Page 42 of A Touch of Stars and Stones
“I… don’t. I guess, Lyle? Although I haven’t seen her for the last day.” That thought suddenly grips me with fear. I was too cross, too angry that she’d kept all of this from me, but now, with the prospect of facing this alone, I very much want her next to me, and my chest pangs as if realising my mistake.
“What is she?” Miach asks.
“A Watcher. I told you that.”
“No, what Order? Everyone will have one. What can she do?”
I think back and remember when she held that ball of light in her hand. “Light. She can hold light. She used it to blind…” the men before stabbing them. I keep that bit to myself.
She killed. Murdered them.
“Elemental. Like me.”
“Does that make me an Elemental, then?” Although she isn’t my real mother.
“Not for sure. An Advocate’s power is important, but so is your own heritage. Here.” He pulls another book, this time smaller in stature, and plonks it on top of the other. “One more. It might be good to learn a brief history of Kirrasia. We go through it in lessons, but all the others are Kirrian. We’ve been learning this for our entire lives. You might need the crash course, especially as you’re out of favour.” He gives me an apologetic look and crosses to the opposite side, grabs a thick book, and adds it to my pile. “Let’s not push our luck.”
I agree. My act of defiance that spurred this into being was fading fast.
I nod. “Thank you. For helping me.”
“Happy to. But it’s all your fault if we’re caught.” He grins at me. “Joking. Come on.”
We leave without incident, and Micah has to navigate back to my rooms. “Come in,” I offer and dump the books on the bed in my room. He takes a measured look around.
“Nice digs.”
“Thanks. Although I’m a guest, remember. Do you think Kyra will know where Lyle is? She wasn’t at the meal the other night, and now I’m worried about her.” I can’t believe I haven’t asked before now.
“She likes to help, so I’m sure she will. Look, I’d better get back. I’ve been gone too long already.”
“I’m sorry if you get into trouble. But I really do appreciate these.” I nod to the books on the bed.
“Get reading. Make the most of them because I can’t promise no one will come looking.” And with that, he leaves.
I untie the laces to my new boots and feel silly for even enjoying putting these on this morning. I change back into my own clothes and grab the red leather-bound book that Micahpicked last, feeling satisfaction in the first decision that’s been mine and within my control.
thirteen
. . .
Aten
His chair is empty.
Still.
How long can it take to escort her back to The Court? He should have been back by now. And all I can do is stare at the wooden chair where he should be.
“Aten, are you going to participate?” My name draws my attention.
“Yeah. Sure.” I sit back and flick open the book on my desk.
“Why aren’t all the trainees here, Rowan?” Raiden asks.
“Micah is on his way. Don’t worry.”
“I’m not worried. But I do want to understand why the rules about training now seem to have evolved to accommodate Ever Hart.” She levels her question at Rowan, and I can’t keep the smile from my face. Raiden has kept to herself up until now. I’d expect Crimson to complain, given that Ever beat her at her own strength earlier, but she looks like she’s still sulking.
