Page 184 of Storm of Secrets and Sorrow

“A lot of things happened in Faven,” she finally answered, turning away from him and heading to the exit. He easily caught up with his long strides, pulling the door open for her. “I’m surprised Theon hasn’t asked me a million questions about it yet.”

“He should have been asking you all those questions,” Luka replied. “His father demanded a report, but he’s stalling. To give you time and space. Again.”

She glared up at him as they walked down the hallway, but when she did, she caught the small wince. It was so fleeting, she questioned if she’d actually seen it, but it also almost seemed like she’dfeltit.

“What’s wrong with you?” she asked, dragging her feet.

“Nothing.”

“You grimaced.”

“I did not.”

“Yes, you did.”

“After your lesson with the other Sources, I’ll meet you outside the room. Theon hasn’t informed Cordelia yet of the replacement instructor. He didn’t want there to be any negative ramifications for you,” Luka said.

Tessa rolled her eyes at the change of subject, but the mention of Mother Cordelia had her letting it go. “She’s going to be upset either way.”

“Let us deal with her.”

“Right,” she muttered. She was sure the continued lessons with the other Sources would go just swell after this. “You don’t seem too thrilled about the new instructor.”

“We’ve only met her once. I still can’t believe Theon did this,” Luka said, his tone hardening.

“Why don’t you like her?”

“Because we know nothing about her.”

“Theon didn’t spend hours obsessively researching her?” Tessa asked.

“He only does that with you.”

“I’m not flattered by that statement,” she deadpanned.

Luka shrugged, stopping by the main entrance and passing her a sweatshirt. She tugged it on over her sweaty tank.

“Even before he Selected you, he was researching you,” Luka replied, handing her a stocking hat next.

“Me and his other options,” she retorted, pulling the band from her hair so she could slip the hat on.

“But mainly you,” Luka said, pushing the door open.

The snow that had fallen from her storm had melted, but the temperatures were cool now. Cold air hit her face. She grimaced for a second, then inhaled deeply.

“Anyway, Theon doesn’t even believe Auryon is from this realm, yet he’s comfortable letting her tutor you? It doesn’t make sense,” Luka said as they made their way to the vehicle.

“He doesn’t think she’s from therealm?”

“With her gifts, I’m inclined to agree with him.”

“What is her magic?” Tessa asked.

“Something about moving among smoke and ashes. She can summon weapons, and not like we do from a pocket realm. It’s like she cancreatethem,” Luka explained. “But there’s more. I know there is.”

“You sound like you fancy her,” Tessa teased as he opened the door to the passenger seat.

“Get in,” was all he said, shutting the door behind her.

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