“A simple no would have sufficed.” She turned and strode away. Only when she was well across the room did she glance over her shoulder and stop the command.

It was petty, but oh so satisfying. She should do it more often. In fact, it was time for her to be more…pushy? A leader? Confident? All of them? However, she needed to find the right balance between asserting herself without abusing her power.

It was angle one-ninety. If the diggers had returned from a site, they’d be in the dining cavern on level nineteen. Shyla covered her hair with her wrap, pulling the material low to keep her face in shadow. There were enough people around that she could blend in as she ascended the nineteen levels.

Keeping an eye out for Rendor, she scanned everyone she passed. They didn’t so much as glance in her direction. At least the big man would stand out. Or would he? He’d managed to get around just fine the few times he’d been in the city since becoming a wanted man. How would she— She almost groaned aloud. And to think she had just decided to use her powers more.

Shyla lowered her mental shield. Her prior connection to Rendor may come in handy as his soul would be the only one she could read in the city. Now she avoided eye contact so she could concentrate on finding Rendor’s soul.

Once she neared the dining cavern, she slowed. In order to see inside, she’d have to bypass the two deacons guarding the entrance. She gathered her will and directed it at them.

Look away.

They both peered to the left as if fascinated with the very air. Moving to the right, she entered the cavern. By this time, many of the tables were empty. However, a rancorous group occupied the back corner. Their rumpled, dusty, and ripped clothing gave them away—diggers. Before anyone could wonder why she was there, she strode over to a water jug, filled her water skin, and left.

Once out of sight, she considered the tunnels leading away from the cavern. If the diggers headed straight back to their quarters on level thirteen, they would most likely take a direct route. Shyla found an ideal intersection and waited. There were plenty of druks hanging on the walls, giving off enough light. When footsteps sounded close, she’d project the look away command.

After various random people used the tunnel, the diggers arrived. The noise of their arrival was unmistakable. When they reached her, Shyla pushed another command at them without stopping.

Not here.

Not here.

Not here.

She scanned each face as they crossed the intersection. Aphra almost slipped by her. The woman had cut her long brown hair short and walked slightly hunched over. Not like the confident and cocky treasure hunter that Shyla remembered.