May being the operative word.
As the thought crosses my mind, Kyzen belts out a laugh at something Havar said, and I can’t help but check his soul for myself.
I continue to convince myself that his and Amick’s black spots aren’t shrinking with each passing day. It’s only my mind and desire playing tricks on me.
If, and it’s a big if, one day his spot completely disappears, then I’ll believe it’s her soul’s doing.
“Thayla, why aren’t you doing much of anything and we’re all working our asses off?” Havar asks before tilting his drink back.
“What do you mean, asshole? I’ve been helping the lot of you.”
My lips twitch and Havar scoffs. “Helping. More like standing around, making lovey eyes at Kyzen.”
“I have not been making lovey eyes at him.”
“You could and I’d be perfectly fine with it.”
She presses her lips together, attempting to hide her smile, but her cheeks give her away.
“I’d rather not see that, thanks. I’d like to see you get up and do something with your sword like the rest of us.”
A saucy stare crosses her face as she holds her hand out for Lambrit to pass her his sword. “Are you trying to spar with me, Havar?”
Kyzen clears his throat teasingly as Havar blanches and Yemi falls to the side, gripping her stomach.
I think that’s the first time I’ve heard her laugh that freely.
“I’d like to see that. My cousin needs a good ego check.”
He glares at her. “I’m a smart-ass, not stupid. Hell no.”
“You know it’s kinda funny. One of my first thoughts when you picked us up in Oddian was me telling myself to watch my mouth because you could probably squash me like a bug. I know now I was wrong.”
“Yeah, real funny. My first thought was this girl is going to stir shit up. I was right.”
Yeah, he was.
Kyzen separates himself from them as they continue to enjoy their conversation. My nostrils curl as he smiles brightly and comes to stand beside me.
“Good first training, I’d say.”
“Really?”
“You don’t think so?”
“Not in the slightest.”
“Come on, Creed, you’ve got to remember this isn’t a Court of Defenders. They’re all incredibly diverse. Not to mention, Thayla’s friends.”
“Friends.This is exactly why you don’t train people who like each other together. All they do is cut up and talk. You’re also not helping.”
And yes, I realize they’re her friends.
That’s why I haven’t flipped the fuck out on any of them.
“I am helping. I’m the loving face that keeps their fear of you at bay. Plus, it’s not like we’re starting from scratch with Thayla. She’s already a formidable fighter. We just have to get them to the point they can defend themselves, then we’ll keep teaching them on our journey if need be.”
I grunt at his words.
