Page 89 of The Tree of Spirits
Kato wrinkled his nose at him. “Wreaking havoc as always, I see.”
Conner peeled his arm off of me, then lifted his shoulders in an easy shrug.
“It’s one thing to recklessly charge into danger alone, but to drag others into your schemes…” Kato shook his head. “You could have got her killed.”
“You’re just jealous that I didn’t dragyouinto my schemes.” Conner smirked.
Kato folded his arms over his chest and glowered at him.
“Besides,” Conner added. “It’s not like you haven’t put her in danger too.”
Kato’s lips were tight. “I don’t know what you mean.”
“Of course you do. You’re just too stubborn to admit it,” Conner told him. “So let me refresh your memory. You pulled her into Shadow Fall and almost got her stuck there.”
Kato’s eyes went wide. “How do you know…” He shook his head. “Never mind, I don’t want to know.”
“Of course you do. It’s an excellent story. Almost as thrilling as the one where you managed to get yourself—and Savannah—stuck in Shadow Fall.” Conner’s brows arched. “Or was that onpurpose? Perhaps, you were looking for a secluded spot for a date? Personally, I don’t find Shadow Fall all that romantic, but since you consider battle tactics romantic, Kato?—”
“Enough.” Kato gritted his teeth. “I didn’t bring us to Shadow Fall on purpose. It was an accident.”
“Oh, surely not. The great and powerful Kato doesn’t make mistakes. Actually, don’t you have those exact words printed on your favorite t-shirt?” Conner shot him a sly smile and dragged his hand through his disheveled hair.
Kato looked like he was considering setting Conner’s pretty hair on fire. “You are ridiculous.”
“You’re only saying that because you know I’m right.”
A small, tight smile touched Kato’s lips. “That will be the day.”
Their gazes clashed.
Then Conner laughed. “Easy there, I was just teasing you. I know it’s really hard for you to believe this, Kato, but some people actually have a sense of humor.”
“And some people can’t take anything seriously.”
Conner shrugged. “There has to be balance in the universe. So…” He leaned his arm against the wall. “Shall we get started?”
“Get started with what?”
“Now who’s being funny, Kato?” Conner said. “We’re obviously here for the same reason. We all want to stop the Templars and save the Apprentices. So we should pool our powers and work together. Why do you think I summoned you here this morning?”
Kato bristled. “You didn’t summon me. I used a tracking spell to find Savannah.”
“Yeah, let’s not talk about your stalking her.” Conner pretended to gag.
“I was not stalking her.”
“You just keep telling yourself that.” Conner patted him on the shoulder. “Anyway, you tracked Savannah here after I sent you evidence that the Rebels aren’t the kidnappers. And, remember, I told you what spell we used to locate the missing Watchers. Hmm,coincidentallythe same spell you then used to find Savannah. Or was it a coincidence?” he said with a sly look.
“You’re implying that you lured me here.”
“I knew the General would try to convince you that she’d gone rogue, and he told you so, and blah blah blah. He is so predictable.” Conner rolled his eyes. “And I know you well, Kato. I knew you’d run off to save Red from the big, bad Rebels. So I just gave you the idea of how to find her.”
Kato’s jaw cracked. “You didn’t have to play such games. You could have just asked me to team up with you, Conner.”
Some of the mischief in Conner’s eyes fizzled out. “I didn’t think you’d come.”
“Of course I would have come. Because despite everything that’s happened between us, I’m not going to let you fight the Templars without my help. You would do the same for me if our roles were reversed. If I needed your help, you’d be there for me. So I’m going to be there for you too.” Kato’s jaw tightened, and he looked like he was chewing on glass. “So let’s do it. Let’s work together to save the Apprentices.”
