Damn it all. If Ren is hugging him, so is Crow. Anything to get it through his stupid head. "I'm so tired, Magpie. I do want this Palace dealt with, but I don't want you to ever feel like I'm just using you to achieve that goal. You're so much more than a tool or a puppet."

His Shadow clears his throat. "That offer for tea is still on the table, if you need it."