Going Public

Levity only knew about Linden in secondhand ways. He was just as famous as she was, but in very different circles. He spoke for the squirrel clans. Detail-wise, she only knew that the Woodacres had allied themselves with the Nightspangle pack. Maybe Divinity would know more.

Feeling unaccountably vulnerable, Levity left the office early, intent on finding more answers. And on warning whoever was in charge that there were leaks. Although at this stage, she had little doubt that the risks they were taking were calculated. If Mick was right about the Lunar New Year, then they only had three weeks before Twineshaft brought the Amaranthine clans to the world's notice.

That wasn't much time to have the Perspective primed and ready. Chances were good that Twineshaft's people already had a press plan. Getting ahold of that would give Levity a rough schedule, access to experts, and a better idea of how to give the big picture some local connections. And she'd need to arrange for a long weekend—the sooner the better—since she was due for sleep.

However, all of Levity's nascent plans scattered to the winds the moment she reached home.

Because Canarian Evernhold had chosen today to turn up on their doorstep, and introductions were already in full swing.

Divinity was one of the last to arrive, rustling to Levity's side in magenta taffeta. When all were assembled, Canarian offered a brief overview of what they were calling the Emergence.

Levity wasn't on the job here, so she sat back and simply listened.

Rambutan bounced up to demand, "Why are we the last to know?"

"I apologize if you feel slighted." Canarian's posture was entirely contrite, though he was ready with a better answer. "We prioritized communities that would need longer to get used to the idea. Since you're already integrated and cooperating with humans … well! I don't like to assume too far, but wouldn't you be more welcoming?"

"That all depends!" said Toni. "If you look at it one way, we have more to risk. We could lose trust with our neighbors."

Canarian nodded. "Many enclaves have adopted a wait-and-see attitude. You can stay as you are, undisclosed. If our existence is favorably met, then you're free to choose who to tell and when."

"Won't this unleash a fair amount of mayhem?" asked Divinity.

"We've laid as much groundwork as possible, and we have the full cooperation of the reaver community. They'll continue to fulfill their historical role, standing between the general populace and the Amaranthine clans."

Mare Blazelock snorted. "Who's protecting whom?"

"The reaver community has been instrumental in allaying fears. They're human, and they're seen as both experts and safeguards." Canarian smile faintly. "Checks and balances. Cooperation. Oversight. And the opening of government offices, which will serve as small-scale embassies. I will provide you with the address for your nearest Office of Ingress."

Levity was kicking herself for not following up on Faye's tip. If she'd only done a little sniffing around, she'd have realized that Betweeners were involved.

There was an expectancy to the sudden hush in the room.

Divinity elbowed her and nodded significantly.

Canarian's posture was carefully neutral when he said, "I beg your pardon, but … you are known as Levity Jones, a reporter in this city. You have cultivated quite the following."

"That's right," she acknowledged, but her defenses were up.

"I have no wish to put you on the spot. Perhaps we could have a private word?"

Levity managed an even tone. "I'll hear you out, Kindred."

But her mind was racing through possibilities … and outcomes … and consequences. And they scared her.