Free Aurora Rising by Alysia S Knight Page A

about, so much to figure out. She was afraid she hadn’t even come close to terms with her talent. Rori almost wondered if she wanted to. The possibilities were intimidating at the least, terrifying at the most. The question was still there. Could she really do what they expected of her?
    Rori became aware of a hand in front of her face and realized Keyen was waiting for her. Reaching up, she caught the hand then almost dropped it as fire seemed to ignite within her. Her gaze shot to Keyen’s, the same fire seemed to blaze there. She wanted to let go, but a glint of challenge sparked in the amber fire in his eyes, and Rori couldn’t back away from it. With a grin, he pulled her to her feet. As soon as she was up, she released his hand. When she looked back at him again, everything was back to normal but for her pounding heart.
    Twenty-five minutes later, showered and changed, Keyen and Rori entered the dining room where she’d eaten the night before. It seemed impossible it was only the night before, so much had happened.
    “We commonly eat here,” Keyen told her. “It’s fast and good. We have an advantage. We never have to wait in lines because we never know when we’ll be called away. You learn fast not to eat too much. There’s nothing worse than just finishing a large meal then finding yourself in a situation where you have to maneuver in a tricky area when you feel like you can hardly waddle. Most of us eat three moderately light meals with two large snacks a day.”
    “That makes sense.”
    “Believe me it does. It’s also not fun being empty and on a drawn out rescue. A lot of times, there’s no time for a break to eat until it’s done.”
    “How often do we get sent out?” Rori focused on Keyen, shifting her attention away from the crowded room as she got the uncomfortable feeling people were watching them.
    “It depends. Sometimes we’ll go a couple days without a mission then we’ll have them back to back, and you go a couple days with almost no sleep. That’s why they try not to give us assignments that can be handled easily by a regular rescue team.”
    Rori glanced around the room, a tingling sensation ran up and down her spine. “Keyen,” she whispered. “Do people always stare at you.”
    A smile crested his lips. “Not me, you.”
    “What? Why? They don’t even know me.” She gaped.
    “Exactly. Most everyone here knows all the Guardians and the trainees. They don’t recognize you though, and you’re dressed as a Guardian.” Rori glanced down at the outfit she wore. It had been one of many that had been left for her. It was not so different from her rescue uniform. Trim fitting with numerous pockets in which, out of habit, she’d already packed the normal basics. The gray-blue material was sturdy but soft, comfortable with plenty of give for freedom of movement. Rori honed in on the small emblems on her sleeve and over her pocket. She knew it was the insignia of the Guardians. She just hadn’t thought much about it until then.
    “You’re going to create quite a stir for a while until everyone gets used to seeing you,” Keyen explained, picking up a plate.
    “I think I’ll go back to my room. Can I order something from there?”
    He laughed and took her arm before she could turn away. “Come on, oh brave Guardian, let’s get this over with.”
    “I don’t like attention.” Rori felt like pleading for escape as she was buffeted by the curiosity of the people in the room.
    “Well, you better get over that.”
    “Rori, Rori!” A child’s high pitched voice drew her attention. The small figure darted around people like a miniature missile toward her
    “And here comes your first admirer.”
    Rori heard Keyen say in her ear as she watched Tad cut through the room. She barely leaned down and got her arms out in time to catch the boy as he thrust himself at her. His arms went around her neck squeezing her tight.
    “You didn’t let me fall. You saved me.”
    She hugged