant] He'd gone to Highburn. Oh that was Ryze, my apologies y'all.


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[Assistant] Raya smirked at the concern flaring across my face.


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[Assistant] I'd hope that Highburn might have got some internal conflict to exploit. To get them to collapse from within.


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[Assistant] That is, people might not want this war. Might see it as costly and dangerous and unnecessary.


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[Assistant] But 500 years on that island, with little trade, little opportunity.


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[Assistant] Hibern's people are hungry for change. Or rather...


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[Assistant] It changed back to the old days when they had human slaves to do their work.


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[Assistant] When there were no barriers, keeping them from what they now perceive as their right.


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[Assistant] Erin Slim shut the book she'd been perusing. Fools.


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[Assistant] She shook her head. Pinky hair swaying and scowled up at me.


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[Assistant] Hibern's wealth has been dwindling for centuries. Most of their trade routes before the war dealt with the south, with the black land, but once it went to the humans.


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[Assistant] We don't know if Hibern's king deliberately failed to establish new trade routes and opportunities for his people in order to one day fuel this war.


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[Assistant] Or if he was just that short-sighted and let everything fall apart.


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[Assistant] But for centuries now, Hibern's people have been festering.


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[Assistant] Hibern let their resentment of their growing stagnation and poverty fester.


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[Assistant] There are many Haifei, more so carefully, who believed before the war and still now believe that humans, that they are property.


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[Assistant] There were many Haifa who knew nothing but privilege thanks to those slaves. And when that privilege was ripped away from them,


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[Assistant] When they are forced to leave their homelands or forced to make room for other high pay and reform territories, create new ones above that wall.


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[Assistant] They have not forgotten that anger, even centuries later. Especially not in places like Highburn.


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[Assistant] Where their territory and population remain mostly untouched by change.


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[Assistant] They were one of the few who did not have to yield any land to the wall.


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[Assistant] and did not yield any land now looking for a new hom


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[Assistant] Isolated, growing poor, with no slaves to do their labor.


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[Assistant] Hibern has long viewed the days before the war as a golden era and these centuries since as a dark age. I rubbed up my chest. They're all insane to think that.


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[Assistant] Rise Nodded. Yes. Certainly they are.


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[Assistant] But don't forget that their king has encouraged these limited worldviews.


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[Assistant] He did not expand their trade routes. Did not allow other territories to take any of his land and bring their cultures.


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[Assistant] He considered where things went wrong for the loyalists in the war. How they ultimately yielded not from being overwhelmed, but because they began arguing amongst themselves. Ivern has had a long, long while to think on those mistakes, and how to avoid them at any cost.


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[Assistant] So he made sure his people are completely for this war. Completely for the idea of the wall coming down. Because they think it will somehow restore this gilded vision of the past.


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[Assistant] Hibern's people see their king and their armies not as conquerors, but as liberators of high fey and those who stand with them. Nasia churned in my gut. How can anyone believe that? Azrael ran a scarred hand through his hair. That's what we've been learning, listening in Hibern.


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[Assistant] And then territories like Rask and Montessere and Valahen.


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[Assistant] Where to be a made an example of girl? Cameron explained. Prithian.


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[Assistant] We were among the fiercest defenders and negotiators of the treaty.


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[Assistant] Ibern wants to claim Prithia not only to clear the path to the continent, but to make an example of what happens to high-faith territories that defend the treaty.


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[Assistant] But surely other territories would protect it? I said, scanning their faces?


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[Assistant] Not as many as we'd hoped, Ryze admitted, wincing. There are many.


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[Assistant] Too many who have also felt squashed and suffocated during these centuries.


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[Assistant] They want their old lands back beneath the wall, and the power and prosperity that came with it.


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[Assistant] Their vision of the past has been colored by 500 years of struggling to adjust and thrive.


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[Assistant] Perhaps we did them a disservice, more mused, and not sharing enough of our wealth, our territory.


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[Assistant] Perhaps we are to blame for allowing some of this to rot and fester.


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[Assistant] That remains to be discussed. Emron said, waving a delicate hand.


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[Assistant] The point is that we are not basing an army hell-bent on destruction. They are hell-bent on what they believe, liberation.


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[Assistant] The three Hibern claim that will ally with them?


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[Assistant] I look between Ryze and Azrael. You said you were... over there? Ryze shrugged. Over there in Highburn, in the other territories. He winked at my gaping mouth.


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[Assistant] I had to keep myself busy to avoid missing you.


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[Assistant] We planted information, truth and lies, in a blend of both, for them to find.


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[Assistant] And also scattered some of it among our old allies, who are now balking at supporting us. Azrael's smile was a slash of white. Lies and truth.


