The Lexis Chronicles, Book One: Liam by A.J. Ford

Author:A.J. Ford [Ford, A.J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-03-08T00:00:00+00:00

In the sparsely filled lunch hall, Naya, Joren, and I found solace at a secluded table. The usual cacophony of voices was absent, amplifying the sound of my every bite into an echoing reminder of my physical discomfort. Each chew of my sandwich was a laborious task, my body protesting in achy defiance.

Trying to inject some levity, Naya elbowed Joren lightly. “So, Joren, still caught up in thoughts of Veyra?”

Joren, momentarily distracted from his food, shot back with a wry grin. “Speaking of romance, what’s going on between you two?”

I blushed, but Naya laughed. “I don’t know, what are we, Liam?”

I shook my head. “I’m just eating my sandwich.”

Our banter was interrupted when an extra tray clattered onto the table, and Lammat dropped down into a spare seat next to Joren.

“Lammat!” Naya gave a joyful laugh and leaned across the table, wrapping her arms around him.

I smiled, placing down my sandwich. “How’s the new Team Lammat treating you?”

Lammat made a face. “Kai thinks he knows everything. And Tyran? They’re like two peas in an arrogant pod. The only thing keeping me sane is Leana.”

“Yeah, Leana’s alright,” I agreed with a nod.

Lammat turned to Joren, “Hey! I’m Lammat. You’re Joren, right? My replacement?”

Joren looked at him, then looked away. “Yes.”

Lammat paused, sharing a glance between me and Naya. “Great!”

As we chatted, exchanging stories, Lammat suddenly fixed his gaze on me. “Liam, you alright there? You’re looking a bit worse for wear.”

Before I could answer, Naya jumped in, her voice hushed. “He’s recovering. Used up all his mana today, went a bit overboard with a spell. I’ve never seen someone with mana exhaustion before.”

Lammat frowned, his concern evident. “That’s not mana exhaustion. If it was, he’d be on death’s door.” He looked to Naya. “If it was, you’d take him to a medic, rather than a lunch hall, right?” his tone taking on an almost parental reprimand. An unusual change from his usual joviality.

I attempted a reassuring smile. “Well, you should’ve seen me a while back. I was practically a ghost.”

Unconvinced, Lammat reached across the table, placing his hand gently on my neck, and guiding my face towards him. His eyes bore into mine, serious and intent. “You need to recover, Liam. I’m counting on you. It’s your job to win me back, yes?”

My forced smile slipped away, and I nodded firmly. With those parting words, Lammat stood, leaving his almost untouched meal behind. He strode away, his silhouette gradually merging with the dim light of the hall.

“I like him,” Joren remarked, as he slid Lammat’s tray towards himself.

Naya chuckled. “Why, because he gave you food?”

Joren shook his head, pausing as he picked up a forkful. “No, it’s because he genuinely cares.” He took a bite, contemplating. “You can tell he really misses you.”

Naya’s gaze shifted to me, her expression thoughtful. “You think we can win him back?”

I nodded, taking another bite of my sandwich, my determination unwavering. “I know we will.”

In a matter of seconds, Joren had almost cleared Lammat’s tray, stuffing as much as he could into his mouth.

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