Page 100 of Riftborne
It wasn’t difficult to find my friends’ after navigating the masses of Aossí populating the dock. Raine had been sure to reserve the best table amongst the outdoor seating.
“I’msosorry I’m late!” I rushed over, finding an empty space beside Raine, opposite Briar and Osta.
I was surprised to see Nazul had dared to show.
Glasses of varying fullness littered the table. I craved a drink and the relaxation it would bring, but I needed to be of sound mind while I got my story straight.
“Um, hello? Who is this vixen in our midst?” Briar gasped, eyes going wide.
“Fia? Where has this dress been hiding?” In a flurry of movement, Osta made her way around the table to pull me off the chair, clumsily spinning me to get a better look.
“Seriously, Fia! You look hot!” Raine grinned, tilting her drink to me in a salute.
A blush stained my cheeks, and I rolled my eyes, gently guiding Osta back to her seat.
“I…wanted to try something new, so I went shopping today after leaving the Compound.” I hoped I sounded convincing, but when Osta’s eyes widened, I knew I should have just bitten my tongue.
“Shopping?You?And you didn’t inviteme?” Osta held her heart as if stabbed, the alcohol clearly bringing out the dramatics.
“Where did Mercer pull you off to by the way?” Raine jumped in, saving me from one white lie only to force me into another.
I repeated the General's words. “There was paperwork I needed to sign that got looked over on my first day.”
“Well, you got lucky because Mercer didn’t let up on us for the rest of the session,” Briar complained.
Grimacing, I offered an apologetic look at both of them.
“Mind if I sit here?” We looked up to find Draven standing awkwardly next to the table. His black hair, which usually hung in his face, had been pushed back. I could finally see his gray-blue eyes framed by dark lashes. It was obvious he had bulked up from all of our training.
I guess we all held ourselves differently these days.
“Draven! So happy you decided to show up. Sit, sit!” Briar yanked an unoccupied stool from a table behind us, positioning him at the head.
“Yeah, I figured if I was going to get in trouble for the group's activities outside of class, I may as well participate.” He gave us a half smile, settling in.
“Let’s get a round of drinks!” Osta clapped, motioning to the bartender.
Maybe one drink wouldn’t hurt.
Draven was surprisingly funny when intoxicated. I hoped he would start joining our gatherings in the future.
The next few hours passed in an instant.
Before we paid our tab, Osta went to freshen up.
“Did you know General Ashford is back?” Raine asked as we waited for Osta to return.
“I had no idea,” I responded, too quickly.
“I’m sure you'reso excitedhe’s back, Fia. Am I right?” Briar’s voice had gone up an octave and there was a slight slur to his words.
“What do you mean?”
“Why do you look embarrassed? You’re bagging the General. That’s a win!” He giggled, and while it seemed he was being playful, the volume at which he announced it seemed anything but.
“I really don’t know what you’re talking about…” I shifted, hoping no one was listening too intently.
“Briar, quiet down a bit,” Draven said.
