When silence settled over us once more, I felt the weight of their watchful, uncertain stares. I knew that distrust well. It was the same feeling I had when I first arrived, though mine had been mixed with fear. Yet, I remembered how Cerridwen, especially, had tried to provide some sort of comfort. I decided to do the same.
“I asked for this job to repay the debt from my trades,” I said. It was the only reason I’d agreed to this. “Reagan and I both agreed that if it doesn’t work out, either because you feel I’m unsuited, or if I come to that conclusion myself, we’ll end it.”
Cerridwen still hesitated, though her surprise softened it. Barracus, however, remained impassive. Whether I’d failed to reassure him, or whether that was simply his typical expression, was hard to tell.
I looked back at Reagan. His face was mostly a blank slate, but he dipped his chin in agreement.
A sense of relief settled in, quieting the nervous churn in my stomach. It was a validation I hadn’t expected, and I had no idea why I appreciated it.
“Then...” Cerridwen started, casting a quick glance at Crow. “Congratulations, Jane.” Her tone felt sincere. “I suppose this means we should discuss the terms of your position.”
“I’ll handle that,” Reagan interjected smoothly.
She raised a brow, momentarily surprised, but then nodded, as if they had a silent understanding.
“Any other objections?” Reagan asked, his eyes sweeping across each face in the room. Silence held as no one voiced further doubts. “Then it’s settled.”
He leaned over the table to where I sat, extending one hand to me.
I sealed the handshake, and with it, my new job. The payment for my debt. His grip was firm, the calloused pad of his thumb brushing over my knuckle. I leaned in, drawn by the faint glow between our hands. The blue veins along his forearm seemed to shimmer.
I froze, watching as it faded slowly. He forgot to mention if this was some sort of binding agreement that I’d just committed to. I pulled my hand back, my pulse quickening as I caught the flicker of excitement glinting in his eyes.
“Welcome to the staff, Jane Darling.”
???
On the morning we were set to leave for Erisea, I found myself making my way to training.
I’d been sleeping poorly, my mind tangled in endless questions about the trip. No matter how many times I counted,willing my thoughts to settle, concerns kept surfacing unbidden. I wondered if I could trust him, if I knew what to do there. And the biggest question: if there were an opportunity to leave, would I take it? I couldn’t make up my mind about any of them.
My neck was stiff, and I could only hope practice with Gwin would loosen it. But when I stepped into the training room, it wasn’t her at the centre of the mat.
“Where’s Gwinifer?” I asked, pausing by the entrance.
“Gwinifer and Finnegan left early for Vaelon,” Reagan replied, turning to face me. “They have a longer journey and want some time to prepare before meeting the lady of the estate. Today, you’ll be training with me.”
If only Gwinifer had mentioned this last night. It would have made me think twice about showing up to train this morning. Then the reason struck me. Thatwaswhy she hadn’t told me.
“Worried?” he asked, and I might have heard a hint of that prickling amusement.
Perhaps I might find a few answers to my questions here.
“No, just surprised,” I lied, stepping forward. “So, what are we training today?”
“Nothing different from what you’ve learned, just who you’ll be up against.” He gestured to the mat in front of him. “Shall we?”
“I haven’t warmed up yet.”
“By all means,” he replied, crossing his arms. “Start whenever you’re ready.”
Holding his gaze for a beat, I turned away, stretching my arms and pacing the room. I had seen him running outside a few times and figured he’d probably done it already today.
“I still don’t know what you expect me to do there,” I admitted, quickening my steps into a jog.
“I expect you to show up,” he said, his voice dripping with that insufferable arrogance, “stand by my side, look pretty,which, of course, will make me look even better, and listen. Take in everything you can on this first assignment. That’s all.”
His words made my nostrils flare. He was baiting me, riling me up to train. That was what I told myself.
