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"Because we don't know whether increased exposure changes its behavior." Rhyven nods once. Good answer.

Professor Vayne looks toward me. I already know. No. Absolutely not. Before he says a word—

"No." Rhyven. Every head turns. Including mine. His expression is flat. Too flat.

Professor Vayne raises one eyebrow. "I haven't asked anything."

"You were going to."

"Was I?"

"Yes."

I look between them. "What exactly were you going to ask?" No one answers immediately. Excellent.

Professor Neris is the one who finally does. "There is blood on the staff." Aelindra's. I know. "We believe Blood Echo may allow us to access the final moments before her disappearance." There it is. My pulse changes. Not fear. Focus.

Rhyven says it again. "No."

I turn. "Excuse me?"

He looks toward Professor Vayne, not me. "We don't know what that residue does when exposed to a manifestation."

Vayne nods. "Correct."

"So we're not putting Blood Echo beside it."

"I'm standing right here." I say.

Rhyven finally looks at me. "I know."

"Then stop talking like I'm equipment."

His jaw tightens. "I'm not."

"It sounds very close." Caelen says nothing. Which means he is listening extremely carefully.

Professor Vayne steps between the argument before it becomes one. "Corvell's concern is valid." Rhyven's expression says obviously. Vayne continues. "So is the opportunity."

"With her?" Rhyven asks. Too fast. Too personal. The room changes. Slightly. Caelen's eyes move toward him. My father notices. I stare at Rhyven. He realizes it too. Too late.

Professor Neris remains calm. "Eirea's manifestation is uniquely suited to this."

"That's exactly the problem." Rhyven says.

I fold my arms. "What problem?"

"If the residue reacts to Blood Echo..." His eyes lock on mine. "We risk the only person capable of reading what happened." Logical. Reasonable. Annoyingly so. Except that's not all he's saying. We both know it.

I step toward the table. "Fine."

Rhyven's eyes narrow. "Fine what."

"We don't improvise." I look at Vayne. "Five seconds." He doesn't answer. "Maximum. No direct contact with the residue." Professor Neris nods. "I touch only dried blood."

My father studies me. "Vitals?"

"Continuous."