She crossed her arms. “I’ll order pizza to be delivered from the cafeteria.”
I grinned. “Extra ranch?”
A slow smile spread across her lips. “Is there any other way to eat pizza?”
Two hours later, it was pitch dark out. I’d eaten five slices and poured my heart out to Kaja.
“Damn, girl, I can see Rage’s point but also yours. That’s quite a pickle.”
I nodded, breaking a piece of pizza crust in half and throwing it into the box. “Alright, I gotta get back or Reyna will worry about me.”
“How is my grumpy big sister?” she asked, and I tried to keep my smile fresh, natural, totally not giving away that when gramps died, Reyna would too.
“She’s great. I mean, pain in the ass sometimes, but great.”
Kaja chuckled. “That’s her.”
Maybe I could find a way to keep Reyna alive … this whole shield thing seemed pointless when you were going to die of old age anyway.
Problem for future Nai.
“Love you.” I reached out and pulled my bestie into a hug.
“Love you too.” Kaja squeezed. “Visit me tomorrow. I want daily date night too!”
I laughed. “You’ve got it. I’ll come over every day after I see Rage.”
And with that, I headed back to High Mage Island hoping that giving Rage a night to cool off would bring him to his senses.
When I got to the library portal, Honor was curled up asleep in front of the Onyx door. He stirred when I approached.
‘What did I do to deserve a great friend like you?’I reached down and scratched his ears.
‘For starters, you saved my life. Or brought me back to life, I should say,’he replied as I grinned, opening the door and stepping through the portal.
‘Touché. You owe me big time,’I teased.
We slipped through the empty library and then into Gramps’ private study.
‘Want me to stay here with you tonight? I feel bad, sticking you in here all alone,’ I asked Honor as he hopped up onto the couch and curled up.
‘Nah, I kind of feel like this is my cool bachelor pad. But feel free to bring food in the morning.’
I leaned down and kissed the top of his furry head.‘You’ve got it.’
With that, I headed over to the main spirit house, to my bedroom, and then climbed into bed. Kaja and I were great. Honor and my friendship more solid than ever. But my issues with Rage pulled at my consciousness, causing me to toss and turn all night. Mostly I wondered one thing…
Was he right? Was I taking the wrong side?
* * *
The next morning,I woke groggily, prepared to have another portal lesson with my mom later in the day. I wanted to check on Gramps first and see where he thought my training should go. After finding my soul stone with Reyna, I’d hidden it inside the black pouch with the others, but I wasn’t really sure if I needed to have it on me at all times or what. One more thing to ask my grandfather.
But first, I should probably check in with my mate. I hated that we’d fought last night…
‘Hey … I didn’t sleep well.’I pushed the thought through our bond.
He sighed mentally, and the sound only made me feel more depressed.
