Something poked at my arm through the tent wall, nudging me awake. It was still dark out. I brushed at my arm, hoping it wasn’t a big, hairy spider.
Nirrin?
I sat up and nearly spoke aloud. Tessia! I was worried about you.
I know. I’m sorry.
What happened?
I heard a sigh from the other side of the tent wall.
Only one person had caused me that many sighs. Let me guess, Niralessa.
She wanted me to . . . She paused, and I imagined her face downcast with shame. She wanted me to get into Sember’s head, to tell her what Sember was thinking. To help her find the right angle.
I didn’t have to ask what kind of angle she was talking about. I pressed my lips together. This was beyond manipulative, even for Niralessa.
Did you? I asked.
I didn’t want to, but I had to give her something. I cou
