Brandon watched her descend from the window. She vanished into the night.
His heart beat fast, but he didn’t react to it. He wanted to stop Jioni, but he already had done so many times throughout the night. She was gone. And that was that. She was now a serial liar, and though her voice was convincing, more convincing than the other lies she told that night, his mind signaled unease. So he thought of picking up his lance and restarting his practice.
Suddenly, he heard faint footsteps, then someone grabbed his arm.
The desire to practice drained out of him, now replaced by fear.
“What did I tell you about having that brat over here?” Jolene said in a whisper yell.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t invite her. She just—”
Jolene put her pointer finger to Brandon’s lips. She then turned on the lights to reveal her exasperated face. Her arms crossed tight. Her stare was intense, tired, and frustrated.
