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It wasn’t unusual. The Aion Gate always brought an influx of people, swelling the island’s population to ten times its normal size. That kind of surge demanded more of everything—facilities, resources, and, most of all, food.

“The perishables are being released into the population at timed intervals,” Ivain continued. Then, after a moment’s hesitation, he added, “But I suppose I could… dig deeper, if necessary.”

“Good,” Sarina said. “It’s settled.”

“I never said—”

“I already told the mayor we’d help.” Sarina’s grin was all teeth and no apology, aimed directly at her brother’s frown. “We have nothing to lose. As you said—perishables. They’ll go to ruin anyway. Might as well enjoy a little luxury while we’re still alive to savor it.”

Taly dropped a few more bits of crystal into the sugar bowl. “So, it’s a festival then?”

“Looks that way,” Ivain muttered, stabbing at his eggs.

Taly was halfway up the stairs when Calcifer came bounding down to meet her. “Oh, I know,” she cooed as he jumped into her arms, nearly knocking her off her feet. “I know. You had to spend all night alone. And then no one was here to feed you breakfast.”

“Have you told him he’s fasting?” Skye asked, trudging up the stairs behind her.

Taly rolled her eyes, letting the hysterical mimic lick her face. “You don’t give him enough credit.” Calcifer was sniffing her now. He could smell the aether Skye had given her to help ease the strain and let out a low growl.

One that Skye echoed from deep within his chest, staring Calcifer down until the mimic retreated a step, whining and flattening his ears.

Taly sighed. “Feel better now?”

Skye continued up the stairs. Over his shoulder, he gave her that insufferable smirk. “Yes, actually.”

Ivain’s voice carried down the hall. “Taly, I need to speak with you.”

Her face fell. “Shit. What’s his problem?”

“Youdiduse magic in town,” Skye reminded her.

“When I was falling off a skyscraper. What was I supposed to do? Go splat?” Skye grimaced. “What?”

“I’m just… trying not to think about it.”

This new agreement between them—it was still a delicate work in progress. Old habits and instincts didn’t disappear overnight.

“He’s just worried.” Skye placed his hands on her shoulders and smoothed them up and down. “We all are, Taly. The city’sa powder keg. If it comes out that Ivain’s been harboring a time mage—”

“I know,” Taly grumbled and scratched at the itchy tangle that was her hair. “I know.” But it was getting harder. Holding back. Pretending to be weak so she could pass as human.

Sure, there had been a time when she lived in the shadow of her magic. When silence, inaction, and isolation were her only means of protecting the people she loved. But the fear—it was slipping. Shifting. And for the first time, she was starting to see her magic for what it was. Not just a burden. Aweapon. And as the days passed, she was forgetting the reasons she wasn’t allowed to wield it.

“It’ll be okay,” Skye said. “Just get it over with.”

She nodded. “No offense, but that’s a shitty pep talk.”

More than anything, Taly hated disappointing Ivain.

Skye flicked her nose. “Make the face.” She knew which one. Her eyes grew impossibly large and innocent. “Pout harder. And try tilting your head; it makes you look even more pitiful.”

She did.

“Good. Now get in there and turn him into a puddle.”

Skye gave her ass a slap for encouragement—and maybe just a chance to grope her—as he aimed her towards Ivain’s study and her doom.

Skye was waiting outside in the hall when the door to Ivain’s study burst open, and Taly stormed out.