Page 46 of Vameer

I ignore it. Because yes, I could use my powers to hover on the seat and not crush it. But I don’t want to dedicate any attention to that. I only have a few hours to learn as much as I can.

“The bar might be the right height for that barrel,” Grace offers.

I look over and see she’s correct.

“Thank you.” I stand slowly, not wanting to startle her again.

“We can help you roll—” Alex stops when I lift it.

It’s an empty barrel. Humans are so weak.

I sit at the bar, and Jack sits on the stool beside me while Alex joins Grace behind the bar.

I memorize everything Jack says as he shows me how to use the computer.

“Don’t stress out if ya break it. But try to be gentle.” He touches one of the keys, and I take note of the force he uses.

“Also, not to sound paranoid.” Grace keeps her eyes on the bar top. “There are people who monitor the internet, so if there’s something that’s, like, a secret. Don’t try to look for it.”

“Please explain.”

She finally lifts her gaze to mine. “I’m sure there’s loads we don’t know. Like we just learned about shifters. If there’s more out there… As much as I’m dying to ask ya about…everything. I don’t want ya to out a secret by accident.”

I think about druids. And portals. And magicked daggers.

“Thank you. I will not share my secrets.”

She looks at Jack and blows out a breath. “I’m making a drink.”

Jack laughs as she steps away. “Gonna drive her mad wonderin’ what those secrets are.”

“When I can, I will come back and tell you.”

Jack grins. “Brilliant.”

Grace hands out shots of whiskey as I read about The Reveal.

The trio lifts their full beers off the bar when anger rolls out of me, vibrating the glasses, as I read about The Trials.

I block out their chatter as I read every article I can find on Volik.

Without typing in the word druid, I’m positive that secret is still hidden.

It was clearly a portal that brought him, and the wolves, to Versailles. But he’s made it seem like it was his own power that made it possible. Putting the target on his back. And I wonder about the druid that helped him.

I read several summaries of what happened over the last hundred years.

I read fast. And I retain everything.

I learn the history of the internet. I understand how phones work. Computers. Radios and televisions. Cameras. Social media. I read about current slang, fist bumps, and other gestures.

I read as quickly as I can. Clocking the difference in spelling over time. The difference in American English. I watch videos at double speed and listen to pronunciation. Memorizing.

Mimicry has always been a talent of mine.

If I hear something, I can repeat it.

If I see something, I can do it.