Page 14 of Wings of Strife
Trying not to let it bother me, I avert my eyes to anywhere else in the cafeteria and just so happen to spot something even worse. Seraphina sits in the corner with her friends. The look she gives me is full of hatred, probably pissed off that her last attempt at separating me from Raphael didn’t work.
There really is no place for me, is there?
When the area around our table is less crowded, Zeke finally answers Theo’s question. “I’m still willing to train, yes. And the sooner we start, the better. Because I help Malik with his combat classes, he gave me a private training room for the semester. We should be able to meet there without raising suspicion.”
Dina’s eyes light at the mention of Professor Malik. A while ago she mentioned he’d be the teacher she’d hook up with if shehad a choice, and something tells me there’s a bit more to it than that.
She folds her arms on the table and leans in. “This whole talking in code thing while students glare at us isn’t fucking working for me. Can we use that room Malik gave you as a meeting point or at least eat lunch in one of our rooms to talk all of this shit out instead of whispering in public? Other thanthingsandbooks,I really have no idea what’s going on.”
“Amen, sister.”
Zeke looks thoughtful as he says, “Maybe. But a private room offered to me to work out in is a far cry from a safe space to talk aboutother things. We may want to consider another option.”
Raphael places a hand on my thigh, and the warmth of his palm grounds me. “According to Raduriel, there’s an attic at the top of the tower. I’m trying to get in touch with him for something else, but I could ask him about that too.”
“Wait,” I say, completely taken aback. “What do you need from your brother?” Their relationship is strained at best and has been for a really long time. I can’t think of a reason that Raph would willingly set aside their issues to call him. Not on purpose, and certainly not by choice.
“He has information that could help keep you safe. All of us, even. So I have to try.”
I place my hand over his where it rests on my thigh and squeeze. Just when I think I’m at the edge of my rope and there’s not a place in this entire city where I belong, he makes me believe otherwise. They all do.
As much as I want to ask for more information, I understand what they’re saying. Here isn’t really the best place for it. And Dina’s right. We really do need a safe, private place to talk openly.
An idea floats around in my head, but I’m not entirely sure it’s possible.
“What is it, firefly?” Theo asks. If it were anyone else, his level of perception would bother me. But with him, all I feel is safe. Guarded.
“It could be nothing but … that house we were in the other day. It had protection runes. Whatever location we decide on as a meeting place, could we put our own runes or wards up? Something to make the area even more secure.”
“That’s actually not a bad idea,” Zeke says, nodding. “Theo and I should be able to help, though I’m not sure how much they’d work on school buildings. It’s possible they have protections already in place to not allow silencing runes. But if we have a few location ideas, we can definitely test them.”
Raphael pushes his tray away and leans in. “Well, we have the tower attic and your training room. Does anyone have another suggestion?”
Silence falls at our table as we think, which works out well because lunch time must be almost done. Students get up from their tables and head toward the exit. We’ll need to do the same soon, too.
“What about the cave near Somersault Falls?” Zeke asks, looking more than pleased with himself.
“A cave seems a little damp and dingy, doesn’t it?” Dina replies, and I can’t stifle my laughter.
Zeke throws a dark look my way. “What?” I laugh some more. “She’s got a point.”
“If we can’t ward the others, it might be our only option. Unless you want us all to meet in your room?” Zeke raises an eyebrow at me, and I’m about to take the bait of his challenge when Dina chuckles.
“Oh, hell no. I love you, babe, but I’d rather not risk having to watch my best friend get dicked down by those three every time we meet.” She shoots them a glare.
My cheeks flame with embarrassment, and as much as I want to check their expressions, I’m too scared to look. Raphael and Theo have been more than fine to share between the two of them, but Zeke? Whatever truce they have is new enough that I’m not sure it could withstand something likesharing.
Raphael rolls his eyes. “No one will be forced to watch anything. If the others don’t pan out, we’ll spruce up the cave until neither of you recognize it as such. Deal?”
“Alright. I’ll scope out a few places after class this afternoon. It’ll be nice to feel useful for a change.” Excitement bubbles at the prospect of having our own special place. There’s still a lot to do, but the hope is enough to make me forget the bullshit I’ve gone through today.
Theo grabs my free hand, pressing a kiss to my wrist. “I’d prefer if at least one of us were with you, given the shit the Fallen have put you through so far today. Please don’t go off alone.”
I want to tell him I’m fine, that I’m not some weak little girl who needs protecting. Aside from Dina and my parents, I’ve been doing this shit alone for as long as I can remember, but I don’t have to anymore. I just need to let themin.
Smiling, I nod. “I’ll make sure someone is with me.”
“And then you’re resting, I mean it,” Dina says, standing and offering me a stern look.
