Page 153 of Salt Between the Wolves

"Warnings about what?"

"I don't know."

The answer came immediately.

"The accounts disagree. Some are incomplete. Others contradict each other."

She exhaled slowly.

"But none of them describe separation as harmless."

The words settled between them.

Soren looked away.

"Eira is safe."

"That isn't what concerns me."

His gaze returned to hers.

"Then what does?"

Varda hesitated.

"The fact that this mark continues to change after she left."

Silence stretched between them.

After a moment, Soren shrugged.

"Then find out why."

The response earned a look that would have unsettled most men.

"You think this is a problem to solve later."

"It is a problem."

"And you think you have time."

Soren said nothing.

Varda studied him for several moments before shaking her head.

"I need the archives."

"What do you expect to find?"

"An answer."

"And if there isn't one?"

For the first time, genuine worry crossed her face.

"I would prefer not to discover that."

The room grew quiet again.