Raith nods. "As you can see, we're both fine. You can report back to your… people that there's no need for concern."

Bastian's gaze shifts to Raith.

"The Rector specifically requested to see Thorne once she was able. To discuss the incident."

I feel Raith stiffen beside me. "She's not ready yet."

"She's on her feet," Bastian says, gesturing to me. I see the way his eyes linger on my oversized clothing. I wonder if he's assuming I'm wearing Raith's clothes because we slept together and not for more innocent reasons.

"And she still needs time. I'm not sending her to get interrogated by the Rector. Tell him to fuck off until she tells him she's up for it."

Bastian's expression doesn't show the slightest reaction. He's just silent for a few seconds, then nods. "I'll say she's still in bed. Make sure you're not seen when you go wherever it is you two are going."

"Thank you, Bastian,” I say.

Raith's grip tightens on my waist slightly, pulling me into his side protectively. Possessively. "Anything else?"

"Thorne's friends asked me to tell you they'll be back this evening. They apparently had some matters to attend to in preparation for the Crucible."

"Okay, thanks," I say.

Bastian hesitates. "There's something I should tell you before the Crucible… something I'd rather not say in front of Hollow."

"Fuck you," Raith growls.

"It's okay. If you can trust me with it, you can trust Raith."

Bastian looks between us, his white eyes seeming to see far more than simple appearances. His nod is curt. "Very well. The legacies have been instructed to stay out of the fight between aspirants during the Crucible. I wanted you to know you can't expect help from me. Our orders are very strict. We’ll be standing guard of the objective, forbidden to stray far."

"Orders from whom?" Raith asks.

"Somebody wants things to play out as they're going to play out this year. They don't want us stepping in and putting a stop to the bloodshed."

"Like you would have." Raith's tone is laced with cynicism.

"Actually, we already had plans to do exactly that," Bastian says. "Despite what you all think about legacies, we have no interest in seeing potential primals slaughter one another. We may be getting groomed for command, but positions of leadership are rather pointless without anyone to lead. No?"

"Right. So we're your fucking sheep. We're only allowed to die when it's under your command?" Raith asks.

Bastian straightens, looking at me instead of Raith. "Voss won't wait forever. I suggest you don't put it off for more than another day or two."

With that, he's gone, closing the door quietly behind him.

Raith and I stand in silence for a moment. Then he says, "You're not going to see Voss alone."