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[Assistant] ShadowSinger and his spies had sewed them in foreign courts. My brow narrowed. You've been playing the territories on the continent off each other?


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[Assistant] We've been making sure that they're kept busy with each other, Kassian said, a hint of wicked humor glinting in his hazel eyes. Making sure that long-time enemies and rival nations of Rask, Valahen, and Montessere have suddenly received information that has them worried about being attacked.


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[Assistant] And raising their own defenses, which in turn has made Rask, the Lahen, and Montessere start looking toward their own borders and not our own.


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[Assistant] They have to be aware that no bargain with Hibern would ultimately work with their advantage. More bracer forearms on her thighs.


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[Assistant] Who knows what Hibern promised them? Lied about.


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[Assistant] He already granted them immortality through the cauldron in exchange for their cooperation. If they were foolish enough to agree to it,


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[Assistant] Then I don't doubt they've already thrown open the gates to him.


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[Assistant] But we don't know that for certain, Amber encountered, and none of it explains why they've been so quiet, locked up in that palace.


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[Assistant] Rise and Asriel shook their heads in silent confirmation. I surveyed them, their fading amusement. It drives you mad, doesn't it? That no one has been able to get inside that palace. A low growl from both of them before Asriel muttered, you have no idea. Amaryn just clicked her tongue, her upswept eyes settling on me.


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[Assistant] Those Highburn commanders were fools to reveal their plans in regard to breaking the wall.


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[Assistant] Or perhaps they knew the information would return to us and their master wants us to stew.


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[Assistant] I angled my head. You mean, shattering the wall through the holes already in it? A bob of her chin.


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[Assistant] A bob of her sharp chin as she gestured to the books around her. It's complex spell work, a loophole through the magic that binds the wall.


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[Assistant] Because the cauldron should be able to bring that wall down on its own, right? Right. Ryzen said.


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[Assistant] Shriding to the book on the nightstand, he didn't dare touch it.


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[Assistant] Why bother seeking out those holes to help the cauldron, when he could unleash its power and be done with it?


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[Assistant] Maybe he used too much of it, of its power transforming my sisters and those queens.


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[Assistant] It's likely, Raya said, stalking back to my side, but if he's going to exploit those tears in the wall, we need to find a way to fix them before he can act. I asked Amarin, are there spells to patch it up? I'm looking, she said through her teeth.


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[Assistant] It'd help if someone dragged their ass to a library to do more research.


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[Assistant] We are at your disposal, Cassian offered with a mock brow. I wasn't aware you could read. It would be a fools, Aaron.


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[Assistant] Azrael cut in before casting could voice the retort dancing in his eyes to get us to focus on the wall as a decoy while he strikes from another direction.


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[Assistant] I grimaced at the book. Why not just try to nullify the cauldron again?


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[Assistant] Because it nearly killed you last time, Ry said in sort of a calm, steady voice that told me enough. There was no way in hell he'd risk attempting it again.


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[Assistant] Azrael, clarified at my furrowed brow, won't allow the cauldron out of his sight.


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[Assistant] And he's rigged it with more spells and traps than last time.


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[Assistant] I opened my mouth to object, but the shadow singer added, we looked into it. It's not a viable path.


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[Assistant] I believed him. The stark honesty in those hazel eyes was confirmation enough that they weighed it, thoroughly.


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[Assistant] Well, if it's too risky to nullify the cauldron I'm used, then can I somehow fix the wall? If it was made by fairies coming together, then my very magic is a blend of so many. Emryn considered in the silence that fell. Perhaps.


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[Assistant] The relationship would be tenuous, but yes, perhaps you could patch it up.


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[Assistant] Though your sisters, directly forged by the cauldron itself, might bear the sort of magic we, my sisters, play no part in this.


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[Assistant] Another beat of silence, interrupted only by the rustle of Azrael's wings.


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[Assistant] I asked them to help once and look what happened. I won't risk it again.


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[Assistant] Emrin snorted. You sound exactly like Tamlin. I felt the words like a blow.


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[Assistant] Ryan slid a hand against my back. Having appeared so fast, I didn't see him move. But before he could reply, Moore said quietly, Don't you ever say that sort of bullshit again, Amrin. There was nothing on Moore's face beyond cold calm. Theory. I'd never seen her look so terrifying.


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[Assistant] She had been furious with the mortal queens, but this, this was the face of the High Lord's third-in-command.


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[Assistant] If you're cranky because you're hungry, then tell us, Moore went on with that frozen quiet. But if you say anything like that again, I'll throw you in the goddamn Sidra. I'd like to see you try. A little smile was Moore's only answer.


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[Assistant] Emran slid her attention to me. We need your sisters. If not for this, then to convince others to join us. Of the risk.


