Straightening my skirt, I stepped outside. Eleos and Seth stood by the waterside, talking in hushed tones. Both fell silent and turned to me.
“Did I interrupt something?” I asked, combing out my curls.
“No,” Eleos said softly. “Are you alright? Your dreams were troubling.”
“So I didn’t imagine that?”
“No. It only happens when two psyches are comfortable with one another.” Eleos looked down. “I’ve never experienced it before.”
A flash of jealousy lit Seth’s eyes, and his mouth twitched. Looking away, he changed the subject. “Cerys wants us to split up today. Help us convince Seraphim not to.”
“Convince me not to what?” Seraphim asked, joining us. An obscuring tan cloak hung around her shoulders, and her fiery hair was hidden in a taut bun tucked into her hood.
“Trying to be discreet?” I asked.
“Yes. You and I have important work to do today,” Seraphim said. “Did Percy fill you in?”
“Mistress Seraphim,” Eleos started gently.
Seth cut him off. “I’m going with Aethra.”
“We,” Eleos corrected.
Seraphim side-eyed me. “I had a feeling they’d accuse me ofnot being good enough to protect you.”
“We’re not accusing you,” Eleos said. “Seth’s just overly controlling.”
“And you’re not?” Seth raised an eyebrow.
Percy and Phaedrus emerged from the inn, and the air shifted. Everyone raised their guards and watched the nobleman warily. But he’d kept his word, allowing Eleos to see inside his thoughts. And I, too, could read his emotions, though not very well.
Stillness and silence. Eleos had described Phaedrus’ inner self that way. Something else bristled below—the hope I’d gleaned from his tone and words. His gaze lingered on his son and sister, gladdened to be in their company one last time.
We could save him from the darkness that had dragged him into its depths. I was sure of it.
Raising her chin, Seraphim pointed between us. “Eleos, Percy, Seth. Travel to Brizo’s pyramid and assist the Oracle. Phaedrus, Aethra, and I will handle the other job.”
“Seraphim—” Seth protested.
“Two chthonics are more than enough to protect one little maiden.” Seraphim crossed her arms. “Eleos is injured. He could use a guardian, too.”
“Yes,” I insisted. “Seth, could you keep Eleos safe for me?”
Seth clenched his teeth and released a slight growl with his answer. “I will,” he promised.
Eleos picked up on his envy. A smug little half-smile tugged at his lips, and he met my eye.
Biting my lip, I held back a laugh. Seth glanced between us and grabbed my wrist. “You’re a psyche now. Forge a mental link with me.”
“It would be easier—” Eleos peeled Seth’s hand off me. —for two psyches to connect. You’re asking much of a novice.”
Seth’s eyes narrowed, and he scrutinized Eleos. Realizing the scholar was enjoying his discomfort, he adopted a sullen expression.
“I can try,” I said. “But I might need Eleos’ help.”
Placing his hand on mine, Eleos met my eyes. “Follow my lead. Open your mind to us, and him to you.”
Wincing, I tried to do as he said, seeking invisible passagewaysinto their thoughts. Eleos’ consciousness pierced mine first, as though taking my hand and guiding me. Seth still felt foreign, like I hardly knew him, like he was a stranger—but after the night we’d spent in Naunet, I saw the first glimmer ofhim, tucked deep inside the walls he built around himself.
