Me, Vax, Evira, and Winter had cleared out our dorms yesterday—yeah, even that magical painting Win had made for me—because our house was where we’d be at from now on, no more living on campus. It was a big deal for me because I’d been there for basically four years. But I loved this change. It was more than I’d ever imagined.
So, we were also supposed to be done with the remote learning thing, but we’d delayed it a bit, because Win had been antsy. I didn’t think he felt he could properly relax until Ruxnoth was dealt with. It kept distracting him, where he’d be studying in hyperfocused mode, but then abruptly stop before finishing what he’d been working on, then not touch it again until ageslater. He’d go and work on his jewelry-making instead, or head off to Sylas for some more training.
“Keuric Glastor?” I heard Win uttering with clear disgust over in the corner as he talked with Christalyn again. They were sitting on the couch, while Vax and Evira were just a few feet from them talking with Ariana. I’d left the area to deal with a text that had come in from Charlie at Requital. It had been about an upcoming mission he wanted me to be a part of.
Win screwed up his face, and could barely get the words out, as he said to Christalyn. “You’re telling me that the two of you are—”
“Gross,” she groused, shoving a hand through her long blonde hair. “No. I’m just assisting him. He came to me desperate, having seen the error of his ways. He wants to learn how to be—”
“An actual person?”
“Essentially.”
“If you’re sure you want to be a part of that.”
She laid a hand on his shoulder. “I’ve got it. But thank you, gentle one.”
I smiled to myself and turned away, intending to grab all of us some party snacks.
But as I moved, I damn near smacked right into Sylas.
I only didn’t because he stepped back in time.
“Shit,” I choked.
His lips quirked.
And then he settled in, sliding his hands into the pockets of his leather hooded coat. “So, are you going to accept?”
“Accept?”
“The upcoming mission I’ve assigned to you?”
I started. “Wait…youassigned it?”
“Charlie is seeing to the operational specs, but I’ll be the one taking point in the field.”
Yes. It was happening.
He was coming back to mentor me now. It was finally time again.
“Winter no longer requires intensive training, just sessions here and there. It opens up time for us to see to this now.”
“You’re gonna… really?”
He chuckled. “Yes. Really.”
“I’m here for it.” I straightened, telling him earnestly. “All of it.”
“I know you are. And I’m looking forward to it.”
I grinned. “Me too.”
He held his hand out and we shook.
“Well done, Zayn. All right? You’ve come a long way. Not only with this. With my boy. In yourself. I’m impressed.” I saw a glint in his eye, then he said with a kind smile, “I’m proud of you.”
My breath caught in my throat.
