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AARYN

Aaryn's heart sank to his toes and a wave of injustice almost choked him, but he nodded.

Gahrye's eyes were so sympathetic Aaryn wanted to growl at him to stop.

"His name is Xan," Gahrye said. "His quarters are downstairs. But… if his goal is to hurt Kalle, I'm guessing he's outside. It would be easier to ambush us without being seen. And much easier to hide if he doesn't want to be discovered." Gahrye was trembling, from pain or fear, Aaryn wasn't sure. Probably both.

Kalle rushed back and began dressing the wound that looked painful, but not life-threatening. Gahrye just stared at her, muttering something about how everyone felt the need to plunge knives into him.

Kalle looked up, shocked, then burst into laughter, even as her tears spilled over.

They were both laughing and Aaryn wasn't sure if they'd lost their minds, or were just so much saner than him.