“Very well. I see.” Vokasin nodded. “I’ll help you. I don’t see a problem.”

  “As will I,” Lae’yul added. “It will also ensure there’s no hidden Mountain Elf access to it.”

  Zaena always expected more acrimony, but their meetings had gone well. Upon further thought, she couldn’t ignore how Lae’yul had challenged her to a near-lethal duel and Vokasin had flung her against a powerful artifact and an insane soul-bound elf. That was worse than a little acrimony during a meeting.

  “There’s something else I wanted to discuss,” Zaena replied.

  Her gaze cut back and forth between the two elves. She’d been thinking about her next question since her interview with the reporter. There had only been the briefest conversations with her allies about her PR strategy.

  “You both have at least some awareness of my exploits,” she continued, “and you know I’m talking to a human reporter.”

  They remained silent. Neither had ever complained about her involvement with Josh.

  “I think it’s important that I’m explicit about my end goal with all this,” Zaena continued. “Eventually, I intend to reveal the existence of Royal Elves to humans in general. As a secondary effect of that, the existence of the other tribes will also be revealed.”

  Lae’yul nodded. “Obviously. That has been clear to me from the beginning.”

  “I don’t care,” Vokasin replied, “but I never thought you intended anything else.”

  “You don’t mind?” Zaena asked. “I’m trying to proceed carefully and with concern for both my tribe and the others, but I’m not above taking input from you.”

  “The Forest Elves don’t control the Desert Elves, and my people don’t control yours.” Vokasin walked over to her. “We don’t fear the humans. They can’t find our enclave. It’s convenient for them not to know about us, not vital.”

  Lae’yul scoffed. “Even if humans could find the Sea Elf enclave, their metal toys wouldn’t survive the trip. We have no reason to deal with them, so we’ve let them forget us.”

  “You seem to have forgotten something important, Fourth Born,” Vokasin added with a smirk.

  Zaena stifled a sigh. Vokasin could be wearying.

  “I don’t understand,” she replied.

  “You speak as if it were the intent of all elves to conceal themselves from humanity,” Vokasin explained, “but it’s as Lae’yul just said. It’s less an active endeavor and more something that came as a side effect of our centuries of separation and the limited number of elves who can survive the Azure.”

  He gestured around. “Certainly, the culling tribes wanted humans to know and fear them. Our isolation and the rarity of immunity forced us to disappear into myth. An occasional elf who appeared might show up as an important figure in myths, only to be swallowed by it later. Once the humans started advancing and becoming more obsessed with their technology, it was inevitable that they set aside their beliefs about us.”

  Zaena’s breath caught. She’d been so focused on the goals of her mission that she had not always thought deeply about the background.

  “It is curious when you think about it,” she admitted. “I wasn’t sure when I left the kingdom whether other tribes were as isolated from humanity as my tribe. You’re right; the handful of those with immunity had their reasons regarding safety.”

  Zaena averted her eyes. Part of establishing ties with the other tribes included admitting to mistakes, but that didn’t mean she had to enjoy it.

  “You seem reluctant,” Lae’yul noted. “What is it, Princess?”

  “You are both proof that your tribes are less restrictive about letting elves with immunity in and out of the enclave than my kingdom,” Zaena explained, looking down. “I hadn’t even thought about the implications. If you were as restrictive as my people, it would have made this whole endeavor much more difficult.”

  Vokasin threw his head back and laughed. Lae’yul narrowed her green eyes, her mouth twitching into a frown.

  “This is too perfect,” Vokasin shouted. “The arrogance of the Forest Elves doesn’t end even when they’re trying to stop the Creeping Azure.”

  “I don’t enjoy every decision my father and his advisors have made,” Zaena replied quietly, “but I must respect them. We have rules. They structure Royal Elf society.”

  “Rules are for nothing but control.” Vokasin scoffed. “It’s weak compared to true freedom.”

  “That’s what you have in your enclave?” Lae’yul scoffed. “True freedom?”

