“What’s the use? You’ll never learn.”
We stared at one another.
I cracked first. A moment later, all three of us were howling with laughter. Several sore abs and a swipe of tears later, I leaned in to gently hug my friend. “It’s good to see you.”
“You too. Both of you,” Milly said quietly, glancing at Ella and me before staring off into the distance. “I didn’t think I was going to see anyone again. Let alone both of you.”
Ella gently rubbed Milly’s arm. “We’re here now, Mil. That’s what matters. None of us had a good time.”
“Some worse than others,” I said. “I’m not going to pretend like I’ve had it bad.”
“You were nearly murdered by Caz’s uncle and cousin!” Ella protested. “I’d say that counts.”
“But I could count on Caz to come save me,” I said. “I had backup.”
“So did we,” Milly pointed out. “You came and got both of us.”
“Caz did that.”
Milly laughed. “He follows you around like a lovesick puppy dog. You brought him along, evenif he carried you.”
“He does not!” I protested.
The girls glanced at one another and rolled their eyes.
“He’s so in love with you a blind dragon could sense it,” Milly said. “And you love him too.”
“So?” I said, trying to fight down a smile. “He’s good to me.”
“A bit better than good if last night’s any indication,” Milly cackled, rubbing her hands together.
“Excuse me?”
Ella bit her lip, her cheeks red, but she wouldn’t say anything.
“The window was open,” Milly said. “Noise carries up here.”
“Oh.Oh,” I moaned, burying my face in my hands. “Tell me you didn’t hear that!”
“All six bits of it.” Milly frowned. “Or was it seven?”
“You’ll never know,” I said, sticking out my tongue to cover my embarrassment. “But don’t worry, you won’t have to listen to it again tonight.”
“You’re leaving.” Ella didn’t make it a question.
“We have to. Bryna needs to be formally arrested and put on trial, and Caz has already been gone from the citadel for a long time, among other things. Milly, you’re in no shape tofly or put up with that place, so you guys are staying. Kolar and Durion will be here soon. You can trust both of them. I promise.”
Ella’s eyes narrowed. “Why doyouhave to go with him, Anna? What aren’t you telling us?”
“Uh.”
She crossed her arms, looking at Milly. “We’re your best friends.”
“I know. This is … a month ago, it was the three of us against the world. Now …”
“Now what?” Ella pushed.
“Just spit it out, Na,” Milly said bluntly. “It’s not like it can do any more damage.”
