“I knew you’d leave the village sooner or later. Mama’s looking a bit teary eyed again, but it’s true. When Lady Mykaela first arrived and told us you were going to be a novice, it seemed like you were simply fulfilling your purpose.” She smiled. “I was jealous. I thought about leaving Knightscross myself, but it’s hard to give up the safety and comfort of family for the unknown. I don’t have a silver or a purple heartsglass, but do you fancy one of the zivar or dress shops here would be willing to take me on?”

“You want to stay in Kion and work?” I was delighted. “Mama?”

“We talked about it, Tea.” My mother sounded rueful, proud. “Your father and I agreed it was Daisy’s decision to make.”

Daisy made a face. “As I said, I’ve exhausted all my options in Knightscross. Hawk and Wolf can run the forge just fine.”

Khalad looked up, briefly distracted. “Was all that previous talk intended to butter up Tea into giving you a job at the Willows?”

I burst into laughter. “I don’t mind. I really don’t.” The idea that I would have one more sibling in Ankyo with me was marvelous. And whatever flaws Daisy had, this was her way of asking me for my blessing. I responded with a hug. “Chesh’s is the best zivar shop in the city. I accidentally filched one of her assistants, and I can ask her if you can replace him. Or you can work with Rahim Arrakan.”

“Rahim Arrakan?” Daisy was wide eyed. “You know the Rahim Arrakan?”

I had no idea Rahim was popular in Knightscross.

“I’d love that! I appreciate all the money you and Fox send back home, but I’d like to earn one of his dresses with my own money. Besides,” Daisy sighed. “He’s rather handsome in a rough, burly sort of way, don’t you think?”

Khalad and I looked at each other and decided, without needing to voice it aloud, that Daisy should find that out in her own time too.

“And where is our brother anyway, Mr. Heartforger?”

“Sneaking into Hestia’s quarters with Zoya and Shadi.”

“What?” I cried.

“Oh, right.” The Heartforger looked abashed. “I wasn’t supposed to—”

But I had already sent out my mind, touching on the edges of Fox’s as he rummaged through the elder’s study. The wards couldn’t stop that.

What are you doing? I seethed, and he straightened up.

Damn it, Khalad!

Don’t you damn it, Khalad me. Why are you at the Imperial asha-ka?

What does it look like? We’re looking for anything that resembles a Blight rune.

You don’t even know what the Blight rune looks like! And you’re not doing much to hide yourselves!

“Are you talking to Tea?” Zoya asked Fox while she snooped around a heavy stack of papers lying on a table.