Sebastian wastes no time digging in, piling his plate high with muffins and sausages. I follow suit, helping myself to some griddle cakes and fruit. Maeve does the same.

“They’re my favorites,” she says, and I flush. It’s almost as if she could read my mind.

We find a table and begin to eat. Sebastian’s mind is aflutter. How long do you think it will be until Jemma gets here too?

I don’t know. I guess it depends on how long the body walker takes to release her. I immediately regret my thoughts as Sebastian nearly chokes on his muffin. I’m sure she’s on her way by now. Maybe just a couple days more.

I hope so, he thinks.

A few minutes later, a woman joins us. She’s about the same age as Jemma, with light hair and eyes so dark brown they almost seem black. She has a huge grin on her face that’s more startling than anything.

“Welcome to the Parillan Archives! I’m Devynne. I hear you two”—she gestures to me and Sebastian—“are talented.” She beams. “I’m studying the origins of the Cerelia Comet and magic itself. I’d love to pick your brains.”

The way she looks at us gives me shivers. Sebastian nudges me under the table.

I don’t like how she said that, he thinks.

Me neither.

“Perhaps another day,” Maeve says gently. “We’ve only just arrived and have much to do.”

Devynne waves that off. “Of course, of course. But please, before you leave, I must sit you both down and learn about you and your talents.” She leans back in the chair and sighs. “Isn’t it wonderful how many talented there are around, now that Lady Aisling is no more? Who knew she had trapped so many of those poor people in that garden of hers, all just to hoard their magic for herself?”

I shudder. The urge to run tugs at my legs. Sebastian’s eyes are wide and panicked.

“Let them eat their meal in peace, Devynne,” says a man’s voice. A stern-looking fellow in dull-gray robes stands behind us. “Some of us have serious research to do and don’t need to have you prattling about talents and comets all the time.”

Devynne laughs. “This is Connor. He thinks anyone who takes joy in their work is a fraud.” She leans forward. “I wouldn’t be as staid as him for the world. But, I will leave you to your breakfast. And hope to run into you in the stacks.” She whisks away, giving Connor a dirty look as she passes. I can’t help but take a quick, little peek…

Pompous idiot, Devynne thinks.

Charlatan, Connor thinks.

I laugh, then clap my hands over my mouth. Connor frowns, his bushy eyebrows making a deep V on his forehead.

“What is so funny?” he says.

“N-nothing,” I squeak out.

He grunts.

“And what is it you’re researching?” Maeve asks, no doubt trying to lighten the mood.

Connor straightens up and clasps his hands in front of him. “I’m from Zinnia, and I’m researching the lost city that once thrived in a valley near the current capital. I’ve examined the ruins extensively, and now I’m hunting through the archives for any references others may have missed. I am quite thorough.”