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What if I'd imagined his feelings for me?

What if I'd built an entire fantasy out of nothing?

“Doesn't it bother you that I just embarrassed both myself and you as my mentor?”

I nodded toward the arena now standing far behind us.

He remained silent.

And somehow, it felt as though his eyes were trying to tell me something.

But I couldn't understand it.

Or maybe I simply didn't want to.

“I don't care about other people's opinions.”

His answer came sharp and immediate.

“I know your strength. I know what you're capable of.”

Then his expression hardened.

“I'll be gone for about a week. And I expect you to consider every possible threat while I'm away.”

“Interesting. Which threats?” I asked, unable to resist my usual sarcasm. “Potential Moss spies, or just random guys?”

“Both.”

I could've sworn his gaze was trying to say more.

Something was holding him back.

“Why a week?” I asked, changing the subject before my heart could betray me any further.

“I need to go to Mataarus. After that, Vuduarus.” He paused. “You already know about the three-day limit there.”

I pressed my lips together.

“Did something happen?”

“I don't know yet.”

For the first time since we'd entered the garden, uncertainty slipped into his voice.

“But your friends are fine.”

I nodded, relaxing slightly.

“Tarven and Miloran will keep an eye on you.”

“And Joel.” I rolled my eyes. “I don't need babysitters.”

“You don't.”

Airis agreed immediately.

Then his gaze locked onto mine.