Page 164 of Unbound

"Don't you all have classes?" I ask once I've realized just how long we've been talking.

"We'll get a slap on the wrist," Beck says. "No big deal. We're where we need to be."

"He's right." Mireen gives my shoulder a squeeze and I feel wisps of her cool water energy flow into my body. She shivers, but smiles. “Still think it’s incredible how you can draw power from people.”

"She is small, but strong," Brunhild observes with her muscular arms folded. "To draw power from enemies is a valuable skill. I will teach her grappling techniques for combat. Ways to get her small, child-like hands on her opponents."

I raise an eyebrow, then lift one of my hands and give it a look. They aren't that small. "Thanks, Brunhild."

Brunhild nods. Her platinum blonde hair is pulled back in a scalp-tight braid that seems as no-nonsense as the woman herself. "In my home village. Before I come to Empire. We have stories of unbound. Not like stories here. Stories of heroes, not monsters."

"Where was your village?"

"North islands," she says. "Beyond Empire, beyond Red Kingdom. Different... perspective." She taps her temple meaningfully. "But the elements wished us to leave. Waters rose. My home is now part of the sea."

"Well, we're glad you're on our team," Mireen says with a genuine smile.

Brunhild... tries to smile. The expression isn't natural on her severe face, though, and it looks more like she's baring her teeth. "Your team has power. Heart. Good heart makes for good power. We will survive Crucible together."

There's a simple wisdom in her words that catches me off guard. "I hope you're right."

"I am right," she says confidently. "I see truth in people. Is why I trust sexy bear." She nods toward Beck, who preens visibly.

"Nice as this is," Ambrose interjects, checking the time, "we should be going. We've got combat training in twenty minutes, and Instructor Vail hates tardiness even more than Sestra. I can handle remedial channeling classes, but Vail will literally make sure we bleed if we're late."

"It's okay. Go," I say.

They gather their things, Mireen hugging me tightly before she leaves. "Take care of yourself," she whispers. "And be careful with him." Her eyes flick meaningfully toward Raith, who is speaking quietly with Beck near the door.

"I will," I promise.

As they file out, Brunhild stops briefly beside me. "Tomorrow. Do not forget our training.”

When they're gone, Raith closes the door with a soft click. He stays by the door.

"Your friends are protective of you," he observes.

"So are you."

“I only have three days to get you back to full strength. Three days until the Crucible.”

"I’ll be ready.”

He turns to me, his expression unreadable in the growing shadows. "Nessa, I need to tell you something."

My heart quickens. "What is it?"

He hesitates, conflict visible in the tense line of his shoulders. "Do you trust me?" he asks suddenly.

"Yes," I answer without reservation, surprising myself with the certainty of it. After everything—the secrets, the warnings, the distance he's maintained—I still trust him with my life.

He crosses the room in three long strides, stopping before me. "Then trust me when I say that during the Crucible, you need to keep your head down. Complete the objective, nothing more. Don't try to fight Malakai, don't try to be a hero, don't reveal your full abilities unless your life depends on it."

"But my friends?—"

"Will be safer if you follow my advice," he interrupts. "The less attention you draw, the better. Make sure Typhon knows, too."

"That's not much of a strategy," I point out.

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