Page 56 of A Whisper of Cinders

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Ifall back into the upright posture he told me to hold and try not to think about what just happened. Nothing, really. But was it nothing? My heart is racing, only because of the scent of a man? A delicious scent I want to bury myself in, but still…

I give myself an internal shake and go back to the mindful breathing. It takes a little longer to refind my focus, but eventually the world fades away, as do my thoughts. The steady pull and release of air flowing in my lungs is the only thing that exists.

I inhale a faint scent of pine and snow, but my mind doesn’t really register it for what it is. Not until someone shouts my name and my eyes burst open, heart in my throat.

Aramis crouches in front of me, an apologetic expression on his face. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you,” his voice is warm, tinged with amusement. “I was just wondering if you wanted to grab something to eat.”

It feels like I’m trudging through mud and I’m unsure if my head is actually attached to my neck. Only after a couple of seconds, his words register. I look around, noticing I’m all by myself, Conláed nowhere to be seen. “Where is everyone?”

“The class is over, it has been for nearly an hour. Con always trains after his class, but he eventually had to leave too.”

“Why didn’t he say anything?”

“He tried to reach you, I suppose you were too focused. I mean, I have been here for fifteen minutes and you only heard me because I was shouting your name.”

“Oh.” I look down at my lap, my cheeks turning pink. Why do I always have to be the odd one out?

“Hey, don’t worry about it, it isn’t a bad thing. Con said it means you're very disciplined. You must’ve slipped into a deep meditative state, did it help clear your mind?”

His green eyes seem lighter today, more the shade of sage. I think about his question and to my surprise, the answer is yes. My mind feels a little less burdened than it did before.

I nod, and he offers me a gentle smile. “Are you ready to go?”

“If I can get upright, then yes, I am ready.”

Even though I only ran for a couple of minutes, the soreness in my legs makes it feel like I’ve been running for hours instead. Aramis stands fluidly and offers me a hand. I hesitate a second before I take it.

My hand disappears in his and the second we connect, warmth travels up my arm, spreading towards my chest. It feels like what I imagine stepping into a sunbeam would feel like after a long cold day. It’s very tempting to close my eyes and soak it in. Does he feel it too?

Aramis pulls me up effortlessly, but my blood pressure isn’t cooperating and black dots blur my vision. Once I feel a little steadier I let go of his hand and walk on wobbly legs to where I left my shoes.

We leave the magnificent dojo behind and reach the restaurant sooner than I expected. The warmth is immediate, carrying the scent of roasted vegetables, fresh bread and something sweet that lingers in the background.

As we wait in line, I look around to see if Sirelle is here. I spot a couple of students who were in the dojo, some offer me a smile or a wave. My eyes find Conláed next, who sits with who I assume are his friends, not noticing me at all. I wish he did though.

I pinch myself and turn away, and go with a fresh pumpkin soup and some toast for today. Yet even though my back is turned to him, the urge to gaze at him is overwriting all my common sense. Stupid hormones.

I ignore it and sit down across from Aramis. I glance around once more. “Have you seen Siri?” I ask, stirring the creamy soup in front of me.

He doesn’t answer immediately, weighing his words. “If she’s not in the greenhouse, she’s probably at the temple. Don’t worry about her, she is fine.”

“You have a temple here?”

Aramis nods. “Yes, it is —” Pounding footsteps halt next to our table and Aramis looks up, smile disappearing. “Aiko?”

The woman’s black hair is cut just below her jaw and her upturned grey eyes are full of worry. “I’m sorry Aramis, but…” she quickly glances my way before turning back to him. “There’s an emergency at the Sanctum.”

He watches her for a moment, calculating how severe the situation could be. “I’ll have to excuse myself, Maily. I do apologise —”

“Hey, don’t. If someone’s in need of your assistance, go help.” He quickly rises, gathering the food on his tray. “Don’t worry about it. Go. I’ll handle this.”

He offers me a grateful smile and rises. “Maybe it’s a good time to pick the lessons you want to follow. I’ve already made a list and shoved it underneath your door.”

I almost forgot I have the liberty to choose how to spend my time. “I will, thank you.”

He nods once and runs after Aiko, disappearing in a blink of an eye. Damn, he moves so fast. Without Aramis sitting in front of me, no one blocks my view of Conláed. And to my biggest surprise, he is watching me. But as soon as my eyes find his, he looks away and ignores me for the rest of my meal.