Chapter 58: Declaration Of War

My throne was hard under me, the weight I'd lost to the nectar nightmare I'd endured most telling. Ahbi kindly built a

cushion of power, shielding me from the worst of it, but I could still feel the chill seeping into my bones.

As I stared over the gathered court, I thought of my sister and wished I could join her. Be anywhere but here, glowering

at the family who brought me so low. She'd come to see me before I convened this morning, with no real news.

"We tried to track him," she said, dropping into one of my chairs while Max stood quietly next to Mabel. "But he's

slippery."

"Indeed," Max said as Sassafras hopped into Syd's arms for some scratches. "He certainly knows how to use his sorcery to

the very utmost of its ability."

"Is that admiration I hear?" Mabel's lip twitched.

"Even the most vile of creatures manage the occasional brilliant quality," Max said.

"At least we now know you can beat him," Syd said over Sassy's purr. "That's huge."