Page 267 of Midnights
He laughs, tipping his head back, but when he straightens, I can see the worry in his eyes. “You ever think about what comes next?”
I frown. “What do you mean?”
He runs a hand through his hair with a sigh. “I mean… all of this. The training, the magic, all the shit you’ve been looking for. You know, like if you’re going to stick around once you find out?”
The question sits heavy between us, pressing into my ribs like a weight I don’t know how to carry yet. I don’t answer right away, because the truth is, I don’t know the answer. I've thought about it several times and still can't figure out what I want.
I swirl my drink, watching the liquid spin as I gather my thoughts.I guess I’ve been trying not to think too far ahead. “Everything’s happening so fast, and it’s easier to just focus on the step right in front of me instead of trying to piece together some grand, life-altering destiny I didn’t ask for. Ya know? Besides, I doubt I’m the girl everyone thinks I am.”
Tyler nods, his usual teasing is nowhere to be found and that's what worries me. “Fair enough.”
There’s something I’ve been dying to ask him, and he seems to be in a chatty mood. So, here goes nothing. “Why haven’t I met him yet?”
“Who?”
I shrug, hoping he doesn’t notice how casual I’mtryingto be. “The King. Or the Queen?”
The air in the room tightens and he sets his drink down, but the way his jaw ticks tells me I’ve hit a nerve. “What do you mean?”
“I mean… I’ve been here for weeks. I’ve met a bunch of people, been training, learning, trying to figure out whatever the hell is going on with me. But he’s supposed to be the one in charge around here, right?” I tilt my head, still coming up short. “Shouldn’t he be involved in some way? Shouldn’t I have seen them by now?”
He holds my stare for a long second before looking away, drumming his fingers against the table. “The King… doesn’t get involved in things unless hewantsto.”
I narrow my eyes. “That’s a vague non-answer. What the fuck Tyler?”
His lips twitch, but the amusement doesn’t reach his eyes. “That’s the only answer you’re getting.”
The wine is making my brain slower, or maybe it’s making me too aware, because something about his response doesn't sit right with me. He’s usuallypretty open when I ask him questions. He's never actually shut me down like that before.
“What aren’t you telling me?”
He exhales sharply through his nose, shaking his head like he’s regretting even entertaining this conversation. “You should drop it, Bird.” The nickname comes out as a warning this time. Which only makes me more curious.
“Tyler.” I fix him with a pointed stare. “You know something.”
He hesitates. Just for a second, but that’s all I needed to know. Just more secrets. More lying. Of course.
His eyes shoot to the window and my stomach is in knots. I can hear the thunder in the distance, which means I need to calm down.
“Look,” he says, quieter now. “The King isn’t just some guy sitting on a throne, making decisions about taxes and trade deals.” He lifts his drink again but doesn’t take a sip. “He’s not someone you seek out. If he wants to see you, he’ll find you.”
My pulse picks up. “So why hasn’t he?”
When he finally meets my eyes, something dark flickers behind them. “Maybe, he already has.”
A chill rolls down my spine as he finishes off his drink, and I can tell the conversation is apparently over. Whatever he’s not telling me, I’m going to find out.
The days pass, blending seamlessly into one another as I settle into a routine that’s both exhausting and strangely satisfying.
I wake up to the soft glow of dawn filtering through my window, and I can feel the crisp air. After a quick breakfast, it’s straight to training with Elle, so I better grab a sweater.
Most days, she hands me my ass without breaking a sweat. Turns out, she really was going easy on me that first day, and hasn’t let me forget it. Her sessions are brutal, and they're designed to push every limit I thought I had.And then push them further. Every punch, every dodge, every swing of a blade carves away at the weaker version of myself.
Despite the intensity, I can feel the difference in my body. My reflexes are sharper, and my movements feel more deliberate. I’m getting stronger, faster, and more in tune with my instincts. It’s not just physical though, for the first time I can feel a connection beginning to hum under my skin. My mind and my body might finally be on the same page.
Elle, of course, doesn't let me dwell on it for too long.
“Focus, Rae!” She shouts, and I barely dodge her next swing.