  “Yes,” Vokasin replied. “Everyone’s preferences work together to produce something greater. True order from chaos.”

  “True order or true madness.”

  “I think we’ve drifted,” Zaena interrupted. “It’s my fault, and I apologize. Let us refocus.”

  Lae’yul walked to the pool and stepped across the surface. “I’ve been ordered to give my full assistance in this matter. Therefore, I will follow your lead, Princess Zaena. It’s not for this humble servant to judge the Forest Elves and their ways. Let’s focus on why we speak about any of this. Let me make it clear. Say what you want about elves to the humans, Princess. It won’t harm my people to give you aid.”

  Vokasin snorted. “I’m not saying I won’t help her. I’ll continue regardless of what she tells the humans, but because I choose it and not out of some misguided sense of false duty either to her or my tribe.” He turned to Zaena. “Perhaps Mark Wong and Kalain were unusual, but you should be prepared. The Mountain and Ice Elves might have different opinions and attitudes.”

  “I know.” Zaena agreed, “but when I cultivate my human allies, at least those who keep secrets in the American government, I might need to share more.”

  “Do as you will,” Vokasin replied, “but remember, all choices have consequences.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind.” Zaena smiled. “I’m glad to have your aid for now and in the future, regardless of your reasons.”

  “The future?” Vokasin gave her a long, appraising look. “You’re not talking about the nexus and the ritual, are you?”

  “I won’t be able to retrieve the Night Elf artifact by myself,” Zaena replied.

  “I’m not the only immune Sea Elf,” Lae’yul noted quietly, an intense look in her eyes. “However, it’s been made clear by my people that those others won’t be sent to aid you in any capacity until you secure the cooperation of the other two tribes.”

  “I see. I can’t fault them for not wanting to risk more of their people when this whole task can’t be completed without the involvement of all the tribes.” Zaena glanced at Vokasin. “Are there others in your tribe who could be brought to help?”

  “There are no others who can help.”

  He had not stated that there were no other immune Desert Elves. Given their anarchic nature, she could envision there might be fifty of them, but none willing to help. She had to trust Vokasin’s knowledge of his people.

  “It’s the same with my people.” Zaena smiled at Lae’yul. “Your people will earn themselves much honor for their commitments.”

  Lae’yul replied with a shallow nod and silence.

  “I have nothing else to discuss with you,” Zaena noted. “I wanted to get your commitment for the digging in three days. Is that acceptable?”

  “I’ll be there,” Vokasin replied. “Presuming you don’t get yourself killed saving humans in fires.”

  “I’m confident I’ll survive.”

  “We’ll see.”

  Zaena turned to Lae’yul. “What about you?”

  “The time is acceptable,” the Sea Elf said, adding, “Human cities trouble me. I wish to spend the least amount of time possible away from the water.”

  “I’ll come and lead you there,” Zaena replied. “It’ll take some extra magic, but I can carry you.” Zaena laughed. “I’ll need to get you some clothes. I can’t have you walking around Chinatown naked.”

  Chapter Nine

  Zaena knocked lightly on the door to Karl’s apartment. She’d spent most of the day after her elf summit strolling around Chinatown, thinking about the enormity of her mission and how much had happened during her time in San Francisco. The discussion with her elven allies had etched lasting concerns in her mind.

  She’d had a short conversation with Grace about her concerns. Ambushing her returning friend with a serious matter wasn’t fair, but Grace didn’t seem annoyed. It was now time to discuss it with her other human friend.

  Karl opened the door. “Hey, Princess.”

  “May I come in?”

  He motioned at the couch. “You’re the one who paid for all this. Well, not that couch, but the apartment and the building.”

  Zaena stepped inside. By the time she got to the couch, Karl had closed the door.

  “Everything okay at your monthly pointy-ear appreciation society meeting?” he asked.

