Chapter 48
Relations between Neeve and I were strained the next day. She did not wait for me to walk with her to the schoolroom, and we sat in tense silence as Miss Groves gave her lecture. Our studies had turned to the Continent, and the role of religion and government in shaping policies.
Dry stuff, on the surface, but given new urgency when we considered the events transpiring beyond Raine’s borders.
Lunch was a terse affair. Afterward, Neeve did not even glance at me as we went back to our rooms to dress for our weapons training session.
Very well—I could pretend she didn’t exist, in turn. Without acknowledging each other’s presence, we entered the arena.
“What is the matter with you two?” Kian asked, immediately noticing that something was wrong.
“Nothing,” I said.
Neeve only t
