Page 93 of The Stone Initiation
“I mean, I didn’t just imagine that, right?”
“Of course not.”
“Then you can be honest with me. If you don’t like people in your space, then just say so. I can respect that.”
She exhaled and sucked in her bottom lip as if contemplating something. “I’m keeping your secret, right?”
It was my turn to frown because where was she going with this? “Right…”
“Fuck it.” She unlocked her door and pushed it open a little bit. “Go in.”
Just like that? “Wait? Are you sure.”
“Very.”
I stepped into her room and froze.
Pink
Everywhere.
Pink, purple, and sparkly things, and oh my god were those a pair of red stiletto boots?
The door closed behind me. “I like pretty things,” she said flatly. “A lot. And if you tell anyone…”
“Mutually assured destruction. I get it.” I looked up at her. “But, Shar, why are you hiding this? You’re allowed to like pretty stuff.”
“No. I’m not. I’m an Aziza. There are expectations for us. Especially the alpha females. We are raised to be warriors. There is no time for the softer things.” Her throat bobbed. “I just thought…for a little while, until…”
Until she became a guardian.
“Fuck that shit, Shar. Wearing pink or heels, or make up, won’t make you any less kick-ass than you already are. I bet you could beat the shit out of any cadet even if you were wearing these.” I picked up the boots. “Nice leather by the way.”
“They’re surprisingly comfortable.” The corner of her mouth lifted.
I put the shoe down and turned to her. “A goyle life is too long for you to stifle your wants and desires. You can have the best of both worlds. Be feminine if you want to, it won’t make you weak. In fact, it makes you stronger because you’ll probably be underestimated by an opponent or adversary.”
She blinked and nodded. “It’s not that easy, Cam, but I appreciate the sentiment.”
Maybe in time she’d find the strength to go against the decades of brainwashing her family had put her through. I wasn’t about to push.
“Let’s go find the others and hit the coffee shop. I’m in the mood for a scone.”
We bumped into Touron on the steps as he headed up to the third floor. His skin was flushed, eyes bright, hair tousled by the wind.
“Oh, hi.” He slowed to a stop. “You’re feeling better?” he asked me.
“Much. You’re up early.”
He shrugged. “I fancied a run.”
I plucked a leaf out of his hair. “Into a bush?”
He plucked the leaf from my fingers with a crooked smile. “It came out of nowhere.”
“I meant to ask about Selas.”
He blinked sharply. “What about her?”
