Trystan holds her stare, and I can sense a resentful fire spark in him, fire that he’s quick to bank down. Trystan gives a slight nod, his green-glimmering mouth a tight line.

Ung Li’s gaze hasn’t wavered. “I heard what you did,” she says, her voice lowering with import, a trace of uncharacteristic emotion in it. “I heard of the child you saved. And I’ve watched you endure countless painful weapons sessions to help us break through Mage magic. I was unsure at first, but I’ve witnessed your loyalty. You’ve proven yourself, Noi’khin Gardner.”

Trystan straightens, rigid as a post, but I can sense the sudden upsweep of water power in his lines. Noi’khin. Valued citizen of Noilaan.

Accepted. Arrived.

I blink back the emotion stinging my own eyes as a single tear streaks down Trystan’s military-rigid face, his breathing gone slightly uneven.

“On my recommendation,” Ung Li says as she threads her fingers together, “the Noi Conclave is granting you full citizenship here in Noilaan.”

I pull in a hard breath.

Trystan slams his fist to his heart in salute, his posture ramrod stiff. “Thank you, Nor Ung Li,” he says, his voice rough with emotion. “It is an honor to stand with the Noi’khin Wyvernguard. It is an honor to stand in defense of Noilaan.”

Ung Li’s eyes narrow on Trystan. “I misjudged you, Noi’khin Gardner. You have more of a place here than you think, regardless of what those who do not realize how you have proven yourself say.”

“I have family here, some that I’ve never met,” Trystan says. His voice is slightly deepened by welling tears, and I fight the urge to embrace him and kiss them away.

“You do,” Ung Li confirms, that always-present steel in her voice, but there’s a rueful note there, as well. “We kept you from them, even as they lobbied to meet with you. We needed to see who you truly are, Noi’khin Gardner. A Vu Trin soldier’s life is not for the weak. But it is time you were given leave to meet with your kin.” Her mouth lifts in the touch of a smirk as she shakes her head. “Rebels, the lot of you.” Her eyes soften with a rare showing of approval. “Rebels of the best kind.”

Trystan gives a slight smile, and he makes no move to wipe away his tears, wearing them like a banner. And in this, too, I find him courageous. And so beautiful it makes my heart ache.

“Your apprentice pay.” Ung Li slides a black wax-sealed envelope toward him, filled with the meager allowance all apprentices are granted. Funds that have been withheld from Trystan, along with everything else.