Page 11 of The Heir
Why? Why would they be talking about me? How could I be in danger?
“I thought you were a knight, Ryker. What have you been doing here for all this time? Do you even remember who you are and what you stand for?”
“You know I am not an Ancient; I am not invincible. I need help findinghim. I don’t have any more connections, and he is after her.”
“I will help. Keil and I have many resources at our disposal, and you have had your chance, so now it is my turn.”
“Well—fine.” Ryker backed down a bit. “I would appreciate any intel Keil can give on this guy. He has been almost impossible to track–He’s a soulless.”
“I will update you,” Shad said quickly.
“I guess we have to work together again,” Ryker gave in, seeming upset about the idea.
“Seems so, but you need to give me space. You have had plenty.”
There was silence. I sat down on my bed and wondered what exactly I had just overheard.
I knew Mary would be waiting for me downstairs, so I collected my thoughts, and decided I would ask Ryker about it at school. I made my way down the hall and descended the stairs into the kitchen.
“Oh, Emma,” Mary said, running up to me. She wore an apron, her hair in a top-knot bun, and had just a touch of mascara on her lashes, and she was flawless.
I giggled at her excitement.Giggled?That was new.
“Your work,” I said, spinning around.
“I love your hair; seriously, I wish I had your hair—so long and pretty, and man, I can’t believe that’s natural. Although your dad did have wavy hair, so—” She stopped.
While she was talking, I had taken a seat, looking down at the egg and bacon breakfast she had cooked for me.
She remained silent.
I looked up at her from the table. “Really, Mary, I feel much better these days. We should be able to talk about them withoutit making me upset.” I stabbed my fork into the eggs. “Can I have ketchup?”
“Well, that is most definitely yourfatherin you.” She walked to the fridge and retrieved a bottle.
“Thanks.” I took the bottle and poured it over my food.
“I hope you have a good day today,” she said as she sat down beside me to eat her own breakfast.
“I am sure it will be fine,” I responded, stuffing a piece of bacon into my mouth. “As long as people don’t think I amgloomy-girlagain,” I added, setting my fork down. Mary laughed at that, bringing her glass of milk to her lips.
“Well, no way with that look.” She smiled at me. I stood up and walked to my backpack on the counter.
“Then operation make-everyone-think-I-am-fine is a go!”
Mary laughed.
“Well, I am meeting Ryker so—”
She walked over to me and gave me a hug.
“I am so proud of you, Emma. Have a good day, and tell Ryker I sayhello.” She smiled again.
I nodded in return.
Chapter Seven
Istepped out of the office and looked at my schedule to find a room number. Period one was science in D-8. I walked down several hallways to the “D” hall and counted each room that I passed. “Eight,” I said, pointing at the window on the old door before looking inside. The teacher was standing, monitoring the class.Great, I thought.Just perfect. I didn’t need any extra attention. I had been on time for school, but I had to pick up my schedule. I didn't think it would be that difficult. The line was out the office door. I wished I would have picked it up a week earlier like most people had. I couldn't get myself to go in early, though. I needed a bit more time, and then, so quickly, the week got away from me.I stood tall, squared my shoulders, and decided it was a great time to make my first public operation make-everyone-think-I-am-fine appearance. I reluctantly grabbed the door handle, wishing I wasn’t there, andwalked in. All twenty-five or so people in the classroom looked over at me—the teacher, too. I took a deep breath and walked up to the teacher to show him my schedule.