Raith scoffs, shaking his head. “Un fucking believable. She’s just a key to you? So if she dies during the Crucible, you’ll be locked out of your precious ruins?”

“Wait…” I say. “Then help me. And I’ll help you. Find a way to make sure we survive the Crucible. If we live, I’ll go with you.”

A slow smile spreads across Voss’ mouth. “Clever, Miss Thorne. Very clever. There is… something I could do to improve the survival rate, perhaps. It will raise suspicions and draw the ire of the council, though. It won’t come without cost.”

I force myself to stay strong, voice firm. “If you want to make sure I’m alive to see those ruins, you’ll make sure everybody gets this protection in two days.

Disappointment flashes across Voss's face before his expression smooths. "Of course. Though I must emphasize how much less scrutiny there would be if we went tomorrow. What you’re asking will make it more difficult for me to travel freely for a time.”

"You have her answer," Raith says, rising from his seat. His hand finds the small of my back again, a gentle pressure guiding me to stand as well. "Is there anything else?"

Voss regards us for a long moment. "I suppose not. You’ve struck your bargain. There is a protective measure usually only granted to legacies… I believe I can extend it to all students this year without too much scrutiny. But remember what you’ve sworn here. Survive the Crucible, and you’ll help me enter the ruins. Yes?”

I nod my head, uneasiness swirling through my body. It feels like a victory, but somehow, I worry I’m not seeing everything.

Voss rises from his chair, moving around the desk to stand before us.

As we turn to leave, he calls after us. "Oh, and Miss Thorne? I wish you luck during the Crucible. I won’t be able to offer you complete safety. Only a slight improvement on your odds. So do prepare with diligence, hm?”

I nod once in acknowledgment before following Raith out, feeling Voss's gaze on my back all the way to the door.

We don't speak until we've descended the tower and found a secluded alcove away from curious ears. Typhon materializes fully, his diminished form hovering between us with evident agitation.

"I do not trust him," Typhon declares.

Raith's expression is grim. "I don’t like it. There's no way in hell you're going with him to some mysterious ruin in the middle of nowhere."

"I need to do this. It might mean more information about who or what I am. It might teach me more about how to control my powers." I push off the wall, pacing the small space. "If there's even a chance⁠—"

"At what cost?" Raith asks quietly.

The question brings me up short. It makes me feel reckless for even considering this.