My stomach did a backflip as I snapped my head towards the guys as they came over.
“Are you serious? What kind of tradition is that?” I asked, looking around for any excuse to bolt.
“What’s the big deal?” Isabella asked. “Don’t you want to get asked?”
“Honestly, I don’t know if I want to go,” I said.
“Bella, Wonder Woman!” Eli said, pulling each of us in for a brief hug.
“Hey, Eli,” I said, rolling my eyes. “Ya know, if you’re going to keep calling me that, I’m going to give you a nickname too.”
He grinned from ear to ear. “I already got one! Captain America, at your service.”
I smiled, recalling his motivation during the tasks. I glanced at Ji-Han, remembering how determined he was, and a sense of ease swept over me. Perhaps one didn’t need some tragic purpose for wanting to be here. Seeing their spirit and determination gave me hope. Perhaps, one day, I could be like them.
Ji-Han was giving Eli a skeptical look before he smiled politely, briefly waved his hand, and nodded.
“Eli, you’re ridiculous,” he said before turning to Bella and me. “How are you both?”
I bowed as Ji-Han did, recalling the traditional greeting from my days in Taekwondo. The familiarity was refreshing.
“Ji-Han, let’s spar again after the ball,” I said.
He grinned. “You’re on!”
Eli put his hands up. “Hold on, you two are talking about sparring? Let’s not forget there’s a ball tomorrow. Or more like, after party! Who’s taking you ladies? I need to know. I have to give them the rundown on how they treat my friends before they try and do somethin’ that’ll get them hurt.”
I laughed partly because of how ridiculous he was and how sincere he seemed.
“Now look, I’m serious,” he said. “There are some fools up in here. Like that wiry vampire-looking guy that’s always brooding. Ya’ll best watch out for that one.”
“Are you talking about Malakai?” I asked.
Eli nodded, and Ji-Han made a face.
“Yes, he’s bad news,” Ji-Han said, nodding.
“Whatever,” Bella said. “He’s one of the Aurkai. He can’t be that bad. Are you two bringing dates?”
“Oh, we secured our dates weeks ago,” Eli said. “I’m taking the cutie with the really nice?—”
“Kayla,” Ji-Han interrupted, giving Eli a stern look.
“Yeah, yeah, Kayla,” Eli said. “And Ji-Han and Riya are going. As friends. You know how those studious types are.”
I snorted, trying to keep my laughter to a minimum.
“Hey, do you know any guys that haven’t got a date yet? Anna here is sans a man,” Isabella said.
“What? Well, we’ve got to fix that,” he said. “Hang tight.”
I gave Isabella a sharp look and glanced at the stairwell to the common room.
“And that’s my cue to head to the dorm,” I said to myself, as I watched Isabella chatting merrily with a group of Adepts including Everson and Corinya.
I paused, seeing his hand around her waist.
So, he wasn’t frozen solid. I let my lips pinch at one side, amused the man thought about anything other than his job.
