Page 101 of Kingdom of Shadows and Wings

Before I know what’s happening, he leans in, brushing his mouth over mine.

I harden into a statue as his lips press against mine. Nothing. Just like I thought, I feel nothing. No sparks. Not like I do with…him.

Swallowing hard, I step back and take a deep breath, preparing to let him down gently. “Theo…”

Movement registers in my peripheral vision.

Finished with the other fledglings, Sterling Thorne glares death at the spot where Theo’s hand still grips my arm.

Chapter Thirty-Four

Thorne’s jaw clenches, and every muscle in his body stiffens. A chilly aloofness settles over his features as he spins and stalks away.

Turning back to Theo, I search for a reason to excuse myself. Theo reaches for me, and for an instant, I’m terrified he’s going to kiss me again. Instead, he tweaks my nose. The unexpected gesture is something I imagine an older brother would do if I had one.

“It was a gamble…kissing you.” He stuffs his hands in his pockets and rocks back on his heels. “Probably should’ve known better.”

My heart sinks at the sadness in his voice. “I’m sorry. It’s just?—”

“You don’t have to apologize. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

Maybe not, but I still feel like I owe him an explanation. “When I arrived at Flighthaven, I was…well, I was terrified. And you put me at ease from the moment we met in the mess hall. You were nice to me even when some of my own unit didn’t seem too thrilled that I was here.”

“Is that what you thought? That I was being nice to you?” Some of the twinkle returns to his bright blue eyes.

“Call it whatever you want, but you’ve been a friend to me from day one. And I don’t want to lose your friendship.”

He’s quiet for a moment. Then his lips tip up in a half smile. “You’re pretty okay yourself.”

I release the breath I didn’t realize I was holding. “Does that mean you’re not upset?”

“How can I be? If I didn’t have you as a friend, who would I pick on?”

I snort. “Olive, for starters. And literally everyone else. It’s kind of your specialty.”

He puts a hand to his chest in mock exasperation. “I’m offended.”

“If you say so.” My mood turns somber, and although Theo’s laughing, I want to make sure he’s truly okay. I heave a sigh. “Is everything…I mean…are we?—”

“We’re good, Lark. I promise. Now, you and Thorne? That’s another story.”

My jaw drops. “What does that mean?”

“You know what I’m talking about.” He levels me with adon’t give me that bullshitlook. “I’d be blind if I didn’t see that something’s going on between you two. And based on the way he stormed off a few minutes ago, I get the impression he’s not too happy.”

Why does this conversation remind me of the chat I had with Olive not too long ago? “He’s an instructor. I don’t know what you think you see, but fraternizing with instructors is against the rules.”

“I’m well aware. Just be careful, okay? I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

“Like I said, there’s nothing between Instructor Thorne and me. Absolutely nothing.” It’s not a lie if I only want there to be something between us, right? “And his happiness or unhappiness isn’t my problem. But really, when does he ever look happy?”

He shrugs. “Fair point.”

“Exactly. Anyway, I’ve got to ask him a question about flight maneuvers.”

“Oh,” he draws out the word, “is that what we’re calling it these days?” His teasing voice, though, doesn’t quite mask the undertone of concern.

I roll my eyes.

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