Page 91 of The Last Remaining Light

Lora whooped. Alyra applauded more elegantly, though the smile spreading across her face carried just as much pride.

Vaelor was among those who had not applauded. Elowynn found she could not bring herself to care. He could stand there radiating disapproval until the stars themselves burned out, and she would still refuse to diminish herself for his comfort.

The demonstration concluded and scholars began dispersing into clusters of excited discussion. Others were anxiously whispering with their heads pulled together.

That was when Vaelor approached her.

“Scholar Selvicta,” he greeted. There was no respectful lift of his fingers over his collar.

Elowynn turned, her eyes still glowing faintly from exertion though she refused to let fatigue show.

“Master Vaelor.”

“A—technically—impressive display,” he drawled.

“Your enthusiasm overwhelms me.”

Lora made a strangled sound somewhere behind her and Vaelor’s eyes turned sharp.

“Power displayed for admiration risks becoming vanity,” he sneered.

Elowynn folded her hands before her, posture elegant, expression relaxed. She stood eye-level with the older Astrari—thanks to her uncommon height and the added bonus of her heels—and met his tone evenly.

“Then it is quite fortunate I displayed it for research verification rather than admiration, yes?”

“Research requires discipline,” he replied.

“And discipline requires practiced restraint.”

Vaelor glowered at her. “Restraint requires wisdom, I will have you know.”

Elowynn smiled then, slow and composed. “Your commitment to restraint is truly remarkable. How fortunate for me that you continue providing such vivid examples, Master Vaelor.”

Her response had Alyra pursing her lips before she turned her face away while Lora seemed moments from combustion.

A flicker of something cold and dangerous moved beneath Vaelor’s careful expression. Then just as quickly, the mask returned.

“You are playing a dangerous game, Lady Elowynn Selvicta.”

“No, Master Vaelor,” Elowynn replied, voice even. “I am studying the board.”

The words clashed between them like drawn silversteel.

Vaelor inclined his head, his lip curling. “Let us hope you recognize when the pieces begin moving against you.”

Then he walked away.

Elowynn watched him go. She had not allowed him to frighten her like he had hoped. There were far more terrifying things than a pompous archivist to worry about.

Lora appeared at her side right before he rounded a corner, disappearing through an archway. She slipped her arm through Elowynn’s.

“I am begging you,” she said, eyes bright with glee, “never stop speaking to that man.”

Elowynn was still watching where he had gone, her calm expression falling into a more neutral and thoughtful one. “He is threatening me more openly now.”

“Yes, but you are making it so entertaining,” Lora chirped.

Alyra joined them with a gentler expression, though amusement still curved her maroon-painted mouth. “You handled him rather well.”