It didn't use to be. Used to be he could've handled the little group of partygoers back there with his eyes closed.

Erskine shrugged and leaned a hip against the counter nearby, crossing his arms over his chest. "You want to talk tiring, try schmoozing a group of mages from ten different countries all at once--most of whom you'd rather just hit and get it over with. That's tiring."

He watched Shay hesitantly pick up the plate of cake with a glint of amusement in his eyes.

"It's not going to bite."