If only she could blame dad clinging to outdated gender roles for that fact. Reality was Larissa never had any interest in learning any of those things, no matter how much dad tried to get her involved. She preferred spending her time in the library, always had. It was still her favorite hangout. “I have someone looking out for me.”
Not good. Olivia’s eyes widened a fraction in shock, then took on a gleam of devious speculation. “Oh you do? Who would this paragon be, and why have you never mentioned him to me before?”
How to explain Terak in terms that would not have Olivia salivating and asking ever more uncomfortable questions? “He saved me from the zombies, and said he wanted to protect me.”
“Did he have a hand in getting you away from the orcs?”
“Yes.”
“And you’ve never mentioned him before because…?”
“He’s… shy.”
Olivia leaned closer, practically climbing on top of her. “Who is he?”
“I can’t tell you.”
“Why not?”
“Olivia!” Olivia took that as her cue to back away, though still within pouncing distance. “It’s a secret.”
“I thought we weren’t having any more secrets.”
“That’s right,” confirmed Larissa. “No more hiding my secrets. That doesn’t mean I can tell secrets entrusted to me.”
“He’s trustworthy, you’re sure?”
You would call me a friend? “Yeah, I’m sure.”
Olivia nodded. “You’re covered in the bodyguard department, good news. Now, how are you going to figure out the whys and wherefores of what’s happening on your own?”
Larissa reached over and grabbed Olivia’s hand. “I’m not on my own. I’ve got you.”
“Fat chance. We get chased by orcs, I’m tripping you and running the other direction.” But Olivia twined her fingers with Larissa’s, giving a reassuring squeeze.
And now came the part of the evening where Olivia got to answer a few questions. “Since you know people, do you think you know anyone who can help me figure this out?”
Olivia’s gaze became distant as she considered. “I think I do. But he’s a hard one to get hold of, and he isn’t a certainty. He’s got his own demons chasing after him.”
“Figuratively or literally?” Larissa asked. Olivia rolled her eyes but didn’t answer the question that might be for the best. “I’d be grateful if you can try to get him, even if he isn’t a certainty.”
“I will. I’ll put in a call when I get home.”
“Thank you.” Eyeing her wineglass, Larissa refilled it and took a long drink. She’d probably need it for this portion of the evening. “Just how do you know people?”
To her credit, Olivia didn’t pretend ignorance. “You know me. I talk to everyone.”
Olivia certainly did that. It was talent and gift rolled together, the way she was able to bond with anyone no matter their background. Within minutes, she went from stranger to beloved family friend. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Why would I have?” Olivia’s face held a hint of censure. “Before this happened to you, you were content to live far away from any of the New Realms. It wasn’t a part of my life that I thought you would enjoy. Maybe I didn’t think you’d approve of it.”
“I wouldn’t have approved or disapproved, I just wouldn’t have been interested in it. That sort of dovetails back to our previous discussion about being surrounded by a loving family who think they know best for you, being in a prison that isn’t really a prison.”
An o of surprise formed across Olivia’s mouth. A shading of understanding crossed her face as she closed her mouth, bowing her head slightly in acknowledgement of the gentle rebuke. “Sorry.”
“Yeah.” The wine was over half gone by this point, but despite being a lightweight when it came to alcohol, Larissa wasn’t affected by the hazy happiness that usually accompanied consumption. “Don’t worry about it. Honestly, I didn’t realize I was in a prison of my own making until recently.”
“And now?”
Larissa drained the last of the wine in her glass. “Jailbreak.”
Chapter Seventeen
Larissa leaned on her balcony railing, looking toward the sky. Olivia left twenty minutes ago after a lot of food and a lot of conversation which didn’t revolve around the crazy turn her life had taken recently.
It had been a great reminder of normalcy, but now she wanted to speak with Terak.
She hadn’t seen him since the day of the orc battle. He said he would be gone for a few days to fulfill his responsibilities at home, then had flown away.