Page 67 of Insolence
Well.That explains… quite a lot, actually.
“She told me the Screamer was at the lottery, which had to be a lie.” Tiss shakes her head. Dashes the tear away. “I was watching for her the whole time.”
“I see.” Dread bristles through me.This is bad.
Even by Deirdre’s standards, whatever’s going on with this Screamer girl is beyond what either of us wants the remotest involvement with.
“Elodie, will you please help me?” She lays a light hand on my forearm. Apparently the no-touching boundary only applies to me. “I need to find the Screamer.Needto know if she survived. If so, I need to talk to her.”
Even through layers of clothing, her hand on my arm is electric. I pull away. My grimace comes from pure sardonic amusement. “Out of the question. Do me a favor: mind your business and thank the goddess it wasn’t you on the receiving end.”
“I’m begging you. I need answers! Doyouknow why she was—”
“Of course not.”
“Well, the prioress pretty much threatened me tonight. Gods, don’t get me started on Ailen. I’m desperate.” Her aura erupts in a corona of shimmering dread. “What do you want from me? I can get on my knees if it’ll help.” She moves to scoot off the bench.
For fuck’s sake.My hand shoots out on impulse. Stops just short of grabbing her leg to still her. It’s enough to halt her anyway, at least momentarily.
“Iwantyou to leave this well enough alone,” I growl. “Don’t go meddling in the sisters’ affairs.”
“Elodie—”
“What did I say before about arguing my boundaries?” Hearing myself, I make an effort to lower my voice: “You arenotto ask about the Screamer again. Or discuss her or Kerrigan with anyone else—and I’ll go ahead and assume you already told Cordelia and Sadrie.”
Lips pinched together, Tiss doesn’t contradict me.
“You arenotto interfere with things that concern Deirdre or the sisters,” I finish. “Do I make myself clear?”
“But you can’t just—”
“As your instructor and superior, I’m not making arequest, Itissa. This isn’t up for debate. Do. You. Understand?”
A soft scoff falls out of her. “Sure. I’ll pretend I don’t see anything. Don’t hear anything. Don’t have a single precious thought in my head. No problem.”
“Perfect.”
Now if only I could fucking believe her.
Schedule
Temple of Eisha
Acolyte
Aodhsday, the 22nd of Emberglow
.: Breakfast ~ 07:00 to 08:50 :.
(Refectory)
.: Morning prayers ~ 09:00 to 10:00 :.
(Sanctuary Hall)
.: Acolyte class ~ 10:10 to 13:00 :.
(Learning Annex)
