An Honored Vow by Melissa Blair

Here is a summary with spoilers of An Honored Vow

The last book in the Halfling Saga picks up a couple of weeks after Keera took down the wards and released magic. Keera’s power is at full force, Nikoli has been captured, and Riven is now a halfling who left Keera without any conversation. Keera still feels betrayed by Riven’s secret, and now, with his departure, she feels abandoned. The weight of the war rests heavily on Keera's shoulders. She works with the old Shades to gather information and determine if Nik is still alive, and if so, where he might be.

For weeks, Keera and a few of her Shades move around, slowly making their way back to camp and Feron. Along the way, they are ambushed by the Watteyhir, a dragon-like being that attacks at night. They believe King Damien is responsible for its release. During the fight, Keera finds a cave and senses Nik's essence, leading her to believe he is alive.

With this new information, Keera returns to camp to inform Feron and the council. Riven is there, but Keera has no interest in speaking with him. Feron enforces a curfew to prevent the Watteyhir from attacking at night. Later that night, Keera and Riven finally discuss their future. Riven explains his reasons for leaving and his actions. Keera, still feeling guilt and betrayal, tells Riven that she has chosen him, but he must prove himself worthy.

A few days later, as Keera prepares for training, she notices her blood dagger is missing. Gwyn took it, believing she and another Shade could prove themselves by killing the Watteyhir. Keera and a few Shades go after them to protect them. In the ensuing bloody battle, Keera uses her magic, which accidentally turns Gwyn into a Fae, as legends once foretold.

Back at camp, they discover that Keera can only turn Halflings into Fae, not just anyone. The council debates the implications. Keera doesn't want to create an army of Fae, fearing they would become targets for King Damien and uncertain of the long-term effects. The council tables the discussion until Feron can work with Gwyn to explore her new powers.

Feron discovers Gwyn is a spell wielder after she traces runes that manifest into elements. With this revelation, Keera and Riven embark on a mission to rescue the king's courtiers, orchestrated by Mistress Augustine and Dynara, Keera's old friend and Shade/spy master. They plan to throw a ball as a distraction while they capture Kairn, Damien’s Captain of the Guard, who holds a pendant crucial to Damien's control over the summoned monsters.

During the mission, Keera accidentally turns two more Shades, Vrail and Crison, into Fae. Back at camp, Feron delves into Kairn’s memories to learn how the pendant works. Keera decides to summon Damien in the dream realm to negotiate Nik's release in exchange for the pendant. The council debates the deal, with a split vote. Keera decides to trick Damien with a fake pendant, but the plan backfires when a council member gives Damien the real one, leading to another monster attack. They manage to escape, bringing back a severely injured Nik.

Riven stays by Nik’s bedside, feeling guilty for past actions that led to Nik's mother’s death. Meanwhile, they discover Damien has tethered his life to something unknown. Nik eventually wakes up but is angry with Riven and refuses to talk.

The council decides to inform the Elven people about Keera's ability to turn Halflings into Fae, offering them the chance to volunteer. Many sign up, and the council selects four, including Dynara, upsetting Keera. Shortly after, Riven reveals his dual identity, hoping Nik will forgive him. However, Nik focuses on his mother’s funeral plans.

Riven and Keera share a night together, discussing their future and Riven's decision not to become a Fae, wanting to prove himself as he is. They promise to find joy together after the war.

As they train the new Fae, news arrives of Damien’s army destroying Halfling cities. Keera confronts Damien in the dream realm, revealing her scars and resolve, unsettling him. A brutal battle ensues, with Keera saving Riven by cutting off his poisoned arm. Nik and Riven reconcile after the battle.

Preparing for the final confrontation, Keera tries to persuade Damien to surrender. Damien threatens to summon more monsters, caring little for his people. Keera shares this with the council, deciding to confront Damien. During the battle, Keera convinces Damien’s soldiers to defect, forcing Damien to flee.

Keera finds Damien in the dungeons and learns he has tethered his life to Nik’s, meaning killing Damien would also kill Nik and Keera due to their bond. Keera honors her promise to Brenna and kills Damien, which should also kill her and Nik. However, Gwyn revives Damien, thus bringing back Keera and tethering her own life to his. Gwyn places binding runes on Damien, ensuring he lives imprisoned until Nik's natural death.

In the aftermath, Keera decides to grieve for Brenna, seeking closure. She asks Riven to pursue his dreams while she finds herself. A year later, Keera and Riven reunite, ready to live their lives together.