Page 28 of Dragon Unleashed

“Ah, crap, Naeve. I am sorry about that.”

Her eyes widen. “You did it deliberately?”

“No. It was Camille and her stupidly high stiletto. But I wasn’t smart enough to see it coming.”

“Oh.”

She sinks into her chair, holding the book to her chest and smiles weakly.

“It’s still upsetting, but if you’re not a destroyer of books there might still be hope for our friendship.” She giggles.

I stare at her.

“It…it was a joke. Even if it had been you—”

“Jeez, Naeve. It’s okay. Lighten the mood all you like. The goddesses know we need it.” I tuck the dagger back into my waistband. “About the thesis, I’m sorry, again. I didn’t knowyour brother’s recruitment to the Deniers was dodgy. Why didn’t you say something?”

Her expression crumples.

“Words don’t mean much,” I say, changing tact. “I’d rather show you I’m sorry. Why don’t we look into it together, over the holidays?”

Naeve nods slowly. “I don’t forgive you. Not yet.” She smooths the cover of the book in her arms. “But I’m pretty sure you don’t forgive me either.”

I plonk myself down on her bed. “Not really. But I’m trying.”

Naeve reaches out and squeezes my hand and a wave of longing rushes over me. Dammit I’ve missed her and her stupid talcum powder smell.

“How the hell do I make it up to Zephyr? His family is all he has, excepting us. The goddesses only know how I’m going to apologize.”

“Him and Farrell.”

“Screw Farrell!” I stand quickly and start pacing the room. “I’m damn sure he knows the Virrey is monitoring my powers. And I’d bet he also knows that if I get too strong the Virrey is going to tether me.”

Naeve pales. She places her book down carefully and stands in front of me, stopping my march.

“The Virrey’s going to what?”

“Uh, yeah, that’s what I came to tell you tonight. Before all this shit. I overheard Silas and Lady Tenebrae.”

I have to slow it down and explain twice more before realization spreads across Naeve’s face.

“I’m so sorry Farrell’s tangled you up in this, Lorelei.”

“Be careful, Naeve.”

“Me?”

I grab her shoulders and give her a shake. “Yes, you. If any of you pull on my aether, there’s a chance it could do you someserious damage. I think. I didn’t really get a chance to put my hand up and ask questions from my hiding spot under the damn desk, but that was the gist.”

Naeve chuckles and I find myself smiling.

“Not that we trust each other enough for power sharing right now.”

Naeve sighs and climbs onto her bed, wrapping herself in the duvet and pulling a pillow over her face. Her words come out muffled. “Thanks for telling me, Lorelei. We’ll make it through this, you and me. You’ll see.”

Ever the fucking optimist.

Chapter Thirteen: Lorelei

---