When they finished eating, Valek escorted Yelena to the Keep, despite her protests that he was being overprotective.

He was, but this time he had a legitimate reason to tag along. “While you’re checking the library, I’ll search Bain’s office. He might have had the same idea as us, and since he’s the First Magician, the library might have allowed him to borrow Master Magician Ellis Moon’s notes.”

“That’s a good idea.”

“Don’t sound so surprised, love. I might start to think you’re only interested in me for my body.”

“Did you say something? I was too busy staring at your muscular chest.”

“Nice.”

They crossed the tunnel into the Keep without trouble. Yelena clutched her hands together while she scanned the empty campus. Valek squeezed her shoulder in support before she headed to the library. Without her touch, he needed to reinforce his mental barrier. Zitora might not be searching for him, but he wasn’t going to risk opening his mind at this point.

He looped around to the back entrance of the administration building that housed the Master Magician’s offices, along with the Keep’s clerical staff. Valek ghosted down the hallway to Bain’s office. Halfway there, a muffled cry sounded. Drawing his knives, he paused to listen. A bang and a thud echoed. Valek tracked the noise to Irys’s office. The door stood ajar. He peered inside and cursed his rotten luck.

Zitora faced the back wall, but before he could retreat, she said, “I know you’re there. I shouldn’t, because of your immunity.” She turned. “But you’re no longer immune. Are you?”

“No.” Valek eased into the room.

She held up a hand. “Stop right there.”

He did as instructed and slid his daggers back into their pockets. They wouldn’t help him in this situation. Nothing would. Her power could rip through his barrier like tissue paper. The only reason she hadn’t done it before was because he’d surprised her. Now she’d had time to think about it.

“You have magic. How did it happen?” she asked.

No sense lying. His and Yelena’s future rested in what happened next. “I made peace with my brothers’ murders. Seems that released the null shield I’d unknowingly grafted onto my soul when I’d witnessed their murders. Once the shield was gone, my magical powers were freed.” That was Yelena’s theory, and the timing confirmed it.

“Did you come here to kill me?” she asked.

“Do you think I can?”

“No. You’re strong, but not as strong as me.”

“Then why are you worried?”

“I wouldn’t call it worry. More like curiosity. Indulge me.”

“You have nothing to fear. You fall under the category of a Sitian who has been duped or brainwashed, and therefore are not to be killed or harmed if possible. Yelena’s orders.”

“Then what are you doing here?”

“Investigating. I hope Bain has some information to help us counter the Cartel.” He was growing tired of her suspicion. “Have you talked to Cahil yet?”

“No. We haven’t been able to talk privately. In fact, unless I’m in my room, I’m never alone. That magician, Cilly, is always hovering nearby. Bruns says it’s for my protection from you.” She frowned. “She’s tested my defenses a number of times, trying to get a sense of my loyalties. Don’t worry, she doesn’t have the power to get through. And I haven’t told Bruns what Yelena said or that she’s here.”

One good thing. “You’re alone now.”

“Master Magician, remember? I’m done with being protected.”

He approved. “This is a good place to hide.”

“I’m not hiding.” Zitora hooked her thumb toward the wall behind her. She stood in front of a large safe. The painting that had covered it rested on the floor. “Can you open it?”

Janco was the expert, but Valek had some experience. “Maybe. It depends on the model.”

“Will you open it for me?”

Ah, there was the right question. “If I can.”

She stepped aside. Moving slowly so he didn’t startle her, he crossed the room. He inspected the safe. Made of thick steel and with a complex lock, it would be difficult to crack. He spun the cylinder, feeling for that subtle vibration. It took him multiple tries, but finally the door opened.

He backed away. “What are you looking for?”

She dug into the contents, pulling various things out and setting them onto Irys’s desk. “Ahh.” Zitora removed a glass super messenger. “I thought she’d have one in case of an emergency.”

Smart. “Now you can contact Bain and confirm our story.”

“That’s the idea.” Yet she hesitated.

She still didn’t trust him.

“I’m going to Bain’s now. If you have time, ask him if he has any of Master Magician’s Ellis Moon’s papers.” He left.

Bain’s office was only a few doors down from Irys’s. Unlike Irys’s neat organization, a mess sprawled on every surface. Valek would have thought someone had searched the place if he hadn’t known Bain so well. The most powerful magician in the world loved researching little-known historical details when he had time. But as a member of the Sitian Council, he rarely had time.

Valek started with his desk and scanned the various piles of parchment. He found a list of missing magicians, and Valek wondered how many of them remained alive. Then he remembered Fisk had helped hide a few, which meant Bruns likely knew their locations. The desk drawers were crammed with...well, everything. Valek slid them shut without digging deeper. If Bain had gotten the notes, they would be on top somewhere. He strode over to the table. Flipping through the files, he searched for anything that appeared old.