Song writing…I was shocked but tried to keep it off my face. I never took Ariyon for the artist type.
Reaching into his bag, he pulled out a book.
Fables and Fairytales from Days Past, the spine read.
“It’s kind of a kid book, but I love the one about the dragon, and my favorite is the one about the prince who defeats the thousand-man army with one sword.”
I rolled my eyes and smiled. “Of course that’s your favorite.”
Were we getting along? Was this seriously happening?
‘Interesting,’Yanric observed.
I ignored the bird as usual.
“Can I borrow it?”
He nodded. “It’s the library’s, so just return it when you’re done.”
I didn’t want to leave. I wanted to keep this normal conversation going but I knew Ayden was waiting for me.
“Cool. Thanks.” I shook the book in the air.
As I walked away, I swore I could feel his gaze burning into my back the entire time.
* * *
I keptmy little purple fire magic from my father when he asked about school, but I told him about the party this weekend.
“Party?” He looked amused. “With friends?”
I nodded.
“All friends?” he asked as he took a bite of his corn. Between Mable and Master Clarke we were eating like royalty! I’d even put on a few pounds and looked healthier. It was hard not to feel guilty about how easily we acquired things now. But I tried to just accept it for the blessing it was.
“Mostly friends. I mean, I’m not friends with every single person in school, Dad.”
He nodded. “I know, I just want to make sure no one will bully you.”
I’d had to tell him about Blair accidently grabbing my bun but we both knew it wasn’t an accident.
Yanric ruffled his feathers. ‘I’ll rip their ear off with my talons if they so much as speak a bad word about you.’
My father sensed Yanric must have spoken. “What did he say?”
I shook my head. “Nothing, but Ayden has assured me I’ll be safe.”
I didn’t want anyone to know about Yanric’s murderous tendencies. My father had a right to be concerned. We had parties in Isa but they were usually family friendly, meaning my dad went with me, and if they weren’t, I wasn’t invited.
“I really want to go!” I blurted out and Dad chuckled.
“Okay, Fallon, when will you be home?”
“By ten. Westie curfew.”
He frowned. “I don’t like that they segregate the people based on their level of magical power.”
I nodded—I didn’t either, but that’s the way it was. “Are you surprised? You were banished for being born magicless.”
