The northern ritual site team returns three days later.
I'm in the library with Asher, helping him sound out words in a picture book about the Moon Goddess, when Kieran appears in the doorway. His expression is carefully neutral, but I've learned to read the tension in his shoulders.
"They're back." He says simply. "Conference room in ten minutes."
I look at Asher, who's completely absorbed in trying to pronounce "celestial."
"Buddy, I need to go to a grown-up meeting. Can you stay here with the book? I'll be back soon."
"Can I go find Luna Ava instead? She promised to show me the garden."
"Sure. But stay with her, okay? Don't wander off."
He's already scrambling down from the chair, book forgotten. I watch him dart off, his white and black hair catching the light, before following
