Sea Glass

“How do you decide who you’ll give this loyalty to?” My biggest problem, knowing who to trust. “I’m sure you don’t bestow it on just anyone you meet.”

“Of course not. There are only a few who’ve proven to me that I can count on them,” Yelena said. “It’s a matter of time and experience.”

Great. My experiences have been horrible. “Who are the people you rely on?”

Her gaze grew distant. “Valek, Kiki, Leif, Ari, Janco, Irys, Moon Man, my parents and you.”

“Me?”

Yelena gave me that flat don’t-be-so-stupid look.

“Okay. Okay.” I reviewed her list of names in my mind. It was longer than mine. “I guess in time I’ll add a few more to my list.”

“Who are on your list?” she asked.

“Kade, Janco, Leif, my family and you.”

“You’re missing a few names.”

“Who?”

“Think about it.” She gestured to the bed. “You’ll have plenty of time.” She laughed. “I’d better go before Kade kicks me out for tiring you.” She waved and slipped out the door.

With nothing else to distract me, I replayed our conversation. My list had improved from before the events in Hubal. I would have to trust Yelena’s assertion of time and experience and expect to add more names as I dealt with the next round of trouble.

Nic and Eve stopped by before leaving for Fulgor.

Nic explained what happened in Fulgor after Akako’s deception had been revealed. “Captain Alden couldn’t believe the message at first. If it hadn’t come from First Magician, he might have consulted the Councilor…the impostor and ruined the surprise attack. We stormed the Councilor’s Hall.” Nic punched a fist into his other hand. “They didn’t know what hit them. We nabbed Gressa first. She tried to sneak out through the tunnel. The impostor hid under her office desk.” Nic snorted with disdain.

“The whole city’s changed,” Eve said.

“The citizens are giddy with relief. Lots of drunk-and-disorderly-conduct charges,” Nic added.

“Nic and I volunteered to escort the impostor here so the Soulfinder could switch her back.” She folded her arms. “And we wanted to check on our charge, who did not go to Chandra like she said.”

“You weren’t supposed to follow me.” I tried, but twin stern expressions aimed at me. I felt instantly guilty. “Um…aren’t you supposed to be back in Fulgor?”

“Not until we were sure of your survival,” Nic said. “Do you know how much trouble we’d be in if you were assassinated on our watch?”

“But my condition is my fault. No one harmed me,” I said.

“You planned all this?” Eve asked.

“Not really, but—”

“Suspect’s story is changing—we should haul her ass in for further questioning,” Nic said.

“We’d need more backup and rain gear. Otherwise we won’t get her past the Stormdancer.”

Nic scowled. “All right, Opal. We’ll let you go with a warning. This time. However, if you come to Fulgor again, you’re to check in with us. Understand?”

“Yes, sir.” I felt like I should salute. He was serious.

“And if you need assistance on another one of your…adventures, send us a message. We’ll be there,” Eve said.

By their posture and demeanor I knew they would keep their promise. “Thank you, I will.” I shook both their hands and the mood lightened.

“We’d better go and face the Captain’s wrath,” Nic said.

“I’ll bet you two silvers he gives us the ‘Chain of Command’ lecture,” Eve said.

“No way. That’s a given. I’ll bet four silvers he says, ‘Don’t delay, just obey,’ five times.”

“You’re on. He’ll never say it five times. You’re so going to lose.”

The two soldiers continued their banter as they left. I wondered if Yelena referred to them when she had mentioned more names for my list. Remorse filled me as I thought of how I had started a friendship with Eve just to gain her confidence and gather information.

I huffed. Two sides to my relationship with Eve—one good and one bad. But I had the choice for next time, and I could atone for my deceit by being an honest friend.

This simple realization dispelled the crushing guilt I had carried with me since I had pricked Yelena with Curare over six years ago. It didn’t matter that she forgave me, I needed to forgive myself. To know there would be terrible times, but I could balance those out or even tip the scales by my actions.

It was all a part of being trustworthy—of being a piece of sea glass. High tides, low tides, storms, sand and mistakes all contributed to the polishing process. Though difficult to endure at the time, the demanding elements helped smooth the surface, transforming one into a better person, not worse. A person who learned from the harsh environment, who knew the storm would end, and who felt confident she would still be in one piece.

Janco swaggered through my door with his usual smug smile. “I’m not supposed to be here. Kade has you on a strict one-visitor-a-day diet.”

He settled into the chair with an athletic grace. No bruises or cuts marred his face. Even though the smile remained, a shadow lurked in his eyes.

“Janco, I’m sor—”

“Don’t you dare say it.” He poked my arm with a finger. “My choice to help you. My fault for being caught. No regrets. I’d do it again without thought.” He cocked his head to the side and scratched his scarred ear. “Which isn’t that big of a revelation. Ari says I do everything without thought.” He shrugged. “Thinking is overrated.”