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Rhyven speaks quietly. "That may not remain possible."

Caelen turns. "Then we decide what they learn."

"We?"

Caelen looks at me. "Eirea decides."

Something inside my chest loosens. He is still protective. Still angry. But he heard us. Not completely. Enough to begin.

"Yes," Rhyven says. "She does."

For once, they agree without argument. The bell marking midnight sounds across the Academy. Caelen looks toward the dark window. "We've been here two hours."

"You arrived late," Rhyven says.

"I arrived exactly when you told me."

"Please don't start another fight." I exhale.

Caelen looks offended. "We weren't fighting."

I rise my eyebrows and point at the desk. "You nearly crossed the desk." I stop myself from smiling.

"I was emphasizing." Rhyven gives him a flat look. Caelen exhales. "Fine." The brief lightness disappears as quickly as it arrived. He turns toward me before opening the door. "You come to me next time." I hesitate. "Eirea."

"I'll try."

"That isn't good enough."

"It's honest."

He studies me. Then nods once. "Fine." His hand closes around the door handle. He pauses. "Tomorrow morning."

I frown. "What?"

"Start from the beginning again. Show me the evidence."

"You believe us?"

"I believe you believe it."

"That isn't the same thing."

"No." He opens the door. "But it's enough for me to look." Then he leaves.

The office becomes quiet. I remain in my chair, staring at the closed door.

"That went well," Rhyven says.

I turn toward him. "You and I have very different definitions of well."

"He didn't hit me."

"Was that a possibility?"

"Yes."

"You sound disappointed."