Raith doesn't even blink. "I'm calling you stupid. There's a difference." His voice drops even lower. "Fucking with my people when I warned you. That is very stupid. Now get out while you still can."

For a moment, I think they might be foolish enough to challenge him. The leader's eyes dart between Raith and me, calculating odds. But then Pyrin growls—a sound like wood cracking in a bonfire—and the decision is made.

"This isn't over," the leader mutters as they file past Raith.

"It never is," Raith replies, his tone flat.

Once they're gone, Raith turns his attention to me. He doesn't look pleased.

"What the hells were you thinking?" he demands, closing the door and stalking toward me. "Three earths? Alone?"

"I was thinking Cade looked like he needed help," I reply, bristling at his tone. "And how the are you always showing up when I'm in danger?"

"Typhon told Pyrin what was happening. I left channeling class as soon as I heard."

"Typhon..."

"What use are allies if you don't call upon them in times of need? Of course, I could have ripped them all to ribbons, even in my kuratokken form. But I imagined the sight of the fire touched would send them scattering. My assessment was correct, as usual."

"So you can show up when Typhon calls for you, but you stand me up for weapons training?" I ask.

Raith runs a hand through his dark hair, leaving strands standing on end. "I was busy. But I had one of my people stand watch while you trained. I always do when I can't be there."

"Seriously?"

"Yes."

As much as I want to be mad that he's assigning people to stand watch over me without even running the idea by me... I find I’m both flattered and even a little bit charmed. "Well," I say, trying to stoke the anger I know I should feel. "I don't need you treating me like some damsel in distress, because I'm not."

"I know exactly how capable you are. But I don't expect my enemies or yours to fight fair. That means I want to be ready to punch back if they come for you."

"Let me guess, even if I ask you to stop, it won't matter?"

"Correct."

I sigh, shaking my head.

"Look. I haven't been trying to avoid you. I've just been dealing with... complications."

"What complications?"

"It doesn't matter." He gestures to the door. "We should check on Cade."

"You mean the guy you just dismissed like he was a nuisance?" I ask, refusing to let him change the subject.

His jaw clenches. "That's not what happened. Cade knows I don't see him that way."

"Isn't it? You barely looked at him."

"Because I was more focused on making sure you didn't get yourself killed," he retorts. "And for the record, Cade knows the drill. Safety first, questions later."

I frown. "What drill? Do you make a habit of rescuing him?"