A Heart of Fire - Standard Edition: The Nightling Trilogy by Vale Geoff

Author:Vale, Geoff
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Geoff Vale L.L.C.
Published: 2023-11-09T00:00:00+00:00

IX. Distractions

Several weeks unfolded, their passing marked by an unfathomable sense of calm. Amidst the swirling tempest of my life, my scholarly pursuits stood as a steady rock, undeterred and unyielding. I opted against reaching out to my mother, the fear of confirming Victor's absence acting as a barrier. The need to retreat, to pause and heal during the Winter Semester, whispered increasingly enticing promises, yet the silence it would bring to my scholarship checks cast a long shadow. Amidst this precarious balance, Paige deemed it a silver lining when the local coffee shop extended a job offer.

The proprietor, a man of questionable intentions, hoped his offer would coax me into a dinner date with him. He aimed to employ his business as a charm against his personal insecurities, an odd detour from my current path, yet it held an unexpected significance.

Jonas hadn't handed down the rightful judgment on Nicholae. Hovering on the edge of emotional paralysis, fear wrapping its icy fingers around me, I noted his name remained absent from our discussions. The occasional absences of Jonas and Paige during our gatherings thwarted my attempts at probing for information. Their secretive conversations hinted at new discoveries. The echo of Victor's forewarning about an imminent judge stirred unease within me. The Reinhardts remained oblivious to the brewing storm, but I took comfort in my apartment with Paige, far from the ominous specter of Leland Manor.

During the long stretches of night when sleep eluded me, Jonas would pay me visits. He endeavored to craft soothing imagery in my mind, a balm against the potential nightmares stirred up by my troubled imagination. His intrusion into my dreams wasn't without its toll—he sacrificed his privacy, every moment spent within my mind allowing me exclusive insight into his thoughts and feelings.

Despite my persistent reassurances, Paige still carried a sense of guilt, taking responsibility for the recent events. She'd moved in and taken up my apartment lease, an act born from an unmerited sense of accountability. She served as my support, her calculated distractions an attempt to steer me away from nurturing resentment.

One morning, with a bowl of sugary sustenance before her, Paige mused, "We should shake things up a bit. Jonas is due to visit, and Dominic is joining. I hope you're okay with this." Her statement was punctuated by the habitual flick and tie of her hair, signaling her mischievous intent.

Our customary trips to the city up north were a welcome break from routine. The bustling cityscape offered a vibrant contrast to our weekday monotony, making Fridays a beacon of anticipation. This particular Friday, however, we were homebound.

"What's your plan?" I asked, a tinge of curiosity seeping into my voice. It had been a while since Paige had crafted a plan, and I wondered about her latest brainstorm.

She looked at me, her expression tinged with melancholy. "Does it matter? You must be as bored as I am. Don't you want me around anymore?" Paige's words felt like a gentle tug, her sadness acting as a subtle force to pull me towards her proposal.

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