Page 240 of The Fifth Heir

“I stated a fact.”

Leander entered from the communication alcove carrying a tray. He placed a bowl of broth and a cup of tea on the desk in front of me.

“I already ate.”

“You had six spoonfuls.”

I looked from him to Torren. “Are all of you going to monitor my food now?”

“Yes,” Leander said.

“Absolutely,” Torren agreed.

Rafe considered the question. “I’d prefer responsibility for desserts.”

Sebastian did not look up from the seal. “You would eat them before she received any.”

“That accusation relies on past behavior.”

“It relies on this morning.”

The familiar argument settled around me.

I had entered the Fifth Wing believing I was the mistake wedged among four rightful heirs. Now their familiar argument sounded like home.

Warmth moved through the bond.

It was weaker now that we were no longer inside the Trial, but it had not vanished. I could not hear their thoughts. I felt the general shape of their emotions when they were strong enough: Torren’s vigilance, Rafe’s affection beneath his amusement, Sebastian’s concentration, and Leander’s quiet concern.

They felt me too.

When I smiled, four torcs answered with faint light.

The Fifth Wing’s runes joined them, filling the common room with red, silver, violet, blue, and clear gold.

The wall behind my crystal chair opened.

All five of us went silent.

A narrow doorway appeared where solid stone had stood moments before. Unlike the hidden passage to the garden, this opening revealed no welcoming path.

A staircase descended into darkness.

Ancient runes lined both walls.

Sebastian rose first.

“The wing waited until we completed the Trial.”

“Or until Talia shifted,” Leander said.

Torren stepped between me and the stairs. “She is not going down there today.”

“I agree.”

He glanced back at me, suspicious.

“I’m exhausted, not unreasonable.”