“I want to do this, Anza.”
Why? “As my keeper?”
“As your keeper.”
“How long are you going to be one, Veren?” She leaned closer to read his expression better.
He paused before answering, “For as long as it takes.”
It was still a vague, unsatisfactory response, but the promise of a future reassured her. If her father agreed to her bargain, Veren would be her first official human friend. And she couldn’t have done better. Her father wouldn’t fault her judgment on Veren.
An icy breeze swept over them, making her shiver. Veren took off his jacket and draped it over her shoulder, grasping the front of it close.
“Shall we go?” he asked, tapping the end of her nose.
She nodded.
As she stood by the entrance, Veren stopped. She glanced up at him, wondering why.
“I’ve got a request, little
