Page 32 of The Amber Sunburst

Eudoxos sighs, probably going for unbothered but not quite achieving it. “I know. But I need to get him off my back at some point. Maybe this will placate him.”

“I just hate seeing you have to put up with stupid stuff like that.”

They pause, staring into each other’s eyes like there’s more to say but they’re not sure what it is, and Alexander suddenly feels like he’s interrupting an intimate moment.

“Alright, you fools,” he says, standing. “I’m going to do some reading and go to sleep early. I’ll see you guys later.”

Zeno waves as he goes, and Alexander almost wants to tell him to sort this whole thing out once he’s gone. Alexander has had too many short-term girlfriends and secret boyfriends who loved to play matchmaker, so at this point it’s a habit for him.

He hops down the stairs two at a time—he tried for three yesterday, but he almost fell and broke his face—then comes to an abrupt stop when he sees what awaits him on his floor.

Kallias stands across from the entrance to their hallway with his back against the wall and a paperback book in front of him, cover folded back so he can hold it one-handed. When he notices Alexander, he pushes his glasses up to his hair and tilts his head to the side.

“Well, if it isn’t the brand-new golden boy himself,” Kallias says, placid as usual.

Alexander can’t believe that Kallias has actually started a conversation with him, but he doesn’t hesitate to take the opportunity.

“You know, I think that’s the most words I’ve heard you speak in a row.” He mirrors Kallias’ stance.

“What can I say? I’m not a big talker.”

“The silent and broody type? I could be convinced.”

“To what?”

To push you up against a wall and learn everything about you.

Alexander shrugs. “So, what does the ‘not big talker’ want with me? Surely I’m not worth your precious few words of the day.”

“Oh, you’re not,” Kallias says, sighing like he’s already tired from this short interaction.

“You can sign it to me if you’d prefer not to speak.”

Kallias’ face takes on that adorably terrifying scowl. “Are you always this much of an asshole?”

“Christ, if I had a nickel for every time I heard that…”

Kallias’ eyes narrow, and for a moment he looks uncharacteristically engaged. Then he slips right back into his sarcastic aloofness. “You’d be rich,” he replies.

“Damn straight.”

“So, then, asshole. How exactly did you wind up here? You can imagine that we don’t get many new people this late in the game.”

“Aww, are you curious about me?”

“Yes, actually.”

You could push me up against a wall and learn everything about me, if you’d prefer that.

“Cute.”

Kallias doesn’t respond, clearly expecting more of an answer and willing to wait for it, and Alexander considers turning around and leaving, but who is he kidding? He’s not ending this unless he absolutely has to.

“I was pulled up. I’m from the country.”

“I didn’t ask from where,” Kallias replies. “I asked how.”

“I—” Alexander stutters.