“It won’t count.”

“Why not?”

“You promised me a day of languishing in the sun. I imagined napping and relaxing and other activities that involve lying down. No surfing lessons and no Skippy.”

He glanced at the fence. Our ever-present watchdog peered at us. “He’ll be outnumbered at The Cliffs. A little sandstorm should take care of him for a day.”

A pleasant thought. “But he’ll tell the Council and the small bit of trust I’ve gained would be lost.”

We rubbed the horses down and made sure they both had fresh water and hay in their stalls. The Stable Master stopped by as we cleaned tack.

“You don’t have much finesse with a horse, son. Practice and a good instructor should fix it. But I’ve a feeling you two are heading out soon?”

“As soon as we can,” Kade said.

“Figures. Always rushing off!” He poked me in the shoulder. “I expect you to continue your training when you get back.”

“Yes, sir.”

Even though my tired arms ached, I needed to spend a couple hours in the glass shop crafting messengers. It would take me a few days to finish a hundred.

I introduced Kade to my sister. Mara sized him up with a lingering and suspicious gaze. “Is he the Stormdancer you and Ulrick rescued?” she asked me as if he wasn’t standing in front of her.

I cringed, but she didn’t spare a glance for me.

“I owe Opal my life,” Kade said.

“But not Ulrick? Did Ulrick fool you, too?” she asked.

“Mara—”

“Ulrick did not fool me.” Kade’s voice turned icy.

“Why didn’t you tell Opal then?” Her tone flared into an accusation.

“Mara, that’s enough!” Her hostility surprised me.

“No, it isn’t.” She fisted her skirt in her hands. “I want an answer. He let you believe that blood-magic story.” She rounded on him. “Do you know she’s been sulking in her rooms for the past two months? Avoiding her friends and family?”

She was right. I avoided her. I didn’t want to lie to her.

“My sulking isn’t Kade’s fault,” I said. “He tried to tell me. I didn’t listen to him, either.” More lies. Wonderful. “I’m not avoiding you. I’ve just been busy with my classes and training.” Liar.

“But you have no trouble finding time for him.”

She sounded jealous and hurt. I had wanted to be closer to her, but I did the opposite. “He needs me to help with the Stormdancer orbs.”

“I need you too.” Her soft voice filled with pain.

At that moment, I would rather be with Devlen than standing here. I would rather endure the agony of a pressure point than say what I had to say. “You don’t need me, Mara. You have Leif and Mother’s messages and the glass shop to run.”

“Is that what you really believe?” Her words punctured my heart.

No! “Yes.” I turned away. “I have work to do.” Groping for a pontil iron, I managed to pick one up and gather a slug of molten glass despite the tremors in my arms. With single-minded determination, I worked on sculpting the glass and blowing magic inside.

I kept up a fast pace, concentrating on the glass. This used to be enjoyable, turning fire into ice. Not anymore. When I finally glanced up, Mara and Kade were gone. Only Skippy remained. After my little performance, Skippy was the only company I deserved.

I soaked in the bath until my skin wrinkled. Reluctant to leave the bathhouse, I lingered while changing and combing my hair. All those hours spent training in the sunlight had streaked the brown strands with gold, reminding me of Mara’s curls. Guilt pierced my stomach. I would apologize to her for my harsh words when I resolved this mess. Perhaps I should write her a note explaining everything in case something happened to me.

Pessimistic thoughts. I really needed to escape the Keep. Walking through the campus, I searched for fond memories of my time here. The glass shop used to be a safe haven, the memorial garden rekindled my connection with the glass prisons and the student barracks reminded me of the lonely years I spent there. My fault for keeping everyone away, but no warm remembrances to grasp.

Skippy’s shift had to be over because Junior followed me. A quiet man, he seemed intent on his duty and he kept his opinions of me and the situation to himself. I slowed, waiting for him to catch up.

He hesitated, swiping his black hair from his eyes. Confusion creased his thick eyebrows together. “Something wrong?” he asked.

“No. I…” What? “I wondered what you’d be doing if you didn’t have to watch me.”

“Oh.” He blinked at me. “I’d be helping in the infirmary.”

“You’re a healer?”

“Not a strong one, but enough to help.” He shrugged.

“Then why did they assign you to baby…er…guard me?”

“I can erect a null shield pretty fast. But I volunteered for this job.”

“Why?” I asked in surprise.

He searched my face as if seeking a sign of sincerity, then glanced away. “Not everyone believes you’re a danger. In fact, a few think the Council is being too harsh on you.” He pulled at his sleeve. “I thought I could…” He smoothed his shirt. “Help out…be a counter to Hale.” He fiddled with his cuff button. “Besides, if I wasn’t here, I’d be assigned to guard a Councilor.” He quirked a smile at me. “They’re all worried about a magical attack.”