They worked late into the night, well after the moon had peaked and set. The mood in Rājadhānī had wholly transformed with the wall’s fall, and Tristan realized just how much of the segregation between shells was perpetuated by the Ejderha. There were still some uneasy approaches by catgirls in the Third Shell, but the vast majority of the Second Shell inhabitants welcomed them with open arms, refills of water ration tanks, and fresh-cooked food from Cannoli and Ravyn’s makeshift cafeteria. Everyone joined in the fold of songs, jocund conversations, and laughter.

It helped Tristan forget, if only for a little while, that all of them had been an hour from death.

Keke was a speedy and efficient partner, carrying far more containers of water than Tristan could manage. He watched the levels in the enormous clay vases one of the Second Shell girls had provided while Keke took cups of water to those working. 

Many of the women he’d seen working the future fourth shell wall joined Jaya’s group, carting molds and additional materials for recycling the broken-down debris. Bricks were mixed, poured, and set aside to begin baking in the morning sun. The Second Shell girls had changed from their finery to durable leathers to help move the rubble, deliver water, or serve food. Every pair of hands was busy, and the excited energy in the air was contagious. 

“Tristan, might we speak?” Cailu was suddenly at Tristan’s side, Zahra and Naeemah flanking him. 

He’d been so focused on the water refills that he hadn’t heard his approach. “Of course.” He waved Keke down, and she returned with an armful of empty cups. “Can you watch this for a few minutes?”

“Yeah, of course.” Keke looked between Tristan and Cailu. “Everything alright?”

Tristan nodded. “I think so. Thanks, Keke.”

“Alright.” Keke gingerly placed the cups on the small wooden bench they’d turned into a serving platform. She was refilling them as Cailu led Tristan away.

They stopped in a dimly lit doorway, away from prying ears. Tristan wiped his palms on his trousers—despite assuring himself that things had turned out for the better, he was nervous. He should have been able to come up with a plan of escape in that tunnel. If Cailu intended to chastise him for it, he deserved it. 

Even pocked with dirt and sweat from hours of labor, the [Paladin] struck an imposing figure. Tristan felt insignificant in his presence.

“Tristan,” to Tristan’s surprise, it was Naeemah who spoke first. “As you are aware, I will not be leaving Ichi Island once the citadel is reclaimed.”

“Right.” Cailu’s deferral to her on what would happen with the walls had made the statement loud and clear: Naeemah was in charge here.

“I would like Zahra to accompany Cailu’s Party in my place.” Naeemah gestured to Zahra.

Tristan blinked. “Wait, really?”

Cailu held up a hand. “It is not our intention to harm or disband your Party. Give the word, and she stays with you.”

Why is this up to me? Zahra had initially asked to join them until they reached Magni’s castle. Their journey had strengthened their bond beyond what he’d ever expected, and Tristan felt an attachment to her that panged his heart when he thought about losing her. Still… “Zahra, what do you want to do?”

Cailu raised an eyebrow but said nothing, turning to look at Zahra.

Zahra crossed an arm over her chest and bowed, her long red ponytail sliding over her shoulder. “I don’t have enough words to show you my gratitude for accepting me into your Party and treating me with nothing but kindness. Even now.” She righted herself. “But there would be no greater honor than for me to fulfill my lady’s wishes.”

Tristan nodded. She was well on her way to Third Class, and with how far behind he was, he’d just be holding her back. He smiled and gave her his best nonchalant shrug. First Ara, now this. Was he doomed to never have a static group? “Then who am I to stop you?”

Zahra smiled, relief flooding her features. “Thank you, Tristan. From the bottom of my heart.”

“Our Parties will remain the same in composition until we leave Rājadhānī,” Cailu said. “There is no need to tip the balance of power unnecessarily before our summit.”

Tristan ran a hand through his hair. “How do you think that’ll go?”

A sardonic smile quirked the corner of Cailu’s mouth; his eyes ice cold. He touched the hilt of his sword. “Who can say?”

Naeemah’s serpentine gaze flickered with venom and her tail wavered in agitation.

Tristan shivered. Not well. “Guess we’ll see.” He glanced over his shoulder at Keke. She had a long line of catgirls taking water, and it seemed she was tipping the last of their haul from the final ration container. “I should head back.”

“Before you go, there is one more thing I wish to tell you.” Cailu crossed his arms over his chest.

Tristan braced for an earful.

