It was easy for Pari to move past them, and as easy to spot the Tanzanite livery in Sagan as it was to spot the suns in the sky. She recognized the Dogkin that had pulled her carriage lazing in a messy clump at the front of one of the larger buildings. Its door was open and one of her servants was leaning out of it, her attention fixed on Lord Vasin. She looked worried.

Pari tried not to think why that might be and moved quickly to the back of the building. The windows on the lower floor were too small to climb through, but she could see larger ones on the upper floor, and during the day, they kept the shutters open. Prepared for just this situation, Pari fixed her climbing claws into place, prepared her silk rope, and quickly scaled the wall.

It still felt fresh and fun to do things physically, and she continued to revel in her new body’s agility. A part of her wished that she’d had the chance to spar with Lord Vasin, as she was confident she’d win this time. And in style.

The window was shut but not locked. Pari worked it open and peered inside. She was in luck. No servants were in the room, but she could see her brother curled up on one of the beds, his bare feet peeking from under the covers.

She gripped the windowsill tight, struck with savage relief. He’s alive! This was a pleasant surprise. Some part of her had been quietly preparing for the worst. And yet she didn’t fully relax. Her brother was here, breathing, and that was good. But not that good. It’s the middle of the day and he’s in bed.

She pushed the worry from her voice and moved softly over to his side. ‘Arkav?’

‘Pari?’

‘Yes, it’s me. I’m back.’

‘Who hurt you?’

‘Oh, that.’ She silently cursed herself for not hiding the bruising. ‘I just, overreached myself that’s all.’

The next thing she knew he was in her arms, hugging her tightly. ‘You lied to me.’ She heard reproach, and the threat of anger, like storm clouds on the horizon.

‘I’m sorry,’ she said, pushing him back gently so she could see his face, but keeping hold of his upper arms to stay in physical contact. ‘I honestly thought I’d be here sooner. Things were more complicated than I anticipated. It was a poor estimate rather than a lie.’

‘No. Not that. Not the time. I don’t care about time.’

‘What then?’

‘Other things.’

‘You’ll need to be more specific, my dear.’

‘I … I don’t know.’ The hardness left his eyes and he looked away. ‘But I feel it. There’s more going on and you’re keeping it from me.’

She sighed. ‘I thought you had enough to worry about without my problems.’