Page 22 of The Last Aether

“We’ve checked her for weapons, Your Highness. She’s clean,” a guard added.

Kai opened the door, revealing a pale-faced Kerry. Her eyes widened as she took me in, and I realized that Atlas still had me hauled against his chest, feet dangling. I patted his chest. “I think you can put me down now.”

He grunted and did as I’d asked. I stretched up and gave him a peck on the lips as a thank you.

Kerry tentatively walked inside. “Is it, uh, okay that I’m here? I was just so worried. The rumors have been crazy. At first it was going around that you were dead and then that you had run away and then that you had—”

“Kerry,” I halted her.

Her mouth snapped shut and her cheeks pinked. “Are you okay?”

“Come on.” I waved her towards the kitchen. Atlas and Kai started to follow, but I shook my head. “Girl talk time.”

Kai pouted. “I can do girl talk.”

A smile stretched across my lips, and I crossed to him, kissing him deeply. “Go rest.”

“Fine,” he huffed.

I glanced at Atlas. “You’re in charge of him.”

“Gee, thanks,” Atlas muttered.

I swallowed my chuckle and led Kerry towards the kitchen. “Sorry about the intensity.” I moved to the fridge and pulled out two sodas, handing one to her.

She took it, studying me. “They’re worried about you.”

Popping the top, I leaned against the counter. “I worry about them too.” Images of Phoenix and Riven fighting The Network swirled in my mind.

“What happened, Aura?”

I took a sip of the soda, trying to buy some time. It was some fruity flavor I couldn’t put my finger on. “I was shot.”

Kerry gasped.

“The guys got me out of the dungeon and rushed me to a healer. They took me somewhere to recover for a few days and to be sure campus was safe.”

“But it’s not.” Kerry glanced towards the living room. “Everyone’s talking about the sniper. But no one was hurt?”

“We’re all okay.” It wasn’t a lie exactly, we were all fine now. But the story I’d told her about the healer had been. I told myself it was better for her, safer. But I still felt like a complete ass.

“This is crazy. We’ve had the occasional attack on campus but never two in a row like this. You really are an aether, aren’t you?”

“It’s looking that way.”

“Oh God, I should bow—or crap—I can’t remember what I’m supposed to do.”

I pulled Kerry into a quick hug. “You’re supposed to treat me like normal. Like the same friend I always was.”

She shook her head. “But it’s not the same. I knew you were strong, but the first aether in centuries? People are losing their minds over this.”

Nausea pricked at my stomach. “I’m sure things will go back to normal in a week or two.”

“If you say so…” Kerry sent a furtive glance towards the living room.

“What?”

Her cheeks reddened. “Are you and the royals…are you, like, together?”