“Oh?” The ghost of a grin plays at the corners of her mouth. “Didn’t I wind up stitching you back together the last time you tried that?”
From her perch, Bibi bobs her head. Gurgles a series of croaks that sound an awful lot like human laughter.
Back-stabbing bird.“Yeah. Well. I’ll try again.”
Although ointments and poultices have sped things considerably, my still-healing shoulder throbs at the mention of my last “conversation” with Tiss. My lower lip has finally returned to its normal size and color. A small scab on its tender inside is the only reminder of Tiss’s teeth.
Having had my fill of dinner, I rise from the small table. Whistle for Bibi.
In one fluid motion, she swoops from her perch, fluttering through the doorway that barely accommodates her wingspan.
She cracks apart the remains of my chicken with greedy bill and talons. “Good bird. Good bird,” she assures herself between beakfuls of meat and cartilage.
“Yes, Bibi, you are averygood bird, aren’t you?” Maida coos before turning to me. “Which reminds me. Are your morning visitors still showing up?”
I snort. Grab the rest of the wine from the table and take a swig straight from the bottle. “Every damn day.”
She cocks her head. “Insistent little creatures, aren’t they?”
Bafflingly, the small flock of finches have continued to attend my bedroom balcony every single morning since the day after Tiss arrived.
“Something like that.” Moving to stand next to Maida, I shove my free hand in my pocket to fidget with the shiny rock Bibi gifted me tonight.
“Any progress with the message?”
“No more than yesterday or the day before.” I take another swig. “Or my whole life before that.”
Even without the clenching in the pit of my stomach and the humming in my blood, I’d know the finches are an omen. No matter how long I meditate or pray for clarity, the goddess refuses to reveal her baffling message. Yet again.
“At any rate, I sure hope Tiss has her head down studying. We’ve covered a lot of ground.” The wine is curling into a warm fist in my gut. Softening my jagged edges. It’s not putting a dent in the strangling anxiety, however. “She’s been lost since missing that day. I know she’s capable of better.”
“You don’t know a single thingabout that girl.” Maida uses her Wise Professor Voice this time.
“I know if she doesn’t make apprentice, it’s going to be a fucking problem.”
“Language, Elodie.” My friend tosses her head. “And you don’t need to remind me. I’ve been trying toforgetsince you first told me. I do care about these girls, you know.”
“I know. It's the same for me, that’s all.” I sigh. “What wouldn’t I give for a list of exam questions from Deirdre right about now.”
“You could ask.”
“You think I haven’t tried? Didn’t think her distaste for me could get any keener.” I gaze at my friend’s shadow-swathed balcony through the glass doors. An enormous sliver of a waxing crescent moon shimmers above her railing. “In the event Tiss doesn’t do well over the coming seasons, it might be time you and I discussed other options.”
Maida trains a surprised look on me. “What do you mean ‘other options’?”
“A contingency plan for her. And a way out of here. For us.”
“I see.” There’s a moment of silence before she extends her hand.
I pass the bottle.
Exhausted and still slightly tipsy, I’ve only just got back to my rooms and let Bibi off my balcony when a knock comes at the door. Tiss is on the other side, her face warped with misery.
“Oh. It’s you.” It’s the best I can muster.
“Sorry to disturb.” She wraps her arms around herself. “I couldn’t sleep, and there isn’t anyone else I can turn to.”
That’s some audacity you’ve got. Then again, what else is new? “It’s late, Tiss. It’s almost lights out, and you have an exam tomorrow.”
