by Laura Tree
Chapter 38
My first thought upon waking is that I can’t feel Zeke and Damien nearby. I jolt out of bed with a panic, clutching the covers over my aching heart.
I look around my room and find a note.
Lay,
There was an urgent matter that Zeke and I had to see to. We have asked Hunter to watch over you in our absence. Don’t think this is a free pass to do as you please, and don’t try to sneak off. We will be back as soon as possible. Wait for us.
-Damien
Great. I don’t know who Hunter is, and now I can’t go to class. What could be that important? I start to get nervous that they are taking so long, so I decide to shower and get dressed to get some food.
By the time that Hunter and I make it back to the room, Damien and Zeke are waiting on us.
“Did you get my note?” Damien demands.
“How else would I know to take Hunter with me?” I ask. I know I shouldn’t be sarcastic, but really, I can’t help it.
“It said to wait for us. That means don’t leave the room.” Damien is furious. What has put him in such a bad mood?
“I was starving. How am I supposed to eat if I can’t leave the room?” There is no way he is being serious.
“One of Nema’s spies was captured and is being held in the dungeon. The Dean let us interrogate him. That’s why you weren’t supposed to leave your room. There are more on The Isle. We have to be more careful.” Concern laces his voice. I look at Zeke who has a queasy look on his face. It must not have been a pleasant experience.
“What did you find out?” I’m not about to apologize for being hungry. If they didn’t want me to leave, they should have brought me breakfast in bed.
“Not much, they have an attack planned, but we aren’t sure when. We need to speed up our plans to leave. I’m going to send Silver and Bronco away soon, and then we will follow. I’m hoping that they catch wind of the horses, and attack then, if they’re going to attack at all. Then we can slip out undetected. The arrangements will be very quiet, so don’t hint to anyone. Just go on living as you would until I tell you it’s time to leave.” Damien looks very concerned. It’s my turn to soothe them.
“I am sure everything will be fine. We have all trained hard for this. We’ll be prepared. Now let’s get to class before they kick us out.” I don’t want to think about Nema attacking, or the possibility of a battle.