Page 46 of A Whisper of Cinders

“You know,” Siri starts after a long moment of silence. “Some might be curious about who you are. Really, I was too.” I drag my gaze up, seeing only kindness written across her face. “But no one will ever bully you or make comments. No one. I can promise you that. It’s not like that here at the Academy. We are not like that.”

She stretches out her hand to probably take mine. I know it is to comfort me, but physical contact, even if it’s not with the opposite sex, clenches a fist around my heart. The only one who I was comfortable with touching me every now and then was…

The scent of pine and snow clings faintly to the air, right before Aramis sits down on the chair next to mine. “My apologies for leaving you, I hope Siri here took good care of you?”

She smacks him on the arm. “What kind of question is that? Of course I took good care of her. Do you really think so low of me?” A tinge of hurt flashes through her eyes when she looks at him, but when her ocean blue eyes meet mine, all I see is uncertainty. “Did I? I mean, I know I might talk a little too fast whenever I explain something, but that’s just because I’m enthusiastic and —"

Now I have the urge to take her hand, but I contain it. “You explained everything perfectly. I couldn’t have wished for a better tutor.”

The light shines in her eyes instantly and she sticks out her tongue to Aramis, who returns the favor.

I eat until I’m close to exploding, which means I only managed to eat half of what I got served. I look at my plate, guilt settling in my stomach at all the food that is going to waste.

“Is something wrong?” Aramis asks, finishing the last of his yoghurt. Siri now takes me in as well. Great.

“No, not really…” They don’t believe me, that much is clear. “Okay fine, it’s just…I still have so much food left, it pains me to throw it away. That’s all.”

They both remain silent, making me feel awkward that I even said what was on my mind in the first place. “Never mind, it’s stupid.”

“It actually really isn’t,” Aramis says while standing up. “May I steal her back from you, Siri?”

“She isn’t anyone’s property you know.” Internally, my mouth drops open. I mean…she does have a point, but I hadn’t interpreted it that way. “But yes, show it to her, it might relieve the guilt that is already settling in her bones.”

I stare at her. How does she...?

She gives me a wink. “If you ever want to go to the greenhouse together, please let me know.”

“I’d like that.”

“Okay! I’ll see you later.”

She waves us goodbye and walks toward the exit of the restaurant.

It’s only when she is completely out of sight I realise I have no idea how I can reach out to her.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

It turns out Moonveil Academy has its own no-waste policy, where everything that doesn’t get eaten gets delivered to the ones who need it the most. To the people who are sick and can’t cook their own meal, or the ones who don’t have enough money to buy food.

And as I watch the process of food being put in boxes by volunteers, a warm feeling settles in my chest. There is still good and kindness in this world.

“Of course there is.”

I didn’t even realise I said that out loud. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to —”

Aramis looks down, a thoughtful expression across his face. “You shouldn’t apologise that much. Especially if it’s not necessary.”

I open my mouth to apologise again, but Aramis arches a brow and I close my mouth again. It’s something that happens spontaneously, I can’t really help it.

“Can I help? Preparing the boxes, I mean?”

Wonder flickers in his eyes. “I’ll be right back, milady.”

I roll my eyes at him, but my heart glows. Maybe it’s because I haven’t received much male attention in my life, but Aramis does funny things with my insides.

After a couple of minutes, he returns, holding a complete attire to change into. “Mind if I help you?”

The smile I give him is genuine. “Of course not, I’d love to.”