Page 42 of Reign of Light
“Who are we to discredit one of Stass’ intuitions?” I say. “The last time you had one, you were right about the heat wave.”
“Lennox, you’ve been here long enough to know I’m usually right,” she jokes and snaps her teeth into a smile after popping a berry into her mouth.
Auralie shakes her head with a smirk. “Always the humble one.”
“What?” Stass says, lifting one shoulder, her tone clearly mocking. “Why be afraid to say it if it’s true?”
“I hope today is a good day. I don’t know if I can handle another bad one so soon.”
We still plan to bring the Voyagers to the mountain this morning, and despite the overwhelming excitement and shock from the Voyagers that should fuel the excursion, the memory of my unworthiness still slithers to the surface. Some, if not all, of the Voyagers are going to experience the same letdown today, and we will be there to console them, since we’ve had longer to process those feelings.
But what if the island grants someone the waters? How are they going to feel knowing they are trapped here with them?
Would the island even grant them, knowing no one can leave?
“It’ll be fine,” Sig says, scooting her crate in before picking up her fork. “If it isn’t, we’ll do what we always do and make the best of it.”
“At least I’m happy to see that you’re all still here,” I say. “After everything settled, I didn’t know if any of you were going to stay on the ship or go back to camp. Or one of the houses, I guess.”
Stassia scoffs. “Why would we leave? This is our home.”
“I saw you throw yourself on the sand, Stass. You were so happy to be on land. I figured you might want to go back. To feel more normal.”
“Thisisnormal. I don’t have any plans to leave. Do you, Sig?”
“Nope. I’m staying put,” Sig says, and takes another bite.
“I’m not going anywhere either,” Auralie says.
“And we’re all pretty positive that Captain won’t let you go anywhere, so it looks like you’re stuck with us,” Stassia says.
“Besides, I doubt Stassia would want to leave if Taril wasn’t.” Auralie looks down at her plate, moving the food around on her fork while trying to hide a smile.
My eyebrows raise as I snap my head toward Stassia. “Have I really beensobusy that I haven’t heard anything about this?”
“Well, you and the captain have been quite scarce,” Stassia says with a knowing look. “I’m sure you had far more pressing matters to attend to.” She winks, and I feel my cheeks heat. “Maybe you should tell us more about that?”
I point my fork at her. “Stop trying to deflect the conversation. What’s going on with Taril?”
“Ugh!” she groans, dropping her head back and throwing her hands in the air before slamming them back down on her thighs. “I have no clue! Probably nothing! He doesn’t seem bothered by me. He doesn’t seem to like me either. That’s it. He’s just unbothered.”
“They’ve been spending lots of time together,” Auralie fills in.
“It’s not that he’s the new guy,” Stassia interjects, “I just…I don’t know. I like spending time with him.” Her shoulders slump slightly, and I never expected to see shy and self-conscious Stassia ever in my life.
“Have you made yourself clear?” I ask.
Stass chews on the inside of her cheek. “I mean, I don’t stop talking to him. When I’m not with all of you, I’m usually with him. I don’t know how much clearer I can get!”
“He’s kind of quiet, Stass. Maybe he’s just listening to you. Maybe that’s his way.”
She sets her elbows on the crate and rubs her temples. “I don’t know. I just don’t want to fuck this up and then have to spend eternity avoiding him. Maybe then I’d go live on the island.”
We all laugh. “I don’t think you’re going to fuck it up, Stass. If he didn’t like you, he wouldn’t be around you,” I say.
“You mean he wouldn’t put up with me.” she says.
A chorus of ‘no’s’ and scowls mix together, along with Auralie’s, “Don’t talk down to yourself.”
