I desperately want to take him up on his offer, longing to train with him. Not only because this is a clear attempt at an olive branch—his fulfillment of one of his promises—and not just because of his vast experience with Speakers and Speaking. It’s more than that. Kael’s dad was a Creator, and that means Kael grew up witnessing the scope of Jeremiah Roscave’s power. If anyone could help me begin to understand what I can do, it would be Kael.

But … his timing is awful.

I have to weigh it quickly in my mind. Training with Kael, or infiltrating Lengard.

There’s no choice.

Kael’s offer will hopefully come again, but this might be the only time Arryn is willing to help us. I can’t risk that she’ll change her mind.

Seeing everyone peering at me, waiting for my answer— Cami’s desperate expression, Arryn’s pointed stare, Kael’s expectant look—I clear my throat and push aside my fear that I’m making the wrong decision.

“Actually,” I say, scuffling my boot on the dirty ground, “I was really looking forward to getting some fresh air.” I glance up at Kael with genuine apology. “Rain check on the training? I—I really want to, it’s just …” I trail off pathetically.

Kael, however, looks at me with understanding, his gaze softening. “I get it, princess. Being down here can take some getting used to.”

He’s kind enough not to point out that I was locked underground at Lengard for over two and a half years, so I should be used to it. I feel worse than ever, hating that I’m lying to him. Kael is my friend—and I’m betraying him by sneaking around behind his back.

I swallow, unable to meet his eyes, so he turns to Dante, who gives a slight nod of encouragement. Kael sighs and looks back at Arryn.

“Just be careful, all right?” he says to her, as if she’s solely responsible for our safety on this outing. “Don’t let them overdo it.”

I feel like rolling my eyes at his babying, but then the words he said to me only hours ago whisper across my mind.

There’s still so much for us to do, and I can’t do it without you.

He’s worried about me, I know that. He’s already lost so much that it makes sense he would fear losing someone else he’s grown close to. It’s the reason I step forward and wrap my arms around him in an impulsive hug as I say, “We’ll be back before you know it.”