She KNOWS that the rest of his friends are hiding out somewhere, but as opposed to the last time, Astrid is fairly sure they’re out of earshot. It’s a RISK, taking the amulets to him, and she has considered just sending someone else, and yet she can’t quite bring herself to NOT see him.
It’s a WEAKNESS, and she’s well aware of it, and yet...
“You did what you HAD to do,” She eventually speaks, untying a small bag from her belt, “We ALL did.” He’d argue, of course he would, Astrid knows as much, and yet she doesn’t know what else to say.
HE DOES NOT PAY TOO MUCH MIND TO HER BEFORE THEY LEAVE BLUMENTHAL. he is a self-involved fifteen-year-old, far more concerned with his books and his ambitions than with attractions. but they arrive in rexxentrum, and they both change, and suddenly he cannot stop himself from staring. then . . . then they change again, and he does not recognize her or himself or wulf, but his feelings do not change, only grow. now . . . they are different again. but still he recognizes the curve of her lips with worry she hides, the way her eyes glint in this light, the way the wind plays with her hair when she’s not been so careful or particular with her appearance.
he knows her, and she knows him. one of the few people in this world, he thinks ( he knows, for master did his job well on both of them ), who does.
takes the bag quickly and smoothly, in one motion swapping from her hand, to his, to his satchel. out of her hands, out of her responsibility — in a sense; he is not so stupid as to think she will bear none of the brunt should things go awry. “ it is . . . my intention to return them to you. soon, i hope. ”
the alley is dark and quiet and tucked away, his friends patrolling and watching to ensure it is so. he can look for fjord if he wishes, whose sights for invisibility are up, and beauregard when he needs, up on the rooftop, hidden and waiting with veth, crossbow drawn. he steps closer all the same, slipping into zemnian with a calming, half-frightened breath. “ does he know we have these? ” he asks. “ or have you put yourself in danger for a favor i asked? ”
