“I think since day one,” he said with a laugh.
And with those words, her life’s biggest question—did he really feel the same?—was answered.
Scarlett hadn’t stopped smiling.
“I have so much to say to you,” he told her, “but we can’t stand here all day. Should we go back to my room and talk?”
“Yes,” said Scarlett with an emphatic nod.
Brayden intertwined his fingers with hers, and they resumed their walk at a brisker pace.
Back at the castle, they were on their way to the privacy of Brayden’s room when they spotted Manon and Lachlan in the ground-floor lounge. Scarlett sighed. She wanted to be alone with Brayden, but the excitement in Manon’s eyes as she caught sight of Scarlett softened her irritation. Brayden squeezed her hand, and as Scarlett squeezed back, Manon’s eyes flicked totheir joined hands, and her lips pressed into a satisfied line.
“Your light.” Manon beamed as she stood to greet them.
“Don’t keep us in suspense,” said Lachlan. “What’s your valor?”
“I’m a vox.” She pulled down the collar of her sweater, and they both peered at Scarlett’s tattoo.
“What a gorgeous valor,” said Manon. “A vox. I always wondered if Jules would’ve been a vox. He was such a gifted orator. We’ll find you some books on your valor before you return to Soleil.” She lowered herself into her seat slowly, like it was a struggle, and Scarlett watched her with concern.
Lachlan raised his bushy eyebrows as he studied Nori. “Congratulations on gaining your light and your valor.” Like Brayden, he was dressed in olive-green slacks and a shirt of the same color, with a nameplate sewn into the breast that read “L. Maddox.” Five brass stars were affixed below his name. “Please, sit with us for a moment.”
“Thank you,” said Scarlett, trying not to feel frustrated. All she wanted was to be alone with Brayden. But it would be silly to make an excuse and run off.
She and Brayden sat side by side on the couch across from Manon and Lachlan. Scarlett had to resist reaching out and resting her hand on his thigh.
“Where are James and Beni?” asked Scarlett.
“James is at work. He usually works late. His boss runs him ragged,” said Lachlan.
“That sounds familiar,” said Scarlett, thinking of her father.
“Beni is with the friends he met at archery practice,” said Manon. “He didn’t seem interested in hearing about valors when I offered to give him a lesson after he got back from the temple. Said he’d learn about it from those kids.” Manon laughed, clearly pleased Beni had made some friends. That pleased Scarlett too.
“What’s your valor,Lachlan?” asked Scarlett, realizing his wasstill unknown to her.
“I’m a specter,” he said.
“His power is creepy,” Brayden whispered in her ear.
Lachlan scoffed. “It’s not creepy—it’s extremely useful. I can dematerialize.”
“He dissolves until his body is in a billion tiny pieces, like a Lachlan cloud, and then he can slip under closed doors as long as there’s a tiny gap,” said Brayden.
“Wow,” said Scarlett.That sounds useful for espionage.
“Truly,”replied Nori.
“I’ll show you sometime, if you like,” said Lachlan. “I’d do it now, but I don’t feel like having to put on all my clothes again. They fall off when I shift.”
Scarlett forced the image of Lachlan getting dressed out of her mind. “I’d love to see another time.”
“Anyway, I’m glad you’ve got some magic to take back home with you,” said Manon. “It’ll help you during this difficult time.”
“I’m going to need more than a vox valor to help me take down Moira and Laylani. And figure out who killed my dad.” Scarlett let out a growl of frustration. “I really believe they had something to do with Dad’s death.”
“I agree,” said Brayden, his presence beside her solid and reassuring even though they weren’t touching.
