Julius' observation settles around his shoulders like a particularly weighty cloak. Tsenka's theory—it makes sense. Whether because of Marcus' politics or because of his particularly interested sniffing-around for the source of the leak they'd sprung. The pool of candidates who had been with Riftwatch long enough, who didn't have verifiable pro-mage sympathies, who had access and opportunity was already so small. Foolish joins the other unhelpful feelings he refuses to actually feel right now.

"She does," he agrees. "And it might be to our benefit if she does not know what has happened here yet."

Maybe. He doesn't know. But announcements can't be taken back, and he glances around at the three mages for who might or might not have brought a sending crystal.

"If you must contact Madame de Cedoux," to make concessions for love, "make sure she keeps it to herself for now. I have to go back," to Derrica and Tiffany, he indicates with a head tip, and he strides away without any of his standard polite and friendly nonsense.