Page 32 of Elemental Affections

“Magic and mundane can both earn practical marks. Working with imbued materials is standard here. The school’s mission is to encourage thinking from both perspectives, see how the arcane and prosaic intertwine,” Dae said.

Calya crunched a sweet between her teeth as she laughed. “I’m not judging. This is far better than the stock stuff they have at Grae U.” In a too-calm voice, she said, “So, are the rumors about you and Brint getting back together true?”

Dae stopped, appalled. “No! Did he say—”

Calya shook her head. “He hasn’t. But there’s been gossip back home and in the opinions in the paper.”

Dae muttered under her breath. Why anyone back in Grae Port cared about her romantic life when she’d dropped from high society circles months back was beyond her.

“At least no one out here cares about that sort of thing.” Mostly. Dae hadn’t forgotten the swirl of rumors brought on by Brint’s sudden arrival, but the rest of campus had returned to its Valley bubble soon thereafter. “I thought I’d left it behind,” Dae said, annoyance coloring her tone.

“I think they’re following it for Brint, not you. No offense.”

Dae huffed but didn’t have a response. How quickly she’d forgotten the humbling of a sister’s bluntness.

“Tell me about this joint project with Avenor Guard,” she said as they took shelter in the Towers’ multi-level atrium.

“It’s a protection agreement for a new transport route to the northeastern districts. Security against sea piracy, since it runs up the coast. Our ships, Avenor’s personnel.” Calya selected another candy. “Brint suggested it. I think he’s involved with a project up there and wants to make sure they get regularly resupplied.”

“Seems straightforward enough. I’m surprised he’s giving you trouble,” Dae said. Helm Naval had many such agreements with a variety of defense companies and guilds, including Avenor Guard. Usually for moving their ships to buyers, but they ran a few trade routes of their own.

Calya flushed, looking down as she said, “I may have agreed to a lot of joint projects when you left. I was mad. Wanted to show that I could handle operations alone and the merger was still viable.”

“Caly.”

“I know. It’s mostly been fine, and I think Father is happy enough. This last project with Brint just fell through the cracks, and it’s a new route that he proposed. Most of the details came from him.” Calya glowered into the distance. “Which is why I’m annoyed he keeps giving me half-assed reports.”

“Is there anything I can do?”

“You seem to be doing all you can to distance yourself from the Helm name.”

Dae opened her mouth to argue, but nothing came. An unpleasant whisper of shame kept her quiet, guilty, for Calya wasn’t exactly wrong.

Calya groaned. “Sorry, that was— Forget I said it. I’m just annoyed at Brint.”

“I just … I want to make it on my own. Prove I can do it,” Dae said.

Calya gave her a bemused smile. “I know.” She got up, pulling her damp cloak back on. She made an aggrieved noise. “I can’t believe you like it here.”

Relief chased Dae’s anxious thoughts away. “I love it,” she declared as they went outside once again.

They passed under the safety of the atrium’s roof. Calya pointed off to the residence halls beside the House of Syvrine. “I’m that way. He’s in—”

Dae put her hands over her ears. “I don’t want to know.”

“You’re the pinnacle of maturity,Dae.”Calya stuck her tongue out.

Dae hugged her. “Good luck with Brint. I’ll write you.”

“I expect to see some magic next time I see you.” Calya waved once, then struck off down the path, her hood pulled tight.

Warmth spread through Dae’s chest. Next time. Said with Calya’s signature self-assurance, no fuss. Considered it a given.

They hadn’t been close in years, but Dae hadn’t realized how the loss of even a more sedate sibling bond had emptied her until she felt it restored. A cloud to her mood she hadn’t noticed was now gone, leaving an emotional, joyous buzz in its wake.

Movement across the courtyard caught her eye. Ezzyn.

Without thinking—about their strained association or the smile lighting up her face—Dae waved.

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