Khalida let out apfftsound. “No, it doesn’t. You’re just trying to divert everyone’s attention from the original topic of conversation.”
And it had been working right up until she opened her big mouth. “It wasn’t boring you? Because I was bored.”
Khalida’s lips thinned. “Jelani, hug her already.”
The male Delphiae shook his head, his lips twitching. “I’d rather stay out of it.”
Wise man.
She huffed. “Soule, you do it.”
Nakoa’s eyes blazed into his. “Don’t even dare.”
Soule’s mouth quirked. “But you and I aren’t exclusive, right?”
Pointing her fork at him, Nakoa said, “Anara is off-limits.”
“Like pretty much every other woman here?” he asked, his voice dry.
“Noteverywoman.”
“So who wouldn’t you care if I took to my bed?”
Nakoa clamped her lips shut.
Khalida let out a tired sigh. “Face it, Nakoa, you two are exclusive.”
A loud whistle rang out that called for everyone’s attention. As a hush instantly fell, I tracked the sound to the hall’s doorway, where Talon and Ajax stood.
“Candidates, get your asses outside,” ordered Ajax as the two males then walked out.
I stood, lifting my hand at my group in a brief wave. “I’ll see you later.” My brows met as Quillen rose, clearly ready to follow. “You’re coming?”
He nodded. “So is Jelani,” he said just as the other male also got to his feet. “Several officiates have been instructed to participate in today’s Xalbia-exercises.”
Striding toward the front door, I inwardly winced as I walked over the spot where one officiate had met his end—the aisle between the tables was too narrow to avoid it.
I sighed. My day had started off good, since I had much to smile about: It was day thirty-nine of Xalbia, my dormant power had finally surfaced, and I would soon be part of the Black Tapestry. I’d also woken to find a Laelap pup sleeping on my chest, cute as a button—always a mood-lifter. I hoped my day wasn’t about to get worse, but with Xalbia, you just never knew.
I cast a sideways glance at Quillen. “Tell me honestly. How much will I hate the upcoming activities?”
He pursed his lips. “That depends.”
“On what?”
“On just how ready and fit to join the Order you are.”
???
Walking along a carpet of colorful wildflowers, high grass, fallen leaves, and pinecones several hours later, I wished that the ever-present fog would disappear if only for a few moments so I could properly appreciate the scenery.
I might be able to see more than most, but not enough that I could drink in the true beauty of my surroundings. I could see vague tall shapes through the haze; knew they would be the leafy trees I’d seen when we passed through this meadow on various treks through Reaper’s Pines.
It smelled a damn lot better here than in the marshland that we’d traipsed through earlier. No scents of salty water, rotten eggs, or decaying plants in this spot. Only warm soil, floral foliage, and overripe berries.
While I likedlookingat the meadows within the Pines, I wasn’t ever in a hurry to walkthroughthem. I’d prefer a simple path any day. Paths didn’t have long, lush grass that concealed snakes, mice, and wasps nests.
“We’re not going to win,” mumbled Sable behind me.
