Page 100 of Swift Wings Shadowed Heart
“What?!” I struggle to keep my expression neutral. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Oh, come on,” Adelaide says. “I’ve noticed the way you two look at each other. It’s like watching a volcanic eruption every time you two connect.”
Nate and Phoebe frown, taken aback.
I open my mouth to protest, but before I can speak, the mess hall doors swing open. Vaylen strides in, his presence immediately commanding the room. The other Primes follow and march toward their table. Shortly after, dinner commences, saving me from my friends’ questions. This isn’t good. If they’ve already noticed the way Vaylen and I look at each other, it won’t be long before others catch on. Throughout dinner, I force myself to look down at my food, pushing the vegetables around my plate.
“Adelaide, you shouldn’t joke like that,” Nate says quietly. “You could get Rhea in a lot of trouble.”
My stomach drops. I’d hoped they would forget the conversation.
Adelaide rolls her eyes. “It wasn’t a joke. You just don’t pay attention. Sparks fly when they look at each other.”
“Keep your voice down,” I hiss, glancing around nervously. “You’re imagining things!”
Adelaide snorts. “Right.”
“Either way, Adelaide,” Phoebe intervenes, “I’d hate to end up being questioned about such a delicate matter. The Sky Order takes these things very seriously. Wouldn’t you hate to be discharged by spreading rumors you can’t substantiate?”
Adelaide’s expression tightens. It seems she hadn’t considered the potential consequences of her observations. She opens her mouth, likely to argue further, but Nate cuts her off.
“Enough,” he says firmly. “Let’s change the subject.”
I shoot Phoebe and Nate a grateful look, relieved for the intervention. As the conversation shifts to more mundane topics, I allow myself a quick glance toward Vaylen’s table. To my surprise, I find his eyes already on me. There’s an intensity in his gaze that makes my breath catch. I quickly look away, my heart racing.
The rest of dinner passes in a blur. I’m hyper-aware of Vaylen’s presence, even as I try to focus on my friends’ chatter. When we’re finally dismissed, I bolt from the mess hall, needing some air and space to think. I wander the halls for a while before going to my room, determined to sleep all my anxiety off.
I’m about to get into bed when there’s a knock at my door. I’ve never had any visitors, and I wonder who it could be. I answer and find Phoebe on the other side.
“Hey.” She waves. “Can I come in?”
“Sure.”
Phoebe walks in, and I close the door. Her eyes rove over the furniture, the wall, and even the ceiling.
“What is it, Phoebe?” I press, growing inpatient.
“Um, I wanted to tell you to be careful.”
My body tenses. “Careful about what?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.
Phoebe sighs, her eyes finally meeting mine. “Look, I know Adelaide can be... blunt. But she’s not wrong. I’ve noticed it, too. The way you and Vaylen look at each other.”
My heart races. Am I really that obvious? “Phoebe, I?—”
She holds up a hand, cutting me off. “I’m here as your friend, Rhea. Just to warn you to be cautious. He’s an attractive man. I don’t blame you. And I don’t blame him for liking you. I’ve noticed he tries to hide it by being more formal with you. You two would make an amazing couple. But it’s forbidden, and if you allow anything to happen, it could ruin both of your careers. Maybe even worse.”
All right. Calm down, Rhea. They don’t know that something has already happened. All you have to do is pluck your traitorous eyes out, so you never glance in his direction again.
“And you don’t think I know that?” I ask, feeling terrible about the sharp edge in my words.
“I know you do.”
I try a different approach and deliver it in a softer tone. “Sure, I think he’s attractive, and maybe I like looking at him, but I’m not stupid.” I’m such a liar.
“I know that, too. I just…” She shrugs. “Well… I wanted to tell you that… you can trust me. I’ll always have your back no matter what.” She walks to the door and opens it.
“Phoebe.”