  “Yes.” Zaena smiled. “They are good and honorable allies, as always. I couldn’t ask for more. Lae’yul has even said there might be more Sea Elves available to aid me.”

  “That’s good,” Karl replied. “One of you guys is ridiculous, so having more only seals the deal. If that’s true, though, why do you look all broken up over it?”

  “Broken up?” Zaena ran a hand over her face. “I look unbroken, I believe. Ah, yes. I see what you mean, but I still insist I don’t look different than normal.”

  “I can see it in your eyes,” Karl replied. “You’re worried about something. Sure, you’re always worried about something, but this is about something else. Wait, if you don’t want to watch Under Siege, I get it. It’s misleading to call it Die Hard on a boat since it’s not Bruce Willis, and Steven Seagal is no Bruce Willis.”

  “No, no, no.” Zaena protested, “it’s nothing like that. It’s…” She took a deep breath to gather her thoughts. “When I began this mission, I understood that I’d require the aid of others, both human and elf, but I was still acting the part of the princess and the warrior, half-convinced I needed to handle everything personally. My experience with you, Grace, and other humans has taught me how much I need others. My recent discussions with my elven allies only reinforced that I need their help.”

  “Nothing wrong with reaching out a hand when you need help,” Karl said.

  “Delegation is the key to true leadership,” Zaena explained. “That’s what I’ve been thinking about all day. I’ve delegated some tasks to you and Grace, but I’ve placed you under restraints that limit your effectiveness through no fault of your own.”

  “Like what?”

  “I asked you to protect this place,” Zaena explained, “but it’s large, and you’re one man. Just like I’m one elf. Just as I can’t protect the entire city by myself, it might be too much to request one man to protect this large building.”

  “I’m not saying it wouldn’t hurt to have a team,” Karl admitted, “but we both know that’ll be complicated.”

  “If Amanda Morton can hire killers and assassins who don’t blink at the use of magic, why can’t we?” Zaena grimaced. “I don’t want killers and assassins, but my point stands.”

  Karl gave a slow nod. “I see where you’re going with this, and yeah, you’re right.” He furrowed his brow. “It’s not like I want to ask Morton where she’s hiring, but the DIA agents might be able to point us toward someone we can trust who can keep their mouth shut. The flip side of that is anyone they recommend might be a spy for the government. It’s one thing to keep the occasional magic under the wraps, but you’ve been holding a lot back from the feds.”

  “You disagree with my reticence?” Zaena asked.

  Karl shrugged. “It’s not my call or my people. I’m helping you because it feels like the right thing to do, and I can give you advice when it comes to humans, but I can’t tell you how much the government should know about the truth.”

  “We were discussing this at Alcatraz. Although I’ve yet to gain a firm Mountain or Ice Elf ally, and they might have thoughts on the matter, I’m beginning to wonder if something you told me once isn’t applicable.”

  Karl looked amused. “I’ve told you a lot of stuff. Some of it even good, but what specifically do you mean?”

  “It’s better to ask forgiveness than permission,” Zaena quoted.

  “Exactly.” Karl laughed. “Make sure you’re doing this for the right reasons.”

  “I believe I am. It’s time to move forward with greater revelations about the nature of who I am and the existence of elves. It’s hard to try to juggle so many allies with different degrees of knowledge.”

  Karl’s smile faded. “Just how far are you talking?”

  “I think the agents should know the truth about the Creeping Azure and my plan,” Zaena admitted. “That will give the government context for all my actions.”

  “I’m not going to tell you no, but right now, the government’s worried about a handful of elves,” Karl replied. “You tell them all that, they then have to worry about, from what you’ve told me, hundreds of thousands. And I doubt anyone’s going to be willing to give them coordinates to the enclaves.”

  “It’d be inadvisable at this point,” Zaena admitted.

  Karl stood. “What do you plan to do if the government demands that information?”

  “Refuse to give it. They can’t compel it from me, but I do think it’s important that we make our intentions clear. Doing it ahead of time will help alleviate the idea of an alien invasion. I know how humans tend to assume other intelligent species have come to harm them.”

