Page 83 of Trivium

“For once in your life, Alva, just do as I say.”

Loveleena’s hands were braced against his ribs—the first place she’d caught herself when he so quickly and smoothly guided them against the wall. She slid her left hand down the muscles of his back, over the edge of his belt, and gripped his ass in her hand.

He dropped his forehead on her shoulder, exasperated. “Really?”

“No girl who is actually in love giggles, you idiot,” she whispered. They certainly did, she just didn’t want to be told what to do. Nor did she feel like giggling. Instead, she moved her other hand up over his shoulder and ran her fingers through his hair. Cheek to cheek, she couldn’t see his face, but she could feel him soften slightly at her touch. The Defenders talked behind Ren in hushed voices.

“Did something happen to Park because he was helping you?” she whispered, repeating her question, hand in his hair.

If Ren was the reason Park was gone…

“This is not the time to discuss this, Alva.”

“Tell me something. Give me something. Or I will make sure that every last Defender and Jarrian alike learns of your little traitor heist.” Her threat was soft, sultry even, as she ran her other hand up his back. She could play the part and still get the information she needed.

Ren laughed low and deep, and it reverberated in her chest, sending a surge of anger through her. She could feel her magic under her skin, itching to be set free.

“Having a little difficulty controlling it, are you?” Ren taunted and she froze.

He knew about her magic?

Something about the way he dismissed her broke something inside of her. She couldn’t have stopped it, even if she had wanted to. Because today wasn’t a regular day. Today was Park’s birthday. And instead of being celebrated with tully, gifts, and wine, Park was forgotten.

Just forgotten like he didn’t matter. Like his life meant nothing. And Ren was dangling his life in front of her like candy she could never reach.

She kissed the crook between his neck and jaw so slowly, she felt his breath hitch in his chest. And then, she whistled as loud as she could.

A whistle Defenders used to signal a traitor.

At the same time, her magic exploded. She couldn’t control its release, so she dedicated every ounce of strength to channel it into trying to visually shield herself from view, just as two Defenders picked up speed toward them. Ren’s only sign of displeasure was a growl before he took off. Cursing, she could hear the Defenders’ boots on the stone; they were only seconds behind her. If her magic didn’t work—and there was a really strong chance it hadn’t—they would catch up to her and question her. At the very least, she would be in trouble for venturing beyond the Academy. Even with her strong performance, it could jeopardize her position and therefore her search for Park.

Frantic, she searched for her closest escape, settling on the heavy door to her right. It was massive and she used all her leftover strength to drag it shut behind her. Breathing hard, her back pressed to the door, she could hear the men on the other side, swearing about their disappearing targets. That meant Ren had escaped too.

Relieved at the sound of their fading voices, she looked around the library and found a woman crouched over a desk, peering up at her over crooked glasses.

“Are you in need of a book, child?” the woman asked.

“No I…” How could she even explain?

“Running from the law, then?” the woman said, a faint smile on her lips.

“Maybe.” Loveleena offered a soft smile, stepping forward. The woman stood, her bones creaky and wobbly. “Well, you better leave with a book, yes? A woman should always have a cover story.” She giggled like a little girl at her own joke, and Loveleena nodded, intrigued at how oddly cheerful the woman was.

“Here.” The woman passed her a book, and Loveleena turned over the worn cover in her hands.

“Thank you.”

“Tell me, child, how is my girl Ahmina doing?”

Loveleena blinked. “Ahmina?”

The woman nodded. Loveleena looked down at her clothes, the realization hitting her. Her uniform made it obvious she was a Defender.

“She’s training hard.” Ahmina hadn’t been doing very well, but she couldn’t outright lie. And telling the old woman the truth seemed… terribly sad. She said Ahmina’s name with such hope and pride.

“I can tell her you sent well wishes,” Loveleena said instead, her noblewoman diplomacy coming back to her automatically.

“Yes. Tell her Elder Muaka is thinking of her success.”