Elora Van Eck | Kaz Brekker

EIGHTEEN | JUMPED

***

k o r a l i n a

THE MORNING was quiet, even pleasant. A rare occurrence due to the present circumstances.

Koralina had risen early and gone straight to see Dunyasha. "Have you slept at all?" the Heartrender inquired as she entered the room. Dunyasha had stood before a full-length mirror, which was attached to the wall opposite the window. Busy wrapping her equipment around her torso. Numerous blades were obscured, but easy enough for the girl to retrieve. "I've got plenty of sleep the last few weeks, Kora. I'm going to train now."

"I'll decide that." And Dunyasha had not objected.

The clacking of shoes echoed throughout the shallow hallway.

Koralina stalked toward Kaz's office, meaning to notify him about Dunyasha's progress. For, at last, the White Blade was permitted to begin her training, albeit cautiously. Her injuries were healing beautifully, according to the healer. It was always a rush of endorphins for the girl whenever her healing abilities allowed for such rapid recovery headway.

Koralina was dismayed to discover that the office was vacant. A peculiarity, she realized. But it was far from unthinkable.

She reached the dining room, but there was no indication of Kaz's presence either. Kora frowned. She noted the thief to be a hapless dog shackled to his workplace. He never really fancied leaving the safety of it.

On her way to the training room, she ran into Wylan. "Have you seen Kaz?" she questioned, peering over his shoulder toward the door.

Wylan offered a weary shake of the head. "Is he not in his office? I was about to speak with him as well."

"He is nowhere to be found." The girl settled her gaze on Wylan for a few instants. "Is everything all right? You appear particularly worried."

"Koralina, I'm always worried. I have not paused for weeks. I need surety, which is why I wish to speak with Kaz."

"Well, he'd have to show up for that," she sighed, turning on her heel.

She stampeded back to Dunyasha's room with the curly-haired man in tow, but before she could gain entry, the front door at the end of the corridor burst ajar and...

"Kaz?" Kora centered her focus on the silhouette that limped inside. The door slammed into the lock, and she dashed forward. "What the hell happened?" the girl questioned as the boy dropped to his knees before her. The back of his head was lacerated, and blood dirtied his neck. A bruise on his cheek had begun to turn a deep purple hue. He gripped his ribs solidly.

"Wylan, there's a doctor's case in Dunya's room," Kora said to the boy who was still standing behind her, his eyes wide with distress as he paid attention to the sayings. "Please bring it to me." The youngster sprinted away.

Kaz sneered, "Can't you use your abilities to mend me?"

"Keep quiet," Koralina growled, examining his injuries. "You're banged up really badly. I am not trying to say you deserved it, but...you understand." Her lips formed a mischievous grin as she positioned her hands on Kaz's fractured rib and, without alert, tailored it with a loud crack.

Kaz yelped and fired her a fatal look, but the girl relished in the scenery.

Kora began disinfecting Kaz's wounds as soon as Wylan turned up with the case.

As they exited the noise-isolating training room, Jesper and Marcus started to notice the commotion and were now gazing at the image in the entranceway.