What could he possibly have wanted with Hwanin’s suite?

A moment later, a door across the hall opens, and Dr. Jang slips out. The heavy door swings shut behind her, but doesn’t click. Kisa’s entire body stiffens as she watches the therapist slowly walk over to Hwanung and place a wrinkled hand on his shoulder.

Kisa notes that Hwanung tenses but doesn’t look surprised to see Dr. Jang. If anything, he looks relieved by the sight of her—not even fazed by the hot pink sunglasses. Her mind whirls as she mentally scrabbles around for puzzle pieces to fit together. Could it really be that Dr. Jang is his lackey? Her hand drifts to her pockets, where her theories are scribbled down. If it’s true…

“Hwanung,” Dr. Jang says kindly. “I got your call. Have you had any luck so far?”

“Heejin.” Hwanung shifts from foot to foot. “I can’t find him. Do you know where he might be?”

Kisa frowns. There’s a familiarity between them, but not the sort she’d expect from two accomplices. Remembering Seokga’s lack of knowledge regarding Jang’s god or goddess, Kisa wonders if she’s one of Hwanung’s shamans. No—she can’t be. The protocol for meeting one’s patron deity is to bow at a ninety-degree angle, and Dr. Jang offered only a more casual bow when Hwanung turned. Chewing anxiously on her lip, Kisa waits for Jang’s response.

“Seokga informed me that your father ate a bad clam recently. He might be in the sick bay.” Dr. Jang smiles sympathetically. “How are things in Okhwang? I hope it’s not any trouble that’s bringing you here to look for Emperor Hwanin.”

Something flashes in Hwanung’s eyes, but Kisa is too far away to guess what it might be. “They’re—different,” he replies. It’s interesting, she thinks, that his tone isn’t as cold—or as hard—as it was on his damning phone call with Seokga. He sounds…regretful? Tired? The god sips at his iced tea. “And how is my uncle?” There’s a sneer that accompanies those words, and it brings forth a prickling of offended anger from Kisa.

“Seokga is doing well.” Dr. Jang pushes up her sunglasses. “This vacation has been good for him.”

Hwanung’s face is still twisted in distaste. “And do you know where he is?”

Sweat slides down the nape of Kisa’s neck as she waits for Dr. Jang’s reply. The old woman is silent, as if considering something…and Kisa receives the terrible impression that somehow, she knows exactly where Seokga is. Don’t tell him, she pleads. You can’t tell him.