“He can hear my thoughts,” I nod in confirmation.
“He’ll be speaking back to you soon, then,” he grins.
My eyes widen on the Discerni as I shake my head, “I hope not. One magical being is enough.”
“That may be,” Holis chuckles, “but just remember he’s one of the good ones, Alexis.”
“Mhmm,” I nod, bringing my ale to my lips.
“You’re still reluctant,” he smiles softly.
Ancients,Holis,you have no idea…
Especially after my conversation with Elena today.
Stormfall glances back at me sharply. I avert his gaze and look at the Discerni twin, nodding in small agreement. “I am.”
Holis gives another small smile but doesn’t push the subject, letting me lean back in my chair towards Keane.
The night passes into the late evening beautifully as we all continue with our drinks. Smoke fills the sky as laughter mixes with our conversations, everyone so happy that the time passes by too quickly.
Towards the end of the night Stormfall takes the time to greet everyone around the table, even takes a strong step towards Alanna’s reluctant and stiff body. My heart beams at the encounter, laughing as the blonde Discerni only lets her fingers brush him slightly before leaning away. Storm takes no problem with it and makes his way over to Desmond, the Master Informer greeting him graciously with strong strokes of his hand.
Eventually Barnes and Lord Daniel announce their leave just before the moons hit apex in the night. They mumble something about having training in the morning with the soldiers and that they still have to head down the Southern Staircase. We all bid them good night and notice the dwindling drinks on the table, agreeing to have one final round before also parting ways.
My gaze drifts back to Stormfall still in front of Desmond, my body leaning farther into Keane and smiling at his brother and the Bird of Ash together. Watching him now reminds me of how hard it was to sit and not think of Elena’s conversation from earlier, especially when it’s been looming in the back of my mind all day.
But those thoughts push forward now as my gaze rests on Storm from across the table, unable to ignore the Ancient he represents.
He’s in love with you…
The words burn deep in my bones as I shift slightly against Keane. Stormfall glances back at me almost instantly, his yellow eyes resting heavily on mine.
Do I tell Keane?
Do I tell him what Elena told me so openly, taking me by surprise?
Yes.
Of course.
I will tell him everything.
I will tell him what I now know about my parents and about my life in Etter, how they fought there. I will tell him about Elena’s words and how she described the village and the horrors that were committed there, truly not comprehending how hovels, shacks or slums can exist anywhere within Disce. I’ll even tell him of the other words she mentioned, words that now send me into a small sense of nervous curiosity, not understanding how or why the Ancient could feel that way.
“It’s Elena,” Keane grimaces softly, looking down at me from his side, “isn’t it?”
“Yes,” I release a deep breath.And no.
How does he do that?
“How…?” I ask as my brows furrow, holding his gaze.
How does he know what clouds my mind right now?
Keane smiles softly and leans off his chair, “your eyes, Alexis. They always give you away.”
I frown and feel him tightening his grip around my shoulder, pulling me closer.
