“I would love to teach you,” Brother Nicolas said enthusiastically, ignoring Raven’s interjection. “It gets lonely down here. I would enjoy the company.”
“Sage,” Raven said between clenched teeth, grabbing her arm. “Can I talk to you?”
Reluctantly, Sage moved away from the desk and into the corner, out of earshot of Brother Nicolas. Her gaze was pinned on the book on his desk.
Raven followed her. Her black hair slightly swayed as she glanced back at Brother Nicolas and then at Sage. “You can’t stay.”
“I want to learn,” Sage said in a whispered tone, hungrily eyeing the stacks of books around the room.
“The only reason I came is that you said we’d be back to Sybil’s farm before Father arrived.”
Sage shook her head in denial and glanced at Raven. “You came because we are family.”
“Which is even more reason for you to come back with us.”
“This is what I’ve always wanted. To learn. Brother Nicolas can teach me to read. To decipher the hidden code. How can I leave? How can you ask me to?”
Raven glared at Sage. Her mannerisms mirrored Father’s when she became angry.
“Tell Father I left on my own accord,” Sage suggested.
“He will never believe that. He knows we would never let you go alone.”
Sage sighed softly. “Fine. Then go and get him. Bring him back here. I will talk to him when he arrives. I will take full responsibility.”
“Sage—”
“I’m not leaving, Raven.” She spun and walked back to Brother Nicolas and Willow.
Raven stood stiffly with her hands tightened into balls for a long moment. Finally, she followed Sage angrily. “Sage is staying,” Raven announced. “To help Brother Nicolas.”
“Father won’t mind,” Sage told Brother Nicolas, even though she knew her father would be furious. “Brother Nicolas is a friend.”
“Willow and I will wait for Father’s return at Sybil’s farm. We’ll bring him back here.”
“Bring him back?” Brother Nicolas echoed in confusion. “There’s no need to bring him back. He is already here.”
