“Yes,” Miranda said slowly, tilting her head at Priya, who shrugged innocently. “More or less. We were talking about a long-lease. In fact, if you wanted to, you could rent out the part you’re not living in and pay your way to full ownership in about twenty years.”

She looked at him, smiling with the satisfaction of a good deed done well, and then she faltered. The surprise on his face was genuine, but as she continued to watch him she caught sight of quickly hidden dismay and then mild resignation.

He doesn’t want it, she realized. He was looking forward to leaving the City.

“But only if you want it,” she added, fumbling the words in her haste. “You mustn’t feel obligated.”

He blinked as he shook his head. “No, no, don’t be silly. This is an amazing opportunity. Thank you. Really. Thank you.”

A gift, a responsibility, a burden. You don’t want it, but you’re scared to refuse it. Am I turning into Khabir?

“Only if you’re sure,” she insisted, desperate to give him one last chance to back out. Perhaps he was like her mother, quietly despising the City and its elite even as he earned his living and returned a tithe of it to the City’s hungry urchins. Perhaps he was like Fae, content with a temporary stay but wanting no ownership of the City’s tainted dust. Why did she ever think this would be a favor?

“I’m sure.” Too late. He had convinced himself.

She retrieved her smile, though the cheer was harder to recapture. “I’m glad you’re the one who’ll have it.”

Priya caught her eye, reassuring her with a firm nod, and then the doorbell rang.

Fae frowned. “Are you expecting anyone else right now?”

“It might be someone from work. I told them I’d be here,” Miranda replied. She struggled to wheel her chair between the low table and an armchair.

Priya put a gentle hand on the frame of the wheelchair, guiding her out and forward. “Go ahead. We can take care of the paperwork downstairs.”

This meant the newcomer was faced with a contingent of four when the front door opened. He blinked at them, momentarily startled, and then quickly regained control of himself. Indeed, he gave the impression of being a very controlled individual. His dark hair lay flat, neat and shining; his eyes were a deep black that heightened the intensity of his gaze; and his sober, almost formal attire gleamed at the buckles, cuff links, buttons, and clasps. It was difficult to guess his age. The smoothness of his skin hinted at youth, but the smoothness of his expression spoke of maturity. He nodded courteously as Priya and Kieran excused themselves and went past him to the apartment below, and then he fixed his gaze upon Miranda. She was relieved to find curiosity there, not pity.