I glance at Alys, who approaches as she ties a scarf over the front of her hair, securing any frizzy strands. “What’s going on?”
“Durvla…” He points to me, but his words run away again. He exhales slowly and tries again. “She was in my head a moment ago.” His rushed signs follow soon after.
“As in mind whispering?” Her eyes bulge.
“No, this was different. I asked her to let her mind wander, but then I felt her presence in my head. As though she’d taken over my mind for a moment.”
Gods, I didn’t know it was that involved. “I… didn’t mean to.”
Alys presses her lips into a line. “This seems to be a newly developed part of your daywalking.”
I try not to sigh heavily, but my control fails me.
“For someone in the early days of developing her powers, it’s likely that you’re only able to make such connections with those you feel… bonded to. Like Carys… and Tiernan.”
Kilkenny smirks at me and a flush creeps into my cheeks.
“It means you’re on the right path to figuring out these powers.” She faces Kilkenny and signs for my understanding. “How about you take a break, and I’ll work with Durvla for a while?”
“I’m fine,” he snaps. He turns away again and my heart sinks. Is he afraid of me?Kilkennyafraid ofme?
“I know you’re fine, but you both need to learn to delegate sometimes. Just because you have the ability to do something, doesn’t mean you have to do it. We’re a team. Asking for help is not an admittance of weakness.”
Kilkenny and I exchange glances. I hate asking for help. I nod, but I know I’m the weakest link here, and if I ask for help, it’s essentially proving that. Alys raises her perfectly arched brows at Kilkenny, and he also nods before sulking away.
With a cheery smile, she turns to me, “So, where were you?”
“I don’t even know at this point.”
Alys chuckles. “I’ll tell you what,” she signs. “I’ll teach you to shield your mind. It comes in handy when in the company of a Whisperer.” She winks and I giggle.
“It sounds handy. Thank you, Alys.”
CHAPTER 62
Carys
My arse has long fallenasleep, the sensation of pins and needles shooting down my legs and into my feet, turning into unbearable discomfort. I can’t sit still. I’ve shifted countless times, trying to relieve the prickling sensation, but it’s no use. The dull aching in my back has gotten sharper, and my arms are starting to tingle now. I fear the others have left me here to rot.
As I shift again, the door slams, disrupting the silence as Briony andEefawaltz into the tiny space. At least Iywan isn’t among them this time, but the wicked glint on Eefa’s face is unsettling.
“Missed me?” she asks, twirling on the spot. “I think I’ll stick to this body. It’s way more alluring than Lowri’s, don’t you think?” Her wink makes my gut curdle.
I don’t bother to respond as she leans back against the wall beside the door, propping her foot against it.
“Lessons first, translation later?” Briony asks. As if I have a choice.
I scoff at her. “First, I need some answers myself.”
“Alright.” Briony’s face is stern. “You get one answer toonequestion. Then you give me one minute of your full cooperation to start.”
I frown at her, considering the options. Perhaps it would be wise for me to learn to draw on my power, just not for the reasons they want. “Deal.” I gnaw on my inner cheek for a few beats, then ask, “What is this wristband for?”
“It’s a conduit.”
“What is a?—”
“One. Question.” She says it firmly, but there’s no edge to her voice.
