Last night? They were together last night?
Luna shrugs her shoulders and sips from her glass, avoiding his gaze.
Evander pushes roughly away from the table and strides quickly from the dining hall.
“What happened last night?”
“Nothing.” She rolls her eyes. “We were in the library reading. I didn’t realize I had to tell him every thought I have.”
My lips tug up at the corners as I study her innocent expression. “Evander hates reading.”
“Um, so training this afternoon?” Tane asks, hopefully. His head bobs as he stares down the table at everyone.
I shake my head, clearing thoughts of Luna and Evander from my mind. “Of course. I just need to go over a few things and check in with Freya and Odr.” Pushing my plate away, I stand. “I’ll see you all this afternoon!”
I find Freya and Odr on the terrace that overlooks the capital, the same place we had our talk a few days ago. Their heads are pressed together and their eyes are closed. I feel like I’m intruding. But the sound of my boots against the marble gives me away before I can turn around and head back into the Great Hall.
“Lena,” Freya calls. “Come join us.”
Spinning back around, I plaster a smile on my face. “I’m so sorry. Didn’t mean to intrude.”
Odr smiles. “Nonsense—this is your home.”
I plop down onto the bench in front of their chairs.
“We’re resuming our training today. Would you both be able to stick around and give some pointers?”
Freya stares at me, her mind a million miles away. Odr brushes a hand down her back as she focuses on me.
“Yes. We will help with that. Lena, have you learned to fly yet?” She eyes my absence of wings.
My cheeks redden and I look down at the hands clasped in my lap. “Not yet.”
“Who has been instructing you?”
“Lachlan has.”
“Ahh I see. You might need someone with a bit more flight knowledge. I’d be happy to instruct you.” She dips her chin stiffly, like that settles the matter.
“I’m sure you have more important things to attend to than teaching me how to fly.”
She nods, biting her lip. The action is so normal, so human. “That is true. But it is a necessity that you learn as quickly as possible. It is an invaluable skill—especially in battle.”
I purse my lips, my nostrils flaring. “Of course.”
“Did you have questions for us?” Odr asks, shifting forward in his seat.
“Uh yes! Actually—can you look over these reports and make sure we’re on track? I have no idea what I’m looking for. And we’re training after lunch today.”
I ease from my seat and head off to check on Evander. My necklace turns cold against my skin and I stop in my tracks. The shadow of a large bird streaks across the path in front of me, my eyes following its flight path. The edges of my vision dim, much like it did in Badb’s temple. The memory swirls in my mind.
“Lena?” Freya’s voice pierces my thoughts. “Is everything alright?”
I turn back towards her. My shoulders almost touch my ears.
“I think I heard Babd once, in her temple. Before all of this happened. What could that mean?”
Silence reigns.
