Page 61 of Unseen Eye
“Uh-huh,” Ingrid says, giving me a knowing look, “Whatever you say. Trust me, hun, I’ve been around long enough to spot these things.”
I turn back just in time to see Callon finish Theo off with a combination of punches and kicks, sweeping his feet out from underneath him. On his way down, Theo takes Callon with him, and they continue to grapple on the ground until Callon gains the upper hand. He pins Theo down with a final decisive move, his forearm pressing against Theo’s throat while his knee holds down his legs.
With Callon declared the winner, he helps Theo up, both grinning despite the blood and bruises. They grab some water, and as the crowd disperses, Ingrid makes her way over to Theo. Meanwhile, Callon catches me staring like an idiot.
Great.
He picks up his shirt and heads over, pulling it on as he approaches.
“Nice to see you’re not avoiding me anymore,” I joke, crossing my arms. “I thought for sure you’d be running in the opposite direction by now.”
“My father had me looking into disturbances near the Catalpa border,” Callon says, adjusting his shirt as he glances at me. “And I stopped by Astermiri on the way back. You know, after Baron’s latest little attempt to stir things up.”
The mention of Baron and his recent moves sends a chillthrough me. I can feel the tension rising in my chest, the pressure of everything hanging in the air between us. I take a deep breath before asking, “Are you okay? Everything good?”
Amusement flickers in his eyes, and the smallest smirk tugs at the corner of his lips. “Were you worried about me, darling?”
I hesitate, the weight of everything pressing down on me. Should I brush it off? Should I just pretend like things aren’t shifting beneath the surface? But instead, I lock eyes with him, the tension pulling me closer, and I say, “And what if I was?”
His smile widens, but it’s not as carefree as usual. A trace of a wink lingers in his tone, though there’s something more calculated behind it. “I’m fine. Astermiri’s the same—no need to worry. Actually, I was going to find you today anyway. Feel like a little field trip?”
My curiosity piqued, I tilt my head. “What kind of trip?”
“Back to Pinebrook,” he says, watching my reaction closely.
“You can’t be serious,” I blurt out. “Don’t you think it’s too dangerous?”
A whirlwind of emotions hits me—Garet’s betrayal, Kendry’s death—but I push it aside, focusing on Callon’s calm expression.
He shrugs. “I’ve heard your training’s going well.”
I scoff, the words feeling more bitter than I expect. “And how would you know? You’ve barely been around.”
He grins, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “Doesn’t mean I’m not keeping an eye on you, darling,” he teases, his fingers brushing my cheek.
I swat his hand away. “Quit calling me that.”
His grin widens, playful. “Such an evil little thing. How could I have forgotten?”
I roll my eyes. “Cut it out. But really, why are we going back?”
“You mentioned a dream journal. I’ll admit, I’m curious to read it.”
I frown. “Key word is had. I have no idea if it’s still there or if itwas destroyed in the attack.”
“Guess we’re about to find out.” Callon smirks. “Meet me in an hour. I need to clean up first.”
As he walks away, Theo catches my eye and walks over.
“What was that all about?” he asks.
“I guess we’re going on a field trip,” I reply, forcing a smile, though the twisted feeling in my stomach doesn’t go away.
Theo chuckles. “Oh, Cal... You’d think by now I’d be used to these curveballs,” he says, shaking his head.
“Good fight, by the way,” I add with a smile. “But you could work on your footwork a little more.”
Theo laughs. “Thank you, oh wise one. I’ll work on that,” he says before walking away, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
