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“I’m not following.”

“The memories I’ve gotten… they always show the same unique sky. A full moon with bright streaks of colors. I don’t know how to explain it, but the day seemed significant.”

Castor hums to himself. “What about the winter solstice?”

“That’s not it,” I say, “It wasn’t winter in the vision.”

“Then perhaps we consider the Spring Equinox. I need to check if there is a full moon aligning on that day. It’s rare, but it can happen.”

Excitement thrums in my veins like an orchestra of violins. I finally feel like I’m getting somewhere, doing something, being helpful with my Starwatcher powers.

Castor’s typically stoney expression is also gone—replaced with a bright enthusiasm that blushes the tips of his cheekbones. “And the moon stone? You said the men in your vision were trying to obtain it?”

Fairly confident. “Yes, I think so. I just need to see a little more to better understand where they were headed.” From their surroundings, I could guess a few locations, but having never been to that forest of giant trees myself, I’d better lean on the stars to confirm.

He rounds his desk, placing his hands flat as he leans forward. A curl of black hair falls in front of his eyes. “Let’s get to it then.”

Right. I let out a breathy chuckle. Our lesson.

26

Leading Yourself

Focusing is a monumental task.

Well, it is that way most of the time. But today, it was especially challenging as finals dragged on. Professor Allor actually smiled at me when I turned in my Old World History exam. I’m beginning to think she actually likes me. Even though her sunken and sour expressions rarely change. Luckily, Commander Hogsmith had us play an especially gruesome game of Bannerfall instead of that wretched Pit. After Bannerfall, we did a weapons display in which I sported Marrow’s golden staff—still disguised as a wooden staff because dueling with something so flashy seemed like a sure fire way to have Sabra pick a fight with me.

I’m so over her attitude with me. It’s already hard enough walking around the Watch with a giant orb flashing over my head blaring “Look it’s the Starwatcher!” I don’t need her fanning that flame.

I want to tell her about her brother. How Ragnar was a lying piece of shit, and yet how… he saved me. Sacrificed himself to give me time to escape. She deserves to know.

One day, I’ll get the courage to tell her.

After I square away much more important matters. “Saving the world” type important matters.

Tugging my Watcher-blue cloak over my head, I trudge forward on the path to Olwythion. Rays of peachy yellow stretch between the branches, illuminating my path in stripes of sunrise so beautiful, my breath catches. I’m beginning to understand the reverence in which Atlys says my Sunrise. I chuckle and clutch the ache in my chest that forms every time I think of him.

Soon. I will see him soon.

Only one more day until winter solstice break, and I intend to use the whole thing.

The door to Anita’s swings inward, heavy and squeaking on old hinges.

“I said, try it this way,” a familiar voice says.

“I did!” Anita replies.

Rosie shakes her head, red curls already falling out of her low bun. “No. You were doing it like this.” She wipes a rag on the bar’s surface in an abrasive way, moving her hand back and forth almost comedically.

“You need to do this,” she says, rag now circling. “Much more effective this way.”

Anita grumbles something under her breath and snatches the rag away before swatting Rosie on the back. The two women continue to bicker until I’m sitting right in front of them.

“We aren’t open yet—oh! Akemi dearest!” Rosie rounds the bar and pulls me into a big hug. “It’s so lovely to see you.”

“Looks like you are fitting in just fine in Olwythion.” I manage to say, squished against her chest.

Rosie pats my back, releasing me. “Yes. Anita here has been quite the host.”