“Some evidence that the house might have been broken into,” Miller murmurs, as if they’re talking while only half listening. “Or at least not all that secure.”
“Yes.”
“I’m running everything through my software and our satellites as well, but …”
“You see exactly what the royal guard techs see.” I sigh. “I just … this is perhaps an overreaction … but is it possible for you to track the children in other ways?”
Miller laughs quietly. “Not legally. And likely not any better than your royal guard techs, who have more jurisdiction than I do. I assume they’re currently looking for the children’s guardians as well?”
“I’m sorry for even asking. I’m … I was hoping you’d have … a backdoor, to the phone tech, at least.”
“Also highly illegal.”
I sigh again. “I’m not sure why I’m bothering you. I just … you came to mind.”
“I’m glad I did.” There’s a pause. Then Miller speaks almost hesitantly. “Are … are the children like you? Is that why you think they’ve been taken? Are they awry?”
“I’m not certain. I think … they might be. As far as I know, they haven’t manifested yet.”
Silence stretches between us before Miller speaks again. “There is … someone else.”
All the hair on my arms stands up, as if the energy of the universe has just ever-so-lightly brushed up against me. It’s a tiny touch of the intensity I felt before writing that list of names — my possible soul-bound mates — under the influence of the intersection point. I don’t know how it’s possible to feel it now at my apartments in London.
“Maybe I shouldn’t even mention it,” Miller murmurs. “I stay out of that world now. Unless there’s something I can do from the sidelines without jeopardizing my bond group …”
This is why I reached out. I justknowit, even though that type of essence-wielding isn’t among my abilities. “I would appreciate the introduction.”
Miller clears their throat. “It doesn’t quite work like that. I can reach out to this person. And if they want to reach you, to help you, they will.”
“All right.”
“And Mirth?”
“Yes.”
“They won’t recognize your position, your rank.” Another beat of hesitation. “And you’ll owe them.”
“Money isn’t an issue.”
“They trade in favors.”
Now I’m the one to hesitate.
“You understand what I mean?” Miller says in response to my silence.
“I believe so. Is this other person also one of the awry?”
“Yes.”
So the favor they demand might be binding on an essence level. And open ended. “They’ll help me find the kids.”
“I believe so, yes. They specialize in this sort of thing. But if they do agree to work with you, it will be you and you only.”
“The purple eyes,” I murmur softly.
“Yes. Plus the societal norm that the royal guard represents is an anathema to them.”
“I understand. Thank you, Miller.”
