Page 487

Rhyven laughing at something stupid enough that I forgot the words almost immediately. I won't remember everything. Right now, I don't know I'll ever need to. Maybe that's what makes ordinary moments ordinary. You don't hold them tightly while they're happening. You assume there will be more.

By midnight, people begin leaving. Dax first. Then Soren. Maelis. Cassian has to be physically convinced that sleeping outside is stupid. Nyra handles that. Poorly. Caelen stands. Offers me a hand. I shake my head. "Rude." He says.

"Survive."

Rhyven remains seated another minute. I do too.

Not intentionally. Everyone else simply leaves faster.

Eventually it's us. Not alone exactly. People still crossing the courtyard. Wardkeepers nearby. Fine.

Rhyven looks toward the sky. "Good day."

I stare. "Was that optimism?"

"No."

"It sounded like it."

"Don't spread rumors."

I smile. "No alarms." I say.

"No."

"No Council crisis."

"No."

"No disappearances."

"No."

"No major injury."

He looks toward me. "You nearly got flattened by Vyrael."

I stare. "I was nowhere near being flattened."

"Questionable."

"Lies." I look back toward the stars. "Good day."

Rhyven nods once. "Yeah." Quiet. Simple.

We walk inside together. Happy, maybe. That's strange. At Room 304, I stop. Rhyven continues to 305. Then turns. "Your sheath."

I look down. "Yes."

"Don't let it tear that far again."

I smile. "Bossy."

"Frequently."

"Thank you." Again. He knows what I mean. Not only sheath. Maybe plate too. Maybe coffee. Maybe nothing. He nods. I open my door.

"Eirea." I look back. Rhyven is holding my book.