She tries some more to assure me that everything will be fine, but in the end, there’s not much she can do, is there?
What’s worse is that I was never taught any of these things. I never learned any of this. Until today, I didn’t even knowthat people outside of the Sons of Tenebrais use different types of energy to supplement their chaotic core. I didn’t know souls were reserved only for the top percent. And I didn’t know that our bodies metabolize energy from the environment.
All things I’m not able to do.
Elysand confirms that there is a reward waiting for me for myvalorousbehavior: a pretty sum of a hundredslova. I thank him and excuse myself for the day.
“You know what? Take the rest of the week off. Rest. You must be tired.”
His words surprise me, so I nod and leave.
As I leave the Central Administration, I once more find myself wandering aimlessly—still digesting the information I learned.
Perhaps it’s because I know no one else in this world; or perhaps it’s because it’s the only place I feel…something, so it’s not surprising when I find myself in the Mortal District.
It’s late and I doubt the businesses are still open. But I end up at the same restaurant anyway.
The lights are dim inside, so I just stand there, in front of the door, staring into empty space.
I don’t know how long I stand there, but at some point, the sound of a door unlocking snaps me out of my reverie.
“Nykander?” A soft voice asks. “What are you doing here at this hour? The restaurant is closed.”
16
Ilet my eyes feast on her. She’s no longer wearing her work clothes. She’s dressed in a dark blue gown that emphasizes her trim figure. But it’s her hair that has me mesmerized. Usually it’s tied up in a tight bun at the nape of her neck. Now her hair is unbound, cascading freely down her shoulders, its length reaching her hips.
“Nykander?” She repeats when I don’t answer.
I open my mouth and close it. This was a bad idea.
“Sorry,” I mutter and step away.
I turn, and her arm reaches out.
“You… are you all right?” She asks in a small voice.
“I…” I gulp down. I am not fine. But I’m not about to burden her with this.
I give her a tight smile and shake my head, once more turning to leave.
“Don’t go,” she whispers.
I turn to her in shock.
“Come.” She takes my hand and pulls me inside. “We can go in the back.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want you to get in trouble..”
“There is no one here. Come.”
I let her lead me across the restaurant to the back. It’s a small room with a round table, two chair and a sink. “It’s our break room,” she explains when she sees me look around.
I grunt.
She offers me a chair, and I sit down without a word.
“I… I’ll get some food. Wait a moment.”
