“It’s obvious. Anyway—” He scratched the back of his neck. “—Silvie came into her fire skill today.”
“What?” She flung her hands into the air and suds flew. A blob landed on Zayn’s head. “The fire skill, but that’s— Wow. We haven’t seen that skill in far too long.”
“I didn’t have very good control of it. First day and all.” But I would.
“That’ll only take a little training.” She nabbed a towel and patted Zayn’s head. “The fire comes from your fingertips, right?”
“Yep.” I lifted my hands, and with barely a thought, the fire flickered to life.
Eyes wide, she reared back. “Oh, that’s incredible.”
I waved my hands in front of me and the glowing red and orange sparks licked higher.
“Okay, that’s also hot.” She edged further away. “How do you put it out?”
“Thinking of cold stuff, or getting doused in water. I prefer neither.” Still, I got down to the nasty business of conjuring the iciest winter day possible. A chill soon penetrated my bones, and I shivered and stamped my feet. Ick.
“That’s very clever. Your flames are out.”
“You controlled that quickly.” Zayn examined my hands, turning them over. “It’s obviously better for you to get a handle on things as soon as the fire appears. We’ll practice whenever you wish. You’ll need to be ready for your rising when it comes.”
Oh boy. I didn’t want to think about my rising, the time when our skills came to fruition and burned at three times the strength. I would need a mountain of control for that. “You’re really up for helping me train?”
Briarlee patted my shoulder. “Of course he is. My son won’t have a problem keeping an eye on you.” She pinched Zayn’s cheeks. “Ahh, my firstborn who has the battle skills. I’ll never forget your rising.”
I’d been there that day in the arena too, just a few months ago. A massive crowd had gathered and packed the spectator’s seating, eager to see him become a fully-fledged protector. It was an honored occasion, when one relied on their closest to get them through the long hours ahead. Down on the sandy-floored arena, Zayn had worn his black combat leathers, headgear and guards. His power that day had been phenomenal.
One’s rising was the most spectacular event to watch, and Zayn’s just so as he’d drawn his sword against one opponent after another. Even Davio and Silas had taken turns, not long past their own risings, but neither had been able to keep up with him.
“I hope I manage mine as well as you did yours, Zayn.”
“You will, and if you wish it, I’ll be there.”
“That will be a sight to see.” Briarlee smiled. “As is your dinner. I’ll go check on where Giggi got to. I can’t let your food spoil.” She hurried away.
“Your mother is lovely.”
“She’s also nosy, and probably won’t stop quizzing me about you from now on.” His blue eyes twinkled. “Have you thought about joining the protectors once your rising is done?”
“I have culinary school. It’s not something I want to—oh, she’s fast.” The sound of stampeding feet was impossible to miss.
“Another warning.” Zayn whisked me off my feet and tucked me into the corner behind him. “Beware of the tribe.”
5
“Oh my goodness. I did not see that forewarning coming.” Faith’s voice rang clear in my head.
“You see everything, so that’s impossible. And I hardly call what you saw a forewarning. You were being nosy. You shouldn’t spy on other people. It only means you’ll see things you shouldn’t.” I yanked my yellow cotton sleep-shorts on and hauled my white singlet over my head as I readied for bed. “I’m going to sleep. It’s been a long day.”
“Zayn’s becoming too attached to you. He had his hands on you during the family dinner.”
“Not in the way you’re implying.” She was totally overreacting. “He’s kind and considerate, plus I have to move on.”
“With Zayn?”
“We’re friends, and I’m not supposed to be with Guy.”
“I get that. Hold on.” She was gone one moment then back the next. “Oops, the water beckoned to Hope and she just walked straight into the watering hole, boots and all.”
“You’re in the outback?”
“Yeah, she was driven to have a moonlit swim. Crazy, anyway, you’ve got enough to do right now without adding any further complications, that being Zayn.”
“Zayn’s offered to help me train.”
“Then I’ll ask Guy to.”
“What? No.”
“Yes.” She broke our connection.
Argh, unbelievable. I had to spend less time with Guy, not more.
I slid under my bedcovers and stared at the overhead lightshade. The crystal drops teetering from the edges of the delicate chandelier shimmered with gold from the light, like a small burst of sunshine.
“Silvie.” Guy’s deep voice rumbled inside my head.
“Let me guess. Faith just spoke to you?” She and I really needed to have words. That’s if she’d ever listen to me.
“It’s just as well she did.” His words held a lethal undertone. “Are you seeing Zayn?”