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[Assistant] Oh, more of like a, apologize. She hissed at Amaryn. Amaryn said nothing. Moore took a step toward her and I said, she's right. They both looked at me. Brows raised. I swallowed. Amaryn is right.


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[Assistant] I walked out of Ryza's touch, realizing he kept silent to let me sort it out. Let me figure out how to deal with both of them. As family, but mostly as their high lady. Moore's face tightened, but I shook my head.


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[Assistant] I can ask my sisters. See if they have any sort of power. See if they'd be willing to talk to others about what they endured. But I won't force them to help. If they do not wish to participate, the choice will be theirs.


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[Assistant] I glanced at my mate, the male who had always presented me with a choice, not as a gift, but as my own God's given right. Rise's vile eyes flickered in acknowledgement, but I'll make our desperation clear.


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[Assistant] Amron Huffed. Hardly more than a bird of prey puffing its feathers.


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[Assistant] Compromise, Amarin. Christ perv. It's called Compromise. She ignored him.


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[Assistant] If you want to start convincing your sisters, get them out of the house. Being cooped up never helped anyone.


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[Assistant] Raya said smoothly, I'm not entirely sure Volaris is a prepared for nesta arcaron. My sister's not some feral animal, I snapped.


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[Assistant] Rise recoiled a bit, the others suddenly finding the carpet, the divan, the books, incredibly fascinating. I didn't mean that. I didn't answer.


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[Assistant] More frowned and disapproval arise, who I felt watching me carefully but asked me, what of Elaine?


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[Assistant] I shift it slightly, pushing past the words still hanging between me and Rise. I can ask, but she might not be ready to be around so many people, I clarified. She was supposed to be married next week. So she keeps saying.


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[Assistant] Over and over. Amron grumbled. A shot or a glare. Careful.


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[Assistant] Emren blinked up at me in surprise, but I went on. So, we need to find a way to patch up the wall before Hibern uses the Cauldron to break it. And fight this war before any other territories join Hibern's assault. And eventually, get the Cauldron itself. Anything else?


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[Assistant] Brian said behind me, his own voice, carefully casual. That covers it.


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[Assistant] As soon as a force can be assembled, we take on Hibern.


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[Assistant] The Elyrian legions are nearly ready, Gastion said. No, Ryze said. I mean a bigger force. A force not just from the Night Court, but from all of Prithium. Our only decent shot at finding allies in this war. None of us spoke, none of us moved, as Ryze said simply.


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[Assistant] Tomorrow, invitations go out to every High Lord and Prithian for a meeting in two weeks. It's time we see who stands with us and make sure they understand the consequences if they don't.


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[Assistant] And that my friends, whew, that was a marathon of a chapter. That was the end of chapter 16? 17? Oh gosh, I've already forgotten.


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[Assistant] But otherwise, I need to, I need to breathe and go ahead. That was a long, arduous chapter, y'all. That was a lot of lore pack, a lot of...


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[Assistant] Pushing forward with what, like, what events are going to be happening. I'm excited to see how Lyra may talk to...


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[Assistant] Her sisters, Nesta and Elaine. I'm guessing Nesta would convert over first. Or maybe that, uh, Elaine...


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[Assistant] We'll end up maybe coming around and that will also influence Nesta so they kind of do it as sisters.


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[Assistant] But hopefully they can find something good to happen. I'm glad Lucian hopefully is chilling out. We'll hopefully say, we'll hopefully keep it that way. But you never know. Especially with Sarah.


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[Assistant] Y'all make sure to stay beautiful, stay hydrated, and we will see you in the next chapter. Bye.


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[Assistant] Link to them is in the description below if you want to check it out. Great prices.


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[Assistant] And everything, an insane variety, especially of all the new stuff. Like, I just keep on watching their prices because I'm going to jump on anything that gets into my range. I got these for like $7.45 each. And in my opinion, those are amazing prices. So as you can see, Cars 3 logo, just the typical stuff.


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[Assistant] Warning choking hazard because look, we have a new feature. The bonus collector card with a stand. There's a stand. You can choke on that, so don't choke on it. But yea, they have to put that warning up there because of that. We'll take a look at that once I open him up.


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[Assistant] On the back that I actually have. So, I am so far behind guys, you have no idea. Like being slammed with school also means that I can't really go out and hunt, but even if I did, my stories really stink.


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[Assistant] They don't get anything in, so I wouldn't find any of this awesome stuff anyway. And speaking of like finding stuff in cases, I guess, I don't know. But!


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[Assistant] Since I don't know exactly, I'll put the leather, like I'll research it and I'll put the leather and all the content in the description below so you can check that out. Basically though, these are like all the other cars that are in the case, so.


