Page 98 of Riftborne
His words stirred something within me. The truth was… I did trust him. And I’m not exactly certain when that had become clear.
“Did you know?” I asked, in an attempt to quell the ache.
“Know what? That you harbored that ability? No. But I’ve thought your focus was unique from the beginning. It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen. It seems to be connected to the mind in even stronger ways than I initially thought.”
“It is,” I blurted before I could stop myself.
He glanced over at me with curiosity. “Go on.”
“When I summoned it this time, instead of blasting into Baelor’s mind like all the times before–I was able to enter his head softly, almost tenderly, like it wasn’t dangerous–wasn’t a threat. And I could sense my focus searching for something, an access point of some kind. And when it found what it was looking for in his mind, I just knew. I knew I could command him. I can’t really explain it better than that. I know it’s not much to go on…” I trailed off, realizing I had never before said this many words to him in a single setting.
“Incredible,” he whispered, clearly deep in thought.
I looked at him. It had been so long since I’d seen him. I missed the face that stared back at me, the one that was laced with that mysterious curiosity that used to drive me mad. Now it threatened to push me over the edge.
“I guess that’s one way to describe it,” I murmured, hiding my flushed cheeks.
“Fia. This is a dangerous ability, and it comes with a lot of risks. You can’t tell anyone about it. I’m serious. You need to convince your friends that what they saw wasn’t real. I know it’s going to be hard, but you never truly know who you can trust. We all learn that the hard way. In some form or another.” His eyes were burning holes into the side of my face.
“I”ll try. I’ll make sure they don’t perpetuate it, at least,” I said, bringing my gaze back to him. A part of me wanted to reach out and touch him, but I suddenly noticed how dark it had gotten in the room.
“Erm–I have to go. It’s getting late,” I mumbled, standing.Fuck.Osta’s celebration would be starting any minute.
“Where are you going?” He stood as well, concerned etched into his features.
“Osta got a job with Lady Soleil–thanks for that, by the way. But Raine is throwing her a party in celebration. I can’t miss it.”
Laryk pursed his lips, clearly trying to come up with a valid objection.
“I need to talk to them, like you said,” I reassured him, reaching back to grab my bag.
“Where are you going to tell them that you’ve been? This conversation never happened. We don’t have a training session scheduled for today. I’m not taking any risks,” he stated, raising an eyebrow.
“What do you suggest I say?” I responded, crossing my arms.
He walked toward the mirrors, rubbing his chin.
After a few moments, he turned and faced me. “Tell them that Lieutenant Mercer sent you to sign some paperwork that got looked over on your first day. By the time you were done, the session was over, so you went shopping.”
I nearly laughed.
“Shopping?” I said, “Really?”
“Yes, Fia. Shopping. You clearly don’t have time to go home and change. You’re wearing the same training leathers from earlier. It’s been at least two hours.”
“I’m confused,” I admitted, squinting my eyes and shifting my weight.
“Go to the back and clean up. I’ll be right back,” he said, turning towards the front door.
“Wait–”
“Clean up. Now,” he ordered without giving me another glance.
Soon enough,I was stepping out of the shower. I couldn’t deny how good it felt to be clean after Mercer’s agonizing training session.
I glanced over at the counter, noticing a few bottles and jars I didn’t remember seeing. I walked over, examining them. Hair products… makeup… perfume? I glanced at my reflection in the mirror, only to find that there was a dress hanging on the shelf behind me.That certainly wasn’t here before.
Did he come in here while I was in the shower? No boundaries at all...
