“I don’t know that name.”

Captain Rialis didn’t look convinced in the slightest. “Tali?”

The other Valkyr who had dragged her there reached for Asterin’s head.

A searing pain rushed through her body. She grasped the edges of her seat, refusing to cry out as her Glamour was ripped away from her skin, revealing her fully to both Valkyr.

“The sergeant here has this… ability, let’s call it, to see through magickal barriers.” Rialis shrugged. “A Glamour works much the same.”

Asterin huffed, her brow lined with sweat as she worked to adjust to the feeling of being without a Glamour for the first time in months. She felt nude and wanted to do nothing but hide away for all eternity.

Rialis leaned forward, observing Asterin with sharp eyes. “Do you know why you’re here?”

Asterin shook her head, even though a myriad of reasons swarmed her mind. She was a wanted woman, by the entire empire; she had been working for Faraldin and got caught in a few hairy deals; and she had just incited a riot that led to a fight within the Wanderer Headquarters.

But something told her none of these were the real reason they had sought her out.

Rialis nodded. “Very well. Let’s start with the burning question, just why were you spotted at that insurrection in the Wanderers’ Headquarters?”

The swiped documents and Celestial Key felt heavy in her pockets, but Asterin would not be the one to snitch on Faraldin, even if it meant saving her own hide. He had risked his business for her, fed her, clothed her, Glamoured her. Of course, it wasn’t for her as much as the Promise. But still…

Asterin kept her eyes on the Captain and shrugged. “I was part of the crowd protesting, ended up wandering a bit.”

“She grappled with Dralais Ailadon,” Tali said. “Resisted his voice and used one of her own to enchant him.”

Rialis hummed. “Well, Kenra have a special relationship with the Merfolk, so it would make sense for her to overpower him, even if the ability is a bit… lacking.”

Asterin bristled at the insult, even if it was true, but otherwise kept her expression firm. She wouldn’t give Faraldin up.

“Tell me what happened at the Headquarters. Why were you there?”

Like before, Asterin could see the magick interlaced within the words, attempting to pierce her heart and make her tell the truth. But they had no effect on her.

Asterin only stared at Rialis.

“Speaking of abilities, what you did to the Shadowfaen that day…” Rialis’ expression grew grim. “Can you do it again?”

“I don’t know what I can do.” It was the first honest thing out of Asterin’s mouth that day.

Rialis only cocked her head to the side. “Do you want to be free of your old life? Of your crimes and whatever else may haunt you?”

The question caught Asterin by surprise. She didn’t even get a chance to answer before the Captain continued.

“Look, you have abilities that would be useful to our organization, but you’re a criminal and wanted by damn near everyone in the Skies. But… our recruitment numbers have been stagnant for a while, and with the return of the Shadowfaen and Wanderers, we need to take every opportunity we can.”

Dread pooled in Asterin’s stomach. She thought back to all of her lost friends and people she cared about. Very few survived the Valkyr’s training. Was she even capable of that?

But what was the alternative? Prison? Being flung from the Sky?

She could get stronger. From the sounds of it, she could become a new person…

“Very well, Captain. You have my interest.”

Rialis held out a hand. Glancing up at Tali and getting a nod of approval, Asterin grasped the Captain’s hand and gave a firm shake.

The Captain sighed as she leaned back, but a grin played on her soft features. “Tali, I think I’ve finally made a good bet.”

The other Valkyr rolled her eyes and hoisted Asterin up. The young one tried to fight back, but one glare from the larger woman had her falling compliant. She didn’t need to be injured before entering hell.

“Oh, and Asterin?” Rialis called with a proud smile, taking a drink from a passing waitress.

Asterin’s eyes narrowed at her light and cheery tone.

Rialis raised the glass to her before taking a sip. “Happy Birthday.”

And with that sentiment passed, Asterin was dragged away by Tali and headed for the Floating Isles.