Page 129 of The Genius
“It’s exactly the same thing.”
“But you’re a genius,” Mila said with an apologetic shrug.
“I hate that word.” I groaned and walked outside, where Willow sat against the wall of the school, her eyes closed and her face turned from the sun.
“Can I sit with you?” I asked.
She lifted a hand to shield herself from the bright light and smiled. “You don’t have to ask, Shelly. I’d be honored. In fact, I could use a second opinion on something.”
I slid down next to her. “I’m listening.”
“Pearl and Khan have invited me to be part of a planned tour here in the Northlands. It’s a cultural exchange.”
“You mean with your dancing?”
“Yes. I would be part of a group of performers from the Motherlands who will be touring for the next four months. Salma Rose will be there.”
“The name sounds familiar. Is she a singer?”
“More like a phenomenon. You hear her songs played all the time.”
“That’s exciting.”
“So you think I should say yes?”
“Why wouldn’t you? Sounds like an adventure to me.”
“It’s just so last-minute. Lily White was supposed to go but she canceled. She’s one of the best dancers in the Motherlands.”
“I don’t know her name. Why did she cancel?”
“Pressure from her family. Pearl told me that it’s been difficult to find artists who are willing to perform here in the Northlands. They fear for their safety.”
“And you don’t?”
Willow gave me a funny look. “Do you?”
“There’s been a few situations where I didn’t feel safe. Things have changed a lot since we were children but having a protector by your side is still a good idea when you’re a woman in the Northlands.”
“Khan said that he would have his best men in charge of our safety.”
“Then what’s your worry?”
“I don’t know. The commitments I have at home wouldn’t stop me. I teach dance classes for children and perform with the theater, but we are in between productions right now, and they would be so delighted for me to get a chance like this.”
“Sounds like you want to go.”
“Yeah, I think I do.” Willow smiled and looked up to the sky, where a drone was flying in. From the size and look of it, I had a good idea who it might be.
“I think Khan and Magni are here,” I guessed.
Willow stiffened next to me. “Do you think they brought Solo?” she asked and paled.
CHAPTER 28
Body Language
Marco
