Page 3 of Spirit Rites
“Don’t finish that sentence.”
She laughs and pulls away. “It’s going to be okay, Kinsley.”
I nod emphatically. “Yes, it is because we’re going to stick to the story that Harper is bonded to Veyra.”
Harper rolls her eyes. “It’s not going to work.”
“Yes, it is.” Do I think it will actually work?No. Am I desperate enough to try to make it work?Yes.I take a deep breath and push back my shoulders. “That’s the plan, and we’re sticking with it.” I step towards the front door.
“Kinsley, don’t you think we should talk about this?” Farrah asks.
“Nope.” I open the door and step inside. I suddenly panic when I remember that Kaldar has been with Rysden and Lox. Surely one of them is going to tell them that I’m the one bonded to Veyra, not Harper. I rush forward, ignoring Farrah’s hiss. I enter the large dining area and slow my steps.
Lox looks up at the three of us and grins. I try to read his face and get a feel for whether or not he outed me to Kaldar. “Welcome, Ladies,” he says. “Harper, how is Veyra doing?” he asks with a grin that nearly splits his face in half. I scowl at him but wipe my face of anything but a pleasant smile when Kaldar turns towards Harper.
Harper stares at Lox, and I hold my breath. I squeeze my hands into a fist.Please, Harper.As if sensing my distress, she turns to me just for a moment. Then she pulls out a chair and sits. “She’s fine,” she says with a carefree shrug. I release the breath I was holding.
Chapter 2
Farrah gives me a look, but I promptly ignore it and make my way to the cooking area. “Hector, it looks like we have one extra. What can I help you do?”
Hector grunts at me, but I don’t take it personally. That's practically his love language. He's Rysden’s uncle and a man of few words, but he’s a great cook. And that’s something I can appreciate. I’ve found ways in my time here to learn from him. I love cooking. I’ve never had the chance to really learn how to cook. Growing up part of the banished community made that impossible. Instead, I’ve learned to be able to make a meal out of almost anything. Being in the kitchen with Hector over these last few days has been amazing. “Shouldn’t you be out there?”
Hector's question surprises me. “I’m good in here. Put me to work. What can I do?” He gives me a look, and I have a feeling he knows exactly what went down outside. But I don’t say anything about it.
“Need those chopped.”
I stare at the leeks in front of me and can’t help the sense of gratitude that fills me. “Thanks, Hector.” He doesn’t say anything in return, but I didn’t expect him to. I hum to myself softly as I chop all the veggies he needs for whatever concoction he’s making. Hector is the master of soups and stews.
“So, are you planning on hiding in here all day, or...”
I don’t look over at Farrah but finish washing the utensils I was using. “That’s the plan. Yes.”
Farrah sighs. “You know you can’t hide from him forever.” She keeps her voice soft, which I appreciate.
“Can’t I?”
“Kinsley.” At the seriousness in her voice, I finally face her. “He’s going to figure it out,” she says softly.
I swallow. “I know.” I run my hand across my forehead. “I just need time.”
Farrah’s eyes soften. “I get it. Really, I do.”
She, of all people, would. Rysden took her away from her home and brought her here. I, for one, am grateful because she’s the reason I made it through the Spirit Trials. Well, her and Harper both. “Farrah, you know you’re my best friend, right? You and Harper? I think maybe I don’t tell you that enough.”
“Aw, Kinsley, I love you too.” She gives me a hug, and I squeeze her tightly. Maybe a second too long because she pulls away and gives me a look of concern. “Are you okay?” she asks softly.
Before I can say anything, Rysden joins us. He puts his hand on Farrah’s back, and I watch as she leans into him. They make me smile; I’m so glad that they’re together. They both deserve to be happy; they’ve been through so much. She grins up at him, and he stares down at her like she’s his whole world. Rysden finally pulls his gaze away from Farrah and glances over at me. “Are you going to continue to hide in here?”
His voice is much deeper than Farrah’s, and I’m worried about it carrying. “No,” I whisper. He raises an eyebrow, but I don’t cave. It's one thing to admit to Farrah that I’m hiding; it’s another thing altogether to admit it to Rysden.
“What’s up, People?” Lox says, joining us in the cooking area.
“Shhh,” I tell him.
He ducks his shoulders a little. “What are we doing?” he whispers.
“Kinsley’s hiding from King Kaldar,” Farrah says.
