Page 84 of The Stone Secret
Willowman’s golden eyes dimmed. “Varsa was always a bit of a scholar. Being a guardian wasn’t his first choice, but the Stone Council…” He sighed. “Well, you know how it is.”
Everyone murmured their understanding.
“Eat,” Prasan said to me with an exasperated sigh. “It’s no good if it’s cold.”
We ate in silence for a few minutes before Willowman broke it.
“I’ll be leaving in the morning. My contact in the rim finally replied.”
“The blood sample?” Selas asked.
I sat up straighter. “Is it still viable?”
“Yes, but I brought my kit so we can take another one just in case.”
“How long till you return with answers?” Serath asked.
“A few days. Hopefully before the cadet exams, but I can’t promise.”
I’d waited this long, what did a few more days matter? “I haven’t felt any weird flushes recently, and I’ve mastered my partial shift.” I held up my hand and flashed my talons.
Serath hadn’t seen this little trick yet, and I couldn’t help the pang of pride his soft exclamation evoked.
“I heard you used it on Mr. Lowther in training today,” Orix said with a smirk. “Nice.”
“Has he bothered you at all since Carter spoke to him?” Selas asked.
I shook my head. “No. He backed off.”
“Good.”
“Are you looking forward to the field exercise tomorrow?” Prasan asked.
“I’m nervous but excited to see what I can do. You guys have been so amazing training me. I feel ready.”
Prasan patted my back. “It’s been a pleasure.”
“Hey!” Orix said. “You came to what? Three sessions?”
Prasan looked affronted. “I’ve been providing nutritional support.”
Selas chuckled softly. “We’ve all done our part.”
Serath shoved back his chair abruptly. “Excuse me.” He left via the stairwell door.
“At least he ate the carbonara,” Prasan said. “I hate wasting food.” He looked pointedly at my plate.
I rolled my eyes. “It’s delicious.” I tucked in, ignoring the rolling queasy sensation in my stomach at Serath’s sudden departure. If we were going to coexist, then I needed to learn to block him out. I had to be less focused on his presence, his moods, him.
It would take time, but I was determined to master it.
For both our sakes.
* * *
We’d just finished cleaningup when the buzzer on the wall lit up and the sound of a doorbell filled the room.
The elite froze, exchanging confused glances. Visitors were rare. As in, never. The only person that came here was Willowman, and he had a key.
