“Not even the fireplace is penetrating this cold,” he said, tucking his blanket closer. “I need to construct a heater if I’m going to sleep in here.”

“There are plenty of bedrooms.”

“Not near the exit.”

“We’re not on the street anymore, Jember.” We were quiet for a moment. But I guess I had no right to say such a thing. When I first arrived here I was wary of everything, too. “Did you and Saba speak when she gave you the silver?”

“She literally can’t speak.”

I raised my eyebrows at him, expecting more. “Did you at least apologize?”

“For what?”

I scoffed. “And to think, I actually wanted you two to be together. But you don’t deserve her. You don’t deserve anyone.”

“I know I don’t.” Jember’s voice chased me as I stepped out in the hall.

I paused and slid halfway back into the room, hugging the doorway. “Self-pity doesn’t really suit you.”

He planted his foot on the floor, leaning forward. “What more can I say to make you stop trying to force us together?” he said, placing the amulet on the table. “She’s dead, Andi. And my skin can’t bear to be touched. So what do you suppose we’d do with each other, hm? Gaze at each other lovingly until the Evil Eye is defeated and she’s gone forever? Indulge in feelings that’ll only be wasted?” He went back to working on his amulet. “I don’t think so.”

“So, you admit it. You love her.”

“I admit nothing.”

I sighed and sat on the edge of the billiards table. “I realize this is my first hyena and I don’t know what I’m doing, but Magnus is still my client. I don’t mind if you take the reins on certain things—that’s why I asked you to stay. But I do expect you to be nice to him.”

“I’m in too much pain today to take demands from a child.”

“I’m not a child anymore.”

“Every time you say that you sound more and more like one.”

I scowled. “You have to be nice. This is his house. And he already thinks you didn’t accept the job to begin with in order to get back at Saba.”

Jember halted in his work. “If she had told him the whole truth he wouldn’t be so angry. She isn’t as perfect as she appears.”

“She’s his mother, of course he’s going to take her side. Besides, you could stand to behave a little less like a villain.”

He rolled his eyes, focusing back on his work, though a bit absently. “I’ll be nice as long as he doesn’t try my patience.”

“What patience?” I grumbled, and pushed some of the billiard balls around the soft surface.

What did you expect, Andi? You’re lucky he’s even here.