Page 105 of The Fifth Heir

“The scale should be documented.”

“I know.”

“Waiting may make it more difficult to determine when it appeared.”

“I know.”

I stopped.

She looked toward the study entrance. “Once Malcolm sees it, I stop being a person again.”

“What do you mean?”

“I become an unidentified manifestation. A possible threat. Something for the academy to examine until they decide whether I’m dangerous.”

“You are an unidentified manifestation.”

Her eyes returned to mine.

I heard the mistake after the words were spoken.

“You are also Talia,” I added.

The correction did not help.

The wall runes turned cold white.

She lowered her sleeve over the scale.

“I need a moment.”

I stepped away from the table.

Talia crossed to the window. The academy grounds extended below, dark except for the lamps along the training fields. She stood with her arms folded, one hand protecting the wrist hidden beneath her sleeve.

I looked at the cabinet.

The concentrated light had exposed the third return channel. We could open the seal now.

For the first time that night, I did not care.

“Talia.”

She kept her back to me.

“I won’t report it until you’re ready.”

“You said it needs to be documented.”

“It does.”

“And you prefer accurate information.”

“Yes.”

She looked over her shoulder.

I met her gaze.