“That’s the same threat that you’ve always used to control us. What does that have to do with Ever?”
“We should be vigilant of outsiders with the gift of Aslendrix.”
“We’ve welcomed outsiders before. We have a whole division of Watchers for that very purpose.” It doesn’t happen often. It’s rare, but this isn’t the first time the Watchers have broughtpeople to our land with the gifts of Aslendrix. Why is everyone getting so focused on her?
But, as the question builds in my mind, I think over my encounters, and I already know she’s different. My own actions have confirmed that. But I thought that was just me.
“Just obey my command, Aten.” I grit my jaw and look at my father.
Would he ever tell me why he chose to forsake me?
“That would carry a lot more weight if I still belonged to your Order, Father. I am no longer yours to command.” I turn and leave, not offering him a chance to answer.
And I go directly to Ever.
I pace outside, second-guessing myself.
“Fuck it.” I bang my fist on her door. But there’s no answer. I raise my fist again and listen instead of bringing it against the solid wood.
Is Micah still with her? It was bad enough in the classroom, but now, my heart begins to race at the thought of him in her room. A stupid fucking response.
I’ve never been jealous in my life.
My fist connects again, beating on the door.
“Alright, alright,” I hear her complain a second before she flings the door open, her eyes popping wide as she takes me in. Before they narrow a fraction. “Oh. It’s you.”
“Were you expecting someone else?” The disappointment at her words bruises.
“No. It’s just— I wasn’t expecting you.” She pushes her hair behind her ear and leans into the door, looking at me with such intensity, it’s unnerving.
“I can go if you have company.” I step back.
“Company? No. It’s fine. Come in.” She seems to snap out of whatever she’s thinking and leaves the door open as she hurries into the room. I step in and follow, looking around, and she rushes towards the room at the far end, closing the door to it and turning back to me. “What do you want?” She crosses her arms over her chest.
It’s my turn to stare. She looks different from how I keep picturing her from the other night. Anxious, maybe or uncertain. It’s like she’s showing me different versions of herself every time we’re together, and it spurs me on to find out just how many versions of her there are. Only my mind seems to stop on the vision of her the other night.
I force myself to stop dwelling on her lying on the ground, thrashing against whatever vision was running through her mind.
“Don’t be defensive.”
She rolls her eyes. “Fine. What can I do for you, Ten?” She offers a fake smile before going to one of the couches and curling her legs under her as she sits.
“You’re back to training. No more weird treatment.” She looks up at me with hope in her eyes, so bright it’s blinding.
“Really?”
“Yeah. It’s still a no for the practical training, but… that will come in time.” I step around the words that I know won’t do either of us any favours.
“And you thought you’d deliver the good news yourself.”
“Kind of. We fought Rowan to let you in. Plus, I did say I would help you.” I want to remind her that it’s not just Micah fucking Star who wants to look out for her.
“We?”
I lean on the back of the couch opposite her, resting my hands on the firm back. “The rest of us. Your fellow trainees.”
“Why would they do that? None of you know me.” She pulls her gaze to her hands in her lap, and it reminds me how alone she is here.
