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His hands still. Longer this time. "I think Varethia was important enough to test first."

Cold moves through me. "That's not comforting."

"No."

"Do you think the Heart—"

"No."

I look at him. "You didn't even let me finish."

"Council said drop it."

"You trust the Council now?"

"No."

"Then?"

Rhyven's expression changes. "Because we know nothing." Fair. Again. He finishes the harness. Sets it aside. Finally gives me his full attention. "Speculation doesn't make you safer. Knowledge does."

"Yes. Which is why we should find it."

"When there's something to find."

I narrow my eyes. "You're infuriating."

"Frequently." Footsteps pass outside. Neither of us moves. For once, the room feels almost peaceful. That's strange considering we're discussing military deployment.

I look toward him. "Do you want to help them?"

Rhyven's expression changes. Tiny. "Yes." There.

Answer. Not the same question.

"But you think staying is right."

"Yes."

"Does that bother you?"

His jaw tightens. "Yes." More honesty than usual. I nod.

"Okay."

He looks faintly suspicious. "Okay?"

"Yes."

"No argument?"

"I'm growing."

"Concerning." I smile. Then turn toward the door.

"Eirea." I stop. Look back. Rhyven is watching me. "Your patrol tonight."

"What about it."