The Mesmerist by Claire Luana

Author:Claire Luana [Luana, Claire]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Live Edge Publishing

Chapter 23

When I woke the next day, I found my body recovered enough to head to the Mesmers’ workshop without the aid of the chair. Questions were burning in my mind, and I suspected it was the only place I would find answers.

But when I stepped inside, I was rocked back on my heels by the storm cloud that was Valko. He was pacing across the length of the floor with a piece of paper and a quill, muttering angrily to himself, pausing periodically to stop and scribble something on the paper.

Dragan lounged on the couch in the corner, and when he saw me, he jerked his head toward the library. I hastily followed him through the door and into the quiet, cavernous space. “What’s going on?”

Dragan ran a hand through his hair. He looked as tired as I felt. The walk, short as it was, had winded me. I still hadn’t recovered completely. “We received reports that a large Vruk military force was approaching the border. Our inquiries were finally answered this morning. Andrej says it’s a training exercise.” He scoffed.

“That’s ridiculous. Can’t they see we’d take it as an aggressive action? It could start a war.”

“I’m afraid that’s exactly what Andrej wants. I just can’t figure out why now. What’s changed?”

“Maybe we should do some more spying on the ambassadors? Perhaps they will let something slip.”

“Perhaps. They are hunting today. Tonight, though…” Dragan looked at me. “I do not think you should be Projecting yet, Adrijana. You are still weak. I can take care of it.”

“Absolutely not.” I shook my head resolutely. “I’m feeling much better. If you’re making any moves against those horrible men, I want in.”

“It will just be observing them.”

“Still. At least I’ll be doing something other than waiting around for them to corner me and cut my eyes out.” I shuddered involuntarily.

Dragan inclined his head. “Meet me at ten o’ clock in the corridor between our rooms. We will go together.”

“Thank you!” I clasped my hands together. Spying on those bastards would make me feel better.

“Now, I think it’s best if you continue to rest today, rather than working on your studies.”

I frowned, but I was feeling tired already. “Does the library have any books on the Adrjssian clan animals? Like karakals?” I wasn’t sure why I didn’t mention star-birds.

“Foul beasts. Always spitting and scratching,” Dragan said. “But yes, I think there’s a book somewhere.” He disappeared down one of the rows.

“You don’t like the karakals?” I asked, amused. “They can see us, can’t they? When we Project.”

“Most animals can. It’s quite fascinating, actually.” Dragan returned and handed me a thin, blue, leather-bound book with gold foil lettering: An Adrjssian Bestiary. “I suspect they can detect our psychic mental projections, but perhaps it’s some sort of distortion in the air? If I had more time, I would love to design an experiment around it.”

I clutched the book to my chest. “I’m sure someday you will.”

I walked back to my room, reading the book as I went.

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