Page 507

"You're scared." I say softly.

He doesn't deny it. "Yes."

My throat tightens. "For Elarion?"

"Among other things." There.

I look toward the window. "Varethia's prepared."

"I know."

"Mara knows what she's doing."

"Yes."

"Second-years are ready."

"Mostly."

"First-Year Response is ready."

He looks down. "Yes."

I look back at him. "I'm ready."

Quiet. Not boast. Fact. Rhyven's jaw shifts. "I know."

Then why does he look like that? I know why. Neither of us says. I fold my arms. "You spent months teaching me to fight without you."

"Yes."

"Feels inefficient now?"

His eyes narrow slightly. "Something like that." Oh.

I smile. Small. "You're very annoying when you worry."

"Frequently."

"There it is."

Rhyven looks toward my books again. "Your evaluation."

"What about it."

"Command section."

"Bad."

"Not bad."

"I lost people."

"You learned."

"Three imaginary dead people."

"Very inconvenient." I laugh once. His eyes return to me. "If something happens—"