Page 236

Caelen frowns. "He's human. He trains western rotation Saturdays."

"I know."

"Maybe infirmary."

"Checked."

Something in Caelen's expression changes. Barely. "Room?"

"His roommate hasn't seen him."

"Since?"

"Last night."

My fork stops. Not dramatically. Just...Stops. Caelen notices.

I look toward the student. "Was he at The Place?"

The student looks at me. "Yeah."

"I saw him."

"When?"

I think. When we were leaving. The lights. Nyra carrying stolen food. Cassian hanging off Caelen. Jonas standing in the doorway. "Near curfew."

Caelen straightens. "How near?"

"Ten minutes?"

"Was he alone?"

I frown. "I don't know."

The student's face tightens. "He told us he was coming back."

"Back where?" Caelen asks.

"Dorm." The friend shrugs quickly.

"Did he?" I ask.

"No."

Caelen stands. Immediately. "Stay here."

I almost laugh. Of course. "I'm coming."

"Eirea." Caelen warns.

"I was the last person here who remembers seeing him."

"We don't know that."

"Then let's find out."

His jaw tightens. I know that expression. Older brother. Not Chief. Not yet. Before either of us can argue further—"I'll go." Rhyven. I hadn't noticed him approaching. Which is irritating considering apparently my body has decided he's its personal weather system. He's standing behind Caelen. Expression unreadable.