Chapter 11

Arya

I look into Arthur’s eyes and I’m struck by one thing. Genuine care.

He looks like he means what he said, like he really will be there if something bad happens to me. That makes my throat loosen up, my heart returning to its normal rate slowly.

“You mean that?” I ask in a vulnerable voice. “But I. . . .”

“I mean it.” He lets me go and steps away from me to give me space. “Are you feeling better? Can you breathe?”

“Yes,” I say, but my voice still sounds low. I look around me and realize that we are in some sort of a garden. There’s a group of tall white buildings looming beyond us. “Is that the academy?”

“Yeah, but we don’t have to go there now,” he offers. “You still have so much time to discover all of that and you don’t need to do it now. We can just stay here and look around until you’re all good.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course.” He smiles at me, and I feel something flutter in my chest. “I know this area too, though. And I can show you my favorite spot. Come with me.”

I look at