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[Assistant] Pretty much all of the cases now contain 75% new stuff, which is absolutely amazing. Provides for a lot of new releases and a lot of fun and a lot of stuff to review, but I'm so far behind guys, like,


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[Assistant] Like I said, I don't have any of these except for Pat Traxin. I don't have any of the other new next-gens like Bubba, Ryan, or Chase. I have Pyle up back there as you can see. The new Tupacs and the Scott Tiller, but yea, I'm just so far behind. But anyway, I'll be right back with Ed here opened up.


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[Assistant] Paper, cardboard thing, but no, this is legit. Plastic, it's absolutely amazing. See?


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[Assistant] How like, it's kind of like a foil design, so you can kind of see like a rainbow there. It's really sweet and shiny, I love it. It's gonna be nice to put in like the background of my thumbnails. And this is a legit sturdy stand, as you can see.


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[Assistant] Or whatever the car can stay in there, and it's just very nicely done.


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[Assistant] So as you can see, you have the Mood Springs logo there on this, and like some lines behind it, which are...


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[Assistant] They're on Ed here, it's kind of like his design for the next gen mood springs, so basically like the logo, which we'll take a look at, and then like three shades of blue, you got light, dark, and then super light, verging on purple there, and on the back I already showed you the basic cars 3 stuff, so that is really awesome.


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[Assistant] I can't believe that it's just kind of like a complimentary thing right now. I mean, for the same price, that's absolutely amazing. Thank you, Mattel. That is what collectors, you know, that's why we still collect, because you do stuff like that, even though


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[Assistant] I can't really think of you doing much like that in the past, but yea, that is a very nice thing of them to do. It's like on the caliber almost of the pit stop barriers. I mean, like the amount of plastic used is kind of comparable and those cost more money, so that's very nice.


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[Assistant] Anyway, let's talk about Ed's appearance in Cars 3. If I can find a picture of him from a trailer, which I believe I'll be able to do, it'll be there on the screen, so take a look at him, he looks pretty sweet.


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[Assistant] And this is his only release so far. He may be re-released in the future in a different format. Two pack, multi pack, I don't know. But so far only available as a single. And there is a version without the bonus card and there is the version with the bonus card. If you're buying on eBay.


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[Assistant] Why not just buy the one with the bonus card, especially since the prices, you know, I know the prices, they're pretty much the same. In fact, the ones without the card may even be more, so.


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[Assistant] Yeaah, just get the one with the card. But anyway, getting on to the review of this awesome guy. He looks very grumpy like all of the next gens except for Cruz Ramirez. He has the same model as Danny Swerves here who is sponsored by Octane Game.


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[Assistant] The only like main difference between the two is the spoiler here, so you can see how like Danny's is a little slimmer and it has more angles to it, it's more cut out, whereas the Mood Spring's edge is more like rectangular with the side flares there.


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[Assistant] And obviously Mattel, Disney, Pixar, they're like advertising and promoting all the next-gens to be very grumpy and like the antagonist of the movie, even though it's not like all of them are bad or anything, but I mean like that's just what they're doing for even ones that even speak here like these guys. Tim Treadless, that was the nitrate one there.


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[Assistant] And they took forever to start releasing these next gens. I mean, they released Tim Treadless on May 1st, Danny as well, and of course the main characters, and that was it. So it's nice to finally get some.


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[Assistant] And basically just shows you going from Chuck Armstrong here to Doug Throttleman, and then from Doug Throttleman to Ed Trunkins, so quiet the evolution there.


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[Assistant] And I just love that, it makes sense. It's been 11 years, it makes sense that their branding for the company is going to change to appeal more to the times of 2017. What was popular in 2006 is not what's necessarily popular.


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[Assistant] Nowadays, and so I'm glad that they reflected that in the movie through the branding.


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[Assistant] Links will be in the description below so you can kind of get a full background on the, like, company of mood springs. But basically, we'll do a quick kind of, like, looky here. A looky, yea, a looky at the logos and how they have evolved.


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[Assistant] You start with a really blocky logo, then you get rid of that background. Pretty much the same though, just a little more three-dimensional.


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[Assistant] And now it's not like even three dimensional but just so simple and it's on the slant now and the D like almost looks like one of the O's there. It looks awesome. The font for Springs is different. It definitely looks next gen, at least to me.


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[Assistant] And so in the background you have like these white stripes on either side, the like little lines, they're pretty much diamonds and they're all weaved together to make a really cool design that again looks just so modern and innovative.


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[Assistant] Just really fits like the whole idea of next gens. Here on the bumper you have like these vents right here on either side, so even like...


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[Assistant] Actually no, I thought that Dodd had them, but he does not.


