issue, the two packs would need to work it out on their own. So Mallory put up ‘privacy screens’”—Nell did air quotes—“all around her house.”
“And now the hawks poop on her head whenever she’s outside!” Kaja blurted.
We all burst into laughter then. I laughed so hard I tipped back onto the living room rug, shaking with amusement. Kaja fell back next to me, eyes leaking tears. When we finally calmed down, I pulled up a vision of Mallory walking across her land, white bird poop falling on her head, and rolled with laughter again, setting the girls off into fits of giggles once more.
I hadn’t realized how much I needed this, I hadn’t realized how stressed I’d been the past few days. I finally sat up, wiping my eyes, and when my thoughts drifted back to Rage, the amusement faded like the sun in a storm.
Kaja must’ve noticed. Clearing her throat, she pulled me up into a standing position. “We’re going to hang in my room,” she told everyone.
The girls nodded. “Good to see you, Nai,” Fiona said.
“Come back more often!” Nell agreed.
I told them I would and then stepped into Kaja’s room. The second the door closed behind her, she turned to face me. “Spill it. I know something is wrong.”
I sighed, glancing at the clock on her bedside table. It was late, and I was hungry and tired. “This is a long story, Kaj.”
She crossed her arms. “I’ll order pizza to be delivered from the cafeteria.”
I grinned. “Extra ranch?”
A slow smile spread across her lips. “Is there any other way to eat pizza?”
Two hours later, it was pitch dark out. I’d eaten five slices and poured my heart out to Kaja.
“Damn, girl, I can see Rage’s point but also yours. That’s quite a pickle.”
I nodded, breaking a piece of pizza crust in half and throwing it into the box. “Alright, I gotta get back or Reyna will worry about me.”
“How is my grumpy big sister?” she asked, and I tried to keep my smile fresh, natural, totally not giving away that when gramps died, Reyna would too.
“She’s great. I mean, pain in the ass sometimes, but great.”
Kaja chuckled. “That’s her.”
Maybe I could find a way to keep Reyna alive … this whole shield thing seemed pointless when you were going to die of old age anyway.
Problem for future Nai.
“Love you.” I reached out and pulled my bestie into a hug.
“Love you too.” Kaja squeezed. “Visit me tomorrow. I want daily date night too!”
I laughed. “You’ve got it. I’ll come over every day after I see Rage.”
And with that, I headed back to High Mage Island hoping that giving Rage a night to cool off would bring him to his senses.
When I got to the library portal, Honor was curled up asleep in front of the Onyx door. He stirred when I approached.
‘What did I do to deserve a great friend like you?’ I reached down and scratched his ears.
‘For starters, you saved my life. Or brought me back to life, I should say,’ he replied as I grinned, opening the door and stepping through the portal.
‘Touché. You owe me big time,’ I teased.
We slipped through the empty library and then into Gramps’ private study.
‘Want me to stay here with you tonight? I feel bad, sticking you in here all alone,’ I asked Honor as he hopped up onto the couch and curled up.
‘Nah, I kind of feel like this is my cool bachelor pad. But feel free to bring food in the morning.’
I leaned down and kissed the top of his furry head. ‘You’ve got it.’
With that, I headed over to the main spirit house, to my bedroom, and then climbed into bed. Kaja and I were great. Honor and my friendship more solid than ever. But my issues with Rage pulled at my consciousness, causing me to toss and turn all night. Mostly I wondered one thing…
Was he right? Was I taking the wrong side?
The next morning, I woke groggily, prepared to have another portal lesson with my mom later in the day. I wanted to check on Gramps first and see where he thought my training should go. After finding my soul stone with Reyna, I’d hidden it inside the black pouch with the others, but I wasn’t really sure if I needed to have it on me at all times or what. One more thing to ask my grandfather.
But first, I should probably check in with my mate. I hated that we’d fought last night…
‘Hey