Skonk studied me for a long moment, then nodded. “The UnderLoom can arrange contact. Carefully.”
Twobble’s grin spread. “Oh, this is going to beinteresting.”
I smiled faintly. “Stonewick doesn’t need another war. It needs allies who haven’t been given a choice.”
The Academy’s lights brightened subtly, a quiet affirmation.
As Twobble launched into excited speculation about swamp etiquette and gift baskets that wouldn’t offend cave sensibilities, I let my gaze drift toward the north.
The Priestess was moving pieces.
But now so was I.
And for the first time since the Hunger Path ended, I felt something like momentum in my favor.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Keegan found me in the small courtyard out back near the Wilds. I’d gone there without thinking, drawn by the need for air and space and something living that didn’t expect answers from me.
He didn’t speak right away. He never did when he knew I was balancing something fragile.
“I don’t like it,” he said finally.
I smiled faintly, still staring up at the branches overhead.
“You’re going to have to be more specific.” I laughed. “Do you miss my ex? Do the halls feel emptier without him?”
“That would never happen.” He stepped closer, folding his arms. “No, I mean about you wanting to go talk to the orcs.”
“Ah, that. “I didn’t think you’d like it.”
“They’re dangerous,” he said simply. “Especially to strangers. Especially to people who walk in carrying magic and intention and no clear allegiance.”
“That makes sense, which is why I won’t be going alone.”
His brow furrowed. “So you’re not planning to sneak off in the dead of the night without us?”
“Why would I ever do that?”
He laughed and shook his head. “Because that would be very on brand.”
“I’m offended,” I said, chuckling harder and knowing he’s absolutely right.
Keegan exhaled slowly, looking out toward the treeline beyond the Academy grounds.
“Neutral ground is never really neutral,” he said. “Especially where the Hollows are concerned.”
“I’m figuring that out.”
“The orcs might not give you answers,” he continued. “They might not even listen. They could just trample you.”
“You’re just full of rainbows and unicorns today,” I teased.
“If they get agitated, and the clans respond, someone misreads a move, and suddenly it’s not a conversation anymore.”
My pulse quickened because he was right in all the ways that mattered.
“Then it escalates,” I said quietly.
