“Shadows,” Amaldi whispered. Darreno reached for her hand and held it, his knuckles whitening; Kaylin wasn’t certain whether he’d meant to offer comfort or receive it. “We see shadows—long shadows, and familiar ones. And when we approach that house we...cast shadows ourselves.” She hesitated, and then as if steeling herself, lifted her chin and met Kaylin’s gaze directly. “We each cast two shadows when we come close to that building. When we’re anywhere else in your Empire, we cast none.”

Kaylin cursed. The word seemed to mean little to Amaldi or Darreno, which was good; Mrs. Erickson heard it, which was less good.

“One more question before Teela comes and drags me off.”

Amaldi nodded.

“Do you recognize the name Azoria?”

Amaldi and Darreno froze, wide-eyed.

“I’ll take that as a yes. Was she the woman who, to protect you from the consequences of war, hid you away?”

Darreno nodded. He glanced at Amaldi and exhaled, or appeared to exhale. “Yes. She was our owner, our master. She treated us well. But she said she had plans for us, that we were special. She hid us away in order to preserve us—and we remained where she hid us, waiting.”

“To be found?”

“To be freed. To discover to what ends our ‘special’ nature was meant to be put.” He spoke with bitterness. “We didn’t expect to survive it.”

“You don’t know that,” Amaldi said.

Darreno did not argue.

Kaylin turned to Mrs. Erickson. “I’m sorry—I want to continue this conversation but I’m expected at the High Halls, and for some reason, normal Hawk wear is forbidden.”

“You are not there as a representative of the Imperial Law, for reasons I’m sure even you know. I apologize for my own impatience; the last time Kaylin crossed the Consort’s will she was depressed and unhappy for far too long.”

Kaylin reddened.

“You’re going to the High Halls?” Darreno demanded.

Kaylin nodded. “We’re going to escort Mrs. Erickson home, first.”

“Can we go with you to the High Halls?”

“Probably not to where we’re going, but yes, no one can see you so it’s probably safe for you to follow.”

The only thing for which Kaylin felt grateful was that Teela hadn’t chosen to drive. The High Halls grew as they approached it, and she thought she’d be happier to see Castle Nightshade right at this very moment. Teela didn’t give her a chance to say as much. She ushered Kaylin into the High Halls in a hurry.