Dr. Martin Davis—Nick’s father—steps close, and his cologne falls over me like a rich, heavy cape. “Well, that’s good. Because if you were, I’d expect that Oath o’ yours to be burnin’ a hole through your throat right about now.” It’s part observation, part warning. Sel hears it too; in the following silence, I hear his teeth grind together.

“Yes, my lord.”

“Nicholas.” The breathless way Dr. Davis says Nick’s name makes me wonder how often he sees his son.

“Dad.”

“ ‘And there be those who deem him more than man, and dream he dropt from heaven.’ ”

“Tennyson,” Nick says, his voice tight.

“Indeed.”

The strain of distance in their voices makes me wonder what happened to their family. What shattered them?

Beside me, the man’s body weight shifts in the dirt. “Mercy! And who is this lovely lady?” I’m still half-frozen on the ground, adrenaline thrumming through my body. Light fingers land on my shoulder. “May I help you up?” I nod, and he slips his hand under my elbow, pulling gently until I stand.

Another pair of hands around my other elbow. Dr. Davis lets his son pull me to his side. “This is Briana Matthews, my Page.”

Davis inhales sharply. “Your Page?” Hope runs through his voice like a quiet current. “Does this mean—are you—”

“Last-minute decision.” A clicking sound and the whine of Nick’s retracting sword.

“Ah.” I get the feeling Nick’s father is weighing what words to use next, like the wrong phrase might send his son running into the woods. Finally, he says, “I’m sure you know how much this means to me. And to the greater Order.”

“Yeah.” The resignation in Nick’s voice catches me off guard, and my stomach twists. I’m the one who pushed him here. Am I the reason his voice is that heavy?

Pride and awe mingle in the older man’s voice. “My son claiming his title and bringing forth a Page, all in one night. That is… somethin’ else.” His next words are directed at me. “I don’t know how or if you’re responsible for my son’s change of heart, but if y’are, consider me eternally grateful. I’m in your debt, Briana. Welcome.”

A pause. Am I supposed to respond?

I mumble a quiet, “Thank you.”

Davis clears his throat. “Now, I’d like an explanation as to why the two of you were fighting.”

Nick doesn’t hesitate. “Sel thought he sensed a Shadowborn here in the woods, but he was mistaken. Our Merlin remains vigilant, as always.”

I hold my breath, waiting for Sel’s outburst and correction, but it never comes.

Davis is shocked. “Here? The Shadowborn have never been bold enough to open a Gate on our land, not with so many Legendborn under one roof. Selwyn, is this true?”