"But who knows? It’s not like anyone is actually confiding in me."
Azriel studied me for a moment, expression neutral even if a faint hint of annoyance flickered through the heated energy of his presence. "I tell you what I can."
"No, you tell me what you think I need to know. There is a difference."
He didn’t dispute it. No surprise there, given it was the truth.
"The last time you followed your father’s instructions, you ended up being captured by the Raziq."
"My father won’t be anywhere near me this time, so he claims it shouldn’t be a problem. Besides, if the Raziq wanted me, they could have come after me anytime they wished."
"I doubt it. The wards that Ilianna has set around your apartment are as strong as those at the Brindle. They would make it difficult for the Raziq to enter."
The Brindle was the witch depository, and few outside the covens even knew of its existence. "We were told that the magic surrounding the Brindle wouldn’t keep the Aedh out, so it’s unlikely to keep them out of our apartment."
"Granted, but they also now know that I guard you, and they could not be certain whether there would be one or more Mijai waiting for them if they did attempt it. The Raziq are single-minded when it comes to their goals, but they are not stupid."
"So why haven’t they snatched me outside the apartment? And why don’t the wards make it difficult for you?"
"I am attuned to your Chi, so any magic that allows you to pass should also allow me."
"And yet the wards my father set up did stop you?"
"Because those particular wards were designed to reject energy forms. Human wards are not, so even the strongest will not prevent the Raziq—or a reaper—from getting through."
"If the Raziq did come after me a second time," I asked, suddenly curious, "would you actually stop them?"
He raised an eyebrow. "Do you think I wouldn’t?"