Total pages in book: 247
Estimated words: 235897 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1179(@200wpm)___ 944(@250wpm)___ 786(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 235897 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1179(@200wpm)___ 944(@250wpm)___ 786(@300wpm)
I nod and force a quick smile. “Just caught up in my head.”
“Relax, Violet.” Ridoc takes the seat next to Sawyer. “It’s not like the fate of our world rests on you finding whatever’s left of the irids.” He rubs the back of his neck. “Do you guys think it’s short for iridescent?”
“Yes,” the three of us simultaneously reply.
“Damn. Let’s go back to picking on Sawyer.” Ridoc leans in his chair as Jesinia walks our way, her arms full of leather-bound tomes.
A third-year steps into her path, and she skirts him. The incident repeats with a second-year a few rows closer to us.
“They’re worse than riders.” Sawyer’s knuckles whiten on the crutches as he arranges them against the table.
“They really are,” I agree, noting with pride that Jesinia keeps her head high as a third-year blatantly glares her way from the first row of study tables.
I narrow my eyes at him, and he flinches when he notices.
“I’m petitioning Grady to be on the quest squad,” Ridoc says, signing as Jesinia reaches us. “Think he’ll say yes?” He raises his brows in her direction.
She sets six books down on the table and lifts her hands. “Is Violet in need of an ice wielder?” she signs.
“She could be,” Ridoc says and signs. “Guess it all depends on your research.”
“No pressure,” she signs and rolls her eyes, but they soften the second her gaze lands on Sawyer. “You didn’t have to walk all the way down here,” she signs, and Ridoc translates. “I would have come to you.”
“I. Wanted. Here,” Sawyer signs slowly.
Rhiannon and I share a grin. He’s learning quickly.
Two lines of worry appear between Jesinia’s brows, right beneath the line of her cream hood, but she nods, then looks at me. “I’ve brought you six tomes I think may be of some use,” she signs, and Ridoc translates for Sawyer quietly.
“Do you need me to bury bodies?” I ask, my hands moving quickly to sign. “Because Andarna will happily roast some scribes if they’re acting like assholes.”
“Gladly,” she chimes in gleefully.
“No,” Tairn rebukes. “Don’t encourage her.”
Jesinia glances back at the cadets who are gathering to start their day. “I have seen enough bloodshed,” she signs. “And I can handle the punishment meted out for my desertion of the quadrant.”
“Punishment?” My stomach sours.
“They kicked—” Sawyer starts but signs the word “push” instead and drops his hands. “Damn it,” he swears at the ceiling. “Ridoc?”
“I’ve got you,” Ridoc says and signs. “And I promise, I won’t make any sexual plans for you later.”
Jesinia’s eyes widen.
“Gods help us,” Rhi mutters, then quickly signs it. “Ridoc!”
“They’re the ones losing out,” Ridoc says and signs.
“And to think,” I sign to Jesinia, keeping my mouth shut, “it was almost just the two of us at this table.”
She presses her lips between her teeth, fighting a smile.
“As I was saying.” Sawyer shoots a glare at Ridoc as he translates. “They kicked her out of the adept program. Made up some bullshit tests they knew she’d fail.”
My stomach sinks. I knew Markham would find a way to punish her for choosing Aretia, but never imagined he’d expel his brightest scribe from the path where she’s so desperately needed.
Jesinia’s attention snaps from Ridoc to Sawyer, and I wouldn’t wish the look she gives him on my worst enemy. “That was not your information to share,” she signs.
Ridoc repeats.
“That one, I understood,” Sawyer mutters. “They needed to know, based on your new orders.”
“I disagree,” she signs back, then blatantly looks away, her gaze finding mine. “Do not worry about me. I’m not out there fighting venin.” She spells out the word.
“I’m so sorry,” I whisper and sign.
“Don’t be.” She shakes her head. “I’ve been given the one assignment with which they know I can be trusted—helping you with research. Well, officially under Grady, but it’s really you.”
And they narrowed her scope of knowledge? It takes all the grace in my body to swallow the boulder of anger rising in my throat. “I didn’t want that for you.”
She makes a face at me. “Oh please,” she signs. “I’m left on my own with a treasure trove of royal tomes no one has read in at least the last four hundred years. Look at me suffering.” She rolls her eyes and smiles.
“Did you find mention of the irids?” Ridoc asks.
Jesinia blinks once, giving Ridoc a look I’ve seen enough times to wince on his behalf as she begins to sign. “Yes, in the second tome I pulled.”
“Really?” His face lights up.
“Absolutely,” she signs, her face completely deadpan. “It was recorded that when the last irid hatches and bonds the cadet born of rider and scribe, she’ll be gifted with two signets.”
“You’re kidding!” he signs excitedly. “There’s a prophecy?” He turns toward me. “Violet, you’re a—”
I shake my head quickly, wrinkling my nose.
Ridoc sighs and lifts his hands toward Jesinia. “You really are kidding, aren’t you? There’s no prophecy.”