~ ZARA ~
I swallowed the lump of potato in my mouth and almost choked. I was shaking my head and drinking water, holding one finger up to my father to ask him to wait, mentally scrambling. By the time I'd stopped choking, I could only speak hoarsely, but at least I got it out.
"It's a symbol in our world," I rasped. "They use it in medical stuff sometimes."
He nodded. "I'm surprised you're familiar with it."
"It was on a video game I played," I lied, keeping my eyes down on my plate and doing my best to sound like it wasn't important.
Dad nodded and we both ate another mouthful before he spoke. "Well, in any case, keep an eye out for those symbols. Whoever reveals them will likely be an asset to you—especially the caduceus."
"Why that one in particular?"
"Because it's the symbol of my house. Of you, actually. Of our family line," he said lightly, as if it was nothing.
I stared at him and he stared back, chewing slowly.