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[Assistant] I think some of the stock cars have them. Pretty much all the next-gen's do. There are Tim's.


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[Assistant] But, like, they're just so different because of course the rims are, like, way different.


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[Assistant] They're not like, looking like that. I don't even know how to describe that with the circular openings. So blue on dodge, just remember that. Circular openings, black rims on shock Armstrong, the cars won, mood springs racer, and now you just have this really like,


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[Assistant] We've designed there where all the spokes are curving. It's blue, but it's a different shade than on duds there. It's darker and then light year.


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[Assistant] You know, kinda weird names for all these guys. You went from Chuck to Dud to Ed. Very simple names.


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[Assistant] Nah, I found a dud, though. I mean, that's just calling him stupid, pretty much.


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[Assistant] But anyway, as you can see from this angle, he has a blue like glittery spectra flame paint, which in my opinion looks absolutely...


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[Assistant] Amazing, I love how they used it on and it looks just fantastic. And it's not like they overused it because like this middle section here is the black with the grey diamonds. You do have the 33 there, which it's not 3D, it's just very simple and I like it. Same thing right here, roof flaps there.


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[Assistant] His contingency sponsors are the Piston Cup, Combuster, Carbon Cyber, and Synergy. Whereas on the stock car, it was Piston Cup.


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[Assistant] Finally, revolting RPM nitrate octane game clutch aid. So no carryovers except for the piston cup, obviously.


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[Assistant] I love how it just says M here again, so simple and elegant, and the white bars here along with that are more defined, and then the back are a lighter, more of a bluish.


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[Assistant] White I guess. It's kind of like a tinted white. I like that. Similar to the one there on the hood. It gives it a little bit of depth, but not that much. Whereas like here, I feel like the M seemed a lot more 3D with the way that they shaped it. And they did kind of do the same style there with the three main


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[Assistant] Solid white sections and then like a bluish white in the background. So kind of staying with that, but change up the font, make it a little bit more like straight instead of curved.


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[Assistant] The spoiler reads mood springs, again with the same style. Springs is written in blue there. I like it, I like it.


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[Assistant] Of course compared to the spoiler section here on Dodd.


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[Assistant] And also on chalk, so obviously, since now he has a spoiler with enough surface area to write something, whereas before, you know, the spoiler was barely even a spoiler, so there was stuff there. And now it's just a lot simpler, you know, you just have the blue and the black.


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[Assistant] On the back you have the Mood Springs logo there again. A lot of the blue. You can definitely see the glitter from this side here. Rookie stripes. Those are the yellow racing rookie stripes to indicate that he is a rookie. All rookies are required to wear them. Even Jackson Storm.


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[Assistant] And even Cruz Ramirez here as well with the Dinoco paint job.


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[Assistant] You know, I guess it's just maybe his second season representation, which is fine. Not a big deal. You also have 33 over there. And here's the base if you're interested in that kind of stuff.


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[Assistant] So this is definitely one of my favorite card story releases so far. As you guys know, I'm a big fan of mood springs just in general, like,


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[Assistant] He's one of my favorite pissing car racers from cars 1. Dud is like one of my all time favorite from cars 3 and so is Ed just because I love the blue design.


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[Assistant] And I feel like it's just a very creative, like the company obviously makes springs, and they're mood springs, like they're supposed to put you in a happy mood, so I like it, I like it. Alright, it's time for some comparisons now. We already obviously compared them to Dani, who is the same model, except for the spoiler and the model.


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[Assistant] Here's Tim Treadless. They're a different model, so Tim would be like the same model pretty much in Bubble Wheelhouse, I think. They might have some differences, but like I said earlier on, I don't have them, so I don't know for sure.


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[Assistant] Should be getting him maybe soon, but last time I checked, Bubba, Ryan, and Chase, those three next-gens that spoke in the movie are insanely expensive.


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[Assistant] $20 minimum, without a doubt. Anyway, here is Jackson Storm, who is his own unique next-gen model.


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[Assistant] Definitely not what they did for Cars 1. And with the next gens, it seems like there's, I mean, again, I don't have them, so I can't speak for certain, but there's quite a few variances of them. I mean, Danny and Ed are the same, but the spoilers are different, which in my opinion is pretty significant. Anyway, here's Dinoco Cruz Ramirez.


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[Assistant] For those wondering about rusty screws Ramirez, I will be getting her hopefully soon. I really just need to hit the jackpot at Target because I know people have been finding some of these at Target.


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[Assistant] And they should hit more retailers soon enough anyway. I've had some luck with minor things though. Like...


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[Assistant] Road trip film or with trailer at Ross. Yeah, I found that there. That was exciting.


