Thal still seems leery. “And I cannot stress enough…My card removes pain; it doesn’t mend or heal. The wound, whatever it might be,mustbe healed if you want real change. I can only offer treatment of the symptoms; I cannot be the cure.”
“I truly believe that all she needs is to know it’s safe to return to us.” Maybe it’s an ignorant hope, but what else do I have? “Do you have your card, or do you need to ink it?”
They pat their deck confidently.
“Then let’s go.” I step toward them both. Sorza has already demanded in on what I have going on behind the scenes. And since she succeeded in bringing me Thal, I know she will want to see where her efforts lead.
“Go?” Sorza proves me right with her eager tone.
“Now?” Thal asks.
“No time like the present.”
Chapter 43
We use passages and the smaller and quieter stairways rarely used by students. I double back and slow my pace multiple times to make sure we’re not being followed, pausing as we go deeper into the academy to listen for any faint echoes of movement.
Only when I’m confident we’re alone, and deep enough that the likelihood of running into anyone is next to nothing, do I take the direct route to Arina. Thal and Sorza say nothing, but I see them clocking the pathway we take, their eyes marking each sculpture and decaying tapestry as landmarks.
They will know where Arina is…But I trust them both.
Gregor is on his feet the moment we arrive, hand hovering by his deck on his biceps as he stares at the three of us. His eyes dart between Thal and Sorza, the line of his brows deepening.
“They’re here to help Arina,” I say.
“Actually, I’m mostly here because I’m nosy and she didn’t explicitly tell me to get lost,” Sorza chimes in with a wry grin.
I shoot her a pointed look that says,Not helpful.
“I’m here to help.” Thal sounds more begrudging than I’d like. But at least they’re still saying they’ll assist. They turn to me. “Where is she?”
“Through there.” I point to the cracked door.
Thal doesn’t waste a beat starting for the door. Gregor watches them with narrowed eyes the entire time. He shifts his weight, as if fighting to prevent himself from bolting forward.
“You have so much to share,” Sorza says to me. I can’t tell if she’s oblivious to my turmoil or if she’s intentionally making an effort to lighten the mood. “Iknewyou were getting up to something good if you changed your whole face.”
“And why would I tell any more details to someone who’s just here because they’re ‘nosy’?” I ask dryly, focus still on the door to Arina’s room. Do I go in? Or do I give Thal some space? I’ve already pushed them far enough; I don’t want to push any harder.
She laughs. “Don’t be so serious.”
“Taking you both here is a risk. Don’t push your luck,” I caution her.
“I’m an orphan who was found abandoned at the edge of a monster-infested forest. Do I look like someone who is particularly daunted by risks?” Sorza’s tone is light, but her eyes are briefly overcome with a shadow as large as one of the legendary beasts I’ve only ever heard rumors of. “Besides, you’re a smart one. If you really thought it was that risky to trust me, you wouldn’t have brought me or trusted me to get Thal in the first place.”
“Your confidence is astounding,” I mutter, meeting Gregor’s eyes. He says nothing, but his stare speaks volumes about how uneasy he is with this whole situation.
“I’m going to check on Thal and Arina,” I ultimately decide. “Gregor, please give Sorza some of the broad strokes of what’s been happening here.”
Gregor gives me a piercing stare as I cross the room but doesn’t object. I hear the low rumble of his voice as I push open the door Thal left cracked.
Arina is sleeping, arms folded over her stomach. I know that’s how Gregor arranges them when he tucks her into bed. Her skin isregaining its luster, and even her hair is growing back faster thanks to proper nutrition and time. It almost looks like a proper hairstyle instead of just awkward regrowth.
“Should I wake her up?” I ask, taking my normal position on the edge of her bed. Sorza and Gregor hover beyond the open door, watching as they converse quietly.
Thal stands on the opposite side of the bed, regarding her with an unreadable expression. They obviously haven’t administered their card yet. “No, she’ll wake up on her own.” Their eyes flick to mine. “Are you ready?”
Dread and doubt fill me at the question. But I ultimately stand by my decision. “Yes.”
