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My heart stopped.
The Blue Orb lay amongst her things in her bag.
How was that possible?
She had left my study with me and I distinctly remember placing it back on the shelf once I was done showing her it.
I looked up into her face.
And now her large dark eyes were looking back at me.
There was more than just upset in those eyes.
There was surprise, shock… and fear.
A great deal of fear.
“Governor?” one of my detail said. “We should search the room before you enter.”
It took a moment for me to find my voice. “Too late. Tell Oggen I found the cause of the disturbance. It was just my guest having knocked one of the plinths over. Have the security system turned off and a servant brought to tidy up.”
“But Governor—”
I shut the door in his face.
I was in no mood to discuss it with him.
Now that it was over, my authority had returned.
Theyhad to do whatIsaid now.
I was pleased when I heard one set of footsteps turn and walk away.
No doubt one had opted to remain behind to watch in case someone dangerous lurched out at the last minute.
I turned back to Layla and crouched before her on the other side of the security screen.
I couldn’t break through it — no one could.
It was pure energy.
But I could see her on the other side of it, tinged turquoise by the shivering light.
“It’s going to be all right,” I said softly.
“I tried to sneak out of the house without anyone seeing me,” she said. “I thought it would be best. I didn’t mean to cause all this trouble.”
I smiled and shook my head. “It’s all right. The important thing is that you’re okay.”
I pointedlydidn’tlook down at her bag and the Blue Orb that poked out of it.
Neither did she.
The security screen faded away as its power source was turned off.
Layla let out a deep sigh of relief.
The silence that followed seemed to yawn between us with greater density than the security wall had.
