"Personal, then." Dante's shadows settled around his shoulders, responding to the threat with interest.
"Indeed." Nathaniel paused, selecting his words with care. "There's also... talk in the court. About the human tribute."
Dante's attention sharpened, though he kept his expression neutral. "What kind of talk?"
"The usual speculation when you show interest in anyone." Nathaniel's tone was guarded; years of service had taught him when to tread lightly. "Some are confused by your decision to keep her alive. Others are watching to see if she'll prove different somehow."
"She's proving useful with the ward-work," he said, keeping his tone level.
"Yes, my lord." Nathaniel's expression suggested he knew there was more to it. "Though several courtiers have noted you've been... less dismissive of her presence than you typically are."
Dante's teeth ground together. He'd known this would happen. His court watched everything, noticed every deviation from his usual patterns.
"The human has a rare ability," he said, his voice dropping to that dangerous tone that warned against further commentary. "Her survival serves a practical purpose."
"Of course." Nathaniel inclined his head. "Will you be beginning her training this morning, then?"
"After she's eaten." Dante turned back to the ward maps. "I'll need the instructional materials prepared. The basic texts on ward theory, the practice stones, and the charts showing network architecture."
"I'll have them brought immediately." Nathaniel moved toward the door, then paused. "My lord, if I may. If there is a saboteur, anyone working closely with you becomes a target as well."
"I'm aware of the risks."
"Are you certain she's worth the potential complications?"
A knock interrupted before he could formulate a response.
Both men turned toward the door.
"Enter," Dante called.
The door opened, and she stepped inside.
His shadows moved before he could stop them, reaching toward her in greeting like she was something they'd been waiting for. Hepulled them back sharply, but not before Nathaniel's eyebrows rose slightly—a rare display from someone usually so composed.
She'd dressed practically. Dark pants, sturdy boots, a shirt with sleeves rolled to her elbows, hair secured away from her face. Her gaze moved between him and Nathaniel.
"Am I interrupting?"
"Not at all." Nathaniel recovered smoothly, offering her a slight bow. "I was just leaving." He turned back to Dante. "I'll have those materials sent up immediately, my lord."
"See that you do."
Nathaniel moved past her toward the door, then paused. "Miss Brynn. A pleasure, as always."
"Nathaniel." She returned the nod like she'd been doing it her whole life.
The door closed behind him, leaving them alone.
Two chairs had been added to the workspace since yesterday. Simple wooden seats positioned across from each other at the main table, close enough for instruction but maintaining proper distance.
She moved to the table and studied the translucent ward displays. The blue light caught in her eyes.
"You're early," he observed, forcing his attention back to the ward maps.
"You said after the morning meal. I ate." She ran her fingers through the air above the ward displays without touching them, following the network's architecture.
He gestured for her to come closer. "We'll be working here. The training materials will arrive shortly."
