Page 137 of A Touch of Stars and Stones
“You don’t know them?” Capella asks Ever, a strand of sympathy ringing in her words.
“No.” Ever shakes her head, ruffling the curls around her face.
“And you’re sure the Orders don’t want her asking questions?”
“My father warned me that Ever would be dangerous. To start with, he dismissed it as her being from outside Kirrasia. A spy, maybe. But he doesn’t want her to learn. Anything. Even threatened me to ensure I knew that our peace was at stake and that I’d do well to remember that if Ever starts figuring things out.”
“Your Dad doesn’t speak for the whole Chamber, Ten,” Crimson says.
“No. And that’s why we all have to gather information. Research. Start asking our own questions. I’m seeing Kamari again tomorrow.” Although I wish there were another way. “Capella, Micah, will you meet with Darien and Portia? See how they react to questions about Ever.”
“Don’t you think this is all a bit over the top?” Capella asks.
“Maybe. But wouldn’t you want to know if your father was keeping a secret?” I fire back.
“It might not be that simple. We’re only trainees. The Orders, the Maker, they’re in charge,” Capella persists. “They make decisions for the best of all of us.”
“Then don’t help. Just keep your mouth shut about what we’re doing,” I snap at her.
“There’s no need to be a jerk about it, Ten. I said I’d help. I just don’t buy this conspiracy secret crap. You’re way off.”
“Is he?” Micah comes to my defence. “They haven’t exactly trained her. During our first weeks here, we were shown how to use our power. Most of us had an instinct already, but we had lessons, and training was informative on how to fully utilise our power. How to strengthen it. Yet, there’s been nothing like that for Ever, and they’ve kept her from us under the guiseof protection. I don’t think it’s such a leap to think there’s something bigger going on.” Ever gives him a grateful smile, and the relief on her face is clear. “I’ll do what I can,” Micah states. “I think we all should.”
“Please.” Ever stares at her fingers, worrying them together on the table, and I have to resist the urge to pull them into my hands. “I know I don’t know you well, but I have had no idea about most things since I arrived here. And if there’s even a chance that someone might know about my parents, then I’m not going to pass that up. They’ve sent away the only family I’ve ever known. Micah, Kyra, and Calix,” she pauses before looking at me, “and Ten are the only ones who’ve helped, who I think of as friends now. You can believe what you like, but just ask yourself, what would you do? What would you want?”
“Jeez, let’s not cry about it,” Crimson scoffs.
“Is that your way of saying you’re in?” Calix nudges his sister’s arm.
“You’re doing all the work. You’re already besties, anyway. I’m only here for payback. She needs some lessons with a blade.”
“Great. That can only go well,” Calix mocks, and I keep my eyes from narrowing in warning at Crimson. We do need her on our side.
“So, we act like we’re keeping her in the dark while working against the Custodians and Order’s attempts to keep us all blindsided. Kyra’s visits will need to be limited, or we’ll need a cover if you want her to visit as much as she has.” I pause. “And we all need to practice and start combining powers so we’re prepared when we get to it in class.”
“Can’t wait,” Crimson’s sarcastic tone is front and centre again.
“Thank you.” Ever seems to ignore Crimson. “I mean it. All of you.”
Micah, Calix, and Crimson all stand, disbanding the gathering now that we’ve updated everyone, and the others follow.
“Crim. Wait,” I call out, stopping her from leaving with the others. My eyes want to find Ever, but I can speak to her later. I need to set this right first.
“Ahh, you want to speak to me now.” She crosses her arms over her chest, and it immediately puts me on the defensive.
“What’s going on with you?”
“Seriously? That’s your question?” She looks shocked.
“Nobody forced you to help.” Yes, having her onside would be better, but she needs to behave.
“No, but my best friends have suddenly abandoned me for her. This new shiny princess with magical fucking powers. What’s so great about her, huh, Ten? Because you can’t even touch her without dropping to your knees. And I seem to remember that’s not a position you enjoy being in.”
Her blue eyes burn into mine, but they contradict the waves of sadness she’s sending my way, chilling me to the bone.
She’s hurt.
“We haven’t abandoned you.”
