Ender dropped his arm and pinned me with his gaze. He didn’t even have to saywhat else would I be talking about?
“Yes.” I nodded, some of my tension disappearing. “My magic did something weird when David helped me up. I think he sensed it too.”
“Weird?” He glanced at the door behind me.
“I don’t know.” I shook my head. “Sometimes I question what we can do as an ether mage.”
“You are a level five.” He nodded. “Your full capabilities are unknown.”
I shivered, from both the thought and the cold air.
“Here.” He noticed and pulled me to his chest. A moment later, he said, “We should head inside.”
“Are we…” I pulled away and pointed between the two of us, then let my hand fall. I was well aware the cafeteria had windows to the courtyard and the students inside could see us.
“Are you asking again if you’re my girlfriend?” He looked amused.
“What do you think—” I stopped, realizing the tension had completely vanished. And it hadn’t been entirely my own. “That was your tension.”
“Alright,” he said. “Now it’s my turn to ask. What are you talking about?”
“When I was with David, you felt my feelings, but I think I also felt yours.” If he was inside, he most likely had seen David and me standing there awkwardly.
“I think David—or any other guy—being that close to you would certainly cause you to be tense.” He frowned.
“Alright, now you’re just being rude.”
“That was pretty rude of me,” he agreed. “But the important part of this conversation is what you and I are.” His grin was back.
“Ah. Yes. Girlfriend. Boyfriend. Acquaintances—”
“Acquaintances?” He let out an exaggerated humph. “No.” He leaned in close. “You are my soul-bound.” Ender stepped away,his warmth leaving with him. “And you are my girlfriend—with your approval, of course.”
There was a bond between us—I couldn’t deny it. I had mentioned I didn’t have time for a relationship, but I couldn’t ignore this. I didn’t want to. There might be a lot going on and I wasn’t sure what was going to happen, but one thing I was certain of was that I wanted to pursue the bond between us.
“I do.”
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Selene
ThegymwasaChristmas dream. While this morning, the cafeteria was decked out in Christmas decorations, the gym was decorated similar to the Winter Ball, except it looked like Santa’s elves had visited. I didn’t think I could eat any more after brunch earlier in the morning, but the food smelled delicious and I had worked up an appetite after a short but brisk run with Ender.
“Why did we stop here?” Viv asked, staring at the dessert table, where we stood with our friends. “We have thirty minutes until they said dinner would be ready. The chocolate fudge brownies are taunting me.”
“Fifty dollars that Viv goes straight for the dessert table before getting food,” Sydney said.
“That would be a losing bet.” April pointed at Viv, who was still eyeing the dessert table.
“No takers?” Sydney glanced at everyone else but April.
“I don’t think you have any takers,” David said when no one answered and Sydney sighed.
“April, you did a good job with the decorations.” I glanced at the tall pine tree. Poinsettias were perfectly placed along its branches.
“Thank you!” She smiled.
“Come on.” Sydney waved. “Let’s go grab seats.”
