22: Keelin
Keelin
The door opened, as soon as Deva said those words, and Chiron strode into the room.
No Lise. Keelin couldn’t tell if that was significant. Wanted to ask what was happening. But Deva shot to her feet. She called out, some garbled insult, and threw herself at Chiron.
Keelin moved on instinct, held her friend, pinned those thin arms to her side.
Deva snapped her head round, hair flying. She kicked out, her boot waving uselessly in the air.
Chiron stood immobile.
“You’re smart,” he said. “I wanted to be upfront with you, but Lise…advised caution. She’s a better judge of character than I am. Usually.” He shrugged. “I never meant to deceive you, Deva. Nor you, Keelin.”
“And is Chiron your real name?” Keelin asked.
Deva squirmed, muttered under her breath.
“Chiron Bl
