Rohan said her name again, and this time she nearly focused her gaze on him. But then she blinked and turned away, and the connection was lost. Another dose might put them at an equal level of the broths, like how Thisbe had been for much of the time. He wondered if there was a way to get the slaves to drink more of the ancestor broth. Not just to equate the levels so they’d be functional except when struck by a paralyzing roar, but to give them an extra edge to be able to withstand the dragon-woman’s roar completely, like Thisbe had after her second dose. It would take perhaps two more vials for most of them. But Reza, who’d no doubt taken in one more dragon-bone broth while the others were taking the ancestor broth, was two vials behind the others. So he would need four.

As Rohan left Prindi’s station and started toward the kitchen to deliver dragon bones, two soldiers approached Prindi.

“You’re to go to the castle tomorrow,” one of the soldiers said. “The Revinir has a job for you there. Start walking at dawn. Mangrel will let you out of your crypt early.”

“Yes, soldier,” said Prindi.

Rohan slowed his pace in case there was anything more to hear, but the soldiers were finished. As he continued steadily, his heart began to race. If the Revinir saw Prindi tomorrow, would she notice the girl was more aware of her surroundings than before? Would she notice that she still didn’t have more scales, even after the most recent dose? Would she ask Prindi any questions that could incriminate Thisbe? Or might Prindi tell her that Rohan had tried to speak to her?

He had to let Thisbe know so they could figure out what to do. Could they risk Prindi going to the castle and spending time with the Revinir at this point? Or should they try to do something . . . tonight? Before she left?

Rohan wanted to pick up his pace, but he could hear the soldiers coming behind him, and he needed to plod along at the usual mind-controlled speed. Moments later, the same woman who’d spoken to Prindi called out. “Rohan, stop.”

Obediently Rohan stopped. He set his expression and waited until the soldiers came up to him. “Yes, soldiers,” said Rohan in a monotone voice. He stared straight ahead.

“Are you going to the kitchen with those bones?”

“Yes.”

“And then returning this way to get more?”

“Yes.”

“Great.” The woman glanced sidelong at her companion. “Get another dose of broth for everyone and pass them out along your way.”

The second soldier snickered. “You’re so lazy.”

“I’m resourceful,” corrected the woman. “It’s lunchtime.” She turned back to Rohan. “Do you understand me?”

“Yes, soldier,” said Rohan.

“Make sure everyone drinks their vial.”

“Yes, soldier.”

Rohan waited a beat to hear if there was anything else, then continued plodding.