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[Assistant] One of the best customizers out there. And that's all I have pretty much for the comparisons. We can reel in the entire team here of mood springs that spans over.


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[Assistant] Cars three stock car racer, he lasted for maybe about one or two races before Ed replaced him. Kinda sad, but Doug probably replaced Chuck.


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[Assistant] You have the damaged Chuck Armstrong, I like he's pretty rare. Link for my review of him will also be in the description below.


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[Assistant] So there you guys go. Thank you so much for watching. I hope you enjoyed this video and you can probably expect some more frequent uploads in the next few days or at least, you know, going forward in general. I don't think I'll be doing another two and a half week break anytime soon. So I'll see you guys next time. Bye now!


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[Assistant] Oh, heartbreak. What do you want of him?


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[Assistant] I'm Broken Spade. Hello. How are you? You seem, you're ready to go. I'm glad to see that. It was a good idea at the time. Midnight in Sydney, everybody. She is a massive fan. Great to have you on the live stream again.


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[Assistant] Good to have you all. We've got a real treat for you all here. We've got one of the great mysteries of Roman history. The old, uh, the old Ninth Legion, folks. The Ninth Legion. And to talk about it, I've got history hits. Very own. Tristan Hughes. Hi Tristan.


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[Assistant] So we will be talking, any documentary we discuss in this livestream, you can watch over on HistoryHitTV.


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[Assistant] And after this, after this livestream, we've got a special treat. We're going to be featuring an episode available free for everyone right here on Timeline.


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[Assistant] Uhm, so check this out. Addicted to your podcast. Thank you very much, and well done. That Tristan, big, uh, big fan there for Tristan. And remember, if you like what you see on History Hit,


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[Assistant] There it is. It's there in the chat, if you wanna go for it. So, let's go on with today. Tristan.


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[Assistant] So up, up in the, towards the northeast frontier of the Roman province at this point.


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[Assistant] Uhm, do they, uh, do they, I mean, are they involved in any of the kind of famous incidents these first few decades of, of the Roman sort of invasion and, and gradual occupation?


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[Assistant] That was the buddhican revolt. That was it. Sixty, thereabouts, AD, the ninth legion involved. Hello in, uh, Pune and India and Oklahoma and Texas.


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[Assistant] I like the way, I'm very happy that someone is watching from Sparta. Sparta in the USA.


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[Assistant] So that's great. Sparta in Michigan. So uhm, but you had me at Sparta there Doug. Uhm, that was Tristan's brilliant documentary that he's made on the ninth season. It will be played, I was getting confused, he made so many documentaries of history yet. That one will be played after this livestream goes out. It will be exclusively on Timeline.


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[Assistant] Roman troops can keep an eye on the frontier, the northern frontier of the province of Britannia.


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[Assistant] Roughly between England and Scotland today, both across the north of England, that represented the absolute northern frontier of the Roman Empire. Tristan, is that true?


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[Assistant] What do we, let's watch, let's watch your, let's watch your little, let's watch a clip from your film that people can watch at length after this live stream.


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[Assistant] Uhm, ancient host and all round legend. You can watch that documentary after this on Timeline, of course, all kinds of other documentaries about our history at TV.


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[Assistant] Hi, my dad's a psychologist, I'm 11 years old. Are there any books for someone my age to read about Rome? I have looked, there are so many different kinds. Thank you very much. Tristan?


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[Assistant] So I hope that helps. Tristan, let's get back to the job in hand. Talk about the ninth legion. Why do we think it was destroyed?


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[Assistant] It's the problem with you ancient historians. It's all just speculation, Tristan. I wanna know, I need, I need, I need to know what's going on here. I'm desperate. So tantalizing, isn't it? Put, put yourself out on a limb here. No one's gonna get angry at you. What do you think? What do you think happened to Nightly Tristan?


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[Assistant] Uh, for the, uh, for your comments and watching around the world. Uh, Tristan, where can people watch this documentary that we've been talking about today?


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Yeah, you can watch the first part of the timeline right, right now. Uh, and then you, if you like what you see, you can watch the second episode of History at TV, you get 30 days free, you get three months at


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] Hang on a second. 80% off? You get 80% off the first three months. That's a bonkers offer. Don't tell anyone else. Use the code TIMELINE when you sign up to subscribe.


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[Assistant] In the meantime, everyone, listen, we're gonna do another of these livestreams next month. It's great. The tech worked. Tristan worked. Everything worked. We'll return to normal. I'll see you next month for one of these livestreams. Uhm, and thank you very much for joining. Thank you for getting up in the middle of the night. Those people in Asia Pacific, much appreciated.


