Page 96 of Mikoto and the Reaver Village
Lilya shook her head. “He didn’t even notice.”
“I dunno, little girl.” Ginkgo had heard plenty of gossipabout Tenma’s capabilities. “I don’t think he misses much.”
Lilya fished a pecan out of her ice cream and offeredit to Rifflet, who was now tangled between Tenma’s long fingers. The littledragon clasped the morsel with dainty forepaws and nibbled contentedly.
“No,” Tenma admitted, his gaze soft. “I haven’t seen anyonelike him before.”
“You’re sure?” Lilya pressed.
He nodded. “I wouldn’t be able to forget. He’s all rainbows.”
Salali leaned forward. “As in …prismatic?”
“Hey, now,” grumbled Ginkgo. “Where’d you hear that?”
“I’m a squirrel,” he replied innocently. “I spend a lot oftime in trees.”
“Eavesdropping.”
Salali smiled and changed the subject. “How do you like yourcourses, Miss Lilya? Have you learned anything useful?”
“I like it here,” she offered, since that was a safe answer.She didn’t really see the point to most of the courses available to her agegroup. She and Kyrie had matching schedules, but she’d let him do the picking.So it mostly felt like she was tagging along. Same as always.
“And it’syourfirst summer camp, as well?”
It took a moment for them to realize Salali was addressing Ginkgo.
“Never been to a camp,” he answered blandly.
“Are you making the most of the opportunity?”
Ginkgo’s ears dipped. “I’m here for the kids.”
Salali’s voice softened. “Are you implying that they’reunsafe behind my wards?”
“No.”
“Which must leave you with time on your hands,” continuedthe squirrel clansman.
Lilya passed another pecan to Rifflet. She knew aboutsquirrels. One of their crossers was a gray like Salali. They were one of thetrickster clans, just like foxes. Was Salali messing with Ginkgo in the sameway Uncle Argent sometimes did?
“Gregor’s a toddler. He needs full-time attention.”
“Something Waaseyaa and Zisa can lavish in abundance.”Salali pushed aside his empty bowl. “Would you be interested in my guiding yoursummer courses?”
Ginkgo’s expression was something Lilya had never seenbefore.
Salali casually added, “I don’t usually bother, but I’minterested in exploring your potential. Part fox. Part reaver. That’s a headymix.”
When Ginkgo’s gaze leapt to hers, she knew how much hewanted to say yes. And how guilty that made him feel.
“You should,” she said.
Ginkgo muttered, “That’s not why I came.”
“Are you sure?” Lilya asked. “It’s a good reason.”
His gaze jumped warily to Salali. “Did my father arrange forthis?”
