“Finer details, huh,” Gavin noted, stepping inside, a little relieved Ruli had already arrived and, presumably, been the first to wake the Kartaian. At Envy’s question, Gavin pulled out the small pouch with the pebble inside. After retrieving the pebble, he stepped closer to place it in Envy’s hand. “I’ll keep it on me at all times,” he promised. “Where are the women?”

“’The women’, huh?” Kire said. “May we come in—” she cut herself off when Ysaryn sauntered into Envy’s chambers, shaking her head a little with a smirk. She spotted Ruli sitting by the cushions and, after a deep breath, raised a hand briefly in greeting before turning to Gavin and Envy. “Gavin, before we go, just to be clear: at any time you feel you aren’t up to it, if it’s too dangerous or too much for you, you don’t have to tell me the reason, I will take you back here. Granted, I’ll do that, myself, anyway, but just know the option is there.” 
Gavin nodded. “I will.” He slipped the charm back into the pouch and secured it in his pocket. 

“That goes for you two,” Kire said, looking at Ysaryn and Ruli, before turning to Envy. She wasn’t sure how Envy felt about her now, after everything. Going behind his back with Ruli, and roping Gavin into this. “I’ll bring them back,” she promised.