“I know. We were careful, but the missing blood was flagged.” I closed my eyes. “I’m scared of leaving you behind. If anyone finds out—”

“You’re skipping a few steps. Are you sure you can trust this person?”

“I think so.” I took a breath. That wasn’t true. “Yes. I absolutely trust him.”

“Seriously? You’re sure.”

I opened my eyes. I knew Roan well enough to see the concern on his face. That tilt of his chin and wrinkling between the eyes said it all. “Yes. I’m leaving for Sel’Ani tomorrow or the day after.”

Roan was quiet for a long while, staring off into the distance before he finally let out a breath. “I knew this would happen eventually, but I’m not ready. How’re you doing?”

I held up my hands. The golden shimmer from them wasn’t super bright like I’d seen from full-blooded Aunare, but it wasn’t nothing either. “I’ve been working out for the past five hours, and it’s not getting any better.”

Roan touched my hand carefully with his fingertip. “You’re glowing brighter than I’ve ever seen.”

I itched to pull my hand away, but Declan said it was safe. At least now I knew I couldn’t hurt anyone when I was glowing, but I felt even more clueless about what it meant and how to make it stop. “It’s never lasted this long before.”

“Shit, Maité.” He ran his fingers through his hair, making it even poofier. “How are you going to get home like that?”

“Exactly. I might have to sleep here.” I shrugged. It sucked, but as far as I could figure, it was my best option. “I’ll keep moving until I drop, and then maybe I’ll be able to sleep. But I forgot to tell Mom. I’m sorry she woke you.”

“Don’t worry about that. I can try sparring with—”

The lock beeped as it disengaged. The only person besides me and Roan who had the code were my mother and Jorge.

I popped up from the floor when I saw it was neither of them. “What are you doing here? How do you know the code?”

Declan grinned. “I have my ways.” He was wearing a pair of loose black active pants and a dark gray shirt. He was a little sweaty with a touch of red in his cheeks, but he didn’t look out of breath. I wondered if he’d been out for a run.

Roan moved to stand between us. “Who the hell are you?”

It was nice that he wanted to protect me, but I could do that just fine on my own.

“This is the guy I was just telling you about.” I stepped around Roan. “Do we need to leave now?” I asked Declan.