Page 51 of Level Up for Love

Wesley is rolling for something. Maybe he’s rolling an enemy’s stealth check, to see whether they’re able to successfully sneak up on us before attacking. Or maybe he’s rolling to decide an environmental effect, like whether it’s about to storm. It’s impossible to know.

But when he lifts his head, that’s when I really get worried. I recognize that expression; I’ve worn it a hundred times myself in his position.

He’s smiling.

Before he speaks, he finally meets my eyes—I’m the only one looking at him, the only one who’s noticed his antics. I know exactly what sort of DM game he’s playing.

I can’t help it: I press my lips together in a small, private smile and nod.

His cheeks twitch, and though I don’t see him grin, I do see that dimple. Interrupting the others’ conversation, he announces, “As you arrive back at the interior of Garren’s chapel, you hear a scratching sound at the window.”

The others turn their eyes to Wesley, as if remembering for the first time that he’s there. Mona’s mouth hangs open, and she pauses where she’s been sketching out different plans of attack in her notebook.

After a stretch of silence, I pick up the thread, eager to see what he’s cooked up. “Sindra looks out the window. What does she see?”

“It’s night, of course—it’s always night—and difficult to see through the church’s stained-glass window. Shadows flit past, and you hear the scratching sound again at the window’s base. Then something thumps against the glass, shaking the window in its frame.” Wesley smacks his fist down on the table. Several sets of dice shiver at once, and I jump. “It’s followed by another thump”—he hits the tabletop again—“and then half a dozen more.”

“Is it a bird?” Mona asks. She’s invested now, her notes forgotten.

“Lord Gullet?” Shay guesses.

Wesley shakes his head. “Moss, roll me a nature check.”

Mona picks up her dark green d20 and takes it for a spin. She hums, pleased. “With the bonus I get to add to nature rolls…that is a twenty-four.”

A resounding success, by every definition. Wesley clears his throat and leans forward.

“From the size of the thumps and the high-pitched screeching sound, Moss is able to recognize exactly what sort of animal this is. You know that these are bats, and your suspicion is confirmed at the very moment that the window shatters.”