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He recognized that voice. It was the guard who always shadowed him. The tall one who watched more than he talked.
“It’s Vandor.”
“Oh. Right.” He stepped toward the door. What did he want?
When the door swung open, Vandor’s gaze moved immediately to his face. “Are you okay?”
“Yes. Why?”
“It’s just—” Vandor gestured toward his own eyes.
“Oh, yes, that.” He wiped beneath his eyes, embarrassed as he leaned on his other leg. “It’s nothing. But if you’re looking for Daven, he’s not here.”
“I know he isn’t. I came for you.”
“For me? Why?” Ryneth wasn’t used to being the reason someone showed up. He didn’t know what to do with that.
Vandor wore his school uniform, the golden brooch at his collar marked with the Academy insignia. He was taller than Ryneth, broad-shouldered, black hair threaded with muted blue that echoed in his eyes. His gaze lingered without apology.
Ryneth folded his arms protectively across his chest, hating himself for his insecurity.
“I’m here to check on you. See if you’re okay. Did you get any sleep after Daven dragged you back here?”
Heat crept up his neck and he turned away.
Vandor followed him inside without hesitation, as if the space already belonged to him. “Did you eat?”
“I was about to.”
“I bet you were.” Vandor moved toward the kitchen counter. He glanced once toward the bedroom, then back at Ryneth. “He left early. Meeting with Milanov. Said if he couldn’t take you himself, I would.” Vandor’s mouth twitched. “His exact words were, ‘I don’t like you, but you’re less likely to lose what’s mine than anyone else in this house.’”
Ryneth tried not to react. “I didn’t ask.”
Vandor’s mouth twitched faintly. “You were going to. I just thought you’d want to be prepared for the looks you’ll get today. People love gossip.”
Looks… Ryneth wasn’t ready to know more.
Silence lingered for a second.
Vandor’s voice softened. “You good?”
Ryneth considered lying. “Yes,” he said finally. “I think I am.”
Vandor studied him for a beat longer. Then he slid his bag off his shoulder and set it on the counter. “Good. Consider me your tigano service.”
A sweet scent wafted through the penthouse as Vandor handed him a paper bag. “Let’s get you to eat something. Then I’ll take you to the Academy.”
Ryneth snorted but couldn’t keep his eyes off the cinnamon buns. His stomach grumbled. “You don’t have to escort me.”
Vandor slid them closer. “I do. Now then, does Daven also have coffee?”
The Academy spread wide beneath the late morning sun, glass towers catching the light as students crossed the marble paths in steady streams.
Helion really was beautiful.
When Lysa and Karo told him the buildings were made of glass, he had assumed it was a fairytale. It wasn’t.
“So the rumor was right. It’s all glass?” he asked Vandor.
