Chapter 33
P rasan popped a plate of carbonara in front of me. “My speciality. You’ll love it.”
I’d usually be all over the delicious dish, but my appetite was gone and my mind and body too focused on Serath sitting on the other end of the table. I couldn’t see him, thank goodness, but his scent was in my head.
Was I in his head too?
Probably. Hence the issue.
This thing between us was getting stronger, and being apart for two weeks only seemed to have made me more acutely aware of his presence.
Selas passed me some garlic bread, but I shook my head. I’d have enough trouble with what was already on my plate.
Willowman entered, bringing the aroma of fresh air with him, and took his favorite spot opposite me. “Prasan’s carbonara. Cameron, you’re in for a treat.” He rubbed his hands together. “I love this dish.”
“There’s plenty more where that came from,” Prasan said.
“Mind if I take some for Varsa?”
“Of course not. I’ll pack you some.”
“How is Varsa?” I twirled some linguini on my fork. “Looking forward to our next herbology lesson?” We’d been working on healing and rejuvenation tinctures the past couple of weeks—the basic pick-me-ups to use on wounded guardians to speed up healing and get them on their feet faster.
Willowman swallowed a mouthful of pasta and shrugged. “I don’t know. He doesn’t speak to me. Only you.”
“Oh?” Serath leaned forward slightly so I caught the tip of his profile. The straight nose and strong chin. “He’s completely non-verbal when Cameron isn’t there?”
Willowman nodded. “It’s the darndest thing. I can’t explain it. He seems almost coherent when she’s around.”
Varsa was fast becoming a friend. “I like spending time with him. He knows so many interesting facts.”
Willowman’s golden eyes dimmed. “Varsa was always a bit of a scholar. Being a guardian wasn’t his first choice, but the Stone Council…” He sighed. “Well, you know how it is.”
Everyone murmured their understanding.
“Eat,” Prasan said to me with an exasperated sigh. “It’s no good if it’s cold.”
We ate in silence for a few minutes before Willowman broke it.
“I’ll be leaving in the morning. My contact in the rim finally replied.”
“The blood sample?” Selas asked.
I sat up straighter. “Is it still viable?”
“Yes, but I brought my kit so we can take another one just in case.”
“How long till you return with answers?” Serath asked.
“A few days. Hopefully before the cadet exams, but I can’t promise.”
I’d waited this long, what did a few more days matter? “I haven’t felt any weird flushes recently, and I’ve mastered my partial shift.” I held up my hand and flashed my talons.
Serath hadn’t seen this little trick yet, and I couldn’t help the pang of pride his soft exclamation evoked.
“I heard you used it on Mr. Lowther in training today,” Orix said with a smirk. “Nice.”
“Has he bothered you at all since Carter spoke to him?” Selas asked.
I shook my head. “No. He backed off.”
“Good.”
“Are you looking forward to the field exercise tomorrow?” Prasan asked.
“I’m nervous but excited to see what I can do. You guys have been so amazing training me. I feel ready.”
Prasan patted my back. “It’s been a pleasure.”
“Hey!” Orix said. “You came to what? Three sessions?”
Prasan looked affronted. “I’ve been providing nutritional support.”
Selas chuckled softly. “We’ve all done our part.”
Serath shoved back his chair abruptly. “Excuse me.” He left via the stairwell door.
“At least he ate the carbonara,” Prasan said. “I hate wasting food.” He looked pointedly at my plate.
I rolled my eyes. “It’s delicious.” I tucked in, ignoring the rolling queasy sensation in my stomach at Serath’s sudden departure. If we were going to coexist, then I needed to learn to block him out. I had to be less focused on his presence, his moods, him.
It would take time, but I was determined to master it.
For both our sakes.
* * *
We’d just finished cleaning up when the buzzer on the wall lit up and the sound of a doorbell filled the room.
The elite froze, exchanging confused glances. Visitors were rare. As in, never. The only person that came here was Willowman, and he had a key.
“Are you expecting anyone?” Selas asked Orix.
“You know I don’t bring my guests here,” Orix said on his way to the stairwell. “I’ll see who it is.”
Taz appeared as if out of nowhere and padded after him, his personal feline shadow.
I finished loading the plates into the dishwasher and wiped the countertop.
“What’s your plan for the evening?” Prasan asked.
“Shower then bed with a book.”
“You can join us for a movie if you like.” He smiled kindly. “We have a few on tape here.”
It had been too long since I’d watched a movie. “What do you have?”
“You can take a look. Romi built quite a collection.” He winced.
“It’s okay to talk about him. We’re going to get him back.”
His warm brown eyes shone with an echo of my confidence. “Yes, we are.”
“Cameron.” Orix stood at the stairwell door. “It’s for you.”
Huh? “Me?”
Prasan frowned. “Who is it?”
“Come and see,” Orix said in a sing-song voice.
I followed him down the stairs to the entrance hall to find it filled with my friends.
“What are you guys doing here?”
“We came to see if you’d like to come to a party,” Ginia said with a cheeky smile.
“We have parties here?”
She leaned in and stage-whispered, “A secret pre-exam party to let off some steam.”
“La, la, la, can’t hear anything,” Orix said, turning his back on us.
“Absolutely not,” Prasan said, bristling. “Cameron needs her rest before—”
“Chill out, mother hen,” Orix said. “Don’t you remember how it used to be? This could be the last time they get to blow off some steam before the actual cadet exams.” He grinned at me. “Go, have fun.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Prasan looked seriously concerned.
“It’s the last time everyone might be together,” Selas said from the metal staircase. Touron’s head whipped up, his gaze fixing on her in an expression that looked almost like adoration. “After the cadet exams, not everyone will be here to celebrate,” she finished.
There was no real choice here. My friends had come to get me, and I was going with them. “Let’s do this.”