“All work and no play makes Nadin a dull girl,” Isaak said.

I avoided his gaze, standing up to look across the plaza. “Where is Ceilos? He should be here by now.”

Two of the ballplayers, a man and a woman, broke away from the group, jogging over to the fountain. Their faces were red and shone with sweat. They stopped a short distance from us, scooping their hands into the water to drink.

“We have time for one more round before we get back to work,” the woman said, splashing water on her face. “Unless you want to surrender now.”

The man wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “I’m just getting started, Corin. You know my stamina is unmatched.”

The woman scoffed. “I don’t know if I’d call three minutes ‘stamina’.” She laughed at his wounded expression, splashing water in his direction. “I’m just joking, yacunos.”

The man said something I couldn’t hear and pulled the woman close. She giggled and draped herself around him, her hands snaking up under the tight fabric of his shirt. I grimaced and pulled the hood of my cloak further over my face.

“What’s your problem?” Isaak asked.

“These plivoi are like animals,” I whispered.

“What’s wrong with them?” He stared pointedly. I jabbed my elbow into his side.

“Stop looking at them! We’re trying to be inconspicuous!” When he ignored me, I sighed and added in a low voice, “They practically mate on the streets.”

The other ballplayers called to the pair at the fountain. The two broke apart, grinning and running to join them. Isaak watched them go. “They were just being affectionate,” he said.

“You mean that didn't”—I paused, struggling to find the right word—“bother you?”

“No. Honestly, it’s the first time since I've been here that I've seen anyone act human.”

I glared at him. “How is that what makes someone human?”

“I dunno.” He shifted, looking down at his shoes. “Being happy. Being in love. No one in the underground seems to love each other.”

His words stung. “We all love each other,” I corrected him. “We live for each other. It’s the way of Iamos.”

“Yeah, but, I mean... it’s different with your partner,” Isaak said. “Isn’t it? I mean, don’t you and Ceilos...?”

He trailed off uncomfortably. I felt something twist inside me, an unfamiliar niggle of worry. “No. We are patroi, Isaak.” I looked back at the plivoi, laughing as they tossed the leather ball around the makeshift court. My stomach still taut, I said, “So... This is how you would behave?”

He didn't look at me. “Not with just anyone,” he finally said, his voice barely audible. “But with the right person...”

“Nadin.”

I started, looking over my shoulder. Ceilos stood beside us. I hadn’t even noticed him approach.

“It’s ready,” he said.