I stretch, exploring the feel of skin sliding over muscle. My shoulders roll—smooth, strong, and responsive. The child’s memories are less fluid. She’s a fighter and slows the flow between our consciousnesses to a trepid trickle. No matter. I’ve time to learn in this empty room. Glass grinding underfoot, I turn to the mirror.

She’s young, but older than I’d hoped for. Taking her would probably have been impossible in just a scattering of days. Leaning forward, I stare into dark eyes, willing her knowledge out.

A knock raps on the door.

I’d trained my whole life to join the Overseer’s gaurd. The Overseer’s power was beyond me, but I could protect the Soul by aiding the magus.