Page 121 of The Stone Secret
The house was on a quiet street not far from the center of town. Dusk had fallen, and the temperature had dropped, but people were still out walking the streets, wrapped in coats and hats.
“Asteria is one of the most protected settlements in the inner rim,” Selas said.
“Yeah, Evelyn mentioned that.”
“The wards here are powerful,” Prasan added.
It was impossible not to feel safe surrounded by the elites. They exuded power and authority, and we garnered plenty of looks as we walked into the market square.
“We should get a bite to eat,” Orix said. “Viola’s has a special on tonight. I promised Taz leftovers.”
“You and that feline…” Selas shook her head with a smile.
“Viola’s is by booking only,” Prasan said.
“I know,” Orix replied. “But I have skills. Leave it to me.” He dropped us a wink and headed across the street.
I spotted the store where Shar and I had stopped to get accessories. Maybe I should have asked to bring my friends with us? But this was elite time. It would have been an intrusion. I’d have to come back with Shar and the gang soon.
Selas stopped at a stall that sold pretty crystals. “This one exudes cleansing energy.” She held it up to admire it, but all I saw was a white chalky stone.
I was curious to know what she saw whenshelooked at it. “What do you see?”
“A rainbow.” She smiled and held it out to me. “For you.”
I took it, and her smile dipped slightly.
“What?”
She blinked and shook her head. “Nothing.” She paid the vendor. “How is Derek now?”
“Getting better. I popped in to see him before meeting up with you guys.”
“Will he be healed in time for the exam?” Prasan asked.
“It’s doubtful. But I can do the exam without him.” Selas and Prasan exchanged a glance, and something unspoken passed between them. “What is it?”
“Nothing,” Prasan said firmly.
Orix jogged across the road with a satisfied smirk. “Guess who managed to get us a table at Viola’s?”
“You’re joking,” Prasan said. “They’re always booked out.”
“Even for elites?” I arched a brow.
“For anyone,” Selas said. “Elites don’t get special treatment at Viola’s.”
“But Orix does.” Orix waggled his eyebrows.
“Please don’t speak about yourself in the third person,” Selas said, sweeping past him with a sniff and a flick of her hair. But the smile flirting with her lips was indulgent.
Viola’s was what I’d call a classy joint. Not that I’d been in many of those, but I’d seen plenty on-screen in the movies that Romi and I had watched over the years.
Candlelight, napkins, and actual tablecloths. The chairs were wood, not plastic, and they had breadsticks on the table.
We were given a table for six.
“I’ll be right back,” Prasan said. “I need the washroom.”
