Page 68 of Riftborne
“Red jasper?” he mused, observing the shard.
“I thought it might help with my concentration. I find it very important to pay attention during our sessions. Perhaps you should hold onto it,” I replied, exhaling sharply.
He half-smiled without looking at me, but kept the stone in his palm, tilting his head to the side before pursing his lips. I could see his train of thought returning to his inner world.
“Continue,” he said, leaning back in his seat.
I slammed my eyes closed, trying to quell my irritation. I sought out the tendrils and goaded them up my spine. It took all of my concentration, but they climbed halfway. I pushed forward,through my exhaustion, but they wouldn’t seem to rise any further.
We stayed in this battle for a few moments before I released them into the depths of my back. I shook my head and sighed. It was progress, but not much.
“I was able to get my focus under control part of the way before it started to slip. I think–”
“Good to hear.” He stood abruptly. “I suggest you do some practicing in your free time as well. I’d like you to have full control in a fortnight.”
“What free time?” I felt a headache starting to form in my temples as I considered the already full schedule I was working with.
“I’m going to have to call today short. I have pressing matters to attend to this evening.”He ignored my question, rolling his neck and shoulders.
“Is everything okay?” I asked. It had only been half the time of our normal sessions.
“Nothing you need to concern yourself with.” He didn’t even glance in my direction.
“Is it… the Wraiths?” My voice was quiet.
He paused for a moment, biting his lower lip.
“Yes.” It was all he said.
There was a knock on the glass.
“Laryk, are you almost ready?” Narissa cooed, leaning against the doorframe. She glanced over at me, and her expression turned sour.
“Yes, we only just finished.”
I glanced over at him, reading his features. He didn’t seem to light up at her presence, but he did brush past me and leave without a goodbye.
The door closed behind them in a final gust of wind.
The gym was empty now, quiet.
I swallowed my frustration before continuing the training on my own.
CHAPTER 26
The warmer weatherhad faded into cooler days as the weeks passed. It was a particularly icy evening as I made my way back to the apartment after training, wind filtering through my hair. Moonlight reflected off the canal, shifting as the currents fanned out from passing boats. I was more than exhausted, and my legs ached and wobbled.
A sigh of relief washed over me when I reached the steps to our corridor. As I neared our door, I saw that it wasn’t fully closed. My body froze, nerves rushing over me. Had I forgotten to lock up?
Whimpers echoed from within.
Osta.
I slammed the door open, running inside. My pulse steadied as I found her in a ball on the couch, sobbing into her hands.
“Osta, what’s wrong?” I asked, rushing over to sit beside her.
“Fia, the old hag–she…” Osta mumbled between sobs, “She fired me. For insubordination. At least that’s what she said.”
