Page 18 of Dueling Flames

So far, we’d seen the movies and music sections, the children’s library, a maker lab, computers people could use, the science section, and the newspapers and periodicals. They even had a few art exhibitions.

We rested on the fifth floor when I looked at my watch. “It’s one o’clock!”

Lissa held my arm before I could jump up. “Where are you going?”

“We’ve been here for hours.”

She nodded. “And we haven’t seen all the art exhibits, the history section, or the Winter Garden.”

I looked at her, my eyes wide and my mouth open. “How many floors are in this building?”

She thought about it, then said, “Ten, I think. But we only have access to nine.”

“Ten floors? This is the largest library I’ve ever been in.”

She smiled. “That’s why I brought you here. I might bring you to the history floor last so I know we’ll have time to look at everything.”

“Thank you.” I couldn’t believe she surprised me with something like this.

“It’s not a big deal.”

“But it is a big deal. I’ve always had to share experiences with my siblings, which meant we voted, and whatever got the most votes was where we went. This is the first time in a long time that someone took me somewhere they knew I’d like.”

She shook her head. “This is the easiest thing to do. You like books. It’s free.”

“And you chose to spend all day with me exploring a library.”

“I don’t hate libraries.” She raised an eyebrow. “Not a big deal.”

“It’s a huge deal.” I held her hand. “Someone doesn’t hate me. You think of me as a friend. Don’t you?”

She pulled her hand out of mine. “Shut up. Let’s get some lunch and explore the rest.” She stood up and walked toward the elevator. I grabbed my crutches and limped after her. My heart beat a little faster than normal and a felt tingly all over. I guess I wasn’t so annoying after all.

Lissa

I dropped my bag inside the entrance of my place. Thorne was already on the couch. He’d finally ditched the crutches and could walk comfortably on the air cast. He’d hopefully be out of the boot in two weeks and onto physical therapy.

“Why do I have to be on admin duty? Stellan is on full workman’s comp, and I’m doing inventory like a chump.”

I threw a pillow at him when I sat down beside him. “You have two functioning arms. Stellan’s shoulder is completely fucked. He can’t help nothing. You think he likes not being at work?”

“But I want to complain about doing boring work alone.”

I scooted over and pulled Thorne into a hug. “Poor baby Thorne. Has to do paperwork and doesn’t appreciate the contributions of his partner.”

I started helping Thorne with his admin duties when I finished my own. They’d implemented a few new systems I hadn’t learned over the last year. Now I had my own private tutor. When exactly did I start voluntarily hanging out with Thorne at work?

I could feel him frown into my shoulder. “Thank you Lissa for helping me with the admin work.”

I leaned back and patted his head. “That’s a good Viktor.”

He squinted. “Viktor? From…Arcane?”

I laughed “Yes.”

“That’s a good pull.”

“I might have asked around for more character names to use.”