We’d walked into the last battle with fifty-nine soldiers.
There were not that many left.
Later, I’d go find the sheet that all the soldiers had signed after the battle so we could have an accurate casualty count. I’d call the High Court and give them an update. I’d probably have to stand through another funeral. Then I needed to research bonds to understand exactly why the twins were hurting. I’d— “Stop thinking so strenuously,” Jinx said across the table.
I arched my eyebrow at her. “I’m not.”
“Sure, and I’m not missing my leg and assigned as your guardian.” She made a face.
“You’re stupid,” I thought loudly in my head, just to be spiteful.
Jinx petted her ferret scarf and didn’t react. She must not have heard me.
What was the point of having a mental connection if it didn’t work half the time?
“It works,” Jinx said. “I just was ignoring you.”
I clicked my tongue. “Awkward.”
She didn’t reply.
I smoked and stared at the table while she ate.
It was pleasant.
“How’s my favorite soulless bestie doing?” Sadie asked as she slapped me across the back. I spit out my pipe.
Jinx startled and knocked over her cup of water.
The tranquil vibes were broken.
I picked up my pipe and dusted it off.
Sadie had a manic energy about her that always ruined a peaceful environment. It was one thing I liked most about her. She kept life interesting.
She slumped into the seat next to me and propped her boots on my lap like I was a footstool.
“Really?” I pushed her feet off my thighs. I lowered my voice and whispered, “Also, I don’t need everyone knowing about my soul issues.”
“Don’t worry.” Sadie grinned around a bread roll and elbowed me. “Your secret is safe with me.” She mimed locking her lips and throwing away the key.
“Clearly,” I said as I watched her shove a chunk of butter into her mouth alongside the half-eaten roll.
How she’d seduced not one, but four men, would forever be a mystery to me. Not that they deserved her （they didn’t）， but it was still a mystery.
“What are you two blathering on about?” Jinx asked as she cleaned up her spilled water.
Sadie blurted, “Aran doesn’t have a—” I kicked her under the table “—nothing,” she finished lamely.
Jinx frowned and stared at us, which was disconcerting because she was wearing dark sunglasses. She shook her head and mumbled something about how we sometimes used our brains. That, or she was talking about a satisfying rain—I couldn’t tell.
Jinx stroked her ferret and demanded, “Explain right now what you were talking about.” Her pursed lips gave her a matronly appearance.
I narrowed my eyes. “I think we should talk about you. How old are you again?”
Sadie’s butter knife clattered loudly against her plate as she stared at the child, who did not resemble a child anymore.
She gasped. “Wait a second. Aren’t you supposed to be fourteen?”
“I’m going through my species’s version of puberty,” Jinx said coldly as she cut her meat into tiny pieces.
“So your species skips the teenage years?” Sadie gaped at her. “I think you’re taller than me now. Stand up, let’s measure.”
Sadie stood up.
Jinx’s knuckles turned white around her knife. “Sit down. I know I’m taller than your malnourished corpus,” she said scathingly.
Sadie dropped back into her seat with a huff and opened her mouth— “Corpus means body,” I said before she could ask.
Sadie shoved another roll into her mouth and said to Jinx, “Well, that’s rude.” She added a second roll before she’d swallowed. “I can’t believe you’re already taller than me—wait, did you grow boobs? You’re always wearing that oversize sweatshirt. Take it off so we can see.”
Jinx pointed her steak knife at Sadie. “Shut up.”
Sadie’s face turned red as she tried to hold back her questions.
“I got your favorite foods,” Orion whispered as he took the free seat next to me. I leaned close, discreetly inhaling his raspberry-and-chocolate scent.
“Thanks,” I said as my stomach growled and I started eating.
Cobra joined the table and set his tray down with a loud clatter. “Did all your men abandon you, Aran?”
Sadie choked, and both of us slapped her back at the same time.