Breaking Badlands (Talespinners) by Scott Reintgen

Author:Scott Reintgen [Reintgen, Scott]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Published: 2021-09-21T00:00:00+00:00

21

Cruel Intentions

She nudged the fallen wizard with a toe. “Is she…”

“Knocked out,” Phoenix confirmed in his rusty voice. “Bad footwork.”

Indira couldn’t help smiling at that. She knew Phoenix prided himself on his magical training. She wouldn’t have doubted there was an entire class he’d taken on proper footwork while casting spells. Janie looked like she was considering kicking the unconscious girl for sneaking up on them.

“Deserves a good knock to the head,” Janie said. “Look at that ridiculous bird costume. Who wears stuff like this?”

Indira nodded. It was a very distinctive look. Which gave Indira a perfect idea. “What if…you wore it?”

Janie scowled. “I’m an outlaw. I wouldn’t be caught dead—”

“No, I mean, what if you wear this to sneak into their castle?” She leaned down to look closer at the fallen wizard. “You’re about the right height and size. I’d bet if you put this raven suit on with the hood up, no one in Final Boss would have a clue. You sneak into the castle. You find the flag. We can wait at the bottom of the outer walls for it.”

The idea had Janie nodding. “And I’m the reason we win?”

Indira wanted to roll her eyes. Instead she nodded back.

“Absolutely. You’re the reason we win.”

Janie required no more convincing. She switched outfits, suiting up in the raven-like cloak. They went over the plan, arranged a backup plan in case Janie was captured, then watched as she made her way to the front gates of the castle. Indira and Phoenix were alone for the first time in weeks.

Except they weren’t really alone.

Everest curled up on Indira’s other side. The wolf nuzzled into her a little, eyes flicking over briefly to Phoenix before closing. She idly petted his head, not sure what she was supposed to do or say. It had felt for months like she was trapped between the boys, but now she was literally standing between them. Phoenix made it more awkward by launching into a speech.

“Hey. I’ve been meaning to tell you. I was a jerk. I was more focused on Everest”—the wolf’s eyes opened when he heard that name—“than I was on you. I’m really sorry for how I acted. I guess I was jealous. It’s not an excuse. There is no excuse for that kind of behavior. I was jealous, though, because since the beginning it’s always been the two of us. Solving mysteries. Fighting bad guys. It’s always been me and you. It was hard to accept that there might be someone else who’s a good fit for you….”

Indira shook her head. “Phoenix, it’s not—”

“You don’t have to explain. I promise that I’m okay. It’s just that I like you. A lot. You’re the person I like the most in the world. I liked you before we were in a story together. And I’ll like you long after those stories are over. But that doesn’t mean I get to choose for you. If Everest is the one who makes you happiest, then I want you to pick him.

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