Page 54

"Siren," Rowan says.

His eyebrows lifts. "Observant."

"She's been practicing," I answer.

Rowan ignores me. Nyra's blue eyes move between Cassian and me with almost painful politeness.

"You know each other."

Cassian looks toward me. I answer first. "We grew up together."

Not a lie. Not enough. Cassian accepts it.

"We haven't seen each other in a while." He adds. "How long?" Rowan asks.

"Rowan," Nyra murmurs.

"What? We're trapped in a forest. Conversation matters."

Cassian's mouth twitches. "Four years."

Three years and eight months. Not that I counted. Nyra studies my face. I avoid her gaze. Cassian looks toward the forest surrounding us.

"Did you pass through the silent section?"

All warmth disappears from the reunion.

"Yes," I answer.

His expression tightens. "What did you feel?" He asks.

"Nothing," Rowan answers. "That was the problem." Cassian nods slowly. "I thought it was only affecting me."

"What was affecting you?" Nyra asks.

"The Trial has been projecting emotions since we arrived."

Rowan frowns "It has?"

Cassian looks at her. "You didn't notice?"

"I noticed being annoyed."

I smile. "That may have been yours."

Rowan frowns again. "Helpful."

Nyra snorts.

"The fear near the first marker wasn't entirely mine. Neither was the urgency when I reached the river." Cassian says.

I think of my father's voice. The faceless girl.

"Can you distinguish the Trial's influence from your own emotions?" I ask.

"Sometimes." He answers.

"Useful."