In attempting to forget about Weysh, Yenni focused on her father’s healing and what it meant for her Orire N’jem. She was ecstatic that her father had made a recovery; she just hadn’t expected it to be so sudden. She’d been abroad fewer than four moonturns—not even halfway into the complete year she’d promised the Sha. If her father was healed, could she return? Or did she need to stay the full year? Did she even want to leave yet? True, she missed home and wanted very much to see her family again, but she’d be returning to a marriage to a man she barely knew. And no matter what Natahi said, she’d be expected to give up the things she loved—hunting and sparring and possibly even heavy study of runelore—for propriety’s sake. Was it selfish to want just a few more months of exploration and study? Of excitement and novelty? Of freedom?

“You seem quite distracted today, Yenni Ajani. Is everything all right?”

Yenni glanced up from her seat at the chipped, rectangular table that served as Devon’s work desk. Both he and Diedre, who was sprawled out across from her on a chair at the front of the classroom, stared at her with expressions of mild concern.

Her hand had stilled in whisking up the runepaint for the day. She must have been staring, lost in her thoughts.

“I . . . oh! Yes. I’m fine, Professor.”

Devon’s brow furrowed and he shot a quick glance at Diedre. He looked like he wanted to say more but held his tongue.

Shortly after, students started to file into the room, greeting Yenni just as deferentially as Professor Devon. Once everyone was seated, Devon took his place behind his table and leaned forward, hands spread wide. He had the most curious, conspiratorial look on his face.

“Now, class, we’re not far from midyear exams. I’m willing to bet you’re well and truly sick of all the review, en?”

A number of students voiced their agreement, Diedre included.

“Very well, why don’t I show you something new?”

The smug smile spread along his face, and he even went so far as to wink at Yenni. Yenni blinked back at him, nonplussed. Just what could he be up to? He’d given her no indication they’d be introducing new material to the class.

“What I’m about to show you today is something few people have seen. A rune I’ve been working to perfect all year. And I know I claimed you need a break from exam review, but in truth I’m so excited to demonstrate this new rune that I simply cannot wait until next term.