Bastial Sentinels (The Rhythm of Rivalry: Book 5) by B.T. Narro Read Free Book Online Page B

their boat and let his thoughts take him away. Rek had been on his mind often during the last few days. It was on their way to Greenedge the first time that Rek had begun teaching him how to resist psyche. Now in his lessons with Reela, he was almost capable of completely resisting her spells of pain. Though, he had a feeling that she couldn’t bring herself to use all of her force against him.
    The pain Vithos could cast was harder to resist. In an almost sick sort of way, the Elf seemed to enjoy watching Cleve’s face contort as he struggled. But Cleve didn’t take it to heart. He knew Vithos simply found entertainment in many things others didn’t, like conversations with Captain Mmzaza, the two of them often telling jokes as they stood together at the ship’s helm. Cleve even caught Vithos steering as the Captain issued instructions.
    Reela silently came to Cleve’s side. She ran her hand through his hair and kissed his cheek. “I can’t even see my scar anymore.” She looked as if she was trying to contain a wide smile.
    “You’re right,” Cleve said. “It’s gone.”
    The suppressed smile burst from her mouth, her teeth flashing. She wrapped her arm around Cleve’s and rested her head on his shoulder, looking out at the endless dark waves.
    “I have to think of some way to repay Steffen.”
    “You’ll have plenty of time to figure that out.”
    Reela’s next breath was taken slowly. “We should enjoy this calm while we can.”
    For a long while they said nothing. Cleve let his mind wander. He thought of what Steffen and Effie might be doing in that moment, if they’d already left for Sumar. He wondered about Zoke and his sister, how the Krepps were handling the forest of Merejic. Then his mind went back to Rek. He knew the fallen Elf would always be somewhere in his thoughts. Reela and Vithos reminded Cleve of him too much to forget completely, even if he wanted to.
    The siblings mourned their brother in their own way. Vithos liked to ask Reela questions about his twin. Hearing about him seemed to help alleviate Vithos’ sorrow. They’d grown up apart, and Vithos had just reunited with Rek before he died in battle against the Krepps. But Reela had known Rek her whole life. Although she seemed to enjoy answering Vithos’ questions, Cleve noticed she often excused herself afterward so she could be alone. When he checked on her, she’d admit the memories were both comforting and painful. Cleve understood completely, because he felt the same way.
    “Will Jessend be jealous of me?” Reela asked now.
    Cleve had told her everything he could recall from his time in Greenedge. But the more he spoke about Jessend, the more it seemed that Reela wasn’t enjoying what she heard. When he described the night Kasko Lage’s poisoning attempt had failed and Cleve and Jessend had kissed, Reela’s mouth had dropped open. She’d looked away from him, unmistakable anxiety reflected in her bright emerald eyes. “I liked the idea of being the only girl you’ve kissed,” she’d admitted.
    “I’ve kissed girls before you, Reela,” Cleve had replied before realizing that wasn’t the wisest answer.
    “You have?” At first she’d been shocked. Then she’d folded her arms and pursed her lips. “How many?”
    Cleve chuckled at the memory and pulled her into his arms. “I don’t believe Jessend will be jealous, just thankful that we’re there.”
    “What’s funny?” She pressed her palm to his forehead, almost like she was checking for a fever. “It’s me you’re thinking about! What did I do that’s funny?”
    He laughed again. “I was just thinking back to a different conversation we had.” He kissed her soft lips. “Did you know I used to hate all the different expressions that crossed your beautiful face?”
    “Hate them?”
    “They annoyed me because I found them so cute. I couldn’t take my eyes off you as much as I wanted to.”
    She giggled. “My Bastial stars, Cleve. You’re full of