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"Called it circumstantial."

"That's because it is."

"I know."

"But you're still angry."

"Yes."

The honesty surprises me. I step into the hallway and close the door behind me. The bond feels stronger this close. Not overwhelming. Just...Present.

"You came here."

He looks at me. "I was already nearby."

I glance down the corridor. Sky Wing is nowhere near my residence. "Liar."

His mouth twitches. Barely. "Possibly."

Oh. That is absolutely flirting. I decide not to examine it. "What do we do now?" I ask.

"Keep working."

"The Council—" I start.

"Doesn't have to believe us yet." He interupts.

"Yet?" I frown.

"We give them enough evidence that disbelief becomes inconvenient."

I smile despite myself. "That's very you."

"What."

"Weaponizing competence."

His expression remains flat. "Go to sleep."

"Also very you." I grin.

"Eirea."

"Fine." I open my door. Then stop. "Rhyven?"

"What."

"How far away were you..." I hesitate. "When you felt me earlier?"

His face changes. Tiny. But enough. "Command hall."

It's on the opposite side of the Academy. My chest tightens. "That's..." I start.

"Far." He finishes.

"Yes." Silence. "How much did you feel?"

"Fear." No hesitation. My pulse skips.