“Wujia,” Kellan greeted Wren, arching his head around Teddy’s body. “It’s been a while.”
Teddy felt Wren flinch at his back as the unfamiliar name passed Kellan’s lips. Teddy had seen it in his file, but he had no idea what it meant. He knew Wren had chosen his own name for himself, he had spent the time Teddy had known him at Nexus refusing to pick one and refusing to take any offered, so he knew Nexus had had no hand in it. This one though… Nexus must have assigned one once he’d graduated without his consent.
Teddy set his jaw. “That’s not his name.”
“It’s written on his file.”
“I don’t want your name just like I didn’t want your number,” Wren growled, rounding Teddy’s side to stand shoulder to shoulder.
“The cursebreaker numbering system is only until you pick a name.” Kellan said reasonably. “It’s entirely your choice.”
“Sure it is. It’s not at all treating us like cattle.”
“So fiery still.” Kellan smirked. “I see your free spirit isn’t the least bit broken.”
The implication that he hoped it might be didn’t pass by Teddy.
“Let’s take this downstairs. I assume you’re not just here to confirm Wren arrived? I’m sure you have much more important things to be doing.”
He knew he was, but he wanted to needle Kellan into some form of professionalism, knowing Nexus’s approval was the only thing that really seemed to matter to him.
Kellan’s eye twitched. “This case. I want a debrief.”
Teddy hadn’t expected that.
Kellan walked out of the door. “Somewhere more comfortable, perhaps? Without the eavesdropping.”
Teddy heard footsteps hurrying away as Kellan rounded the corner without them.
“Are you okay?” Teddy whispered.
“Me? Why is he still around?” Wren demanded, blue eyes searching his.
“He’s assigned to the Arcstead area.”
Wren looked horrified. “So he’s been here with you all this time?”
Teddy nodded before glancing to the door. “We have to go. He doesn’t like to wait.”
Wren clenched his jaw, looking like he had a thousand more questions and complaints but nodded. They followed behind Kellan, seeing him propped up against the stair railing.
“Oh, I don’t know. I think I’m pretty patient,” Kellan drawled.
Teddy startled, then spotted the device attached to Kellan’s ear. It was old and brass looking, like an ancient listening device, but glowing with magical energy.
He had been listening in.
Teddy’s mind spiraled, running over every word they had spoken and trying to remember if any had been incriminating.
“Aren’t artifacts like that supposed to be archived?” Wren said.
“There are exceptions.” Kellan smiled, pocketing it. “Shall we? Teddy can lead the way.”
Teddy licked over his teeth before doing as told, knowing it would be worse if he kicked or screamed or challenged the beast.
Wren followed close on his heels, throwing suspicious glances over his shoulder and refusing to fully put his back to Kellan for fear he would strike.
There was a little used room that had been a dining room once upon a time and now held a multitude of hobbies and no table. There were also three large windows and two exit doors.
