“Why are you wearing Gardnerian blacks?” I can’t help but blurt out.

Sholindrile’s mouth lifts. “I am a convert to the Gardnerian Church of the First Children and a student of many religions. I teach philosophy and theology at Noilaan’s Voshir University.”

My mind tilts, not understanding how this could possibly fit together. I imagine how the priests of the Western Realm would react to Fain and Sholindrile claiming the Mage faith as their own. They’d be struck down immediately.

“The Mages don’t...” I pause, struggling with this concept. “They don’t allow anyone but Gardnerians into the faith.”

Sholindrile’s look of serene calm remains unbroken. “Most faiths, when read so rigidly, have many uncrossable lines.” His dark eyes take on a knowing light. “I do not read the faiths of Erthia so rigidly. This faith is important to Fain, so it is important to me.” Fain and Sholindrile exchange a quick look of affection.

“I’m studying the wandfasting spell with Sagellyn,” Fain tells me. “If Sage and I manage to master the spell, Sho and I are to be fasted.” Fain’s eyes flash with a spark of hard, intractable rebellion. “Publicly.”

There’s something so explosively seditious in Fain’s expression it sparks an elated rejoicing inside of me over their sheer audacity. And I feel chastened for judging their choice of faith, difficult as it is for me to wrap my mind around. Because, truly, this is a private thing.

“What do you think, toiya?” Fain asks me with a cheeky grin. “Should we invite Marcus Vogel to our fasting and Sealing ceremonies?”

The door opens before I can respond, and Trystan strides into the room, relief lifting my heart. I move to greet him, but he gestures for me to remain seated.

“Where’s Vothe?” I ask.

“Outside,” Trystan answers. “Keeping watch.”

“Do the Vu Trin suspect anything?” Lucretia presses.

Trystan shakes his head as his eyes lock on to mine. “I sent word to Kam Vin about Vogel’s new powers via Jules Kristian, and he’ll also relay your message about Valasca to Ni Vin. And I arranged help for the refugees you came here with. Bleddyn Arterra is getting them through the border and to Jules Kristian. Tonight.”

Surprise bursts into being. “Bleddyn Arterra?” A memory of tall, muscular Bleddyn’s green-hued face scowling at me fills my mind—Bleddyn, who hated me for so long in the Verpax University kitchens, our relationship wary at best.

Trystan’s eyes glint. “She’s joined the Vu Trin border guard. And the Eastern Realm arm of the Resistance.”

“I didn’t expect there to be a need for the Resistance here,” I gravely note, looking to Fain and Lucretia.