Page 24 of Mikoto and the Reaver Village
“You may. Please, do,” invited the lady, who was staring at Ginkgo’sears, but trying not to be obvious about it. “Fans of his?”
“Friends,” countered Ginkgo. He barely came up to hershoulder, but he was entirely at ease. You could tell by the gentle sway of hissilvery tail. “I’m surprised you didn’t get the memo. Or not. Dad equatessecrecy with safety.”
“You’re Lord Mettlebright’s son,” she murmured.
Lilya backed into the aisle to allow Kyrie to slide out oftheir seat.
Immediately, the Amaranthine’s expression changed—surprise,chagrin, and a promising smile. “By any chance, are you Ever’s friends?”
Kyrie solemnly corrected her. “Best friends.”
She beckoned them off the bus, then dropped to one kneebefore Lilya and Kyrie to offer her palms. “My name is Resplendence, and I’mone of the guards who helps keep Wardenclave safe. Harmonious is my bigbrother.”
ELEVEN
Big Brother
Lilya was happy to clasp hands with Resplendence. Sheliked dogs. Maybe even liked them best of all the clans. Mostly because ofEver, but a little bit because of his Da, who was all rolling laughter andrumbling kindness. If Ever’s Da was Resplendence’s big brother, did that meanshe loved him the way Lilya loved Timur? Did she miss him the way they missedEver?
“Oh, lovely one,” Resplendence said when their hands met.
That was strange. Lilya had been extensively warded, whichmeant no one should even realize she was a reaver. But the guard might simplybe sorting her out by scent. Dogs did.
“Are you looking forward to your courses?”
Lilya bit her lip. Lying never worked with canines, so shegave a tiny shake of her head.
“Homesick?” guessed the guard.
She shook her head again.
Resplendence rolled her eyes toward Ginkgo and Kyrie.“Something you don’t want the boys to hear?”
Lilya didn’t wantanyoneto know. At least, notanyone from Stately House. But Resplendence was half right, so Lilya nodded.
“May we have a few minutes?” She signaled for permission andfor patience. “Girl talk.”
Ginkgo swooped in, searched Lilya’s face, kissed her nose,and said, “Not even through the gate, and you’re already making friends. Take whatevertime you need.”
Just like that.
Lilya doubted any parent would have let her go off with astranger.
Then again, Resplendence was a Starmark. And they didn’tgoanywhere. Instead, the guard plucked a crystal from one of the pouches at her waist.Lilya knew about these—had one of her own—so she locked hands with Resplendencearound it. Now, anything they said couldn’t be overheard, even by the cleverestof fox ears.
Privacy. The first novelty of travel.
Ginkgo and Kyrie eased back, giving her room to speak forherself.
Resplendence carefully slid one hand into a supportiveposition under Lilya’s. “May I know what you’ve been hiding.”
“I’m a beacon.”
Slim eyebrows arched. “That is well-hidden, but hardly the secretyou wished to keep from these males. Therefore, it’s not the truth I’m offeringto protect.”
Ever talked like this sometimes. Insisting he would protectthem from anything that dampened their spirits, be it bad dreams, hurtfeelings, or failing grades. Still threatened tosniffenthem if she orKyrie tried to keep something from him.
Lilya eased closer. “I’m a beacon,” she repeated softly.“But being a beacon isn’t a job.”
