“From me?”

“No. From anyone with magical powers. Councilor Moon has made them uneasy with her constant null shield. This—” he swept his hand out to indicate me and the campus “—is actually a much better task.”

Interesting. And I didn’t make it easy for him, either. “What’s your name?”

“Jon.”

We walked together to my quarters. I opened the door and invited Jon inside.

“No, thanks. You already have a guest.” He smiled and crossed the courtyard, settling next to a tree.

I closed and locked the door. Kade lounged on the couch. A bright fire crackled in the hearth. I warmed my hands before joining him.

“I’m a horrible sister,” I said. The flickering flames of the fire matched the pulse of regret in my chest.

“You had no choice.” Kade wrapped an arm around my shoulders and pulled me close. “No worries, though. I told Mara everything.”

I straightened. “You…But…The Council.” Sagging back, I closed my eyes.

“I didn’t promise to keep quiet. And I couldn’t stand to see her suffer. Guess I have a soft spot for sisters.” Grief touched his voice.

I glanced at him.

He gave me a lopsided smile. “Mara understands. Well…she’s a bit furious about not being in the loop. I don’t envy Leif tonight.” He tugged at his collar. “Is he as good with that machete as everyone claims?”

“I’m sure you can handle him with one of your microbursts.” I laughed just imagining Leif’s outraged expression.

“Unless he used a null shield,” Kade said.

The light mood evaporated. “How are your fighting skills?”

“Rusty. I should probably train with you tomorrow.” His gaze turned distant as he stared at the fire. “I wish I had known about null shields before my fight with Tricky and Sir. When they threw that net, it severed my connection with the atmosphere. The shock alone paralyzed me for an instant and the fight was over. I hadn’t realized how much that connection was an unconscious part of me—like breathing—until it was gone. Ever since I was a teen and made my first sand devils on the beach, I’ve been able to access the power source. With a null shield around me, I’m rather useless.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t say that.”

He focused on me. “Why not?”

“I’m sure you can be very useful.”

“How so?”

I leaned against him. “Keeping me warm, for one.”

After a demanding session in the training yard with Captain Marrok the next morning, Kade and I cleaned up and changed. Despite his claims of being rusty, Kade’s skills with a sword were good enough to counter the students and a few instructors.

We decided to eat lunch at the Citadel’s market. Kade needed to purchase supplies for our trip to The Cliffs and I wanted to stop by Alethea’s to inquire about my book order.

“Don’t forget to shop for new boots.” I pointed to his scuffed ones.

He glanced down in surprise. “I guess I do. And I’ll need to buy a sword.”

“Thinking of null shields?”

“Unfortunately.”

Skippy trailed us through the crowded market. I tried to include him, even called him Hale, but his superior demeanor made it impossible for me to interact with him. Besides, if he snubbed me one more time, I sensed Kade would try out his new sword on him.

Alethea’s bookshop bustled with people. While waiting for her to finish with a customer, I browsed the shelves, scanning the titles. A sudden influx of patrons filled the room and I ended up in the small back area alone except for Fisk.

“I don’t know how you managed this,” I said. “I didn’t even see you come in.”

“My special magic,” he said with a wide smile. “Here are all the items you requested.” He handed me a book-shaped package.

“Books?”

“Knowledge is power.” He winked.

“How much do I owe Alethea?”

“It’s taken care of.”

“Thanks.”

“Anytime. Do you need me to distract your companions? Alethea has a back door.”

“Not today.” I laughed at his disappointment. “You’re a scoundrel.”

“I can be a prince for the right price.”

I swung at him and he danced back before slipping through the bookcase. The design of the shelves concealed an opening. Good to know.

The front room remained packed. Poor Kade stood in a corner and two heavyset women pinned Skippy between tables. I gestured for them to go out and tried to weave my way through the store. My companions reached the door, but the two women now blocked my way. After a few minutes, I gave up and returned to the back room to use the clever exit. I would loop around the building.

Crates and trash containers littered the alley. The ripe smell of garbage drifted from burnt-orange-colored pools. A few pigeons pecked at crumbs. All normal except the quiet. After the buzz of the bookstore, the silence felt odd.

Tucking my package under an arm, I kept my hands near my sais as I hurried down the alley. A flash to my right side startled me. I swung around. Sunlight winked off a glass jug. I laughed. The first time alone in weeks and I was a jittery mess. I should enjoy this moment of peace before plunging into the market’s chaos.

I drew in a deep breath and relaxed until a rat the size of a small dog skittered across my boots. Jumping back, I yelped in surprise. So much for my peace. I turned to go. Another large rat ran past me. Two more circled my legs. The whole alley filled with them—a dark moving carpet. Their chittering and squeaks drowned out my panicked gasps.