Page 69 of Riftborne
Shit.
“She’s an idiot, Osta. See how much business she gets now that her secret weapon is gone.” I attempted a smile and looped myarm through hers. “I’m sure you’ll hear back from the Nobility soon…”
“I hope so.”
“What happened, exactly?” I asked.
“Thearna wanted me to combine two fabrics that absolutely didnotgo together, and I refused. I just couldn’t do it, Fia,” Osta sobbed. “She said she was tired of me questioning her. But I was trying to do her a favor!”
“She was always going to hold you back. You were a threat to her. You know this.” I tightened my arm around hers, “Plus, now–”
“But Fia, this was my plan. I don’t know what to do. I don’t even know if my life will mean anything now. I don’t know who I am without it.” Her body still shook, but her voice had lowered to just above a whisper. Her eyes were fixated on the ground, but I could tell that they were empty of their normal spark.
I shifted on the couch to face her, taking her hands in mine. “Osta, everything is going to be okay. I promise.”
“It’s all ruined. My entire life is ruined. I should have just kept my mouth shut. Now I have no future. No prospects,” she murmured, her hands going limp in mine.
“We’re going to get through this. I can try to talk to General Ashford again, ask him if he’s heard from any of the Nobility?” I added. I didn’t particularly want to, but I would do it for her.
“There’s no point. If they were interested, they would have reached out by now.”
“Osta, you don’t even sound like yourself. You’re really starting to scare me.” I grabbed her hand a bit too forcefully. “Now stop acting like me.”
A small laugh escaped her lips, and after a few seconds, she looked over at me again.
I sighed. “We’re going to figure this out.”
“You really think so?”
“Of course. It’s you. And whatever you do next, it’s going to be better than working for Thearna.”
“I guess a small part of me is happy I don’t have to see her every day.” Osta shrugged, sitting a bit straighter.
“Exactly.”
“I just need to get my mind off of it.” She pouted, almost back to the Osta I knew.
A realization hit me. It was rare that I had the ability to remedy anything for her.
I wasn’t going to squander the chance.
“Well… I don’t know how I can distract you at the moment, but tomorrow… I’m going out with some fellow recruits. I don’t know if you’d be interested in joining…” I said slowly. I arched an eyebrow in anticipation.
Osta whipped her bloodshot eyes toward me. They widened even more once she saw my expression.
“Excuse me? Fia. You’re doing what now?” Osta’s entire position changed as she pulled herself up and faced me, legs crossed. She wiped the tears from her cheeks, and a grin snuck up her lips.
“They invited me out after training. I think you’d like them. And they would love you. Everyone does.”
Osta squealed.
“Fia. I am so proud right now. My little socialite! I’ve taught you well.” She sighed in self-satisfaction.
Mission accomplished.
“Briar–one of the recruits, was hoping that I knew some good places to go out in Luminaria. Obviously, you’re much more versed in that. Would you want to meet us at the Compound tomorrow evening with a game plan?” I eyed her, anticipating an explosion.
“Fia. I am so excited. Yes, yes, yes! Oh my, there are so many options…” she trailed off, eyes shifting as she rifled through her thoughts.
