“Can you mind the hall for a bit today? I need to talk to Rylan.”
“Sure. But didn’t Vago just make you a mirror?”
“I need to talk to him in person.”
“Okay.” The way he was scrutinizing me made my face burn.
Faint light started creeping up the false windows. Soon, Phin would be up, and the least I could do was have something ready for her to eat. “Am I feeding you too?”
Seir frowned. “No. I ate before I came, like always. What’s wrong with you? Are you ill?”
He reached over to feel my forehead and I dodged. “I’m fine.”
“If you say so. I’m going to go get started. Maybe some extra-strong tea is in order? Do you have coffee? That might be better. I’m guessing you didn’t sleep? Again?”
“I slept.”
“Mmm. Sure you did.” Seir narrowed his eyes at me and stared, even as he took several steps back into the hall.
I fled to the kitchen and prepared a quick breakfast of eggs, toast, and fruit. I left Phin’s plate and a pot of tea on the table for her after I ate as quickly as I could, straight out of the pan over the sink, one eye on the doorway.
Seir and I worked in silence for a while, his occasional humming or chatter to himself unusually grating. I was so tense I was getting a headache, and I hated that he’d noticed my mood immediately.
“Good morning! Thank you for breakfast!” Phin called, and when I answered only with a tight,you’re welcome, Seir stomped over from several rows away and stared directly into my face.
“I’m officially concerned. What’s the matter with you?”
“Nothing is the matter with me, I’m fine.”
Seir gasped and turned my head to the side with a finger on my jaw. “What’s this?” he poked at a spot right behind my jaw. “You have a bruise. What an odd place to get injured, brother. How did you manage such a thing?” His eyebrow went up andhis smile spread, the mirth in his eyes prodding at my raw emotions.
“None of your business, Seir.”
Seir inhaled. “Tap. Did you and Phin seal the bo—” I smashed my hand over his mouth and hustled him to one of the farthest rows, looking over my shoulder like Phin might be standing nearby to overhear. I knew better, she was in the library, but the fear of that happening still had my blood pounding.
“Would you be quiet?”
My brother’s features went serious at my stern tone. “Why are you so grumpy? Shouldn’t you be celebrating?”
I shook my head. “She still doesn’t know.”
His eyes went wide. “What?”
I sagged. I wasn’t angry with him, I was angry withme. “I’ve ruined everything, Seir.” My voice caught and the anger turned inward, my eyes burning with tears.
“Hey. Hey, come on. It can’t be that bad.”
“I don’t see how it’s not. I acted selfishly. Now the bond is sealed, and she doesn’t know. I have to find a way to break it.”
He inhaled slowly through his nose. “Okay, let’s go one step at a time, okay? Where’s your mirror?”
I gestured vaguely toward the living quarters. “The familiars library. Why?”
“I need some support for this conversation, and we can’t just leave. But Phin is right next door, so that doesn’t feel like a very good option.”
I remembered the one Vassago had just made me. “I have the new one. But we haven’t tested it yet.”
“Yes, good.” Seir charged toward the living area, and I loped behind. “Where can we have some privacy?” I picked it up from the side table next to my recliner, considering the most secure place to go. “We can go to one of the workshops.”
