Patch POV

“Us? Lie to you?”

Elder Hebub spluttered, but Patch detected a hint of the theatrical in his voice.

“Maybe ‘lying’ is too strong a word,” Patch admitted, circling the elder. “But you haven’t exactly been straightforward, either.”

Elder Hebub lifted his chin, his bejeweled nose in the air. “What’s your evidence?”

“Me being allowed to roam around the shrine freely,” Patch replied. “And this …”

He transformed ...