“He’s special,” Sprite said.

“Are you in love with the guy?” Ling asked, still not willing to believe her fellow ace would risk something as insane as daggering.

“Hardly. He’s important, though. That’s all.”

“Important? Important how?”

“That doesn’t matter,” Sprite said, turning to leave. “Let me know if you get any matches. If not, I’ll need some rest and then I’ll need you and the rest to back up my dagger. In case something goes wrong.”

“If something goes wrong? When something goes wrong, Sprite! Daggering can hardly even be considered a science anymore.”

“It is what it is.”