“Aesran Erynda is meeting with the commander of the ministry tonight.”
“Good for her.” August’s indifferent gaze drifted back to the city outside.
The Ministry of Arcane Compliance was a branch of specialized City Watch that worked closely with his mother to enforce laws regarding magic. They oversaw the capture, sentencing, and containment of dangerous wielders. A meeting between her and the commander didn’t seem out of the ordinary, even if the time of day was a little strange.
“They have been meeting often in private; the aesran, the commander, and a man I do not know. I try not to eavesdrop. It is not my place.”
“Mm-hm,” August hummed. He cared little about the details of official meetings. “What does this have to do with me?”
“She told her guard that you were to be part of this meeting.”
It felt as though August had missed a step—a sudden sharp flicker of panic that sent his stomach into his throat.
“Me? Why?”
Callum shook his head, his thin face apologetic. “I do not know,Mo Aesling. But I think it’s best for you to be away when he arrives, given the circumstances.”
If anyone could see through August’s flimsy attempt to hide his ability, it would be the man in charge of running the ministry. He’d know, and then the aesran would know.
August couldn’t meet the commander. He needed to find somewhere to hide out until the meeting was over. Somewhere safe.
“Thank you,” August whispered.
Callum offered a small smile that deepened the wrinkles on his grey face. A second later, he was gone.
Run.
August changed quickly out of his nightclothes and found Lottie in her chambers, draped sideways across her armchair with a thick book open on her lap and her hair free of its braid. Her dagger rested on the table beside her.
She looked up as he closed the door.
“When you go out tomorrow,” she said, “can you pick me up a new book from the shop? I’m nearly done with this one.”
“I’m going today.”
She smirked. “Just couldn’t wait?”
August had shared little about his outings, only minor details to satisfy Lottie’s curiosity. He tried not to mention Felix often, and he didn’t tell her about The Raven’s Perch or the Copperhill District, afraid she might not approve of where he was spending his time. But she always gave him that look, like she knew something he didn’t.
“Tell Felix I said hello.” Her eyes dropped back to her book.
He wasn’t sure if he should tell her about their mother’s meeting and her request for his presence. He wanted her reassurance that the commander wouldn’t know. That August was good enough at hiding it. But talking to her about this would mean giving shape to the unspoken thing they kept between them. She hadn’t brought up his ability since they were twelve, and he was grateful for it. Did he really want to ruin that for a silly reassurance?
No, he decided.
So, he simply said, “Mother will come looking for me.”
Lottie answered without looking up. “I’ve got it covered. The tailor needed you for a fitting. You were in dire need of a fresh wardrobe.”
August hesitated. “What if she sends for me? The tailor will say you lied.”
“I doubt she’ll push the matter, but if she does, I’ll deal with it. Your secret’s safe with me, Auggie.”
That had always been true. August could never express how much it meant to have her unconditional support.
At his silence, Lottie looked up, studying him for a moment. “What’s wrong?”
He forced his expression into something softer and said, “Nothing. Just . . . thank you.”
