Page 72 of Raelia

He frowned at her as though she’d said something wrong, then turned to look at Brendan. The apprentice must have been able to read his expression better than Alex, since he quietly mumbled something she couldn’t hear.

“Speak up, Labinsky,” Karter ordered.

“I said, Alex isn’t hurt because she didn’t lose the fight.”

Karter’s eyes flickered in surprise before his face reverted to its natural stoic expression. “Is that so?”

“I just got lucky,” Alex said, repeating what she’d told Brendan.

Karter peered intently at her. “Lucky or not, I expect you to keep it up.”

He then told Alex, Brendan, Declan and Kaiden that, as per his earlier agreement, they could leave early. Sebastian and Nick would have to continue until one of them won their fight.

As they sloshed their way out of the Arena and up the hill towards the dorm building, the boys conversed with one another while Alex’s mind wandered to her comfy bed. Maybe she would get a proper sleep that night for the first time all week.

Just as she was contemplating skipping dinner and going straight to bed, a voice broke through the tired haze of her mind.

“Are you excited about this weekend?”

She looked questioningly at Kaiden as he stepped up beside her. “This weekend?”

“Yeah, you know—our SAS getaway?”

Alex stared at him blankly and his lips quirked at her expression.

“Were you paying any attention last night?” he asked. “I mean, I know you got caught in three—or was it four?— of Hunter’s traps, but I thought you were just trying to avoid Skyla. I didn’t realise you werethatout of it.”

“I’ve had a lot on my mind lately,” Alex said.

Kaiden’s face was sincere but his eyes were laughing at her. “I’m sure you have.”

“All right, Mr. I-Know-Something-You-Don’t-Know,” she said. “What was it that I should’ve been listening to last night?”

“Well, since you asked so nicely,” he said with a wry grin, “tomorrow we have an overnight assessment for SAS. We’retaking off for the whole weekend, coming back on Sunday night.”

Alex groaned. That was the last thing she needed after the week she’d had. But then again, she might actually get a good night’s sleep if she was away from D.C.’s screams.

Almost immediately, Alex felt bad for thinking such a thought. It wasn’t like her roommate chose to have the nightmares. D.C. was the victim of her own subconscious mind.

“What are you thinking about?” Kaiden asked.

Alex wondered what her expression must have revealed for him to be looking at her with such curiosity, and she quickly relaxed her face. “Nothing. Just wondering what clothes I should pack.”

He laughed. “Wow, you’re really bad at lying.”

She lowered her eyes but didn’t try to deny his accusation. Fortunately, he let the matter drop.

“I guess I’ll see you in the morning,” he said, and she realised they’d already reached the dorm building.

“Yeah, sure,” she replied, giving him a tired smile. She headed up the stairs to her room, quietly closing the door when she noticed D.C. curled up in bed.

“Hey,” D.C. said softly, rolling over to face her.

“Hey, yourself,” Alex returned, crossing the room to sit beside her friend. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah,” D.C. said. “Finn let us skip PE because of the rain, so I came back for a nap.”

“Really?”

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