Page 92 of Staff of Nightfall

“Fear is a healthy emotion, in its place. Fear helps prevent recklessness. Warriors don’t face battle unafraid. They face battle because they are fighting for something they value more than they fear the battle.” Father squeezed her hand. “What are you fighting for?”

“You. Mother. Regulus, Minerva, everyone. My own freedom. But mostly to protect the people I love.”To protect you from Kirven’s wrath.

“Love.” He nodded. “Love will always conquer fear, my tigress.”

She drew in a ragged breath. “I don’t feel like much of a tigress lately.”

Father rubbed his thumb over the back of her hand. “When your mother and I told you about The Shadow, you hid under a blanket and cried. But when we told you about the cottage and learning to hide your magic, you were so upset about leaving your siblings you said you weren’t scared of shadows, even mean ones. You still had tears in your eyes, but you lifted your chin and crossed your little arms and said you didn’t need to hide.”

“I was four, I barely understood.”

Father just smiled. “You’ve always had the heart of a tigress. That heart is still in there. That determination. That boldness.”

Adelaide worked her throat. “But if I fail—”

“If you fail, the outcome will be the same as if you don’t try. But you have a real chance to succeed.” Father’s head bowed as sadness overtook his expression. “Adelaide... I won’t apologize for trying to protect you. I did what I thought I had to, but I was wrong. I wish I could have helped you be more prepared. But I’ve never doubted you. I am in awe of the things you can do.”

He met her eyes. “I’m proud of you. Proud of you for doing what you know to be right, even when it’s dangerous. Proud of the kind, strong, selfless young woman you are. Proud of the dedication you’re showing in learning to use your power. Whether you defeat Kirven or not, I’m proud you’re my daughter. And I believe in you.”

“Thank you.” Her choked words came out in a whisper. She wiped at her eyes. “I should go. I need to get back before my next shift.”

He released her hand and they both stood. Father pulled her close. “I love you.”

She leaned her head on his shoulder and embraced him. “I love you.”

Father kissed the top of her head. “It’s going to be all right.” He couldn’t know that. And yet, for some reason, when Father said it, it felt true. He patted her back. “I’ll see you at the masque.”

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BETWEEN GUARD DUTYand practice, Adelaide and Regulus struggled to find time together as the masque approached. In her spare moments, Adelaide worked on their masque attire. Regulus often fell asleep watching her sew. When she crawled into bed, he’d pull her close in his sleep. She’d often wake to find him already gone, and every time, she hated it.

The day of the masque, Adelaide’s nerves buzzed and exhaustion dragged her down. Sleep had evaded her the night prior, and when she had slept, she had nightmares. Dresden weeping over Regulus’ mangled corpse. Minerva, heavily pregnant, trying to run from Kirven. Mother screaming, but Adelaide couldn’t find her. A giant Nolan towering over her, laughing as he locked a collar around her neck and dragged her away. But Regulus had been there, holding her together every time she woke up.

Regulus couldn’t sit still, so they walked through the gardens, holding each other and not saying a word. They didn’t need to. What their bond didn’t convey, they shared with a look. They would face Kirven and Nolan together. If they won, they would win together, and if they fell, they would fall together. But that night, Adelaide knew, either Kirven would die, or Monparth would fall.

Chapter 34

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