"I didn't say they wanted you dead. You represent both a threat and an opportunity to them. They serve a master, one who has been hunting unbound for centuries for reasons we can only guess. Perhaps he wishes to gain allies, or perhaps he has other purposes.”

"How the hells would you know what Lorkan Grace is hunting?" Raith asks.

"I make it my business to know things, Mr. Hollow. For instance, I know that Malakai and his allies have acquired weapons they should not possess. I know that there are eyes within Confluence observing all that transpires, eyes belonging to forces that might wish you harm. And I know those eyes will be watching most keenly during the Crucible, representing a very real threat to Nessa's safety if she's forced to demonstrate her... abilities."

"Empire emissaries," I say. "We heard they're here to observe the Crucible."

A flash of surprise crosses Voss's features, so brief I almost miss it. "You're well-informed. Yes, the Empire Council has sent representatives—ostensibly to evaluate the school's performance and our methods."

He rises, moving to a cabinet beside his desk. From it, he removes a crystal decanter filled with amber liquid and three small glasses. "Would either of you care for a drink? Avernium Reserve. Quite rare these days ever since the trade blockade a few years back."

"No," Raith says firmly.

"Miss Thorne?"

"I'm fine, thank you."

Voss pours himself a measure, returning to his seat with the glass in hand. He doesn't drink, merely swirls the liquid, watching the light play through it.

"I have a proposal for you, Miss Thorne," he says after a moment. "One I believe will be of mutual benefit."

"I'm listening," I say carefully.

"There is a place, not far from Confluence, that I would like you to see. A place of significant historical importance, particularly for someone with your... unique heritage. I believe it may help you better understand your abilities, perhaps even enhance them. At this place, you could have the final answers you seek about what you are. No more mysteries. No more questions."

"And when exactly do you propose this field trip take place?" Raith asks before I can respond, his voice hard.

"Tomorrow," Voss says. "It should be before the Crucible, and we’ve run out of time to delay. I believe what Miss Thorne might learn there could prove invaluable during the trials to come."

"No," Raith says immediately. "Tomorrow is the last day we have to get ready before the Crucible. Nessa needs rest. She needs to prepare. She doesn't need to be traipsing through the woods with you on some mysterious errand."

Voss's eyes narrow slightly. "I wasn't aware Miss Thorne required your permission, Mr. Hollow. Just as I wasn't aware I needed the permission of a student to do as I'd like."