Page 161 of Kai
Perfect cover question.
I called up Micah’s aura. It hummed into place, so quiet I could barely hear it, and as white, blunt-edged, and static as I remembered. Even though I could use a pair of polarized sunglasses, at first look, nothing had changed since I’d last seen it.
“As you know, the mission is in progress.” Micah’s aura remained as inert as a cement wall. “We have not had a report from Druid since yesterday.”
“Nothing,” I murmured, mostly to myself.
A single fold appeared on the man’s forehead. “Excuse me?”
“Sorry.” I waved a hand. “I was talking to myself.”
He narrowed his eyes slightly.
“This is taking longer than we expected.” Missy deflected his attention from me.
“I understand your concern, ma’am,” Micah said. “I can assure you. As soon as we get an update. I’ll inform all of you.”
“Micah, for the millionth time.” Missy rolled her eyes. “We’re friends. Call me Missy.”
“I shall try,” he repeated.
I doubted he would ever succeed. He’d been part of the team from the beginning. He knew Thena and Missy, and yet he still addressed them formally. I let out a huff. He was reserved, cool, proper, remote, and disciplined. Whereas Affie was outgoing, warm, vibrant, engaging, and chaotic. This man was an introvert and a walking fortress. Affie was an extrovert who didn’t know what a boundary was.
Yup. They were a disaster waiting to happen and a waste of everyone’s time.
“So, no news about Affie?” Thena asked.
Did Micah’s aura flicker at the mention of our missing sister’s name?
“I’m sorry to disappoint.” Micah shifted on his feet. “I have nothing to report about Aphrodite’s whereabouts at this time.”
Aphrodite. He’d called her by her given name. She would straighten him out faster than fast if he ever made that mistake in front of her. And yet his aura had done something when he spoke. Had it vibrated? Shimmered? Was it all in my head?
I blinked several times and squinted at the man.
“Are you sure, Micah?” Missy insisted. “We’re having such a hard time knowing that Affie is alone and in danger out there.”
His life energy vibrated again. This time around, the silver halo expanded a little, as if his stagnant aura had taken a breath. I rubbed my eyes. Was I imagining this?
I had to find out.
“Affie,” I stated bluntly and then. “Affie… Aphrodite… Affie.”
Each time, his aura quivered violently. I was sure of it! Beyond that, a faint glow edged the once static light, sparkling faintly. I realized his energy flickered and ramped up every time someone spoke Affie’s name. Hell, the man himself seemed to physically flinch. His last flinch became a wince. Or was it a cringe?
He clenched his hands at his side, lowered his chin, and met my gaze with a glare. “What are you doing, Sorceress?”
“Me?”I tried looking all innocent and shit. “Nothing.”
“I do not believe you,” he said. “You are up to trouble.”
Thena leaned over my shoulder and murmured. “Is he—?”
“Or is he not?” Missy asked, staring at Micah.
“The Astor sisters are plotting.” Micah bounced his shrewd gaze from my sisters to me. “This is cause for concern. You are assessing me as if I were an artillery target.”
He wasn’t wrong about that. He was also more insightful than I expected and honed sharper than a blade. And…
