Chapter 35: Invasion and Defense

Sy had gone nearly as pale as they were. There was something broken in his expression, as if his rage had hit a short circuit of helplessness and fury.

"I do not believe you, Jarrah," hissed Sy harshly under the rush of wind and the thin, cold press of rain. "This is idiotic ultimatum is all your plotting. If my father wanted me back, this mortal form would already be dead. We would not be having this discussion."

"Believe what you like," Jarrah seemed truly unbothered, even amused by Sy's insolence. "But choose. Time is short. I hate feeling the flow of mortal time. I cannot understand how you bear it, my prince."

Jarrah's smile was full of sharp teeth.

I saw Sy making his decision, automatically, instinctively, and I had no doubt at all what he would pick.

"I'll go!" I shouted, before he could speak and doom himself. "I'll go back to my people. There is no need for all of this."

I tried to draw myself up in the Unseelies' hold, aiming for some kind of dignity fitting for my s