Not to mention that this was all new to me, and Jace and I hadn’t done more than hold hands yet.

But looking at Jace, I realize maybe I reacted too quickly and coldly. His eyes are downcast, a slight slump in his shoulders and a frown on his lips as his eyes seek mine. A little twinge tugging at my chest as I stare at his sad and questioning gaze.

Wanting to reassure him in some way, I mouth ‘Later,’ channeling through my eyes an apology for pushing him away and hoping maybe I can explain and talk another time together about everything. There was just so much going on today, and I was already exhausted from it all.

He gives me a small smile and nods, his eyes a little brighter.

I see movement over near the door and notice Cole leaving to head up the stairs. His expression dark and eyes furrowed.

“What's wrong with Cole?” I ask just as Ilyric makes his way over to us.

A dark figure further behind him drags my attention away for a brief moment. Lucien stands off to the side, his darkened eyes turning languid as he turns them to me. A slight tilt to his full lips before slowly returning his dark gaze back to the group in the room.

“He’s going to check the perimeter around the Library again.” Isaac sighs and looks at my querying stare. “He’s a Guard, Rhys. His Library was attacked, and his Librarian is injured and unconscious.”

“He's overcompensating,” says Ilyric as he reaches us. “Trying to protect here what he failed to protect there.”

“It's not his fault,” I grumble.

“No, but it's his duty. And he failed to complete what he was trained to do,” answers Ilyric, his brows pinched together as he stares toward the doors. “We all have duties that we are tied to.”

With this, he looks at my wrists, a knowing and slightly softer look in his eyes as he gazes toward me briefly.

“He has his own burdens to bear, and his failure to uphold them will haunt him.” He looks to his own wrist, a somber look on his face, as his brows perch low.

“Let him do what he has to…to feel like he’s making up for it.”

I nod. I guess the arrogant Fae had more to him than just his haughty attitude.

“I’ll take the first watch of the night,” says Isaac, pulling me from my thoughts.

“If you don’t mind the help, I’ll take the second,” volunteers Jace.

Isaac’s brows narrow toward the shifter, but I shake my head. “Thanks, Jace. That will help.”

“I’d also like to lend a hand,” adds Ilyric. I nod, unable to form words from the shock of the helpfulness and sincerity of his words.

Who knew he could actually help.

He raises a knowing brow at my expression.

“I guess I’ll take the one after that, then,” gripes Mirin, an irritated look spreading across her face at the thought of losing sleep for this group of strangers.