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[Assistant] Uhm, and make sure you go and watch, uh, watch Tristan's documentary, Mystery of the Ninth Legion, right here on Timeline, after this livestream. See you later!


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[Assistant] What matters most to Jay? Uh, his family. He is a big family man. What matters most to me? My family. My safety. Your safety.


[User] Please transcribe this text

[Assistant] But the rations at home for your wives and your children and your mothers, whenever the iron is not enough, there will be none.


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[Assistant] Mummy is a witch, and witches protect people and are very strong.


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[Assistant] With the exclamation point for the added emphasis.


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[Assistant] We're back here today after I would say like a, a semi spicy chapter, you know.


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[Assistant] It was, it was pseudo spicy, uh, if you didn't hear my post comments after the chapter, uh,


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[Assistant] Either that's probably a good thing, or you know, FOMO. Get that FOMO and get back there and listen to the rest of it.


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[Assistant] Otherwise, uh, they, you know, Ryze and Phyra, Rhys, Phyra, however you like to say it, Reconnected.


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[Assistant] And had a good time doing that. They sent everyone away. It looks like Lucian.


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[Assistant] He's on a teetering pole with them right now, but you know, he's not making it any worse yet. So let's see what all happens in chapter 15.


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[Assistant] My sisters had been living in the House of Wind since they'd arrived in Valaris.


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[Assistant] They did not leave the palace built into the upper parts of the flat topped mountain overlooking the city. They did not ask for anything or anyone. So I would go to them.


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[Assistant] Lucian was waiting in the sitting room when Ryze and I came downstairs at last. My mate, having given the silent order for them to return.


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[Assistant] Unsurprisingly, Cassian and Asriel were casually seated in the dining room across the hall, eating lunch and marking every single breath Lucian omitted. Cassian smirked at me, brows flicking up. I shot him a warning glare that dared him to comment. Asriel thankfully just kicked Cassian under the table.


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[Assistant] Lucian was still in his travel worn, filthy clothes.


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[Assistant] His face and hands at least were clean, but I should have gotten him something else. Remember to offer him.


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[Assistant] The thought rippled way into nothing as Ryze appeared at my side. Lucian did not bother to hide the slight curling of his lip.


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[Assistant] As if he could see the mating bond glowing between Ryze and me.


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[Assistant] His eyes, both russet and golden, slid down my body to my hand.


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[Assistant] To the ring now on my finger, at the star sapphire sky bright against the silver, a simple silver band sat on Ricent's matching finger.


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[Assistant] We'd slid them into each other's hands before coming downstairs, more intimate and searing than any publicly made vows.


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[Assistant] I told Ryze before we did so that I'd had half a mine to deposit his ring at the weaver's cottage and make him retrieve it.


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[Assistant] He'd laughed and said if I truly felt it was necessary to settle the score between us, perhaps I could find some other creature for him to battle. One that wouldn't delight in removing my favorite part from his body.


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[Assistant] I'd only kissed him, murmuring about someone thinking rather highly of themselves, and had placed the ring he'd selected for himself by here in Volaris while I'd been away onto his finger.


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[Assistant] Any joy, any lingering laughter from that moment of silent vows.


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[Assistant] It curled up like leaves in a fire as Lucian sneered at our rings. How close we stood. We swallowed.


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[Assistant] Ryze noticed it too. It was impossible to miss.


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[Assistant] My mate leaned against the carved archway and drawled to Lucian.


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[Assistant] I assume that Cassian or Azrael has explained that if you threaten anyone in this house, this territory, we'll show you ways to die you've never even imagined.


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[Assistant] Indeed, the Illyrians smirked from where they lingered in the dining room threshold. Azrul is by far the more terrifying of the pair.


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[Assistant] Something twisted in my gut at the threat. Smooth, sleek aggression.


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[Assistant] I'd let him into my mind before we'd come down, shown him all that had occurred at the spring court. But hearing it and seeing it are two different things. He shrugged with one shoulder. Elaine has been cared for.


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[Assistant] Her participation in life here has been entirely her choice.


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[Assistant] No one but us and a few trusted servants have entered the House of Wind. Lucian remains silent.


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[Assistant] I was in love with Vyra, for I said quietly, long before she ever returned the feeling. Lucian crossed his arms. How fortunate that you got what you wanted in the end. I closed my eyes for a heartbeat.


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[Assistant] Cassian and Azrael stilled, waiting for the order.


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[Assistant] I will say this only once. Warn the High Lord of the Night Court. Even Lucian flinched.


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[Assistant] I suspected Pharoah was my mate before I ever knew she was involved with Tamlin. And when I learned of it, if it made her happy, I was willing to step back. He came to our house and stole her away on her wedding day. I was going to call the wedding off. I cut in taking a step forward to Lucian. You knew it. Bryson went on before Lucian could snap a reply.


