Page 86 of House of Marionne

He shoves Felix’s shoulders hard, but his friend laughs.

“You play too much,” Jordan says to Felix. “You didn’t have to scare her like that.”

“I wasn’t scared,” I lie.

“Just having some fun with the little heiress,” Felix says.

“Get back inside,” Jordan barks.

Felix disappears inside the guard shack, and I swear I hear muffled groans. My brows dent.

“If it’s a bad time—”

“It’s a fine time. I’m just surprised to see you.”

My gaze falls.

“I heard,” he says.

I meet his eyes, thanking him for not forcing me to say it. I’m ashamed enough as it is. I needed to do a good job, but I wanted to do a good job, too. Would making my House proud of me be such a terrible thing? Is that selfish of me?

“Headmistress was able to get the Council to give me a second chance.”

His edges harden as he pulls me away from the guard shack.

“She said it wasn’t customary.”

“I want you here as much as she does, but—there are rules, Quell.”

He wants me here. “I didn’t ask for a second chance.”

“But you would take it,” Jordan says.

“She didn’t give me a choice.”

His jaw clenches.

“So I have to try again. And—-” Just spit it out. “I need you—your help practicing how to push magic into my blade, until I’ve solidly got it down.”

Jordan listens without a word until a commotion in the guard shack pierces the quiet that’s settled between us. He sighs. “I have to go. But I’ll do it. You’re going to be ready for the exam. You have my word. Meet me in the conservatory at dusk.”

I stare a moment longer at the disturbance coming from inside the guard shack but can’t surmise a cohesive thought because I’m tunnel focused on my exam. Jordan leaves, and I try to sit in the comfort of the promise he just gave me. He strikes me as someone who doesn’t make empty promises. I’m relieved he’s willing to help after I’ve done my best to push him away.

But what will the danger of his company cost me?

* * *

Night has fallen when I arrive to the conservatory. The gardens are empty, and the only sound that can be heard is the ring of crickets and the bluster of wind. Each step sinks my shoulders as I realize out here, I’m truly alone. Except for Jordan, of course. I spent the day practicing on my own, but I’ve been such a ball of worry, my toushana quickly grew agitated. After my fifth attempt, I decided to rest in my room during Abby’s afternoon sessions to prepare myself for the long night ahead. I don’t want Jordan to go easy on me. For once, the anticipation of him being hard on me quickens my steps. Whatever it takes. I have to pass.

Jordan is nowhere in sight when I reach the glass house. I peer for a look inside, but its windows are slick with fog thanks to the humidity. I twist the handle and step inside. Instead of brick paths trimmed in ivy, my shoes crunch on sand. I run my fingers through its coarse grains. The inside of the conservatory has been changed entirely. There are no plants at all. Instead everything is open air, sandy shore, and a moon grazing the water’s edge. There’s also a weathered facade of a white house with small shuttered windows sitting on the shore. I suck in a breath and ease an unbelieving step forward.

“What is all this?”

Jordan’s hand grazes the back of his neck. “Just trying to help.”

“I don’t understand. I—” I can’t be standing on a beach with salty wind blowing through my hair. “Where are we?”

“We’re still here. On the grounds.” He walks toward me, leaving a trail of sandy footprints, and I shake my head in disbelief. Jordan blows between his fingers, and the sounds of crashing waves and squawking seagulls titillate each and every one of my senses. A lump rises in my throat, and I’m overcome with the weight of an emotion I can’t put into words.

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