“That makes sense,” I murmured, scanning the shelves with apprehension and curiosity. What sorts of spells were so dangerous that they had to be kept under lock and key? And would I be able to learn any of them, now that I was betrothed to the Chief Mage? I imagined my new status would afford me some privileges other than riches and comfort. But that was a thought for another time—I was hardly in any position to start learning spells of that caliber.

“Now, what is this personal matter for which you need my assistance?”

“I’m looking into my parentage,” I explained. “Specifically on my father’s side. I’m trying to embrace my heritage as a mage, and I feel I can’t do that unless I know more about that side of my family.”

“I see.” Janta was quiet for a moment. “Have you asked the Chief Mage about this?”

“He’s been very busy,” I evaded. It wouldn’t do me any favors to tell Janta that Iannis didn’t want me to know my father’s name. After all, he was her employer, and she wouldn’t want to do anything to anger him. “Lord Iannis lost a significant amount of time when he went missing, and again when he rescued me from that island, and he’s still got his hands full with the fallout from the failed uprising. I don’t want to trouble him, if I can find the information elsewhere.”

“That’s true. He must be overburdened with duties just now.” Janta’s voice briefly softened in sympathy, then became businesslike again. “Do you have any information that may help narrow our search?”

I thought for a moment. “My mother lived in Solantha before my birth, and did not travel during the time she would have conceived me, as far as I know. It is likely that she met my father right here, but how, and who he was, is a mystery. Hookups between shifters and mages are really rare, even in Rowanville. She would never tell me, and none of her surviving family ever said anything about him.”

“Is there anyone who might remember their affair?” Janta pressed.

“My aunt Mafiela. She and I haven’t had the best relationship, and she would never speak a word of anything to do with my mage heritage. But she and my mother were close, so it is possible Mother confided some detail or clue to her. Perhaps if I asked her to lunch, she might be willing to divulge something now.”

“That would be helpful.” Janta eyed me speculatively. “Your eyes and coloring must come from your father rather than the Jaguar Clan,” she noted. “That may help narrow things down, as there are not very many mage families known for such brilliant green eyes.”