Page 70 of Riftborne
“Whatever you want to do.” I squeezed her shoulder before standing.
“Thanks, Fia. Seriously, I can’t believe you made friends. That’s so incredible.”
I winked at her before standing and taking a few paces towards my room. I paused.
“Sleepover in the living room?” I asked, whipping around to face her.
“Obviously.” She grinned, throwing a pillow at me.
I laughed, catching it and tossing it back. “I’ll go get the extra blankets. We can make a fort like the old days.”
“Yeah, now that Fairbanks isn’t around to rip it to shreds.” The sound of our laughter echoed through the small apartment as I rounded the corner.
“Wantto wash up in the recruit quarters? It shouldn’t be too busy right now. Base, Scales, and Fang don’t finish until later,” Raine said, out of breath, as we made our way back to the Compound from the field.
“I probably don’t smell my best.” I laughed. “So, yes. Thank you.”
Training had become even more brutal, but I wasn’t sure whether to blame it on the sprints or the ache in my muscles that had become nearly permanent.
“Is every day going to be like this?” I asked, following Raine through the front gate. We had to squeeze through the large influx of bodies in the lobby, all wearing pristine white shirts.
“No idea, I seriously hope not.” She sighed. “I mean, at some point we’ll have to learn actual combat skills, right? It can’t all be defense and evasion.”
“One would think,” I mumbled as she led me into the Compound’s lobby, through the mess hall and social area, to the door that sat in the middle of the back wall, between two loungingsofas. She pushed the door open to reveal the stairs that would take us down to the recruitment lodging.
As I stepped backinto Raine’s room, I found her in the corner, running a belt through the loops of a pair of blue-gray silk trousers. A high-necked blouse of the same color was tucked expertly, and her braids were twisted into a knot at the back of her head.
Briar was lounging on a bench, sporting a dark-green collared shirt and brown dress trousers. Perhaps I’d packed the wrong outfit for this outing. I glanced down at my typical Apothecary get-up. I’d picked the shirt with the least number of stains, at least.
Osta was waiting for us outside the gates, making conversation with a dark-haired recruit. As we approached, I saw her twirling her hair through her fingers in typical Osta fashion. Of course she had already found a member to flirt with…Wait.My eyes narrowed as I recognized the man.
Nazul.
Absolutely fucking not.
I quickened my pace, trying to get her attention.
Her eyes brightened as she saw us walking towards her, then soured as she looked me up and down. She shook her head but returned to her politeness upon noticing Briar and Raine a step behind me.
Nazul turned and noticed us approaching. He nodded at Osta and whispered something in her ear before sauntering off down the street.
“You must be Fia’s new friends!” Osta cooed, skipping over to us. Osta elbowed me in approval, causing heat to rush over my face.
“Osta, meet Raine and Briar.” I motioned between the three of them.
“Pleasure,” Raine nodded with a bright smile.
“Aren’t you just adorable,” Briar mused, “And look at this dress! You’re absolutely divine.”
Osta was beaming.
She wore a pale ivory dress that fell just below her knees in simple ruffles. The sleeves hung off her shoulders, billowing out. It was all brought together by a muted floral corset that laced up the back.
“Thank you! It’s lovely to meet the two of you,” she gushed, before stepping close to me and whispering, “I brought something for you to wear.” Heat flushed my cheeks again as I glanced down at my simple brown trousers and beige top.
I could only imagine what Osta had chosen for me.
With a groan, I held out my hand towards her. She pushed her backpack toward me with excitement.
