never heard the word before.
Charlonge sighed. ‘I suppose you’ve never even heard of the Tri-suns?’
Naif shook her head.
‘It’s not your fault, Naif. These things have been kept from you on Grave. But you should know, at least, that we live on a world that spins around a cooling star.’
‘Abraxas. Yes. Joel told me.’
‘Did you know it also has two companions?’
‘There are three stars?’
‘Imagine three friends arguing and sending one into exile. That’s our suns.’ Charlonge closed the book. ‘And before you ask me any more questions let me see your wounds.’
Naif sat up against the pillows and pulled the silk shift up to her thighs to inspect her legs. Other than the circle of heavy bruising around her ankle, all of the scratches had almost healed. Her arms were the same. She slid the shift down quickly, not knowing what to say.
‘I’ve heard that Lenoir is a healer,’ said Charlonge. ‘But how is that possible? On your face as well.’
Shame and a little excitement burned inside her. As before, Lenoir’s tongue had healed her. ‘I’m not sure … but one of the Night Creatures attacked me when I wandered from the path near Agios. Lenoir found me and fought it. Killed it.’ She forced herself to say the words – to make it real. ‘Then he brought me here. That’s all I really remember.’
‘That’s all!’ Charlonge picked up a cup and walked the length of the narrow room. ‘Take this.’
Gratefully, Naif sipped the proffered grape juice.
Charlonge waited until she had finished. ‘What were you doing out there?’
‘I-I went with Markes, so we could speak privately.’
‘The musician?’
Naif nodded and drew her legs up to her chin. ‘We talked for a while and then he went inside. I would have followed but Joel called out to me.’
‘Joel?’ Charlonge’s fingers fluttered. ‘What did he say?’
‘I tried to get him to understand that Lenoir wants to protect us. Joel doesn’t believe me – we argued and he left, and I lost my way a little. Leyste was waiting for me. Lenoir said he had been stalking me since I came through the Register.’
‘Leyste?’
‘A Night Creature.’ Naif hugged her legs to her chest to hide a shudder. ‘He was hideous, Char, but sad in a way.’ She sighed. ‘Lenoir said he would have killed me.’
Charlonge took several careful steps away from the bed as if to avoid breaking something underfoot. ‘Lenoir is showing you great concern, Naif. It’s not usual for a Guardian to do that. Are you sure he’s not trying to reach Joel – through you?’
Naif shrugged. ‘I don’t think he knows.’
Charlonge stared at her. ‘Don’t be sure of anything with Lenoir. The Guardians aren’t like us. You can’t predict what they’ll do. You can’t know them, Naif.’
Charlonge’s words triggered a thought. Naif slid off the bed and had to steady herself against a wave of dizziness. ‘The vote!’
‘What’re you talking about? You need to rest. I don’t want Lenoir punishing me for –’
Naif seized Charlonge’s hands. ‘The Guardians are voting on what to do about Ruzalia. If Lenoir loses the vote then Brand will be their new leader. She’ll use Markes as bait for Ruzalia. And you as well. She’ll hunt down the League and the gangs. Do you know Brand, Char?’
Charlonge swallowed nervously and nodded. ‘Of course. The scarred one?’
‘I have to go to the meeting and hear the result.’ Naif let go of Charlonge’s hands and straightened. A powerful wave of determination flooded through her. ‘If Brand wins then I must warn everyone.’
Charlonge stood still. Naif saw warring desires in her changing expression. And fear.
‘Have you decided what you will do, Char?’ she said softly.
‘Yes,’ she said, finally. ‘I’m coming with you.’
The Youth Circle meeting chamber stood empty apart from the girl with the long hair and the mask painted across her eyes, who drifted, distracted, around the table, tugging at the heavy chairs, fingering the polished stone.
‘Jaime!’ called Naif, stepping onto the narrow strip of carpet. Charlonge stayed behind her.
The girl jumped and stared. ‘You!’
‘I’m Naif. Where are they holding the Guardians’ vote?’
‘How do you know about that?’ The girl came closer to her, the soft folds of her skirt making faint, sliding noises as it caught between her legs and brushed against itself. ‘Only the bonded know about …’ Then her eyes widened. ‘You’re the one they’re all talking about. The one Lenoir protects.’
Naif hesitated. Though she didn’t like Jaime’s insinuation, it was the truth, somehow. ‘Where is the vote?’
Jaime pouted and she crossed her arms. ‘He used