Chapter 130: The Anonymous Letter That Wasn't
Alex's ears burned red at the tips. He ducked his head, then raised it again, eyes shining.
Cuthbert bumped him with an elbow. Their gazes met, and something had shifted in Cuthbert's expression. A new equality in the recognition there.
Regulus noted it with quiet satisfaction. Nothing bonded kids faster than a shared fight.
The experience of conflict, especially the high of winning together, accomplished more than a hundred pretty words ever could.
He turned to Hermes. No shoulder clap. Just a nod.
Hermes returned it with studied composure, but the corners of his mouth were pulled too tight, betraying the effort it took to hold his expression in place.
Regulus reached into his robes and produced two small glass vials, tossing them in twin arcs toward Cuthbert and Alex. Both fumbled to catch them.
"Dittany essence," he said. "Put it on yourselves."
Cuthbert unscrewed the stopper and dabbed a drop of the clear salve near his eye. The cooling sensation made him sigh, eyelids fluttering half-shut.