Page 77 of The Stone Secret
The question threw me, because it was the last thing I’d expected him to ask. “I guess so.”
“You want to kill graynites?”
“Of course.”
His smile fell, and he looked at the flowers. “They’re so beautiful, but did you know that they’re poisonous if ingested?”
“Um…No. I didn’t.”
“Yes. Their beauty is deceptive. They’re not as innocuous as they seem…”
“Cameron?” Willowman strode down the path toward me, his gaze flicking from me to Varsa. “Everything okay?”
“Great.” I pressed my hands to my thighs and stood. “Varsa was just telling me about the flowers.”
“He was?” Willowman looked skeptical.
“Yeah, he said that they’re resilient to the cold even though they don’t like it and that they’re poisonous when ingested.”
“Varsa?” Willowman said. “Varsa, did you tell Cameron those things?” There was hope in his voice and a slight breathlessness that spoke of excitement.
Varsa stared at the flowers mutely.
“Varsa?” Willowman said again.
Nothing.
Willowman frowned. “He really spoke to you?”
“Yes, we had a conversation just now.”
Willowman steered me away from Varsa. “He’s been nonverbal for the past few days.” He eyed me up speculatively.
“I’m not making this up, Willowman.”
“I know. I believe you. Maybe you wouldn’t mind spending some time with him tomorrow after herbology class? I have a few errands to run.”
I shrugged. “Sure, I don’t mind.”
“Great. But I wager you didn’t come here to see Varsa, did you?”
“No. I was hoping you might take that blood sample now.”
“Of course. I’ll make sure it’s stored properly this time.” He headed for the door to his cottage. “Follow me.”
* * *
In the end,there was no more putting it off. It was time for training. Time to see Serath again.
I walked into the basement level with a shield over my heart, chin up, and ready to focus on anything but my mate. Turned out I needn’t have bothered.
Serath wasn’t there.
“Shall we start?” Selas’s smile was overly bright. “Orix is already down there.” She indicated the huge hole in the floor.
I glanced at the door. “Shouldn’t we wait?”
“He won’t be joining us, Cameron. He’s gone back to Outpost Ten for a few days.”
