My mind filled with what I had done to keep Tula safe. What I had promised to make the man stop.

“Opal, snap out of it,” Zitora said.

“Sorry.” I pulled my thoughts to the problem at hand.

“As we speculated before, the group wants to either put the Stormdancers out of business or use the orbs to bribe us.” Kade paused as if deciding how much information to share with us. “The glassmakers have always kept the orb’s exact recipe to themselves. As the strongest Stormdancer, my sister knew it and I planned to ask Indra…Well, you know how crazy this season has been. But if we can’t make orbs, then we would be at the mercy of those that could.”

“I can teach your clan members the recipe,” I said.

“Exactly! And that’s why you’re still in danger and why I’m here to warn you. I’m sure Sir wouldn’t hesitate to eliminate you so the Stormdancers have no other recourse.”

My heart flipped. “Then I should tell you both the orb recipe. It’s forty—”

“Write it down. Tell Master Cowan,” Kade said. “I don’t want to know it just yet.”

I searched his face. Grim determination pulled the corners of his mouth taut. His amber eyes darkened as if a storm brewed.

“You’re planning to go after them?” I asked.

“Yes.”

“But what about teaching the new glassmakers?”

“It’s the cold season. While the storms are mild in comparison to the cooling season, the water is high and rough. It’s safer to stay away from the coast until the warming season. Then you can come and help a new crew. If you would?”

“Of course.”

“Do you know where Sir’s group is?” Zitora asked him.

“No. They haven’t been seen since Opal burned down their workshop. But we know they’re not in Stormdance territory or the Krystal Clan’s land.”

“You still have nine more territories to search plus the Citadel.” Zitora considered. “I could help you, but I’m embroiled in another problem. Perhaps you could wait?”

“No, I’ll start. If you can join me when you have time, I would be most grateful.”

“Sand suppliers,” I blurted.

“What?” Kade asked.

“Sir’s group would need to order the orb’s ingredients from suppliers. There aren’t many requests for lava flakes and Bloodgood’s red sand. You could talk to the suppliers, see if a purchase was made and where it was delivered.”

“Opal, you’re a genius!” Kade grabbed me in a quick hug.

At his touch, a connection between us sparked with an intense heat. He stepped away in surprise. The memory of when we linked through the orbs rose in my mind.

If Zitora noticed our sudden awkwardness, she didn’t mention it. Instead, she said, “That’s an excellent idea. Opal, can you give Kade a list of suppliers?”

“Yes. I can even introduce him to the merchants who have stands in the Citadel’s market. I’ll send a message to my father. He can check with the suppliers in Booruby.”

“Great. Kade, you can stay at the Keep as long as you want. Let me know if you need anything.”

“How about a bodyguard for Opal?” he asked.

Zitora smiled. “She already has one. Opal, please escort Kade to the guest quarters, and show him where the dining hall is located.”

As we left the administration building, Kade asked me about the bodyguard. “Was she talking about Pazia or Fisk?”

“Neither.” I glanced around the darkened courtyard. Lamps lit the paths winding around the classroom studios and student barracks. The guest quarters were housed in two separate structures behind administration, kitty-corner to the back of the Keep’s main building.

My rooms were in the southern tip of the east apprentice wing, close to both the guest lodgings and dining hall.

I spotted Ulrick lurking in the shadows. He followed us as we walked along the path.

The Stormdancer stiffened and raised his head as if scenting the wind. “Someone is behind us.”

“I know. It’s my bodyguard.” It seemed silly for Ulrick to skulk about. I called to him, inviting him to join us.

By Ulrick’s cold demeanor, I knew he was still upset with me. Yet the man did watch out for me; I would have to apologize to him later. I introduced him to Kade and had to stifle a laugh as the two men sized each other up.

They were complete opposites. Looking even more broad-shouldered next to Kade’s lean physique, Ulrick’s perfect features lacked the calm confidence in Kade’s tanned face.

“A Stormdancer?” Ulrick asked. “Shouldn’t you be dancing in the storm?” A legitimate question, but Ulrick’s tone implied a sneering disregard.

“The season is over. I have other business to attend to,” Kade said without emotion.

“What kind of business?”

Kade glanced at me. His annoyance barely concealed.

“He knows about Sir and Tricky,” I said.

“Then perhaps you should fill him in on the new developments.”

“What developments,” Ulrick asked.

“Later,” I said as we arrived at the east guest quarters. I talked to the night manager. There was a suite empty. The manager offered to escort Kade to his rooms.

Another questioning look and I assured Kade I would be fine. Ulrick hovered next to me in a protective stance.

“Rest,” I said to the Stormdancer. “I’ll meet you after breakfast and show you the market.”