Page 113 of Spirit Trials

“No, that’s not true. Everybody in this house knows you are.” He pulls me close and kisses me softly.

“As long as you do, that’s all I need.” He deepens the kiss, and I promptly forget what it was we were even talking about. He pulls back after he’s left me breathless. “We’d better get some sleep.”

I look at the bed and then back at him. “Should I sleep in my room?”

He doesn’t skip a beat. “No.”

“But,” I start.

“I already gave your room to your mom and brother anyway.”

I pause at that. “Oh.”

“So now, will you stay with me?” he asks.

I look at the bed and then back to him. “Well, it’s practical.”

“It’s very practical,” he repeats.

“We’re being hospitable.”

“We’re so hospitable,” he says in a sinfully low voice.

“Are you just going to keep repeating everything I say?”

“If it gets you in my bed? Yes.”

I laugh. “Okay. Fine. But no funny business, not until we make it official.”

“Is it too late tonight?” I don’t even bother answering. He sighs. “I’ll send word that we need to meet with Terron.”

A few minutes later, I’m on my side of the bed, staring up at the ceiling. “Something has been bothering me since the attack. Why didn’t anybody’s spirit animal show during the fight with the Black Clansmen?”

“There are magic wards around the castle. No magic can be used inside, and that includes the magic used for spirit animals to manifest.”

“Your father?” I ask, but I already know.

“Yes. He’s always been paranoid.”

“Isn’t that dangerous? Because like in the attack, nobody was able to summon their animal.”

“Yeah, but it doesn’t matter to him. The guards are trained to defend without the use of their spirits animals.”

I think about his words, even as drowsiness starts to overtake me. “Do you think you would ever be able to not hate the banished for what they did to your brother?” I ask softly.

He’s quiet for so long, I wonder if he’s fallen asleep. “I want to, if for no other reason, than for you. But I just don’t know.”

“Thanks for at least being willing to think about it.”

_____________

The next few days seem to drag. Rysden sent word to Terron immediately, but we haven’t heard from him. I feel like we’re allon edge, waiting for what happens next. The only good thing is that I get lots of time to catch up with my mother and brother and time too for Rysden to train me on pulling from Solace’s abilities when he’s available to help me. He hasn’t been able to as much as he wants to. His father’s been keeping him extra busy, and that worries me. I don’t trust the king at all and feel like he’s got something up his sleeve.

Those who didn’t produce a spirit animal at the trials have been officially banished, and I hate it. I vow to help Rysden make changes. Harper and Kinsley have been on edge waiting for Kaldar to come for them. I know they’re both nervous, but they’re trying to stay positive. I’m sad to be losing my friends but trying not to think about it.

I head downstairs, determined. I can't take one more moment behind these walls. I figure I’ll get out early while everybody else is still asleep. I throw a fur over my shoulders and open the front door.

“Where are you going?”