Shit.
If they needed Cethin, then the reports involved the creatures of old. It would be the first time they’d have to deal with them without his parents.
Just…fuck.
The Cadre filed out, and he met his uncle’s gaze again. “Do you need me to do anything?”
“Just keep watching her,” Tybalt bit out. “The creatures of old have been under control for over a century. She shows up and suddenly there are issues with them and the Elder Clans? It’s not a coincidence.”
Razik wanted to argue with him. No, not argue. He wanted to talk out what he’d been thinking about the phantoms, Kailia, and all the fuckery. But with his uncle’s mood, it looked like that would have to wait a little longer.
Tybalt left as quickly as he’d arrived, no doubt to oversee training since the Cadre were now otherwise occupied. Finishing off his juice, Razik stood as he set his glass down, alreadyannoyed that Cethin and Kailia hadn’t come down for breakfast today. That meant that when he got up to their floor, Cethin would likely be there.
As he started to leave, the sound of another chair scraping echoed, and he turned to find Wren following him.
“Did you need something?” he asked flatly.
“Yes. I need to talk to you,” she bit back.
“I don’t have time right now.”
“Then make the fucking time, Razik.”
He stopped, turning to face her fully. That was definitely fury shining in her navy blue eyes, her hands on her hips. Looks like it was the day for everyone to be in pissy moods then.
Grabbing her hand, he Traveled them to his rooms in the castle. She immediately yanked her hand from his, and he crossed his arms, waiting.
“What you did to Bram this morning was unnecessary,” she spat.
“He knew exactly what he was doing, Wren,” he replied, his voice monotone.
“Don’t do that,” she bit out, waving a hand dismissively at him. “Don’t take on your bored indifference with me. I don’t appreciate it.”
“You are the one who asked me to make it clear you were off limits to the Cadre. Now you’re berating me for it?” he demanded.
“Fucking Anahita, Razik! He offered to help me at the markets today. That was it!” she cried.
“There are plenty of others to help with that.”
“Like you?” she countered, mirroring him and crossing her arms.
“Yes, like—” He stopped, eyeing her as he realized the trap he’d stepped directly into.
“You’ve been busy, Razik,” she said, her tone softening a fraction. “And it’s fine. It’s your job. We don’t spend as much time together, and I’ve had to fill that time somehow. I’m not like you. I can’t sit around for days with only books for company.” When Razik didn’t say anything, she asked, “Was he right? Do you need to release some tension? Because I’ve hardly seen you other than to refill your power after the last attack in Shadowfen.”
Yes. No. Not now, obviously. He had to get to Kailia before she disappeared, forcing him to spend his day tracking her down.
He sighed. “Are you with him, Wren? Because if you are, that’s no longer an option. We both agreed if someone came along, the casual fucking would stop.”
“You think I wouldn’t have already told you if we were? I’d like to think you know me better than that,” she said with a small smile that told him her anger was abating.
“Meet me here tonight?” he asked.
She nodded. “Right after my date with Bram.”
“Not funny,” he deadpanned, his lip curling in a slight sneer.
“A little funny,” Wren tossed back.
