And I plan to enjoy every second of it—of them—until our paths part.

In the bustle of the mist the next morning, the silver robed polymaths gather on the docks of the Black Archive, their ship for us bobbing gently in the blood-tinted waves. Several polymaths in matronics load supplies onto the ship, carrying far heavier loads than any mortal could, their copper armor dented by the valkerax attack but still gleaming in the sun. The polymath leader who greeted us first says farewell first, too, her face much less severe now but her robes more bloodstained.

“You have given us learning, and we have given you learning in return. Until we know you again.”

“Until we know you again,” the polymaths behind her all say at once and bow their heads, and at my side, Yorl does the same. The polymaths begin to walk up the steps of the Archive and back to their books and machines and no doubt even mustier intellectual pursuits. The woman remains, though, and she steps forward very suddenly and takes my hand. Her gray eyes pierce mine with a fearsome determination that reminds me intensely of Fione.

“You will bring Yorl back to us in one piece.”

“Sage,” Yorl scoffs quietly, more like a purr than anything derisive. “Please.”

“I will,” I assure her, trying to match her fierce eyes. “I’m not going to lose anyone anymore. None of us is.”

“Thank you.” Her expression softens minutely, and then her eyes dart to Yorl. “Make sure you parse the runes in the Dark Below correctly, and you can finish reading Tolwin’s Theocratics on the ship. I had the kitchens pack dried ginger to chew in case of seasickness—”

“Sage,” Yorl repeats, his muzzle pulling into a rare smile. “I’ll be fine.”

She steps back. “Yes. Well. Off with you, then.”

As we walk up the gangplank, I look over at Yorl. “You didn’t tell me your mother’s human.”

He rolls his eyes. “She’s not my mother.”

I chuckle, and then, “Is it really okay? You worked so hard to get here, and now you’re leaving.”

His tail thrashes. “Grandfather would’ve wanted it. He spent his whole life trying to unravel the mysteries of the valkerax. If I go with you, I can see his life’s work through to the end.”

I open my mouth to tell him about his grandfather, that I saw him. But I did tell him, didn’t I? I relayed the message that Muro is proud of him. That’s all he asked of me.