Page 102 of Spirit Rites

It’s quiet for a moment, and Farrah’s the first to break the silence. “Are they still shifting back to human?”

I feel like everyone at the table holds their breath as they wait for Kaldar’s answer. “We’ve seen them shift only two more times since the arena, but when they attack, they attack in guivre form. So, it makes sense that we don’t see it more.”

Rysden keeps his intense gaze on Kaldar. “What were the circumstances for the two times?”

“The first time, somebody reported to Zarreth that they’d seen a man sneaking around behind some of the homes in the woods. When we went to confront him, he shifted into a guivre. We killed him. The second time, there was a man in the arena. I have no idea what he was doing there. But this one just flew away after he shifted.”

“What are they after?” Farrah asks.

“We don’t know,” I tell her, and it’s the truth. We’ve spent hours and hours on this discussion. Honestly, I’m happy to leave it behind for just a few days.

“I think we’re going to have to reach out to Rauk,” Kaldar says. He sounds less than thrilled. Rysden’s expression matches his.

“Who’s Rauk?” Harper asks, her gaze bouncing around the room.

It’s Lox that answers her. “The king of the Dragon Kingdom.”

Farrah turns to her. “From what Rysden’s told me, he’s,” she pauses like she’s trying to find her words.

“He’s a—” she elbows Rysden, cutting off whatever obviously derogatory thing he was going to say.

“He’s pretty awful,” Farrah says instead. “But that’s just what Rysden says.” She shrugs. “I mean, he thinks most people are awful and would never interact with anybody outside these four walls if he didn’t have to. So, he may not be the best one to ask.”

I glance up at Kaldar. “I don’t know; Kaldar kind of feels the same way.”

“That’s because he’s a—” Farrah elbows Rysden again, and he smirks. I’m pretty sure he’s just doing it now to get a rise out of her.

“Anyway,” she says brightly as she eyes us. “When are you guys leaving to go to the cabin? You are going to love it! Rysden took me there for a few days, and it was amazing!”

I glance at Kaldar. “Probably first thing in the morning, if that’s okay.”

Rysden nods, and Farrah beams at us. “Perfect.”

Not long after that, Harper stands and pushes her chair in. "I need to get going before I get locked out for the night.”

I turn to her curiously. “What?”

She rolls her eyes. “The lady who lives below me gets cranky if I’m out too late. She likes to lock the door at night, but if she does, I can’t get inside. The stairs to my place are inside said front door.”

Farrah grins. “Ask her how she found that out.”

Harper scowls at her. “Laugh it up.”

I wait until Harper turns back to me. “Do you like it?” I ask, hopeful.

Her face loses it’s scowl, and she almost smiles. “Yes. It’s a place of my own.” I bite my lip and will myself not to cry.

“I’m so happy for you, Harper.” Only I know how much it means to her, to either of us, after growing up without living in a home.

“Yeah.” Her voice is gentle for a moment. “All right. I got to go before Eliza locks me out.” I go still.

Lox stands up. “I’ll ride with you.”

Harper rolls her eyes. “I don’t need you to. I’m a big girl and can protect myself.”

“I know.”

I’m still staring at Harper.It can’t be. Right? “Eliza? The name of the woman who lives below you is Eliza?”