Page 26 of Tempest Awakening
"It's... complicated," he said finally, his voice carefully neutral. His jaw clenched briefly before he continued. "There are expectations. But also opportunities."
I nodded, sensing there was more he wasn't saying. "Opportunities for what?"
He studied me for a moment, his intense gaze making me fidget with the hem of my shirt. "For change. For... something more."
His words resonated with me more than I expected. "I can understand that," I said softly.
Kane's eyebrow arched slightly. "Can you?" There was a challenge in his tone, but also a hint of curiosity. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.
I took a deep breath, my hands clasped tightly in my lap. "I didn't exactly choose to come here," I admitted. "I had nowhere else to go when Moriyana offered me this job. But now that I'm here..." I paused, chewing on my lower lip as I gathered my thoughts. "It feels like a chance at something bigger than I ever imagined."
Kane nodded slowly, his expression unreadable. "We're both looking for more, then. In our own ways."
"I guess we are," I agreed, feeling an unexpected connection forming between us.
"Just remember," Kane said, his tone growing serious again, his posture straightening, "new opportunities come with their own risks. Be careful what you wish for."
I met his gaze steadily, resisting the urge to look away. "Some things are worth the risk."
A ghost of a smile played on Kane's lips, there and gone in an instant. "Maybe you're not as naive as I thought."
As he turned to leave, rolling his shoulders as if to shake off the conversation, I found myself calling out, "Kane."
He paused, glancing over his shoulder. "Yes?"
"Thank you," I said, surprising even myself. "For the advice. And for not giving up on me entirely."
He stared at me for a moment, eyes narrowed. "Don't make me regret it," he replied, his hand reaching for the doorknob.
Just then, a light knock interrupted us, and the door swung open before either of us could respond. A stunningly beautiful woman with long, crimson hair and almond-shaped eyes stepped into the room, her movements graceful and fluid.
"Oh, I hope I'm not interrupting anything important," she said. Her gaze flickered between Kane and me, a playful smile tugging at her lips.
Kane's posture stiffened slightly. "Akira," he acknowledged with a curt nod. "We were just finishing up."
The woman—Akira—turned her attention to me. "You must be Tess, our new human archivist. I'm Akira, liaison for the Far East supernatural communities here at the Dragonne Library."
I stood, offering my hand. "It's nice to meet you, Akira."
Instead of shaking my hand, Akira clasped it between both of hers. "The pleasure is all mine. I've been so looking forward to meeting you!"
Her enthusiasm was infectious. "I'm glad to meet you too. I'm just getting started here, so any friendly faces are more than welcome."
Akira laughed, a sound like tinkling bells. "Oh, you'll find plenty of those here, I'm sure. Especially once word gets out about your project. Speaking of which," she turned to include Kane in the conversation, "I understand that you're helping with the oral history project?"
Kane's eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly. "Yes, Tess will be collecting stories from various beings connected to the library."
"How fascinating!" Akira exclaimed, her eyes wide with apparent interest. "You know, I have extensive connections within the Far East supernatural communities. I'd be more than happy to help you find some unique perspectives for your project."
"That would be wonderful, Akira. Thank you so much."
Kane cleared his throat. "While that's a generous offer, Akira, we should be careful not to overwhelm Tess on her first day. Perhaps we can discuss this further once she's had a chance to settle in."
"Of course, of course. No rush at all. I'm just excited to help however I can."
She turned back to me. "Tess, why don't we have tea sometime this week? I'd love to chat more about your project and maybe share some stories of my own."
"I'd like that," I replied, glad to be meeting potential friends.
