"You tell me I can trust you because you could've had me killed, Bastian. I can say the same about Voss."

"Fair enough. But I can tell you this much: powerful members of the council want Voss removed from his position as Rector of Confluence. They’re going to great lengths to discredit him and make his removal possible. They don’t trust him, and you likely shouldn’t either.”

"I don't know anything about the Council. Them not trusting someone hardly⁠—"

"The Council is the right hand of the tri-emperors, Nessa. Their only purpose is to keep Empire strong. Root out its enemies. Support its allies. Why do you think they're making such a showing with emissaries this year for the Crucible?"

I consider his question a moment. "They hope to see something that gives them cause to remove Voss?"

"Exactly." Bastian runs a hand through his golden hair, a rare display of frustration from someone usually so controlled. "And they’re not leaving it up to chance. They’ve put weights on the scales. Several weights. So I may not know what game Voss is playing with you. All I know is you need to be careful. My advice? Stay away from those ruins.”

I study him, trying to discern his motivations. "Give me something, Bastian. Something to help me believe I can trust you."

He's quiet for several beats before he finally answers. There's an earnest intensity in his eyes. "The history of our world isn't what most would have you believe. When you know the things that have been done. The mistakes that have been made..." he shakes his head, as if dismissing something. "If I play my cards right here, I'll be in a position to change things when I'm a primal. Helping you puts everything I'm trying to become at risk. So if nothing else, ask yourself why I would risk my own future to help you."

I try to think of a response, but none come. I nod my head, deciding I can at least take his warning to heart. Maybe I'll still go to the ruins after the Crucible, but if I do, I'll go knowing it could be some sort of trap. "Thank you," I say. "For the warning. And for the book."

His lips curl into something approaching a smile. "Was it helpful?

"Very. It's helped me understand...certain things."

"Good." He glances toward the door. "We should get back before we're missed. There are eyes everywhere. Be careful, especially with Malakai."

"I know he's dangerous, but⁠—"

"It's more than that," Bastian interrupts. "I believe somebody powerful is involved with him. They're feeding him information and supplies."

"Why? What would that achieve?"

Bastian's expression darkens. "Chaos. Disruption. An excuse to question the Academy's leadership. My father and the Council are looking for any reason to remove Voss from power. A disaster during the Crucible would give them exactly what they need."