Free Illusions by Aprilynne Pike

think. You already saw Klea as a possible threat to Laurel’s safety, did you not?”
    Tamani nodded silently.
    â€œSo perhaps this Yuki is as well. But,” he continued, his tone intense, “if that is the case, then the place you need to be—the place you must be—is at Laurel’s side in Crescent City. Not here.” Jamison placed both hands on Tamani’s shoulders and Tamani’s gaze fell to the floor. “Be confident, Tam. You have always had a sharp mind and keen intuition. Use it. Decide what needs to be done, and do it. I gave you that authority when I sent you.”
    Tamani’s head bobbed up and down, an infinitesimal nod.
    Laurel wanted to speak up, to tell Jamison it was her fault, not Tamani’s, but her voice died in her throat. She wished, strangely, that they hadn’t come at all. Being reprimanded, even gently, had to be difficult enough without an audience to compound his embarrassment. She wanted to say something, to defend him—but she couldn’t find the words.
    â€œI do have one suggestion,” Jamison said as he guided them back toward the large double doors that led to the foyer. “It would be wise to discern this wildflower’s caste—as a precaution, but also in case she can be of use to you .”
    That possibility hadn’t occurred to Laurel. Whatever Klea was doing, if they could win Yuki over, perhaps she could be the key to unlocking Klea’s secrets. But if she’s too young to blossom—
    Before Laurel could voice her question, Jamison turned to address her. “Discovering her powers could be difficult. A stop at the Academy, to consult with your professors, might be in order. Then back to California,” he said firmly. “I don’t like the idea of you so far from your sentries after sunset. But a quick visit should still get you back to the gate in plenty of time. I know it is later here,” he added, gesturing to a picture window that looked out on a black, velvety sky with stars beginning to appear.
    Jamison escorted them through the gilded doors—which opened wide without so much as a flick of his wrist—and all the way down to the foyer. It was mostly empty now, soft phosphorescing flowers beaming dimly throughout the capacious room. Jamison’s entourage of Am fear-faire , however, were ready and waiting. They closed in around him as soon as he reached the bottom of the stairs.
    â€œYasmine has gone to bed,” Jamison said as they crossed beneath a dragon-arched entryway, “so I will open the gate for you.” He laughed. “But these old stems move much slower than your young ones. You go down to the Academy. I will head to the Gate Garden and we will meet there in a short while.”
    Laurel and Tamani left the courtyard some fifty paces ahead of Jamison. As soon as they were out of earshot Laurel slowed her steps, falling back to share the broad pathway with Tamani. “I should have told him this was my idea,” she blurted.
    â€œIt wasn’t your idea,” Tamani said quietly. “It was mine, earlier this week.”
    â€œYeah, but I was the one who pushed it and got us in today. I let Jamison scold you and he should have been scolding me.”
    â€œPlease,” Tamani said with a grin on his face, “I’d take a scolding for you any day and call it a privilege.”
    Laurel looked away, flustered, and hurried her pace. Moving downhill helped the walk go quickly and soon the lights of the Academy came into view through the darkness, guiding their steps. Laurel looked up at the imposing gray structure and a smile spread across her face.
    When had the Academy started to look like home?

Chapter Eight
    WHILE THE WINTER PALACE SLUMBERED, THE ACADEMY hummed along, both students and staff. If nothing else, there was always someone working on a mixture that had to be cured by starlight. As they walked toward the staircase Laurel waved at a