Page 23 of Spirit Trials

He shrugs and takes a bite. “Just wondering.” But he’s grinning maniacally, and I don’t think I trust him right now.

I narrow my eyes at him. “Lox.”

He throws his hands up. “I was just wondering.”

I stand up, too nervous to sit and start to pace. “Do I have to do anything weird tonight?”

“Define weird,” Lox says. I give him a look. “Oh, you mean like stripping and running naked under the full moon while singing the Wolf Kingdom anthem?”

Horror fills me. “What?” I screech.

He bends over, laughing. “Your face.”

“Lox!” I shout at him. Realizing he’s no help, I turn to Hector. “I don’t really have to do that, right?”

“Don’t even have a national anthem,” he mutters under his breath as he carries the pot out to the table.

This makes Lox laugh even harder. I shake my head and turn to the girls who are standing off to the side, taking all this in. “Great, Lox. Now you’re scaring our guests.” I motion them to the table.

He sucks in a breath before laughing again. “Sorry. I couldn’t resist.”

I scowl at him as we all sit and start eating. “What time do we have to leave?”

“Soon,” Hector says.

I blow out a nervous breath.“How am I getting there?” I ask, suddenly curious.

“We’re taking you,” Lox says.

I roll my eyes. “Great.” Lox keeps the conversation going, but I focus on eating. I help carry the dishes in, but Hector shoos me away when I try to help wash them. So I go back to pacing.

Jamik comes strolling into the large dining area. He stops when he sees me. He’s silent for almost an entire minute. “Has Rysden seen you in that dress yet?” This causes Lox to burst out laughing once again.

I throw my hands up. “What is with everybody asking that? What’s wrong with this dress?” My voice is almost panicky now, and Jamik must notice.

“It’s fine. I was just curious.” He looks over at the girls.

“Oh, Jamik, these are my friends Rita and Tess.”

“We’ve met,” he says stiffly. I look over and see Tess blushing.Interesting.He looks back at me. “It’s time to get going. Are you ready?”

“You’re coming too?” I ask.

He gives me a short nod. I take in his usual black shirt and trousers before turning to look at Hector and Lox. They’re all wearing just regular clothing. “You guys don’t have to get dressed up?”

Lox grins. “Nope, we’re security for tonight.”

“Oh.” I tuck that information away. “For the king?”

He smiles and bops me on the nose. “Nope. For you.”

“I don’t need security,” I call out after him. I shake my head and turn back to the girls. “Do you need a ride somewhere or—”

“They’re coming with us,” Jamik says as he walks past.

“Oh. Great.” I smile at my new friends. “I guess we’re ready.”

“What about all our stuff? We left your room a mess!”