Rue’s POV

Percy’s hand brushed mine briefly, as we left to meet a certain acclaimed researcher.

“He’s probably left by now.” I said.

“No, he said he’d wait for me before the conference afterparty ends.” he murmured, voice low.

I nodded without bringing up further argument. The researcher was an important man and if we didn’t meet him today, we’d have to catch him at the next convention the following year.

“Percy.”

Percy stopped. I did too, a half-step behind him. We ...