I’d never thought much of tea before. But watching the work it’s doing between these two men has changed my opinion entirely.

Tea is a powerful weapon in the arsenal of negotiation.

The Mayor is positively hulking. Sitting at the fold-up dining table, his massive stature and portly build make the furniture look like a children’s garden set.

By comparison, Killian’s relaxed demeanor and easy smile make his rain-soaked sweatshirt seem as tasteful as formalwear.

With their steaming mugs of Earl Grey—it’s a bona fide tea party.

“So, Mayor, what can I do for you?” Killian’s voice is friendly as he sips from his mug.

“I won’t be long, Mr. Harold. I simply came to discuss Mr. Stiles’ participation in the expedition.”

Killian looks surprised. Somehow I know he’s not.

“Stiles? Participating in the expedition?” He flicks a glance in my direction.

The way they sit, Killian has a direct line of sight to me on the couch. The Mayor, however, has his back to me. This makes for an interesting dynamic when communicating silently with nothing but eyes and eyebrows.

I recline further into the couch, crossing my legs and getting comfortable. Despite what the Mayor thinks, I have a feeling this will be a lengthy discussion.

“I don’t understand, Mayor.”

The Mayor clears his throat. “As I mentioned at the briefing, all hounds are expected to participate in the expedition. This is one of his duties as a resident of Feathersford. You understand, yes?”

“Yes, of course. But Stiles is hardly a hound.”

The Mayor pauses. “Is he not?”

“Well, I assume he is, same as you. But the boy hasn’t used his power even once. Frankly, I don’t even know if he can.”

I stifle a smirk. It’s true—I haven’t used my power. Not once since this all began. Not even the day I awakened. I don’t know if Killian even knows what it is.

“That can’t possibly be true, can it?”

“I assure you, Mr. Mayor. It is the sworn truth. Without his power, he’s no different than an unawakened human. I never even thought of him as a hound, which is why I didn’t think to send him in response to your summons.”

Killian’s voice has gone soft and pleading now. It’s a tone I’ve never heard from him before.

It makes my skin crawl.

“I do apologize, Mr. Mayor. It was not my intention to come off as rude or unaccommodating. I genuinely did not think you expected his attendance.”

The Mayor is quiet. His meaty thumb thumps on the table a couple of times. “I see your point, Mr. Harold, and I do understand your confusion. Rest assured there is no offense. But as mayor, I can’t afford to make exceptions. You understand?”

Killian’s face scrunches as if in distress. Then he reaches across the table and rests one hand on the Mayor’s.

I uncross my legs.

His gaze slides to mine. He maintains his stricken look, and to the Mayor it must appear as though he’s simply gazing at me with uncle-ly affection.

But the coldness in his eyes tells me I’d better not move from this couch.

“Mr. Mayor, I do understand. Of course I do. I am not saying that he should be given an exception. But the boy is not cut out for combat. Could he not do manual labor instead? Hauling, building, and the like?”

The Mayor is already shaking his head. “While it may be the case that the boy cannot use his power, he can still help the expedition. Simply having another strong body along will mean being able to carry more scavenged items back. There will be plenty of ways for him to help outside of combat.”

Killian releases the Mayor’s hand. He sips his tea. Sighs.

“I see. I understand. Then I suppose it can’t be helped. I just ask that you please keep a close eye on him while you’re out there, Mayor. It’s the only thing that will bring me peace.”

“Oh, Mr. Harold, I won’t be going on the expedition. Someone must stay behind to protect the settlement and attend to any newcomers that may show up. Myself and my guards will be staying behind, of course. You understand.”

I’m standing before I’ve even realized it.