When I reach the spot, just a few steps from the tunnel entrance, again I’m greeted by the poster of Raevald’s face, this time in daylight. I wish I’d taken it down last time … Stuffed it in my pocket and used it as a target during training.
THE IMPERI NEEDS YOU! it says. I stifle a sarcastic laugh. I wonder how many Basso they’ve recruited into the army. What they’re offering. I suppose it wouldn’t take much. Basic living needs. Food. Bait for their families. Opportunity to find lost loved ones “taken by the Night” would be more than motivation enough.
Gripping my blade, I glance left then right. A couple of Dogio women walk past. I duck behind a tree and listen as they enter the tunnel. I’ll have to wait awhile before I can go in and hope no one else does. My plan is to stand near the entrance and get a glimpse of Nico (or anyone else) before he enters. I’d spot his silhouette anywhere. If it’s not him, I’ll speed walk through and duck into one of the tight spaces where there’s a drainage grate, wait until they pass. It’s the best I’ve got.
I’m about to bound forward when I hear more footsteps crunching over gravelly snow. Pulling my black hood tightly over my head, I inch around the tree to get a peek.
Thank the Sun.
Nico.
He enters.
I look left, right, don’t see anyone, and run into the tunnel.
I have no idea how I’m going to get his attention. I’d planned to say his name, certain he’d recognize my voice, but I’m suddenly unsure. It’s been a while. What if he doesn’t? What if he’s not certain and ignores me? I consider whistling, but it could be anyone.
Then, thank the Sun, I know exactly what to do. I simply say, “Ad astra.”
His boots skid to a stop. “Veda?” He says my name so lightly, like he’s just heard a ghost.
“It’s me.”
Nico turns around, lantern held before him. He runs straight for me. For a split second I’m on guard—he’s in his Imperi uniform and I’m breaking about five different laws, but he throws himself into me, wrapping me up into a tight, lingering hug.
And I’m home.
“Veda,” he hiccups. “You scared the shit out of me.”
We both laugh, but he’s crying and then I’m crying and he holds me and kisses the top of my head and I kiss the tears from his cheeks and it goes on like that for some time as if we’re lovers reunited after war. And maybe we are.
I wasn’t expecting this. The emotion. Especially after spending so much time with Dorian. This is supposed to be simple. But I quickly realize it’s going to be anything but.
Then it’s like we suddenly catch each other.
“What are you doing here?” he asks.
While at the same time I say, “I have to see you.”
“I’m right here.”
“No. Later. Alone. Someplace safe.”
“The pond behind my house.”
“Perfect.”
“But, Veda.” He says my name like a secret as he searches my face over his lantern, concern lining the corners of his eyes. “You shouldn’t be here. It’s not safe.”
“I know. I’m only here through tonight. To see you. I just need to speak with you.”
“It’s important?”
“Very.”
“Are you all right?”
“Yes.”
“Okay.” Again, we embrace, my face is in his chest, and he’s all Nico, spearmint and sandalwood and the crisp of winter. “The pond, after vesper bells. I’ll have about an hour free.”
“I’ll be there.”
That’s when we notice someone else is heading from the other direction. Two lanterns bob like floating leaves atop the canal, rushing toward us.
“Go,” Nico hisses and turns in one motion, walking straight for them.
I take off, but am sure to stay light as I can on my feet. As I make my way to the exit, I catch parts of their conversation … “Just a Basso girl…,” Nico says. “Questioning her about fish…”
“Always taking what isn’t theirs,” another says.
They must be Imperi soldiers or officers.
I know he’s thinking on his toes, throwing them off my scent.
Still looking out for me.
Still Nico.
* * *
“HE CAN’T SEE YOU.”
“Right.”
“Can’t even sense you’re near. Understand?” I whisper.
“You’ve got it, V. I’m invisible,” Dorian says to my back.
I turn my head around, narrowing my eyes. “Promise?”
He throws his hands in front of him, waves them about. “I’m a ghost.”
I don’t know why, but I have this horrible feeling Dorian’s going to have a hard time staying still.
I want to smile but I don’t have time for his antics and my nerves won’t allow it anyway.
From Dorian’s uncle’s home, we had to get creative to avoid soldiers and fences, especially after the mess that was last night. Darting in and out of a couple of dens zigzagging through a tunnel, we manage it without much issue.
Now, only yards away, there’s a bend in the canal and it’s as good a place as any for Dorian to stand guard. I look at my hourglass almost the exact moment vesper bells ring.
“You stay here,” I say, the words barely making sounds. “I’ll be right over there.” I point to my and Nico’s spot.
He nods, crouching onto one knee next to a tree.
I walk on, taking in deep breaths as I do, the stale yet slight fish smell of the canal coupled with the woodsy tree scents tingling my nose. Taking a moment to peer at the darkening night sky, I see the crescent moon winking down on me as if for good luck. It’s silver, shimmering against the cloudless, indigo backdrop, as the creases of Poppy’s letter—slightly worse for wear after getting wet last night—push into my chest.
I check to be sure my necklace is around my neck, a reminder of our friendship, of the Nico that was. That, deep down, he’s still himself just like I’m still myself. I have got to remember this.
My stomach pitches with heat and nausea.
I turn the corner.
Nico.
It’s dark, though the tall lamps from the gates up above provide a gentle sheen of light.
He stands beneath the umbrella of trees, nervous, fidgety, tapping his fingers against his leg as I approach.
“You came,” I say.
“Of course, I came.” Nico looks into my eyes. “Veda…” My heart skips at hearing him say my name. He walks toward me and takes my hands in his. “I knew I missed you, but my Sun, seeing you earlier, out of the blue like that, I had no idea just how much.”
“Me too.” I’ve tried, Sun have I tried, but it’s been impossible to erase the kiss we shared, our history, so many moments, from my memories. And seeing him now, looking into his eyes, mirroring his dimpled smile because it’s still just as infectious … I’m swimming in all things Nico, and oh how I’ve missed him.
“Should we sit?” Nico glances at the bench beneath the trellis and I nod.
I sit down first, the stone hard and cold, seeping through to the backs of my legs. He takes the place next to me. Nico’s uniform is pristine, freshly pressed, his Imperi emblem shinier than ever, and his red officer’s sash has new patches and pins adorning it. Nico glances down at the sash. “I know it’s strange.”