Page 220 of Red Ruin

If we botch our plan, I bet he can collapse most of the cave system. As long as he escapes, he can warn everyone on the surface.

I hope they run.

We deserve to stay dead after we die.

I shiver.

At the first drop of anxiety, Vhex and Remy spin.

Godsdamnit.

I can’t shut down my nerves without shutting down our connection. I won’t risk another tug-of-war with the lich.

“It’s fine,” I reassure them as I smooth their silks. “I won’t let anything happen.”Not to you or anyone else.

Tan mutters something.

His voice is lost to the roar when Simms’s magic drill attacks the rock.

“What did you say?” I half-shout.

Vhex and Remy help the dig. Remy’s shadows scoop rubble from Simms’s pile, then Vhex melts the scattered rocks into cherry-red clay and flicks it down to strengthen the walls of the widening chute at their feet.

“Nothing, Commander,” Tan says, stiffening.

“You can call me Iris.” My title will be stripped soon enough.I’d rather have friends than titles.

“Iris.” Tan’s head rocks from side to side as he wrestles with himself. Finally, he pushes out a breath. “Can I ask a personal question?”

“Sure?”

Tan squints. “How come I never heard of you at the academy?”

“Private education.” I read a lot of guiding theory books, got a few tutors when I turned out stronger than the Ashbournes expected, then filled in my knowledge gaps in live battle.

It worked out.I’m still here.

“So that’s why.”

“Why what?”

“You’re like…That” he makes a vague wave that encompasses my whole body.

I tighten my grip on my glaive.Maybe we’re not as cordial as I thought. “Just say what you want to say, Tan.”

“I don’t know how to explain.” He takes a step closer and makes a face. I feel a slight flutter as he brushes me with his power. “You don’t have any sense of the hierarchy?”

“What do you mean?” I casually meet his energy with a thread of soul-silk.

He jumps away from me like a startled cat and backs himself against the rough-hewn wall.

“That’swhat I mean,” Tan says, rubbing his arms through his coat. “You’re that strong. Did you slap the emperor? I can’t think of any other reason you’re not protected under fifty layers of arrays, wearing the pharos badge while desperate imperial Sentinels fight for the chance to suck your toes.”

My feet curl in my boots.No, thank you. “I’d be more likely to guide them if they asked the normal way.”

Tan mock sighs. “What a waste of talent.”

I shrug.

---