And—something I hadn’t thought of before now—I could afford the best doctors for Jember. Someone who could help him with his pain, maybe make him a better leg. Maybe then he wouldn’t be so cranky.

There was no doubt I had to go back. But, this time, I needed a better plan. One that wouldn’t get anyone hurt or killed. Kelela had meant well in volunteering, but when it came down to it she’d panicked. The target had to be someone who could stay levelheaded, preferably someone who had experienced the hyena before and knew what to expect …

I looked at Jember, but quickly disregarded the idea. He’d never agree to it. And, with his injury, he wasn’t fast enough to keep himself from being killed before I could finish the amulet.

But … I was.

I sat up quickly, my mind suddenly clear.

I was fast. I could keep my head in the midst of stress. Having experienced the hyena multiple times, I knew what to expect. And Jember was faster at constructing amulets than I was, anyway, so I wouldn’t need to keep the hyena busy for long.

I took a deep breath, hugging my knees and closing my eyes. “God,” I whispered, “please let this be the right choice.”

Now all I had to do was convince Jember to come back with me. Which was the most tedious part of the plan, if I was being honest.

“Jember,” I whispered. I don’t know why I didn’t just yell. I needed him awake.

I shook his shoulder, and he swatted at my hand lazily. “Why are you bothering me before noon?”

“I’m going back to the castle.” I kicked the blanket away and rolled out of bed. “Will you take me?”

“Are you crazy?”

“Probably.”

Jember leaned up on his elbows with a long groan. “No boy is worth killing yourself over.”

“You’re the one who said I was on the right track.” I threw my satchel across my shoulders, put on my amulet. “I have part of the amulet done, I just have to finish it. Even if it takes a few days—”

“The Evil Eye isn’t some stupid Manifestation that follows a pattern. It’s a thinking creature that’s going to do whatever it takes not to be expelled.”

I pulled Jember’s peg leg out from under the bed. “All the more reason for you to come with me. Two debtera can do more than one.”

“God…” Jember let himself drop back onto the bed, pressing his hand into his forehead. “Your optimism is exhausting.”

“Are you going to help me? We have to go before the midday heat.” I opened the drawer to grab clothes for him. “Besides, you’re the only debtera in twenty years to—”

“I’m not going near that thing.”

“But together—”