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Tarina followed her gaze. “Can you read our writing as well?” Her

voice sounded chirpier, which probably meant she’d shifted languages

again.

Sophie squinted at the letters. “Does that say ‘long shot’?”

“It does. We name our weapons as part of our training, and I chose

this to remind myself that even when all hope feels lost, I can continue

fighting. A sentiment I’m sure you can appreciate—which is rare for

your species, isn’t it? Elves generally live their glittering lives

oblivious to most of this planet’s harsh realities. But not you. You also

have an incredibly rare worldview from your years living with humans.

I’d wager you see things drastically differently than any of us do. And

while my people may not be connected to these current problems your

world is facing—we’re no strangers to war. We know how evil spreads

like a virus without any cure. Which is why the empress sent me on

this assignment, despite the fact that it requires working alongside

those who, another time, another place, would gladly choose to slit my

throat. It’s also why I’m taking this chance to speak candidly to you.”

Grady moved to Sophie’s side, wrapping an arm around her, as if he

could sense the slight tension knotting her shoulders. “Everything

okay?”

“Yep,” Sophie said, hoping it was true.

The conversation felt like it was curving, and Sophie couldn’t figure

out where it was heading. Especially when Tarina added, “We know

nothing of this organization you serve—this Black Swan, as you call it

—but we know the elvin Council has never fully provided the support

my species needs. That’s why long ago one of our empresses chose to

partner with an elf she trusted instead—someone with the power,

intelligence, and determination to stand up for what was right, even

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