“Your diplomatic work in the Third Shell is to be commended. It is clear that your and Matt’s dabbling with the citizens had a lasting effect—one that saved our lives.”

“O-oh. Thank you.” Tristan worked to hide the surprise on his face and prayed the dim light was enough to conceal his blush. A pride he felt he didn’t deserve washed over him. “I’m glad I could be of help.”

Cailu offered him a final curt nod. “Be sure to reserve your energy. Our next challenge will soon be upon us.”

When Tristan returned to help Keke refill the water, he was surprised to find the section of collapsed wall half-cleared of the debris. 

“Everyone’s working so quickly,” Tristan noted.

“I think the girls living here want this to be over just as badly as we do,” Keke replied, shifting the containers in her arms to a more comfortable position. “How was your talk with Cailu?”

“It was… interesting,” Tristan admitted. “Zahra wants to join his Party when all of this is over. Naeemah asked her to.”

Keke frowned. “Are you okay with that?”

“Can I be honest?” Tristan glanced behind him. They were far enough from anyone that he could speak freely.

“Of course.” Keke set the containers near the canal and knelt at its edge. She cupped the clear water in her hands and splashed it on her face before taking a quick drink. “I can’t wait to have a bath.”

“Me, too,” Tristan chuckled.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt. How do you feel about her leaving?” Keke asked as she dunked the first container beneath the surface.

“Sad. Sadder than I thought I would feel. When she joined us, I figured she’d stay here once we were done. But, I’ve really enjoyed having her around.” Tristan uncapped the container and slowly lowered it into the canal. “She gets along well with Destiny and Lara, she’s level-headed, and an incredible fighter. She’s, well, a lot like you, Keke.” His cheeks burned as he made the connection. What Keke had with Matt was something Tristan found himself wanting with his Party.

Keke grinned. “That’s nice of you to say.”

“I mean it. Not to mention, Zahra has saved my hide more than once. I feel like I owe her a lot.”

“Is that why you let her go?”

Tristan flinched. Was that why? “That’s a good question. She said it’s what she wanted, and, yeah, I guess I felt like I owe that much to her.”

Keke’s ears flicked forward, and she nodded. “From what I learned as a kitten and what I’ve seen in traveling with Matt, there are the men who take our feelings into account when they make decisions, and there are men who see us like tokens in a board game. You’re a great guy, Tristan. You feeling sad about Zahra leaving and indebted to her actions shows that you care. I think it’s good that you feel that way.”

“Thanks. I just wish I could keep a consistent Party. Like you guys.” Tristan shrugged.

“Well, I think you’re stuck with Destiny and Lara for life.” Keke giggled and flicked two fingers of water in Tristan’s direction. “Who else will ask Water how she’s feeling today?”

“That’s true. Destiny’s been with me for a long, long time now.” Tristan smiled and splashed Keke back. “And I couldn’t imagine life without Lara now.”

“Zahra’s a better fighter and person for spending time with you.” Keke filled her final container and stretched. “See? It’s just a matter of time before you find the right third.” 

“Thanks, Keke.” The tension he’d felt with Zahra’s news eased from his chest. Keke was right; it was okay to miss her.

“Any time.” She stood and heaped the containers back into her arms. “Now, let’s get these back to our water station before they start wondering if we fell in.”

The night pressed on, with everyone working their hardest to clear the debris between the Second and First Shells. Tristan was physically and mentally exhausted; he was sure the same could be said about Matt, Cailu, and the rest of their Party. But the knowledge that they were so close, that this would soon be over, was enough to keep him pushing.

When the sun crested the horizon, the orange morning light enveloped the citadel at the center of the First Shell. Enough of the wall was cleared away, offering a first look into the makings of a hidden paradise. 

Flourishing trees towered over multi-story homes. Canals and ponds joined decorative pools and water fountains in every residence's front and back yards. Pathways with flowing mosaics composed of smooth, colorful glass led from the base of the wall, inviting the viewer to travel deeper into the pawm tree forests. 

“And we thought the Second Shell was bad,” Matt muttered, joining Tristan in looking over the wall.

“Some of those trees aren’t native to this island.” Tristan shook his head, bewildered. “Now we know where the King’s Tax is going.”

“I can’t believe they have water fountains. The girls in the Third Shell were rationed, and this place has water fountains,” Keke hissed.

“Meaningless extravagance,” Cailu growled. “Come. It is time.”