The messenger came alone, walking across the eastern fields at dawn.
She was young—for a Deep One—her silver skin unmarked, her silver eyes bright. She carried no weapon. Her hands were open at her sides.
My name is Nix, she said when she reached the gate. I come to negotiate.
Elara stood on the wall, her hand on her sword.
"Negotiate what?"
The void's future. Your future. Ours.
"You attacked us. Now you want to talk?"
We attacked because we were afraid. We are still afraid. But fear is not a strategy.
James climbed the wall beside Elara.
"One messenger," he said. "No army behind her."
"I saw."
"Let her in."
---
Nix sat in the meeting hall, across from the council.
Elara, James, Taylor, Tommy, Sarai, and Lina from Ravensbrook. The Deep One's silver eyes studied each of them.
