“I’m sorry, Viri,”Meera went on,“but actions have consequences.”
Viri couldn’t help asking, “Would you still be saying that if I’d learned anything of use?”
“You didn’t,” Darik said, never one to pull his punches, “so that’s irrelevant.”
Ouch.Viri felt the sting of failure all over again. She turned to the window, watching the blackmist drift over the crashing waves like an ominous, dark cloud. “Fine. What’s my punishment? Extra sparring sessions? Training the novices? Cleaning weapons?” She’d been tasked with all of those before, none of which were pleasant, but they were still better than—
“Desk duties,”Meera said, making Viri whirl back around in horror.“You’ll report directly to the Nox archives. One week. No hunting.”
Viri gaped. “A wholeweek?”
“Be grateful it’s not more,” Darik cut in, giving his gloves one last tug before returning his hands to his hips.
“But—”
“I’ll still expect you at training every morning,”Meera said, halting Viri’s objection with a warning look. Viri knew that look—it wasn’t a warning not to argue; it was a warning not to push her luck. If she fought the punishment, especially with Darik there, she could be locked out of the Guild for the full week—or longer. At least this way she would still see Meera daily and keep up with any hunting news. It was a compromise, one Viri knew few of her colleagues would be granted.
Swallowing her protests, she asked, “When do I start?”
“Straight away,”Meera said, causing Viri’s shoulders to drop.“Head Archivist Thornton has already been notified of your arrival.”
“We don’t tolerate laziness in the Nox, nor do we abide disrespect,” Darik cautioned. “For the next seven days, you’re an archivist’s assistant, not a hunter. Don’t forget that, or you’ll remain there for longer.”
Viri bit back her retort. She might not like the punishment, but she also wasn’t a delinquent child who was going to slack off, no matter how tedious she found the work.
“It goes without saying that you’re not to visit Ashton again,”Meera said, watching Viri closely, as if anticipating an argument. But Reeve was the last person she wanted to see.
“That won’t be a problem,” Viri said firmly enough to satisfy Meera. Darik, too.
“Good.”Meera dipped her head toward the door.“We’re due back at the council, but you know where the archives are, so head on down. And Viri?”Her jade eyes narrowed.“Don’t be late to training tomorrow. I won’t be forgiving if it happens again.”
Viri mumbled her agreement and hurriedly left the office, her tension easing at the sight of Soren resting against the wall, waiting for her. His hair was still perfectly coiffed, his uniform still immaculate, but there was a trace of worry in his brown eyes that only faded when he saw she was in one piece.
“Next time I say ‘be quick,’ maybe consider listening,” he drawled as she approached.
“Lesson learned,” Viri said, scrunching her nose. “Are you in much trouble?”
“Me? The Nox’s golden boy?” He smiled wryly and gestured for her to follow him back through the Guild toward the elevator. “Nah. A slap on the wrist and some extra shifts patrolling the undercity. Nothing I can’t handle. You?”
“A week of desk duties.” Viri sounded as miserable as she felt. “Effective immediately.”
“Elders save you.” Soren chuckled. “Your worst nightmare.”
Viri only grumbled in reply.
“Was it worth it?” he asked as they continued along the green-marbled corridor. “Did Ashton tell you anything useful?”
“No, and no,” Viri said, annoyed all over again.
“I warned you that he wouldn’t speak,” Soren said, albeit gently.
“He did speak, just nothing that was worth hearing.”
Soren’s sandy brows shot upward. “You got him to talk?”
“It was getting him to shut up that was difficult,” Viri muttered, before remembering herself. Thankfully, they reached the elevator then, just as the doors opened and three hunters walked out, one of whom hailed Soren to ask about a recent arrest they’dshared.
Judging by the coy look on the attractive young man’s face, that wasn’t all they’d shared, and Viri barely hid a smirk as she told Soren she’d see him later.
