Page 68 of Skalterra By Nightmare
“Ferrin’s studies haven’t advanced as far as Nocturmancy, so you’re stuck with me unfortunately.”
I scowled at the harbor, stewing in frustration.
“You need me,” I repeated. It was the only argument I had.
“Wren Warrender, here I thought you wanted nothing to do with Skalterra.” I hated the smug lilt in his gravelly voice, but not as much as I hated that I wanted to go back.
“Don’t flatter yourself,” I spat. “Keldori gets boring when you can’t turn into a scaly lizard lady.”
“You turning into a scaly lizard lady nearly killed me. Even if I wanted to, I don’t have the magick left to bring you here. For now, enjoy your nights off.”
I mumbled a colorful goodbye that I wasn’t sure Galahad was still around to hear. The shop door creaked open behind me, and I made room for Liam at the railing.
“Were you yelling at someone out here?” he asked.
“It was a video,” I lied and half-heartedly waved my phone at him.
“Larping?” He grinned at my screen. “We’ve got a club at Von Leer, and I know the guy in charge. Do you want his number?”
I jammed my phone into my pocket before Liam could snoop any further. A few days ago, I might’ve replied with some irritated quip, but I didn’t have the energy to snap at Liam anymore.
“I don’t do clubs,” I said. “If you’re out here, is my break over?”
I whisked towards the back door.
“My uncle found Riley’s truck.”
I froze.
“Oh.” I turned back to look at him, but he kept his back to me as he leaned against the deck railing. “Is that good or bad?”
“Neither. It was on Von Leer’s campus, which was where he was seen last, so it doesn’t really offer any new information. Teddy drove it back yesterday, so some of us were going to take it to the cove tonight and have a bonfire for Riley.”
“But isn’t it evidence?” I asked. “Shouldn’t the police look it over?”
“Maybe, but there’s no official investigation. My aunt and uncle don’t want one.”
“Why not?”
He shrugged, and when he finally turned to look at me, he forced a smile.
“Wish I knew. Anyways. Tonight, the cove. Did you want to come? I know you don’t know Riley, but you’ve been so helpful in the search. His friends might want to meet you.”
The guilt and shame that crept in my stomach felt like Galahad’s diluted Skal from the night before.
“I haven’t been that helpful.”
Liam took my half-confession as humility and laughed.
“Sabrina is coming here after work. If you promise not to fall asleep at the beach, you can go with us.”
“I’m not going to fall asleep.” I glowered at him.
“Okay, fine. If you reallymust, you can fall asleep. Lucky for you, I’m pretty good at getting you up those stairs.” He beamed at me and flexed his arm in jest.
“Oh, my god,” I growled and made to exit back into the shop again. “I’m not going to fall asleep, and if I do, leave me on the beach!”
The sound of his laughter followed me all the way to the register.