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[Assistant] I was willing to lose my mate to another male. I was willing to let them marry if that brought her joy. But what I was not willing to do was let her suffer. To let her fade away into a shadow.


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[Assistant] In the moment that piece of shit blew apart in his study, the moment he locked her in that house, his wings ripped from him and Lucian started. Rises bare in his teeth. My limbs turned light.


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[Assistant] Trembling at the dark power curling in the corners of the room. Not fear. Never fear of him.


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[Assistant] But at the shattered control as Rice snarled at Lucian.


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[Assistant] My mate may one day find it in herself to forgive him. Forgive you.


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[Assistant] But I will never forget how it felt to sense her terror in those moments. My cheeks heated.


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[Assistant] Especially as Cassian and Azrael stalk closer. Those hazel eyes now filled with a mix of sympathy. Wrath.


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[Assistant] I had never talked about it to them. What had gone on that day, Tamlin destroyed his study. Or the day he'd sealed me inside the manor. I'd never asked Ryze if he informed him. From the fury rippling from Cassian. The cold rage seeping from Azrael. I didn't think so.


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[Assistant] Lucian, to his credit, didn't back away a step from Ryze, or me, or the Illyrians. The clever fox stares down winged death. The painting flashed into my mind. So again, I will only say this once.


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[Assistant] Rise went on, his expression smoothing into lethal calm, dragging me from the colors and light and shadows gathering in my mind. Byra did not dishonor or betray Tamlim.


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[Assistant] I revealed the mating bonds months later. She gave me hell for it. Don't worry.


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[Assistant] But now that you've found your mate in a similar situation,


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[Assistant] Perhaps you will try to understand how it felt. And if you can't be bothered, then I hope you're wise enough to keep your mouth shut.


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[Assistant] Because the next time you look at my mate, with that disdain and disgust.


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[Assistant] I won't bother to explain it again and I will rip out your fucking throat.


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[Assistant] Rice said it so mildly that the threat took a second to register, to settle in me like a stone plunked into a pool. Lucian only shifted on his feet, wary, considering. I counted the heartbeats.


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[Assistant] Debating how much I'd interfere if he said something truly stupid when he at last murmured. There is a longer story to be told, it seems.


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[Assistant] Smart answer. The rage ebbed from Ryza's face, and Cassian's and Azrael's shoulders relaxed ever so slightly. Just once.


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[Assistant] Lucian had said to me during those days on the run, that was all he wanted, to see Elaine only once. And then, I'd have to figure out what to do with him, unless my mate already had some plan in motion.


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[Assistant] One look at Ryze, who lifted his brows as if to say, he's all yours, told me it was my call. But until then, it cleared my throat.


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[Assistant] I'm going to see my sisters up at the house. I said dilution, whose eyes snapped a mine. The metal one tightening and wearing. I forced a grim smile to my face. Would you like to come?


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[Assistant] Lucian weighed my offer, and the three males monitoring his every blink and breath. He only nodded. Another wise decision.


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[Assistant] We were gone within minutes. The quick walk up the roof of the townhouse serving as Lucian's tour of my home. I didn't bother to point out the bedrooms. Lucian certainly didn't ask.


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[Assistant] Ezreal left us as we took to the skies, murmuring that he had some pressing business to attend to.


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[Assistant] From the glare Cassian gave him, I wondered if the shadow singer had invented it to avoid carrying Lucian to the house of wind. But Ryza's subtle nod to Azrul told me enough. There were indeed matters afoot. Plans in motion as they always were.


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[Assistant] And once I finished visiting my sisters, I'd get answers of my own.


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[Assistant] So Cassie and Boris Stone faced Lucian into the skies, and Ryze swept me into his arms, shooting us gracefully into the cloudless blue. With every wing beat.


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[Assistant] With every deep inhale of the citrus and salt breeze, some tightness in my body uncoiled.


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[Assistant] Even if every wing beat brought us closer to the house looming above Volaris to my sisters.


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[Assistant] The house of wind had been carved into the red, sun-warm stone of the flat-topped mountains that lurked over one edge of the city.


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[Assistant] With countless balconies and patios jutting to overhang the thousand foot drop to the valley floor.


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[Assistant] Dolores's winding streets flowed right to the sheer wall of the mountain itself, and snaking through it wove the sidra, a glittering bright band in the midday sun.


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[Assistant] As we landed on the veranda that edged our usual dining room, Cassian and Lucian alighting behind us. I let it sink in. The city and the river and the distant sea.


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[Assistant] The jagged mountains on the other side of Volaris and the blazing blue of the sky above. And the house of wind. My other home.