“Just see they’re back before nightfall.” Kindred Allan began to hobble away.
“Great,” Noelle grumbled, and gave Eira a glare. “Now I’m stuck here all day.”
“I had other meetings to attend to as well.” Yemir adjusted his coat haughtily.
“I know,” Levit said, tapping his fist into his opposite palm. “Let’s split. Those interested in staying can remain until sunset. Those who want to leave will go now.” He looked to the Sword. “That shouldn’t be an issue, should it?”
The Sword of Light sighed heavily. “This is already not according to plan, so what’s one more change? I’m sure we can accommodate it.”
“Then I’ll stay with Eira and…” Levit turned to Alyss expectantly.
“You know I go wherever Eira goes.” Alyss linked her elbow with Eira’s.
“Anyone else?” Levit looked to the group.
“I’d like to stay,” Cullen said.
“Son, there are matters which we must discuss.” Yemir folded his arms.
“This is an essential opportunity for me to learn more of Meru,” Cullen said lightly. But Eira saw the edges of worry in his eyes. Why didn’t he want to go with his father?
“You’ll come with me back to the manor.”
“Then, it’s just the three of us in the Archives,” Mister Levit said with forced ease, clearly trying to cut through the collecting tension.
“Works for me.” Alyss shrugged.
“Me too.” Eira’s focus snagged on Cullen as he left with his father. Their eyes met for a brief second.
He’s not your concern, she reminded herself. But Eira couldn’t deny there was a part of her that was curious. She wondered if what he had to speak about with his father related back to the secret she knew he was guarding on behalf of his family.
Not your concern!she repeated, louder.
“I’m going to explore,” Eira announced.
“I’ll come with,” Alyss said.
“I’ll be around.” Levit chuckled. “You ladies enjoy the Archives.”
“What are you going to read first?” Alyss asked as they started up one of the staircases that ringed the bookshelves. “Is this everything you ever dreamed?”
“And more.” Eira glanced toward the entrance to the Larks’ halls. There were a few hours still until sundown. But she didn’t know how long the mysterious man she was meeting would wait. She had to free herself of Alyss first though, possibly the hardest task of them all. “Do you think there’s any romance novels in here?”
“You know I’m going to check.” Alyss grinned. “I’m hoping for something really weird and juicy. Something that’s going to make me question my moral compass.”
Eira blurted laughter. “You are too much.”
“I’m just enough to make you smile.” Alyss nudged Eira’s shoulder with her own. “I’ve been worried about you.”
“The stomach issue passed.”
“That’s not what I meant and you know it,” Alyss scolded lightly. “It hasn’t been that long since—”
“Don’t,” Eira said gently. She dropped her arm and Alyss’s hand slid down so Eira could lace her fingers with her friend’s. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
Alyss frowned. “You haven’t talked withanyoneabout it, and you need to.”
Eira wanted to be invisible, submerged in the dark water rising up from her feet. It was rushing toward her head. Soon, she would be pulled under, she would be back in that dark, cold place where Marcus died.
