“I killed Reyad to stop him from abusing others. But I still didn’t feel better inside. I had to rediscover my sense of self-worth and had to stop thinking of myself as a victim.”

Valek rested his hands on my shoulders and squeezed. “Then you’re the best one to talk to her. Let me know when I can trust her.”

“Just like that?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t have my magic. What if I get it wrong?”

“You won’t.”

* * *

When I arrived at Valek’s office for the afternoon meeting, I paused at the threshold. A few unexpected people sat around his conference table. At least Valek had taken the time to clear it off. The clutter hadn’t gone far. Tall piles of books and files wobbled on the floor nearby.

Valek and Maren stood by his desk near the back wall. By their intense expressions and whispered conversation, I guessed he was having his heart-to-heart with her about her involvement with Owen.

Janco waved me over, appearing rather energetic for having had less sleep than I. Sitting between Janco and Onora, I glanced across the table. Another man I didn’t recognize sat opposite me. Almost as broad as Ari, he studied me with interest gleaming in his light brown eyes.

I elbowed Janco in the ribs.

“Ouch. What... Oh. Yelena, this is Sergeant Grunt. Grunt, this is Liaison Yelena, the Soulfinder and Valek’s heart mate. You do not want to mess with her.”

Stretching my hand toward him, I said, “Just ignore him. We find that’s best for all concerned.” We shook hands. “What is your real name?”

“Sergeant Gerik, sir.”

The sir was a nice touch. I turned to Janco. “Where’s Ari?”

“He’s—”

“Aunt Yelena!” Reema raced into the room.

I stood in time to get knocked back into my seat by her flying hug. “I’ve missed you, too.” She clutched me tight. “Can’t...breathe.”

Releasing me, she laughed. “That’s my necklace-snake move. I clamp on and squeeze until the person passes out. Do you like it?”

“It’s very effective.”

She beamed.

“Did you invent it or—”

“Lacole taught me. She said since I’m small, my best defense in hand to hand is to clamp on and not let go.”

“Death by hug. I love it,” Janco said.

“Which explains why no one wants to date you,” Onora muttered.

Stopping Janco’s outraged retort, I asked Reema, “Lacole? Hand to hand?”

“Lieutenant Lacole. She and Ari are teaching me how to fight.”

“Oh?” I tried to keep my tone neutral, but Janco sensed my concern.

“Hey, Ari. You’re in big trouble,” he called.

Ari strode into the room. His aimed his scowl at Reema. “Didn’t I tell you not to run ahead of me? And to keep in sight?”

She shrugged. “You were too slow.”

“I’m not racing through the castle’s halls. You need to stay with me.”

Reema failed to appear chastised. “Can I take Kiki for a ride?” she asked me.

“We can go for a ride later. And you can tell me all about what you’ve been doing here for the last month.” I glanced at Ari.

“I was following orders,” Ari said in his defense. He sat next to Gerik.

“Thanks a lot, Ari. Now I’m in trouble,” Valek said as he reached the table.

Maren scraped her chair on the floor as she plopped down, joining us. She had pulled her long blond hair into a ponytail. Her pale complexion stood out against her black adviser’s uniform. Nodding at me, she said, “Hiya, Puker. Long time no see. You look soft.”

I grinned. “Those are fighting words.”

“I certainly hope so. I haven’t had a decent bo fight in ages.”

“I missed you, too.”

Her deep laugh rolled around the room.

“Reema,” a woman called from the doorway. “Are you ready?”

“Lacole!” With a quick goodbye, Reema rushed from the room. “Can we do more knife fighting today?”

I glared at Ari and he pointed to Valek, who closed the door after Reema.

“We’ll discuss this later,” I said to them both.

“That’s never good.” Janco rubbed his hands together. “Can’t wait.”

Valek returned and stood at the head of the oval table. I guessed he’d changed his mind about Onora and Maren. He filled Ari, Maren and Gerik in on what had happened in Sitia with Owen. Then he broke the news about Owen and the others being a guest of the Commander’s.

Copying Valek, I studied their expressions closely. Onora kept her face neutral. Janco and Ari appeared to be ready to commit murder. Gerik seemed more concerned than Maren, who relaxed in her chair as if this wasn’t news to her.

“At least we know where they are,” Janco said. “When do we ambush them?”

“We don’t,” Valek said, then explained about the Commander’s orders.

“That’s...that’s...” Janco was at a loss for words.

“Bad?” Ari supplied.

Janco shook his head. “Beyond bad. Catastrophic. We can’t follow that order. Owen may have hexed the Commander.”

“The order will be obeyed. We will leave Owen alone.” Valek’s tone left no room for discussion. “Maren, tell everyone what you told me earlier.”