Page 143 of The Eyes of Tamburah
He tilted his head. “About what?”
“Like who my mother is.” She hadn’t forgotten his worried thought.
“Ah.”
Hanif moved his arms awkwardly as if not knowing what to do with them. Then he fidgeted like a little kid caught stealing a sweet. It was highly entertaining, and Shyla struggled to keep a straight face.
“Are you reading my mind?” he asked.
“No. That would be a breach of your privacy. Besides, that’s something that should be given freely.”
“A very mature way to look at it.” He squinted at her in suspicion.
Shyla laughed. “Must be due to my upbringing.”
“Smooth. As for the identity of your mother, that is up to her to tell you. Like I told you before, we raise the children of the monks together.”
She sobered. “I know. But I spent most of my life hating my parents for abandoning me, for trying to kill me because of the color of my hair. I left the monastery and everyone I knew and loved to prove to them that I was worth saving.” The truth of that statement slammed into Shyla. She rocked back, stunned.
Hanif set the scroll down, pulled her close, and hugged her. “I’m so sorry. I’d no idea you thought that way.”
She didn’t either. Not until this moment.
“You are worth saving. You’ve always been worth saving. You are loved. You’ve always been loved.”
She closed her eyes and rested her head on his shoulder. “I know. It’s just…nice to hear it.”
“You will always be loved, Shyla.”
“Thank you.”
A light tapping on her door sounded. Hanif released Shyla and stepped back. She wiped her eyes before opening the door.
Zhek stood on the other side. “Jayden is awake and asking for you.”
“That’s good news. I’ll be right there.”
Zhek eyed her and then Hanif before striding away.
“That’s my cue to leave,” Hanif said. “But first, here’s the guide for The Eyes. You should have it.” He handed her the scroll. “But you know if you need help, we’re… I’m here.”
Shyla decided to see how far she could push him. “Along with unlimited access to the four Rooms of Knowledge?”
He straightened. “TotwoRooms of Knowledge. You have to earn entrance to the others.”
And there was the old Hanif. “How do I do that?”
“We’ll have to figure it out as we go.”
“Typical vague reply.”
He gave her a smug smile and left.
Shyla went to Jayden’s room and knocked on the door.
Zhek opened it. He whispered to her, “Not too long. I’ll be back with nourishment.”
Shyla nodded and entered. Shirtless, Jayden was propped up on a bunch of cushions. Zhek had cleaned his cuts and the bruises didn’t stand out as much since some of his color had returned. His golden brown hair had been washed and combed. Shyla was struck by how different he was from Rendor. Jayden’s thin build with his long lean muscles was the complete opposite of Rendor’s, his sienna coloring much lighter than Rendor’s dark mahogany. Yet they also had many similarities. Both had strong handsome features and that spark of intelligence in their eyes. Both were natural leaders.
