The bar was another startling recognition. My eyes were instantly drawn to the massive water tanks I'd seen a thousand times on The Other Side, though I never knew what they were for originally. Now it made sense: fish tanks. Small, colorful fish swam around bright, fluorescent plants I'd never seen before. I guess the place had a thing for water and fish because the walls were covered in graffiti of sea creatures, all glowing under the dim lights.
"Here!" Someone shouted.
There, among the crowd of young and happy people, were Kate and the rest of the group. They'd grabbed a big table right under a massive narwhal graffiti. Of course, they'd choose that table—how fitting for Narval Officers. Ha.
"Finally, the last ones! You know what happens to stragglers, right?" Kate teased, her drink sloshing a bit too much in her hand. I'd bet she'd already had one or two before we got here.
"Come on, Kate, you didn't mention any penalties this time." Mark protested as he sat down across from her.
"Some things don't need to be said. You're buying the first round, kids!" Kate took a long sip of her drink, draining the glass, then shook it at us like a dog begging for food.
"Don't worry, I'll do it. It's my first time in the city, after all." I said.
"You know? I like you more every day." Kate said with a grin.
"Just don't get used to it." I nudged Kate's shoulder and headed for the counter. Getting the bartender's attention was like trying to catch smoke with my bare hands. People from all walks of life were leaning so desperately on the counter, it looked like it was about to fall apart. After waiting for a while, I realized I'd have to shout like everyone else if I wanted to get drinks before dawn.
"Need some help?" Kate's voice came from behind me.
"I'm fine. This is just chaos. This will take a while." I answered.
"Let me give you a hand." Kate leaned in and, putting a finger to her lips, blew out a sharp whistle that silenced everyone. The bartender turned immediately, and when she saw Kate, a big smile spread across her face, and came right over.
"Well, well, well! Who've you brought, Kate?"
"Hey, Tanya!" Kate bumped fists with her like they were best friends.
"I haven't seen you here before." The bartender, Tanya, who looked to be in her fifties, had short white hair and muscles so impressive I couldn't stop staring.
"This is Grace. She's new, just crossed over a few months ago. She's an Oakvaler and the 'complainer type' of Narval I always tell you about. But she's amazing in combat, and that's why I keep her around."
"Oh, great. Thanks for the glowing review while I'm right here."
Tanya laughed. "She gives me good vibes."
"Right? I thought the same when I first met her," Kate said, grinning. "Though back then, she was a real pain in the ass."
"Hello? I'm right here. Real flesh and blood!" I said.
Tanya chuckled and finally looked at me like I was actually present. "Sorry, Grace. It's just that we're so happy to see new faces. The Call every year seems more restricted, and we're getting bored with each other. We really need some fresh blood around."
"Exactly! We're practically running out of gossip at this point. You'll be our saving, Grace."
I sighed because, seriously, I was so out of that carefree high school vibe they were in. "Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm the dullest person in the world. Not sure I'll be much help with that..."
YOU ARE READING
SILVER EYES (GXG)
Romance[2024 WATTYS WINNER] Grace had no idea what she would find on the other side of the wall when the gates opened. Even less so that they wouldn't let her brother cross. Why? A blue-eyed and fierce commander, named Heather, holds the answer. She closed...
