Page 30 of Wings of Ash & Flame
Guardian: Starling Gate Orphanage
Criminal Record: Theft, assault, lewd language, breaking and entering, possession of stolen property
Magic: None, human
The words swirled together. Alaire blinked rapidly, biting her lip, then forced herself to read the notes scrawled in the margins:
Records disappear after release from Starling Gate Orphanage.
Recommend continued observation. Potentially what we’ve been searching for.
At the bottom, circled and underlined:
PENDING TRIALS
“Find everything you were looking for?” Professor Ross’s voice cut through the quiet.
Alaire shoved the compartment closed, pushing back from the desk as blood roared in her ears.
He leaned against the doorframe, gaze locked onto hers, the frostiness of his tone barely masking the anger simmering beneath.
She smoothed the front of her leathers. “Thought I’d explore more of my new home. Perhaps some reading. You have an impressive collection.” She lifted her chin, though her heart bounced around in her chest. “Though I have to say, your filing system could use some work.”
He stepped inside, letting the door slam behind him.
Alaire fought the urge to flinch at the sound.
A worn leather book was tucked beneath his arm, its spine cracked and frayed. Gold lettering caught the light:A Chronicle of Shadows: The Forgotten Histories of Elithian.
Alaire’s eyes lingered on the book. The title tugged at something in the back of her mind.
“What’s that about?” she asked casually, trying to deflect attention from herself.
“Nothing. Just a book. A gift from old friends. Stories better left in the past.” His eyes flicked to hers. “Not what’s important right now.”
He raised a finger, pointing in her direction.
“Breaking into my office was remarkably foolish, even for you.”
“It wasn’t breaking in if the door was unlocked.” She nodded at the door behind him.
He ran his free hand over his thin mustache.
“What exactly were you hoping to find?”
“Answers,” she said, striding out from behind the desk. “You’ve yet to be honest about why I’m here,” she added, gesturing to the room around them, “or provide any explanations.”
“Some truths have a cost. You rifling through my office proves you aren’t ready to pay it.”
“Who are you to decide what I am or am not ready for?” Alaire crossed her arms. “I’ve been making those decisions for myself since I was ten.”
He shook his head. “And look where it’s gotten you.”
Alaire winced. The words hit a tender wound.
Questions crowded her throat. She wasn’t leaving here without answers—not after what she’d seen—but she needed to be smart about it. Those files were only the beginning of something bigger. If she showed her cards now, would she lose whatever progress she’d made? Or should she force his hand?
Voices rose from outside.
