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"What shade?" I open my mouth.

Close it again. I have no idea. Rhyven nods once. "You stopped looking when you found an answer." Heat creeps into my cheeks. Again. A few minutes later— "Tessa." Rhyven says.

"Yes?"

"What was Elias carrying in his left pocket?"

Elias looks horrified. "I don't know what was in my left—" He starts.

"A compass," Tessa answers.

Rhyven nods. "Elias."

"Yes?" Elias answers.

"Why?"

Elias reaches into his pocket and slowly removes a small brass compass. "My grandfather gave it to me."

Rhyven's expression doesn't change. "You touch it every time you're uncertain."

Elias stares. "I do?" He frowns.

"You did thirteen times today." Silence. "I counted."

The Wing collectively turns toward Rhyven.

Anika laughs. "You actually counted?"

"Yes." Rhyven answers.

"Why?"

"Patterns."

Nothing more. Just... Patterns. By the time we reach the lower training grounds, everyone's notebooks are damp from the mist and covered in hurried observations. Rhyven gestures toward the benches. "Sit." This time, no one hesitates. Mental exhaustion has replaced physical energy. He waits until we're settled. Then asks, "What is Sky Wing?"

Several hands rise immediately. "Observers."

"No."

Another hand rises. "Trackers."

"No."

The answers continue. Protectors. Messengers. Ward keepers. Strategists. Rhyven shakes his head every time. Finally...He looks toward me. "Vaelith."

I sigh quietly. "I don't know."

"Good."

A few students smile. Apparently everyone has begun recognizing his pattern.

"If you don't know..." He says, "Start with what you've learned."

I think. Really think. Not about titles. Not about jobs. About today. The apples. The notebooks. The bird's nest. The tokens. The questions. I look up.

"Sky Wing notices." Rhyven waits. I continue. "We notice before we act."