Someone sighs softly, the demon next to me gives a gentle smile, and here I am grinning ear to ear like an idiot. I hold back my squeal. I can’t believe how happy that little spark made me.
Jess speaks up from my left. I didn’t realize she stood too. “It was a good class, but there’s only one thing that will make me smile that much, and it’s not here. What’s up?”
I shove my hands in her face. “My light…it’s back.”
Her eyes light up. “It’s back?” She throws her arms around my neck. “It’s fucking back!”
“Ahem!” The instructor side-eyes us as she walks by. “You found quiet. Don’t lose it on your way out.”
Jess snorts, and I bite my lip to keep from laughing.
Beleth elbows me and winks. “Ah, quiet’s overrated,” she says, loud enough for the instructor to hear.
Jess sighs and throws an arm around her shoulder. “I think you’re my kindred spirit.”
We gather our things and walk through the door flap. Anatha puts her hand on my arm when we get outside. “Frankie, magic returning on its own is huge. I’m so happy for you.”
Jess finishes chugging from her canteen and screws the cap back on. “I’m happy forme. Maybe you can use your magic to heal Graven’s ego, or shrink it…something.”
Beleth laughs. “He’s usually quite charming. I’m not sure why he forgets how to act when you’re around.”
An easy laugh echoes across the clearing. I don’t have to look to know who it belongs to. “Speak of the devil,” I say as Ronin rounds the corner, Graven choking on whatever joke he must've made.
Ronin smiles, tilting his head at us when they get closer. “Did these two actually stay quiet in there?”
Beleth chuckles. “Let’s just say it’s probably a good thing Lucy stayed behind. I don’t think they could’ve handled one more blabber mouth.”
“Hey!” Jess protests. “I was quiet. Just not at the beginning.”
“Or the end,” I add.
Ronin hooks an arm around her neck. “The only thing you do quietly is blink.”
I laugh as Jess shoves him away. “Ew, you’re sweaty.”
Her eyes flick to Graven, tracking the drop sliding down his neck. Funny how she doesn’t seem to mindhissweat.
He notices her staring and quickly wipes it away.
Jess blinks, dragging her attention back to Ronin. “What are you guys up to?”
“Zarreth is still inspecting the portal, but I was wondering if Frankie wanted to spar.” He turns to me. “It’s been a bit. Can’t have you getting all soft on me.”
It has been too long since we’ve trained. I’ve hardly seen him since we got here. “Let’s do it.”
Beleth turns away from the conversation she and Anatha are having with Graven. “Ronin, don’t forget you promised Lucy you’d take her to the market today.”
“Are you kidding? I’m looking forward to it more than she is.”
Anatha pulls me in for a hug. “We’ll see you later tonight.” She pats Jess’ shoulder then nods her head toward Graven. “Just kick him in the shin if he gets too grumpy.”
Graven snorts. “Don’t be giving her any ideas.”
The moms drift toward the market, still talking. Jess and Graven fall in behind them.
Ronin jerks his chin at the training grounds. “Come on, before Zarreth comes back and steals you from me.
“So, where did you disappear to last night?” I bump Ronin’s shoulder as we cut across to the training grounds.
