Page 103 of Forsaken Secrets

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Kaiya

The week sped by. I'd dropped off the application the afternoon after the picnic, but still hadn't heard anything.

Since the picnic, we hadn't seen Lynk anywhere, and I'd tried searching for him. The way he'd left had given me a terrible feeling, though.

Hopefully, he wasn't putting himself in any unnecessary danger.

If only the damn barbarian would let us help!

With that, though, Eli had gotten even more mischievous.

"What was that boy thinking?" Sylvie asked, her lips pursed as she scrubbed my gown. "A fight with colored whipped cream? What are you two? Children?"

I shrugged. He was fun to spend time with, and he kept me from worrying too much. We felt a bit empty without Lynk, but it was fun to get to know him more. And he hadn't broached the idea of running away together again, either.

We were just enjoying ourselves.

"It was rather funny," I said. "Though I'm sorry you're having to clean up his mess."

"He owes me another of those sandwiches from his aunt," she said, smirking. I'd made the mistake of introducing her to them earlier in the week, and she hadn't let it go since.

"He's very handsome, you know."

I grimaced. "Trust me, I know, he knows … everyone knows."

"He'd keep you on your toes. It's unfortunate you met now, and not in a few years."

Nodding, I studied my hands. The more I spent time with him, the harder it was to imagine leaving. Though it wasn't like either he or Lynk would be around forever. Eli's partner was due to arrive in town any day, and Lynk hadn't been around at all.

Their lives did not revolve around me, no matter how much I wished they did.

"Oh, miss. This letter came for you." Sylvie set down the gown and pulled a little envelope from her apron. "I think it might be from the Reaper Guild."

Curious, I reached out to grab the envelope. The paper was a creamy, thick parchment, and the logo in the top left corner confirmed Sylvie's guess. I wanted to squeal, but just smiled and pressed it into my lap. Should I wait and open it with Eli? Or perhaps with Aunt Grace?

No. This was for me.

Excitement made my fingers shake as I slipped open the back flap. The seal popped off, and I took a deep breath before removing the folded letter. The paper was so smooth! Like silk.

I ran my hands across the sides, imagining the contents.

"Come on, my lady! I can't handle the tension! Did you get in or not?"

I laughed and took a deep breath, then opened it.

Dear Miss Maderoth,

We regret to inform you that your application to participate in the annual Reaper Guild exams has been denied. If you'd like more information …

The rest of the letter blurred as I re-read the first part over and over. I'd known it wasn't a certainty that I'd get in, but I'd felt sure …

Maybe I should have tried getting in with Lady Frexin instead? No. This had been what I'd always wanted. It was the right choice.

Why had they refused me, though? Eli had gotten in! Why not me? I had so much more experience!

My eyes burned, but I pressed my tongue to the top of my mouth and forced a smile as I folded the note carefully and slipped it back into the envelope. "They weren't able to accept me at this time." The quaver in my voice was almost unnoticeable, but Sylvie knew me too well.

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