Page 67 of Fallen Nocturne

Kharlis. The one who’s been so vocal at every war council about troop deployments and defensive positions.

“Show me,” I demand.

He steps aside, gesturing to the documents spread before us.

I move to the table and lean over them. The evidence is extensive. Dates and locations of secret meetings with known fae operatives. Records of fae gold transfers bear Avalon’s seals. Partially deciphered messages reveal elven troop positions and weaknesses within our defenses.

“He’s been selling information to the fae,” Arescaine says quietly. “Troop movements, supply routes and gaps in our defenses. The records go back at least six months.”

Six months.

Our people have been dying for six months because of him.

My hands clench into fists against the table. “Do you have proof?”

Arescaine produces another document. It is a letter bearing Kharlis’s personal seal.

“He’s too well connected and trusted,” Arescaine says. “No one would believe a Nightwalker’s word against his.”

He is right. Even now, with the evidence spread before me, part of me wants to deny it. Kharlis has served under Uncle Rainer for years. He has fought in countless battles and always appeared loyal.

“What were you planning to do?” I ask.

“He’s meeting his fae contacts tonight at a pleasure house in Greenvale.” Arescaine taps one of the documents. “I intended to catch him in the act and return with proof that even his supporters could not deny.”

I study the papers more carefully. Rage burns through me, hot and fierce.

Lord Kharlis. I can see his face in my mind, confident and certain that complete surrender is in our best interest.

All of it was lies and poison.

I continue staring at the evidence, my mind already racing.

“When are you leaving?” I ask.

“Now.” Arescaine gathers the documents and returns them to the satchel. “I need to reach Greenvale before the meeting begins.”

“How far is it?” I watch him fasten the satchel.

“Three hours by air, provided the winds remain favorable.”

I stare at him. “By air?”

“The last time I traveled through shadow, the fae commander sensed the disturbance.” His mouth tightens. “Some of the High Fae are bound closely enough to the Ysendrals to feel such anomalies. I cannot risk alerting them again.”

Travel through shadow? I nod as though any of that makes sense.

Three hours. I watch him secure the evidence, and certainty settles in my chest.

“I’m coming with you,” I say.

His hands still on the satchel. He looks up at me.

“What?”

“To Greenvale.” I meet his eyes. “I’m coming with you.”

“No.” His voice is flat and absolute. He continues packing as though I have not spoken.