Lacey started toward the stairs, but Julien met her there, frowning.

"Did you hear?" Lacey asked, wishing that he hadn't.

Julien nodded. "Yes, I’m afraid so. But thank you for making the effort."

Lacey nodded.

Then one corner of Julien's lips curled into a smile. "What do you have planned for today?"

"Well, I was going to work with the warriors—"

"I asked Brock to lead the practice today," Julien cut her off. "The only thing I want you to do today is ...