Valek had used two very desperate moves to win both fights. Moves he would be unable to utilize again against either the Commander or Onora, because they would be ready for them. His upper arm throbbed, and a dozen or more stinging cuts seeped blood that soaked his sleeves. Plus his magic and immunity were gone.

Valek certainly didn’t feel like a threat.

Now that he didn’t need to rush off to warn Sitia of an impending attack, Valek walked over to the armchairs. The Commander’s comments had generated a number of unanswered questions. “Have you heard any news from Sitia? There’s no guarantee the Sitian Council and the others will defeat Bruns and his Cartel.”

The Commander gave him a flat look. “Who planned the attack?”

“I did.”

“Who did you leave in charge?”

“All right, I get it. There’s a pretty good chance of success if everything goes well.”

“I’ve received a report that the Sitian Council and Master Magicians have regained power and are rallying the troops to counter our invasion. I suspect they’ll have a number of soldiers disappointed over the lack of action.”

Valek gripped the back of the empty chair as relief threatened to turn his legs into mush. “Yelena?”

“She’s been spotted in the Citadel, aiding the Council.”

Unable to remain upright, Valek sank into the chair and rested his head in his hands for a moment.

“Onora was seen in her company. Please tell Onora to report back to Ixia immediately.”

Valek lifted his head. “Ari and Janco?”

“If they wish to return, they’ll be welcome. No charges will be filed against them or the agents who helped you escape a few days ago.”

Good to know. “And if Ari and Janco want to stay in Sitia?”

Smiling, Ambrose raised his glass. “Good luck.” He drank.

Valek laughed as six months of worry, tension and fear melted away. He grabbed his drink and took a long swig. The smooth white brandy slid down his throat, trailing fire. “The good stuff?”

“I thought the situation warranted it.”

“You were that confident I wouldn’t kill you?”

“Not at all. If this was going to be my last night, I didn’t want to drink inferior brandy.” He raised his glass again. “Here’s to your new life in Sitia.”

Valek clinked and took another swallow. He considered his future. Being with his family would be a highlight, but what else would he do? The vial of his blood might not return his magic. “I’m not sure that the Sitians trust me enough to put me in charge of security, or that I would even accept the position if they offered. My priorities have shifted.”

“They’d be fools not to.” The Commander sipped his drink. “Would they trust you more if you still had your magic?”

“Probably.” Valek leaned back in his chair as fatigue washed through him. If not for his injuries, this could have been any night during the past twenty-four years. He realized with a pang that he was going to miss this.

“I’m not sorry for injecting you with the Harman sap,” Ambrose said. “As far as I’m concerned, I’ve done you a favor.”

“I know. I’m well aware of your views on magic.” They shared a smile. It was an old argument.

“And you know I’ve been a hypocrite about it ever since I’ve learned my mother’s soul shares my body. Something that is only possible because of magic.”

Valek straightened. This was new.

“If Yelena’s powers return, and she doesn’t hate me, can you ask her to visit me? I’d like her to send my mother to the sky.”

“I’m sure Yelena would be happy to help you if she’s able.” Valek tapped a finger on his glass. “What if her powers don’t return? Would you be more accepting of magicians?”

“In that case, I will use the Harman sap on myself.”

It seemed drastic. “That might kill your mother.”

“She’s already dead.”

“No. That might destroy her soul, and she won’t find peace in the sky. She’ll cease to exist.”

“Is your soul dead because of the Harman sap?” Ambrose asked.

“I...” Valek recalled Yelena’s description of souls and how she influenced them. A body without a soul was like an empty cup—it lived, but had no awareness or emotions or personality. “No. I’m still...me.”

“Exactly. The Harman sap will remove the magic that is holding my mother here.” He tapped his chest. “That’s the theory. But I’d rather Yelena do it, so I know for sure my mother is at peace.” He smoothed a hand over his pants leg. “Speaking of peace, do you think Yelena will be willing to be the Liaison again?”

Good question. “I don’t know, but I’ll ask her. What if she says no? Who else would you accept?”

“You.”

Valek’s laugh died in his throat—it would be an interesting job. “I doubt the Sitian Council would agree.”

“I’ll also work with Ari, but if Janco is assigned the position, I’m declaring war.”

Amused, Valek imagined Janco pouting from the insult. “I’ll make sure to include that in my report.”

They talked late into the night, healing the rift that had grown between them. The Commander then insisted Valek see the medic, and even escorted him to the infirmary. On the way, they stepped over the still forms of Gerik and his partner. Valek wondered what Gerik thought, seeing the two of them together. He guessed Gerik would pretend to sleep until the other man woke.