Page 86 of Ashes and Lilies
“Damen.” I waited until he looked at me before I continued, “Do we really have to do this?”
I didn’t have to clarify; his expression went from relaxed to determined, and I knew he understood.
“Can’t we just—”
“No,” he said, striking his knife against the black sharpening stone once more. “However, sometimes this can be upsetting for empaths to witness. Bryce will be here. You and Miles can leave if you’d like.”
Why would I abandon my ghost to the likes of Bryce?
“Can we really?” Miles perked, lowering the square pillow from his chest.
“No.” I frowned at him, but then realization dawned. This was my chance. “Actually…”
I moved to my feet and held my hand out to the witch. “Yes. Come on, Miles.”
He grabbed my hand—I took a second to appreciate howlarge and soft his palm was pressed against mine—and stood.
“Okay.” He sounded so relieved, and his face filled with such joy that I almost hesitated to launch the next phase of my plan.
“Sorry we’re late,” a deep baritone joined the conversation, and I felt my heart skip.
Only speaking of Bryce Dubois appeared to have the power to summon him.
I glanced over my shoulder, and sure enough, he’d arrived. Still, I had to pause. This was my first time seeing him in anything other than a suit and tie.
He didn’t look terrible, and somewhat youthful, in jeans and a white V-neck shirt. Not that it mattered—he was far more dressed than everyone else here, including me in my blush lace pajamas.
It’d taken a moment to gather my courage—even though these were pants and not my usual—but I’d still taken a tiny step forward in enacting Maria’s advice.
I was rather proud of myself.
Bryce wasted no time greeting me. “Hello, Bianca.”
I felt myself glowering at him.
So, being outside the classroom had rid the man of his manners? Since when did he take such liberties with my name?
Now what? I’d never addressed him as anything before—not even as a professor. There was no way I could call him Mr. Dubois, and I wasn’t sure I could even call him by his first name without earning myself a detention.
My breathing got stuck in my throat as the panic filled me. What to do?
The silence lengthened, and the atmosphere grew awkward. I had to think of something quickly.
“Hey, you,” I muttered.
Bryce frowned.
Thankfully, though, I was saved by Brayden’s entrance.Unlike Bryce, he was much more relaxed. He was wearing navy plaid bottoms and a black crew shirt. He apparently understood the meaning of ‘slumber party exorcism time.’
“Hi, Bianca.” He grinned at me.
“Hello, Brayden,” I greeted in return. His enthusiasm was contagious. And look at that, he’d even brought my books. He put them near the overnight bags. What a nice person.
However, seeing my research materials reminded me of my original purpose.
“Sorry,” I told them as I looked at Miles and squeezed his hand. “Miles and I were just leaving.”
“Why?” Bryce asked, thick eyebrows pulling together in displeasure, and Brayden’s attention moved to mine and the witch’s conjoined hands.
