Night Study (Soulfinders #2)(35)

“Would Leif be able to tell if a person’s memories were magically changed?” Valek asked me.

“It’s possible. I’ll messenger him about this Master Gardener and Owen’s location. My father should have arrived by now.”

“What can we do?” Ari asked Valek.

“You, Janco and Maren keep an eye out for any new construction near the castle. If Owen brought Harman saplings and Curare vines, he’d want to build more of those hothouses. Also watch for any strange deliveries like ones with unusual materials or odd supplies.”

Ari nodded. “What about Reema?”

“She’s going home as soon as I can arrange an escort. Gerik, you are assigned to the Commander’s security detail again. If you hear or see anything about Owen or the others, let me know.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Onora, you’re to stay by the Commander’s side during the day. He has a glass magic detector. If it flashes, then magic is in use. That’s when you don’t follow your instincts and question all your thoughts, as they might not be your own.”

“What about at night?” she asked.

“I’ll take the night shift.”

I suppressed my disappointment over having the bed to myself at night.

“And if he protests?” she asked.

“He won’t. Although he may kick you out for sensitive conferences. In that case, stay by the door.”

“Yes, sir.”

The meeting ended. I waited until everyone left before asking Valek, “Why did you decide to trust Maren and Onora?”

“Maren convinced me she had no idea Owen was alive. Gerik and Onora showed up with Janco. It would have looked suspicious if I’d dismissed them.” He strode to his desk.

I followed. “Which explains why you didn’t detail your own plans or mine.”

Valek paused before sitting in his chair. “You’re sending Leif a message and talking to Onora.”

“And?”

“And staying far away from Owen. You’re not exactly his favorite person, love.”

“Fine. What else can I do?” I half leaned, half sat on the edge of his desk.

“Perhaps a repeat of this morning’s activities?” He leered.

“I’m serious.”

“So am I.”

“Valek.” A warning tone rumbled in my voice.

He sobered. “You have training.”

Ah. “Spy training?”

“Yes. You need to learn all those skills that you had previously used your magic for.”

A daunting task. “That could take years.”

“It won’t. You’re smart and a fast learner. Plus you already have plenty of experience.”

“I don’t—”

“At the meeting today, who was surprised that Owen’s here?” he asked.

“I know what you’re doing.”

“Answer the question.”

Annoyed, I recalled the various demeanors that ringed the table and said, “Ari, Janco and Gerik.”

“Very good. You picked up on Onora despite her lack of a reaction.”

“That was a guess. How did she know about Owen?”

“You tell me.”

I bit down on a Janco-inspired sarcastic response. “The Commander told her. Probably after your meeting with him, since she also didn’t seem upset that he’d ordered you to leave Owen alone.”

“That’s my assumption, as well.”

“Okay, I get it. I’m not a total newbie. When do my spy lessons start?”

“Tomorrow afternoon.”

That gave me the rest of the day off, which I could put to good use. I needed to check on Kiki. And that reminded me of my promise to Reema.

“Why is Reema learning how to fight?” I asked Valek.

“I may have suggested it to Ari before I left.”

I waited.

“She would have driven him crazy if she had nothing to do,” he said.

“She’s missing school. They could have worked on her reading skills, math, history...” I sighed. And she still would have driven him crazy. “If Opal gets upset, I’m blaming you.”

“Feel free. But I suspect her lessons have strengthened her magic.”

“No one has been able to confirm she has magic.”

“No magicians, you mean? I’ve picked up on it when I’m next to her, but last night, I felt her power in the hallway.”

“Are you sure it wasn’t Owen’s? She hasn’t reached puberty yet.”

“Do I need to cite all the examples we’ve encountered of magic doing strange, unexpected and impossible things?”

“No.” It would take too long. “If she’s a protégée, then she’ll be a target. I just...”

“Want to protect Reema?”

“Of course.”

“Then it’s a good thing she’s learning how to defend herself.”

I huffed. “Don’t be all logical when I want to be irrational and overprotective.”

“Now you know how I feel.”

“You? Irrational?”

He grabbed my hand and tugged me toward him. I settled on his lap.