“No, don’t be foolish. It’s not as if he’ll walk in and need to use it.” Nic’s voice broke a little, and she scrubbed a hand over her face.

“How about some tea?” Iliana went to a side table where someone had left a pot of tea warming over a tiny fire elemental. Nic had forgotten about it. “Tea always makes me feel better. Honey?”

“Yes, please. And help yourself to a cup.”

Iliana brought the tea to Nic, keeping one for herself. “How is Lord Phel doing?”

“The same.” At least, she figured he was the same. Asa had sent a strongly worded reply to her last inquiry telling her that she’d be the first to know about any change and to leave him alone. “Thank you for helping yesterday.”

“We were happy we were able to. It was good to feel like we can do something to pay you back.”

“You have no obligation to us.”

“But we do,” Iliana insisted. “Lord Phel asked Han to teach bladework to the familiars and non-magic workers, which is a great choice because Han spent a lot of time in weapons work electives while waiting to manifest. So, I’m happy to have this job helping you.”

Nic hadn’t known Gabriel had arranged for Han to teach. When had he done that? She found herself suddenly and furiously jealous of the time he’d spent away from her. She’d been so cavalier, not treasuring every moment together she could.

“Lord Phel will be all right, Nic,” Iliana said with infinite gentleness, as if the words might break her if she said them too loudly. Nic wondered how long she’d been sitting there in silence to prompt that reassurance.

“How do you know?” she asked, meaning the question in all sincerity.

Iliana shrugged and smiled. “I know like I knew Han and I could escape. I just know.”

Nic envied her that certainty. She was searching for something to say when Alise charged into the library, flinging the doors open so hard they banged against the walls, sending Nic’s heart pounding. The expression on her sister’s face frightened her even more. “Gabriel?” she asked, leaping to her feet.

“Worse,” Alise replied grimly, gaze sliding to Iliana. “House Sammael.”

~ 14 ~

Nic momentarily floundered, enraged at the pair of them, Alise and Iliana, looking at her for instructions on what to do, both clearly terrified. And she was furious with Gabriel for being fucking unconscious and not here to help her. Especially when this was all his fault. He’d promised to protect them, and here was House Sammael on her doorstep—and she with nothing but a bunch of minor wizards, rogue familiars, and barely talented commoners.

They’d all be slaughtered.

If only she were a wizard, then… Well, she snapped at herself, you are not a wizard. But you are Veronica Phel, an Elal by birth and breeding, and an Elal doesn’t give up without a fight.

“Who from House Sammael?” she asked coolly.