Shade brightened into her palms like a star being reassured.
Nathan leaned toward Merlin. "If that thing grows any more attached to her, you're losing custody."
"I don't have custody."
"Elara thinks you do," Nathan whispered.
Elara did not deny it. She didn't look at him either.
—
They finished breakfast and made their way toward the training fields for the morning resonance drills. Rowan stood by the entrance, clipboard in hand, expression unreadable as always.
When his eyes landed on Merlin, something tightened around them—something between concern and calculation.
He spoke without preamble. "Everhart. With me."
Nathan's hand shot out, grabbing Merlin's sleeve. "Permission to accompany?"
"No," Rowan said.
Elara stepped forward. "He's not training alone."
"He won't be," Rowan replied. His gaze shifted to Shade, then to the rest of them. "If you wish to monitor him, you may stand with the class."
Elara didn't move. "That isn't—"
