Page 28 of Ava's Love of the Dragons
She grumbled, "Booooring!"
Lynn snorted in amusement. "Nonsense, you just have to keep up appearances. In reality, we're working on an extremely exciting project, and Lilly voluntarily comes to the library for two extra hours after lunch."
The girl pressed her finger to her lips, and then Lynn winked at her and turned back to Ava. "But let's hear more about you. Have you conquered your inner demons yet?"
Did everyone really know about her task?
Ava massaged her cramping calves. "I jog every day and know why I'm doing it. It probably won't be long before Master Clark recognizes my determination. At least I hope so, because time is running out."
Lilly nodded seriously. "Because Kilian has to marry the princess soon. We need the solution before that!"
There was a stabbing sensation in Ava's stomach, but she ignored it by flicking her hair out of her forehead and jutting out her chin. "I'm primarily concerned about the dragons."
"Of course." Lilly rolled her eyes demonstratively, while Marcus smiled at Ava.
"I'm glad you're not thinking about the dragon fighter anymore. Your destiny is with the dragons, and as soon as you're ready, we'll go to our people and?—"
Lilly groaned, but it was Lynn who interrupted him. "Ava doesn't belong to your people, Marcus. You can tell that at first glance."
He narrowed his eyes suspiciously, his mischievous expression now only half-hearted. Ava had never seen him so dismissive. "What do you know about my people, Lynn?"
She smiled calmly. "Everything. That's why I also know that it's in your genes not to fight. You're peaceful and good-natured, which is why all the guardians used to come from your people. But times have changed. Nowadays, a guardian needs different skills. Just look into Ava's eyes, and you'll see that she's cut from a completely different cloth than you."
He glided his gaze admiringly over Ava. "As if I hadn't recognized that from the first moment. It was love at first sight."
"That's laying it on a bit thick." Laughing, Ava patted his hand to lighten the mood—although she certainly understood that he meant it seriously. But she wasn't ready to be in a relationship, to trust someone and let them get close to her. She probably never would be. Moreover, the feelings she had for Marcus were just as a good friend.
She quickly turned to Lynn before Marcus could speak about the tiresome topic again. "Do you have any idea who I might be descended from?"
"What do you know about your parents?"
The lump she usually felt in her throat at this topic of conversation didn't have a chance to form this time, since she waved it away with the utmost composure. The jogging seemed to be working. "Nothing. I told you everything yesterday..." ...she kept it short and sweet, because the others had kept asking, and she wanted to finally put the matter to rest.
Marcus stroked her hand. She withdrew it resolutely and grabbed the tray with her dishes. "I should head to bed soon."
Lilly's eyes widened in disbelief. "Already? But the sun has just set!"
Ava winked at her. "True, but unlike you, I get up before daybreak."
"And she jogs several kilometers every day," Marcus added.
Nodding tiredly, she stood up. "Exactly. I'll see you tomorrow. Good night."
Marcus immediately jumped up from his chair. "I'll walk you to your room."
"That's not necessary."
"Yes, it is! I need to discuss something with you alone."
Lilly rolled her eyes demonstratively. "We all know you're in love with her!"
Even Lynn let out a laugh, but Marcus felt no shame. He winked mischievously at Lilly. "Well, and yet she's never kissed me. So I can't give up yet, don't you think?"
The girl just shrugged and leaned towards Lynn. The two seemed content to talk alone, as they immediately delved into a conversation. Ava observed this with approval. It was good that Lilly had someone else to relate to. Perhaps it would even make sense to leave the girl here once her training was complete, in order to keep her out of danger.
As soon as they had put away their used dishes, Marcus linked arms with her and led her out of the room as if they were on their way to a rendezvous. Because the day had indeed exhausted her—okay, not just that day, but all the past days combined—she allowed his arm to remain at her side as they left the dining hall.
Once they had climbed the stairs to the sleeping quarters and were in the corridor where her and Lilly's rooms were located, he stopped. "Ava, I overheard something and I need to talk to you about it."
