After a moment, Father nods, seemingly satisfied. “Very well.”
It’s the best reaction I could hope for.
“You’re all dismissed.”
We leave the lodge together but split up as soon as we get outside.
Father hands me my two-way radio. “Eyes open and ears sharp.”
“I know.”
He can’t hear me. He’s already gone. Sometimes Father moves so fast it’s as if he disappears before my eyes. His reflexes and speed are preternatural. The ultimate hunter. How can I possibly compete with that?
I shove the thought away along with my radio.
Time to start patrol.
When I reach the witches’ section, no one is around. The moon sits high above me, which means it’s late enough that most students will be back in their dorms. I slip down a nearby alley and grip one of the fireescape ladders, hoisting myself up. I quickly scale the side of the building and climb onto the roof, where I have the best vantage point.
The campus is quiet and still. No sign of trouble.
Yet.
I run over the rooftop to the other side of the building, staying low and out of sight.
The greenhouse. Somehow, I always end up here on my patrols. Almost as though I’m drawn toward my brother’s favorite place, taking any opportunity I can find to check on him and observe how he’s doing. Even if I can do it only from a distance now. My chest hurts when I think about Nils, but I push it down along with any lingering regret.
I should be focused on patrol, not personal distractions. Especially after the recent theft. But then I notice the curly head of hair below me as a student hurries back home. Even this far away, recognition rockets through me.
Nils.
My brother is leaving the greenhouse late as usual. I used to escort him home at night to make sure he arrived safely. But that was before. Now Nils moves quickly along the path, his hands tucked into his pockets as he returns to his new home.
I watch until he reaches the brick building covered with climbing ivy. Helga’s house. After separating from Father, Mother took Nils and moved back in with her sister. Both their bedroom windows are illuminated with warm light. There’s a pang in my chest as I watch Nils disappear inside.
Must be my cracked rib again.
I check the time. It’s nearly midnight. Skallagrim is sleeping, and so far, nothing is out of the ordinary. While I survey the campus, my eyelidsgrow heavy. Exhaustion overcomes me, wrapping around my limbs and weighing me down. I blink furiously, shaking my head. I have to stay sharp.
My boot slips on a shingle. I lose my footing for a moment before righting myself.Sloppy,I can hear Father scolding. Even in my own head, he’s always watching me. Always judging me.
I press my hand into my side, gritting my teeth against the sharp pain that greets me. Father taught me early on that pain can be a tool. It keeps you alive. When I was younger—maybe eight or nine—I told him I couldn’t train any longer. Instead of an answer, Father knocked the back of my legs out with a spear. Hard. As I fell to my knees, he loomed over me.In battle, there are no breaks.
To Father,everythingis a battle.
Wincing, I run along the roof and leap to the next building. Moonlight washes over the rooftops, making my path clear. At least I should be grateful for that.
Movement in the corner of my eye.
I still.
A couple is kissing in the courtyard below, tucked away in the shadows. The girl giggles, and her partner silences her with another kiss. My entire body tenses. I already know what Father would do. Break this up swiftly and send them both back to their dorms. But they don’t pose any threat or seem like they’re in danger, and I really,reallydon’t want to deal with this tonight.
I clear my throat, averting my gaze.
Romance is nothing more than a distraction.
Briefly, Edith and her welcoming smile comes to mind.
