Page 8 of Flying Blind

Zara cleared her throat. “Has Roane come to any meetings since my first?”

“You haven’t felt her there?”

“No. Was she?”

“She kept to the back, stayed out of the way. Her body is still changing, and it’s agony, but she’s still trying to keep up with her visits. She needs the reminder that she isn’t alone. That is the whole purpose of the Book Club.”

She nodded. “Luna said that they wanted us to lay down a track for the game and that it would pay. She sent me the lyrics, and I think I can do it.”

“Excellent. Do it.”

“It wouldn’t be weird?”

“No. You have picked a very pretty lace. The doctors have said that you are stable, and you can wield your white cane like a champ. You can even walk through most rooms without stumbling. You are coming along.”

Zara smiled and nodded. She stopped the timer, called Wren, and agreed to the situation. Wren laughed and said she would make the arrangements and get back to her.

Emma hugged her. “I am very proud of you for making that move.”

“Thank you. You have made this marginally less terrifying. Have you heard what happened to my shop?”

Emma sighed. “There was a fire.”

“So, they had surveillance in there.” Zara grumped. “I put myself into that shop. I had customers, regulars, and plans. So many plans.” She felt tears behind her lacey eye wrap and wiped her cheeks. “Right. Cookies.”

She picked up a cookie carefully and took a bite. She sniffled and smiled. “They are good.”

Emma moved to try one, and Zara tried to understand the substitute for sight that had formed. Things were black and grey and vibrated with intensity, but there was definitely something that was letting her move with greater ease.

Things were changing, and Zara was happy for any positive moves in her situation. Emma was an angel, and the Book Club was just what she needed. Every day felt like progress.

* * * *

Four weeks later.

Zara smiled as they left the stage at the convention, and fans swarmed her and the others. They had a portion of the admirers that the elf queen had, but the elf queen was off tidying up with her mates.

Karo kept her arm pressed to Zara’s, leading her through the crush, and she murmured, “Just one game, and you are a sensation. There are ladies in the audience with lace over their eyes.” She paused. “And a couple of guys.”

Zara laughed.

Karo paused and said, “Minnie, can you take Zara to the exit? I see someone I know. I am going to meet up with you in a few minutes.”

Minnie came up and used her forearm with Zara’s. “Yup. See you soon.”

Karo tapped Zara’s arm and left them.

Minnie asked, “Do you know who she saw?”

“They smell like blood.”

“Oh. So, a blood alpha.”

“Yes, but she wasn’t hesitating, so I am not worried. Her body was tense, not afraid.”

“Good. I think Hector and Helen are going to be picking her up at the exit.”

“Ah. Yeah, her carers are definitely going to be concerned if she isn’t with us quickly.” Minnie’s smile was in her voice.

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