"I know," she says, trying not to laugh. "She's told me just how excited she is, in person." Those two are far too alike. Once the centre is up and running the scholar and the scientist might never be seen again.

Isidor huffs a scoff, turning away to hide her smile with a shake of her head. When her amusement passes, she turns to him again. "Be careful, Caspar. Being the protective watcher doesn't make finding new friends easy, and new friends are more helpful than you know in this place."