“He doesn’t need eyes to see. He can feel every inch of this room.”
“He won’t,” Amerei said gently, holding the scarf out like an offering. “Not if you ask him not to.”
Please, Líri.
Juliet sighed, taking the scarf from Amerei and handing it to Sylvie.
“Put this on him. He goes no farther than the study.”
“Yes, my lady.” Sylvie slipped through the archway.
Amerei moved to follow, but Juliet caught her shoulder.
“Let me see him first.”
Amerei stepped back, though her heart leaned forward.
Then he came.
A soft, helpless sound escaped her lips as Viktor entered. He was still in his black uniform, the mantle thrown over one shoulder like a lion’s mane. The silken purple blindfold cut a striking line across his face, tied firm and proud.
Sylvie guided him to the center of the room. He whispered something that made her laugh as she stepped away, their ease together spilling between them like a secret.
Amerei’s pulse quickened. Every nerve in her body ached to go to him.
Juliet moved first, circling him like a hawk.
“High-Captain Seraphim.”
Her tone was cool, assessing.
“You’re taller than I expected.”
“My lady.” Viktor bowed, the motion graceful even blindfolded. A smile touched his mouth—and it didn’t falter.
Juliet tilted her head.
“Tell me—why do you wear your hair so long?”
“To protect me when I run—”
“You run?”
“Yes, my lady… as a scout.”
Juliet narrowed her gaze, studying him as though weighing his soul.
“Unusual use of your Endowment.”
“I only learned of it a few days ago.”
“No…”
Her eyes flicked to Amerei, then back.
She lowered her voice.
“When did it first come to you?”
