Ilto was linked with the new creature when they came in. Ninto joined the link and gently pulled Ilto out of allu-a.

Ilto turned brilliant yellow with irritation. “Can’t you see I’m too busy to be interrupted!” he flared at Ninto. “I thought I trained you better than that!” He launched into a long tirade about manners, lecturing Ninto as though she were still a bami.

To Ani’s surprise, Ninto listened politely. Only a tiny blue flicker of amusement running down Ninto’s back showed she paid absolutely no attention to Ilto’s scolding. Ani’s ears lifted, and she fought back her own amusement.

“Kene,” Ninto said, when Ilto was done, “you are being selfish.”

“In what way am I being selfish?” Ilto asked, his words stiff and formal in response to Ninto’s use of his title.

“You are neglecting the future of our village by mistreating your bami.”

Ani sat up, insulted. “He is not!” But her words went unnoticed. A cautionary pattern flared briefly on Ninto’s back, telling Ani to be still.

“Look how thin and tired she is. You’re asking too much of her.” Ninto motioned to Ani, who came forward out of the shadows.

Ilto linked with Ani. She could feel him probing her physical condition. Brown shame coursed over his skin as he broke the link.

“You’re right,” he told Ninto. “I will put the creature into jeetho tomorrow.” Grey regret clouded his words.

“Not tomorrow,” Ninto said. “Give Ani a day of rest before you work any more with the new animal. The creature’s stabilized. It can wait another day.”

“But—” Ilto protested.

Ani, realizing that by giving her a day of rest Ilto would also be resting, interrupted him with a touch on the shoulder. “Please, siti, I won’t be able to do it tomorrow. I’m too tired.” She turned a pale, sickly white, hating herself for the lie she was telling. “I’m sorry, siti.” That much, at least, was true.