“And I know what a lightning rod is,” she announced abruptly, interrupting my thoughts.
“What?” I asked, a little befuddled.
“Back at the Alpha League last week,” Vestibule said, “I referred to Electra as a lightning rod. Your friend started to correct me, trying to point out that a lightning rod doesn’t actually create electricity. I just wanted to make it clear that I understand the distinction. I called her a lightning rod because it sounded good, but I know it’s not an accurate comparison. I’m not stupid.”
Caught by surprise by her narrative, I burst into laughter. There was clearly a lot more to Vestibule than I’d initially assumed. As if I needed more proof, she seemed to pick up on the fact that I wasn’t really laughing at her and smiled.
Still smiling, I stood up.
“Come on,” I said, holding out my hand to her. “I still owe you a date.”
She gave me a sly grin as she reached out and took my hand. “Don’t you mean an outing?”
We both laughed at that, and then I teleported us.
*****
I had a fantastic time with Vestibule, and ended up hanging out with her far longer than I’d intended. Thus, it was close to midnight when I left her on her doorstep and – after receiving a platonic kiss on the cheek – teleported home.
I popped up in my bedroom, with the intention of going straight to bed. Those plans were immediately put on hold, however, by the presence of someone in my room standing near the window.
Rune.
“I know it’s late,” he said. “And I didn’t want to disturb your family, so I’ve kept my presence hidden from them.”
I had trouble keeping a straight face. With three powerful telepaths in the house (not to mention Gramps being back in his prime), it would be difficult for someone to enter the embassy and remain unknown. That said, I didn’t doubt that it was within Rune’s power.
“Don’t worry about it,” I replied. “However, I assume this isn’t a social call.”
“Unfortunately, no,” Rune admitted. “Do you recall at the party that I said I might need your help?”
I nodded. “Of course.”
“I’m afraid I’m going to have to take you up on that offer of assistance.”
“Okay,” I muttered, feeling unprepared but willing to do what I could. “Can you share any details?”
“It’s probably best if I do so on the way,” Rune noted. “And just to let you know, we might be gone a few days.”
“That’s fine,” I said. “When do we leave?”
Rune didn’t say anything, but the fact that he was in my home around midnight (as opposed to the next morning) spoke volumes.
“I see,” I added softly. I spent a moment reaching out telepathically to my family and Myshtal to tell them that something had come up. I received a bit of pushback (namely because the situation with Jack had only just wrapped up), but in the end they understood and wished me well.
I turned to Rune and said, “Okay. Let’s go.”
He smiled at me, snapped his fingers, and we vanished.
THE END
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