Page 230 of The Academy of Blood & Shadow

"That's interpretation." She tries to correct me.

"Nyra."

She takes a bite. "No evidence." I stare. Cassian has corrupted her.

A strange warmth settles beneath my ribs. I stop. Not because it surprises me anymore but because I recognize it. Immediately. Presence. Closer. I look toward the entrance. The doors remain open. Students pass. No Rhyven. Nyra notices my movement. "What?" She asks.

"Nothing." I reach for my drink.

Three seconds later Rhyven walks through the door. My fingers tighten around the glass. Damn it. He isn't wearing his Chief uniform either. Dark trousers. Black shirt. Sleeves rolled. Obviously. Apparently the man owns one style and has committed to it permanently. His hair looks slightly less controlled than usual. Probably because he's been flying. Or training. Or running his hands through it while arguing with the Council. Something irritatingly Rhyven. He stops inside. Looks around. Dax spots him. Raises his glass. "Corvell!" Rhyven's expression immediately suggests regret. Dax grins. "Too late." Rhyven walks toward us. Nyra isn't looking at him. She's looking at me. I pretend not to notice. Rhyven reaches the table.

Caelen kicks the empty chair beside him. "Sit."

"No."

Maelis raises an eyebrow. "You came here to stand?"

"I came for a drink."

Dax points toward the bar. "It's over there."

Rhyven looks at him. "I know."

"Then why are you here?" A pause. Rhyven seems to consider murder.

Soren takes a sip. "He's missed us." He grins very slightly.

"No."

Maelis smiles. "He definitely missed us."

Rhyven turns toward the bar. Dax catches his sleeve. "Sit down, asshole." Rhyven looks at the hand. Dax releases him immediately. Then Rhyven...Sits. I blink. That's all it takes? Interesting.

Someone places a drink in front of him. Soren. Rhyven doesn't ask what it is. Doesn't inspect it. Just drinks. Small thing. Meaningless. Except...Trust.

"What are we playing?" Rhyven asks.

Caelen points toward the wooden board on the table. "Kings."