  “This is the exact opposite of what you just said about not asking for permission.”

  Zaena laughed. “It’s not a universal maxim, and I’ve already done a lot without asking for the government’s permission. In addition, I’d rather tell them than have them find out.”

  Karl grunted. He didn’t respond for a long while. “It’s a big risk. You said it yourself. Humans can be very jumpy.”

  “Which is precisely why I should do it,” Zaena noted. “Consider it arrogance, but I’m not only an elven princess. I was also trusted with this mission. Some decisions must be executive, as you call it, and I do believe that if I wait until we cure the Creeping Azure, there would be a risk of perceiving it as the prelude to a surprise attack. I can’t risk a panicked nuclear response.”

  “You intend to tell everyone, then? Have some big speech at the UN?”

  “Not yet. I’ll start with the American government, then we’ll slowly work this using PR channels until we’re ready for a full reveal. My first and immediate step would be to tell the truth to the agents. I don’t intend to call Mr. Bloom with a major scoop of this magnitude. I need to ensure the government is fully on my side before proceeding.”

  “When did you want to do the first part?”

  “As soon as possible.”

  Karl pulled out his phone and frowned. “I can get in touch with Lyle and Waves, but you should probably wait until after the restaurant opens and after you finish your little basement excavation. We don’t know what might happen with all that, and it’s better that you’re not distracted.”

  “Very well, then,” Zaena replied. She stood. “Thank you for your support in this matter.”

  “Hey, all you needed was an ear and a guy who is willing to call somebody.” Karl smiled. “You’re the one making all the hard choices. Just make sure they’re the ones you want.”

  Zaena headed toward the door. “There can be no victory without taking chances.” Her phone chimed, and she pulled it out. After looking at the message, she frowned. “It’s a good thing you suggested waiting. Tony informs me there’s some trouble about the opening we need to discuss.”

  “What?” Karl asked.

  “I don’t know.” Zaena tucked her phone back into her pocket. “He wants to discuss it at his apartment. Be on standby in case this is something dangerous.”

  Chapter Ten

  Zaena approached Tony’s door with a wary look around the area. Without her armor on, a headshot from a sniper rifle would be more than sufficient to end her life and mission. Her time among humans had convinced her that dismissing their lethality was a mistake.

  She’d texted Tony and asked him if he was safe. He’d given a very ambiguous response.

  Just come over here. I want to talk about it in person. It’s safer that way.

  Was it a trap? She suspected Tony believed she was the Crimson Wind, but there was little reason to push the chef of a new restaurant over her identity. It also made sense that he’d find some way to tip her off and encourage her to arrive ready for battle.

  Zaena frowned and lifted a hand. Limited preparations were in order. She layered an air shield around her. Dust swirled. She hoped it looked natural to any cameras in the area.

  She knocked on the door. “It’s me.”

  The door flew open. Tony stood on the other side. He looked exhausted and pale, with bags under his eyes.

  “Are you safe?” Zaena asked, lifting her hand toward her necklace. “If you’re not, let me know right away.”

  Tony sighed and motioned her inside the apartment. “I don’t know if I’m safe, but there’s no one in here with a gun if that’s what you’re asking.” He looked past her. “You got people nearby? Is that what you’re getting at? A team ready to roll?”

  “Yes,” Zaena lied. “I was concerned for your life. There was something about the tone of your message that bothered me.”

  “Thanks, boss. Nothing like that to worry about yet.” He slammed the door shut behind her. “I’m not going to lie, though. We could get to not safe really quick.”

  Zaena folded her arms. It allowed her to look stern while also keeping her hands near the Ruby of Tarilan. “Despite my presence, your words remain confusing and ambiguous. Please clarify, Tony.”

  “Right, right, right.” Tony scrubbed a hand down his face. “So, we’ve got the opening of the Sleeping Dragon coming up.”