"There is an advantage to that experience," Skellig agrees. Even if a large part of it came from them fighting (and killing each other) repeatedly, which Skellig hopes will not occur with the revelation that Revenin's baby sister has run off and bonded her soul with another creature completely unlike their kind.

He glances at Kreyu, allowing their fingers to intertwine briefly.

"If you two would wish to speak in private, I take no offense. I do not mind to head back to the House," he adds. "I could fetch dinner for us, along my route?"