Page 66 of In the Dark

“I don’t think it’s a good idea to show you, K.” Astix hesitated. “In case you try anything.”

“What would I try?” Karsia burst out.

“Maybe your sister is correct,” Morgan chimed in.

“Shut the hell up.”

“I’m saying we’ve done our homework and have everything prepared. Don’t worry.” Astix strove to keep calm. Shaken, she pushed away from the table and stood.

“Of course I worry,” Karsia snapped. “I’m being kept ignorant and it’s pissing me off. You two think your magic stands a chance against mine? I could set the whole state on fire.”

Aisanna finished the rest of her coffee and scowled at the empty cup. “Maybe we should leave immediately.”

“We’re going to need Leo before this is done. I can feel it,” Astix responded.

A bevy of negative emotions coursed through Karsia. At once their back and forth was not ordinary, not familiar. Conversation buzzed in her ear like flies as anger, hate, a burning need for violence took precedence in her mind. Filling her until she thought of nothing else.

Morgan turned to her. “Hey, there’s no reason to feel anxious.” He reached out to rub the small of her back, tuned in to her emotions. They beat at him as clearly as his own and drew an equal response.

Karsia swatted him away. “Don’t tell me how to feel, Morgan.”

“I’m going to get the books and the supplies.” Aisanna set her shoulders in what to the uninitiated would appear relaxed. Determined. They all knew better.

“None of it matters anymore. I’m going out.”

It mattered, Morgan knew, and he reached out to bring her back. “Your going alone is not a good idea.”

Karsia lowered her voice to a threatening pitch. “How many times do I have to tell you to stop touching me?”

Aisanna sent a look Elon’s way. “Yeah, I’m getting the books.”

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