I didn't care.
Should have cared.
"How long has he been selling?"
"Unclear. That's what we need to find out."
I'm already moving. Wardrobe. Shirt. The bone blade.
"Koshin." Renan's voice. Careful. "She should stay here."
No.
"She's coming."
"The lower levels aren't—"
"She's coming."
I don't turn around. Don't explain. There's nothing to explain. She's coming because I need her where I can see her. Because there was a traitor in my House and I don't know what else he sold. Because the thought of leaving her here alone makes my hands want to close around something breakable.
"Get dressed." Still not looking at her. Can't. If I look at her right now—
Her feet hit the floor and fabric rustles behind me.
"Where are we going?"
"Downstairs."
"Why."
"Because I need you where I can see you."
I hear her moving. Adjusting. A small sound of pain—her ribs. Still healing. She's hiding it.
"Ready."
I turn.
Green dress. The one I had made because I noticed she likes green. Because I've been noticing things I have no business noticing. Her hair is loose. Her face is still marked. The bruises have faded to yellow and green and I want to put my mouth on every single one. Taste the healing. Feel her pulse jump under my tongue.
My hand tightens on the blade.
"Let's go."
The lower levels aren't on any map.
Down through corridors that narrow. Stone changing from carved blocks to rough rock. Lanterns spaced farther apart. Shadows pooling in corners. The air getting heavier. Older.
Iowyn walks beside me. Not behind. Beside. Her shoulder almost brushing my arm.
Renan leads. His footsteps are silent. Mine are deliberate. I want the guards ahead to hear me coming. I want everyone down here to know exactly who's approaching.
"What did he sell?" Her voice. Low. Private.
"Information."
"About what."
