How could I tell him I would be the one inside the room without giving myself away?

“We can’t lock Kelela in with it, there’s no way she’d be able to help defend herself with her injuries. And if she’s killed—God forbid—the Evil Eye will just go dormant again and this will all be for nothing.”

“If the hyena is focused on the target it won’t bother to waste time breaking down the defense at the door. It’s important that you’re out of danger while you’re working.”

“I think you should be the one constructing the amulet. You’re much faster than I am.”

“I’ll be gone before then. And you’re fast enough.”

Tomorrow I’d have to try to force him to stay again, but that was a problem for tomorrow. “Is this how you did it?”

“I didn’t have a team of people. Just me. I’d sent the target out of the house for the day, then spent part of the afternoon scattering the limbs of the Evil Eye’s servant around the city. But I did lock it in a room with the defensive amulet on the door, and I crouched on top of a high bookcase for extra protection.”

My gape tweaked into a grin. “That’s brilliant.”

“It only just worked. If I’d had help maybe I wouldn’t be…” He gestured to his leg. “And I hadn’t had time to construct any more than one shield at the door. I’ll show you how, and we can make at least three apiece tonight if you’re willing to stay up.”

“Of course I’m willing. I’ll do whatever it takes. Although, I’m not really comfortable scattering Saba across the desert.”

“Me neither. We’ll just have to keep an eye on her.” He leaned over, his forearms on his thighs, and groaned. “I can’t believe I left my pills at home.”

“And your mentee, now that we’re on the subject.”

“What?” Jember lowered his brows for a moment, then raised them. “Oh right. Him.” He winced, rubbing his knee. “Maybe he’ll get fed up with waiting and go back to his parents. That would be the perfect homecoming present.”

“I’ll ask Saba to bring you some medicine.”

“I’ll ask her. You need to get a little sleep for tonight.”

I grinned. “So, you two are talking now?”

“Earlier, when she was taking care of my leg … I…” He shook his head, like he didn’t understand what he was saying. “I don’t think her touch hurt me.”

I gaped. “Really?”

“I’m not sure. It was hard to tell, since I was already in pain.”

“Wait.” I leaped off the bed, suddenly realizing: “Her skin is made of pottery, not actual flesh. That must be why it doesn’t hurt.”