Chapter 23
Chapter
Twenty-Three
ARA
Even though I’m allowed to leave the grounds now, I’m tempted to sneak out just for the fun of it and as a tribute to old times, but my brother closed the gap, and flying is a lot more comfortable anyway.
I’m invited to dinner at my uncle’s, and I jumped at the opportunity. I’m looking forward to seeing Sloan, and avoiding Tate is a plus. It’s a warm night, and in contrast to the night I got locked out, not only are there enough windows open but the others also know where I’m going. Even Tate.
Okay, I let Jared know. But I’m sure he told him by now.
The sun is just setting on the horizon when I climb onto Solaris’s back, and we swoop down from the roof of the sleeping quarters.
We win in height with every powerful stroke of his wings.
The city spreads out beneath us, the higher structures of the arena, temple hill, and the academy tinted red by the sun’s glow.
Despite Solaris not being in full flame, I still spot some faces turned skyward, watching us while we close in on the merchant quarter and descend over my uncle’s house.
We land right next to the big fountain I hid behind when secretly visiting Sloan, and the big glass doors to the parlor are thrown open as soon as my feet hit the ground.
“Took you long enough.” Sloan envelops me in a hug. “Are they not feeding you at this Aerie of yours?” Her eyes scan over me.
“Lots of workout and learning magic. I burn through everything I ever could eat.” I grin.
“Maybe I should try it sometime, too,” Sloan jokes, patting her hip. “Our cook created a new dessert. She’s making it tonight, and I tell you, it’s to die for.” She ushers me into the house while a sweet older woman spreads a big variety of food in front of Solaris.
I look back at him.
“I’m good,” he tells me, and I chuckle while the woman oohs and aahs about Solaris’s beauty.
“Do I have to borrow a cart to get you home later?” I tease.
“Quite possibly,” he replies.
“That I will have to get used to,” Sloan declares while watching me. We stopped just past the doors.
“Sorry, I just checked in with Solaris.” I grin at her. “What were you saying?”
Sloan launches into stories about the people invited tonight, but my thoughts drift off.
Somehow, people affronting each other and petty rivalry seem so … inconsequential. Why do they even bother with it? And for the first time, there is a wall separating Sloan and me, a wall made of ignorance, and I’m not sure if I should pity or envy her for it.
The dinner just started when I’m already bored out of my mind.
And the thought that this could be my future…
I repress a shudder, feigning interest in the story of a merchant’s son, who claims to have made the deal of his lifetime with…
I can’t even remember what it was, wool of blind sheep from Kystis or something like that?
“Those goats are amazing…” Oh, right, it was goats. I tune him out again, giving him an empty smile and a nod now and again.
“Do you think he will stop talking if I scream?” I ask Solaris, and his amusement floods me.
“Worth a shot,” he agrees, and I contemplate it. Since we were introduced, he talked about nothing but how great he is.
“You could also stab him with your fork,” Solaris suggests.
“And say what … oops, I missed my plate?” I bite my lip to hold in my laughter while twirling the fork between my fingers. My aunt intervenes, either because she pities me or dreads the drama.
“I’m sorry to interrupt, but may I have a word with my niece? I see her so rarely.” There is blissful silence next to me at her words, before the man turns to Sloan on his other side and continues his story like she’s been attentively listening all along.
I sigh in relief.
“It’s so nice that you make time to visit Sloan regularly. She is so much happier lately.” My aunt beams at me. “But take the front door next time, yes?”
Visit? Front door?
I plaster a smile on my face to hide my confusion. I have no idea what Sloan told her, but I’m not going to land her in trouble by contradicting it.
“Yeah, now that I’m here in Telos, I have to make use of the time we have.” I nod.
“It’s great that you girls get along so well. Maybe we’ll send her with you to Avina.” She winks at me and turns to the guest next to her. Her statement makes me want to throw up.
Why did she have to speak of me going to Avina when I so successfully banned Frederick from my mind?
The food is good, and Sloan didn’t lie about the dessert, but I don’t get much down. My aunt's comment has ruined my appetite.
The night is warm, and after hours of sitting, I decide a walk is just what I need.
Since Solaris wouldn’t be comfortable circling in the dark, I send him back.