chapter 33: (
Zane Peirce POV.
I just sat down the carved bamboo seat, it creaked down from weight slightly. I watched Jasper sleep after he did earlier. I don’t know what happened but I’m pretty sure he needs help, having no helping himself whatsoever.
The fact that he’s been keeping his attacks from all of us for two years, makes the hairs on my back stand on end. Did he have a problem with trusting people? Was it because something happened in his past?
I mean I get that I have it, but not to the point of going mad if I might lose them. Leaning back on the chair, I sighed, the wood creaked once more as I shift. ‘Everyone is different, Zane.’, I tell myself.
I sigh again before putting my book back down and got a messenger scroll, the paper made a crumbling noise as I unrolled it. It’s been a couple months since we split up so I haven’t seen much of either Luna, Zac or Conal since his birthday. Taking a pen from the bedroom table, I watch the ink drip from the tip, and then I start writing.
After finishing, I folded it, sent the note and took out another one. This wasn’t for the rest of the group.
Throughout the years of being in and out of the castle had taught me some things, even if what I mean is me reading in the library. That knowledge includes who the other High Readers are and what their status, abilities and residence.
Another thing I also figured out, is that there is a High Reader in this town. Making a portal, I go to the city Hall.
Exiting, the tall connection of baroque buildings elevated with curved and high steps of stairs stood in front of me. The eclectic design was impressive but I didn’t have time for that.
** ** **
Jane Corazon POV.
I sat down and read the note sent to me. A young boy decided to send a message to me personally so I was heavily interested.
(If it is to your favor, I would like to ask, if it is alright if I visited you. I want to see what’s going on in my friend’s mind. My motive is that I simply want to help him. Please to consider and I’m willing to pay —Zane Peirce)
Hmm, I’ve heard of the surname Peirce before. He’s also met with Holloway a few times as well, along with the entire royal family. This boy has really piqued my interest. I always tell myself when I find things like this. Even though there’s are many, many other things I have to do.
I go outside and to the front desk. There were many people around that I had to wear a mask. Searching through the crowd, I spot a young boy in the third row. His sandy coloured bangs almost covered his rusty gaze. He looked exactly like the one Holloway described to me when we talked.
Walking towards him I ask.
“Zane Peirce?”
“Is it finally my turn?” he asked, almost shyly.
“Yes, please come with me."
“Hmm.”
Walking back to the door, I watch the boy get out of his seat and follow me. Holding the door, Zane treaded through with a determined glare.
Taking him to the reading room, I sit on the stool and hold my hands together in front of me.
“Now what will this ‘favour’ or yours be? I don’t have all the time so please make it quick.”
“You’re a High Reader aren’t you?”
“Hmm.... yes. Why?”
“Can you look into another person’s mind?” he enquired.
“Excuse me?”
“It’s just that, my friend. He’s been having some trouble and I want to help him.”
Interesting... But also suspicious.
“And you want to know what that ‘trouble’ is, by looking into his mind. I get that you want to help, but to go this far? Are you insane?”
“Insane or not, can you help?”
“Wow... sigh, fine.”
“Thank you.”
The boy, no older than fourteen years old, put three bags of, what I can tell, gold coins in front of me. This child is clearly serious.
“Hmm, so you’re that desperate.”
“If it’s anything with any of my friends, of course I’d be desperate.”
“Hmm.”
Standing back up, I made a portal. Looking back at Zane, I gesture him to enter. He did so with a bit of hesitation. That’s when I realised, he entered a vortex.