“How did Viv take the news?” Sydney’s voice was muffled as she popped her head out of our adjoining bath, toothbrush in hand. I had just given her a very brief summary of my trip with Ender, telling her John was my father, and that I really, really liked Ender.
“Besides initially stopping her from going all magic and blazing after John, she took the news well,” I said. “I think she had time to process it before we got back.”
“Yeah.” Sydney popped back into the bathroom, talking in between brushing her teeth. “Time is usually your mind’s worst enemy, but in some cases, I guess it can help.”
“I guess so.”
After a moment, she strode out of the bathroom, toothbrush no longer in hand, and grabbed her snow boots. Snow covered the grounds for the holiday, but it would be gone by the end of next week when classes started.
“Hey. Have you seen Ender around?” I hadn’t seen him since we’d gotten back, but I’d only left the dorms a few times to grab food. I wanted to spend this time with Viv and make sure she was okay with everything we’d learned.
“Actually, no. He hasn’t been with his old posse either.” Sydney grabbed her coat. “Are you ready?”
“Yeah.” I donned my own academy-supplied boots and coat. “Did you just brush your teeth to go eat?”
“Yes?” Sydney glanced at me. “Why wouldn’t I? It’s not likely we’ll come right back when we’re done.”
“Usually people brush their teeth after they eat or as soon as they wake up.” I laughed, but she was right. I’d had almost a full semester to get used to brushing my teeth before breakfast, but it was still odd to me.
We headed out and I paused at the stairs. Ender’s room was on the third floor, and I thought about taking them. Instead, I followed Sydney down the stairs and out of the dorms. He should be at the brunch.
We had made it to the courtyard when someone called our names. I turned to see David.
“Welcome back, Sal,” he said when he caught up to us. “It’s been less exciting without you.”
“Hey!” Sydney swatted him on the shoulder. “Are you saying that I’m boring?”
“No.” He smiled. “But it’s been very anticlimactic.”
“Isn’t that a good thing?” I asked. “That’s why I left.”
He laughed. “I’m not talking about dark mages attacking.”
I was confused and stared at him.
“He means he missed you!” Sydney said. “We all missed you. We missed Ender too.”
“Oh.” I blushed, not used to having friends who miss me. It turns out, I had missed them too. I’d gotten used to Sydney’s company every morning and her showing me the progression of her art every evening.
I turned to go into the cafeteria but slipped on a patch of ice and fell on my butt. The ground was harder than expected, and I internally cursed at the cold weather. I missed the beach.
David grabbed my hand and helped me up. I froze, and so did he. My magic stirred, fighting against itself like a tug-of-war. I wanted David’s magic. It was strong. A pit formed in my stomach as tension and something else crept along my spine.
Sydney glanced between the two of us and he dropped his hand. I stepped back, feeling uncomfortable. I felt his power and wondered if he had felt mine.
“There you are.” A strong arm wrapped around my shoulders. “I was looking all over for you.”
I raised an eyebrow at Ender though I welcomed his timing. “Such blatant lies already this morning?”
“I will never stop seeking you out,” Ender said, leaning down so his lips brushed against my ear. Goosebumps rose on the back of my neck. Good goosebumps, despite the built-up tension. “Merry Christmas.”
David cleared his throat, then looked at me. “I’ll see you both inside.”
“I’ll join you,” Sydney said and they headed in.
“Are you okay?” Ender kept his arm draped over my shoulders. “I sensed you were uncomfortable.”
“You … what?” I looked up at him. “Through the soul-bond?”
