The finality in his words felt like a threat.
The other seer was staring at me by then, too.
I saw his eyes take in my expression, even as he acknowledged Revik’s words with a flick of his wrist. He lifted his hand higher, making the gesture of respect and obedience specific to Revik’s title as the Sword.
“Of course, Illustrious Brother,” he murmured, bowing his head.
I noticed neither set of eyes nor their light really left mine.
Without giving the other male the countersign, Revik walked out of the guardhouse and into the brighter light of the pier. I didn’t feel guilt on him anymore, but I felt anger, and what might have been frustration, along with a wariness verging on caution as he looked at me. Walking up to me, he frowned, then jerked his head towards the other end of the pier.
“Allie,” he said, gruff. “We have to go.”
“You go ahead.” My eyes remained fixed on the seer in the guardhouse.
“Allie,” Revik growled. Forcing himself into my line of sight, likely to get my eyes off the other male, he tapped his watch meaningfully, not sparing a glance for Dalejem. “Tick-tock, wife. I have to go. Now.”
I turned, staring up at him. “I know. You go ahead.”
“Allie.” His voice sharpened with frustration. “We don’t have time for this?”
“No.Youdon’t have time for this.” My voice held a less ambiguous warning as I stared at him. “I have all the time in the world, husband.”
Revik returned my stare, unmoving.
Eventually, I looked back at where Dalejem watched us from the dark.
“I only need a few minutes,” I said to Revik, my voice subdued. “If you have to, send the boat back. I’d like a word with our friend here.”
When I glanced up next, I saw Revik’s eyes harden, along with his jaw.
He opened his mouth to argue, but I cut him off.
“That’s an order, Revik.” I met his gaze.
He returned my stare.
I felt the fight seethe through his light, but it didn’t feel aimed at me. He barely hesitated before he acknowledged my words with a flick of his fingers and wrist, a brief salute and “yes” rolled into one. Then I saw his eyes shift over his shoulder.
He frowned at the male seer standing inside the darkened guardhouse.
Something in the look felt like a real threat that time.
Then Revik turned, and he was walking down the pier.
He didn’t look back.
* * *
Once he wasout of earshot, I didn’t wait.
Walking to the door of the guardhouse, I blocked it unambiguously, holding either edge of the open doorway with white-knuckled hands. I stared at the absurdly handsome seer, not bothering to hide my hostility.
“All right,” I said. “Explain.”
“My name is Dalejem, mistress. I?”
“I got that much out of Balidor,” I warned. “Your name means nothing to me, brother. And I suspect you already know that’s not what I’m asking you.” I fought to level my voice. “Who are you? Who are you really?”