Read Online Bastial Energy by B. T. Narro - Free Book Online Page B

leaned in and lowered his voice. “Do you know of the turmoil between Kyrro and Tenred?”
    “Peace was reached with the Tenred kingdom long ago, I thought,” Effie said.
    “Yes,” Alex agreed. “There has been peace since long before the Academy was constructed twenty-two years ago, which is why none of us paid any mind to the service contract we signed upon admission to the school. But the peace between Kyrro and Tenred has been like a torn belt. As time progressed, the belt became more likely to rip. I hear now that the belt has finally come apart.”
    Is that right? Effie wondered. Steffen would know. Where did he and Gabby go?
    “Are you shaying wull haf to go to battle?” Cleve asked, now with a heavy slur.
    Alex took a sip from his glass. “I’m only telling you what I’ve heard from my brother. I think people should be prepared, for they may have to fight if it’s correct.”
    “I could use a drink,” Reela said, “and not that terrible wine. Cleve, let’s get something.” She shoved him away from the group.
    Effie peered at them. Neither reached for a bottle. Instead, they seemed to talk intensely. Alex broke her gaze before she could give it more thought.
    “I shouldn’t have mentioned it,” he said. “Would you like something else as well? I know how hard it will be to find a drink more suitable than the last, but I wager we can make that happen.” She could tell his comment was sarcastic, but his tone was still regretful.
    “I would like you to tell me more about this war.” She was in no mood for anything but information.
    He took a long sip as he peered at her over the top of his glass. “We can’t be sure of anything yet—let me correct that, I can’t be sure of anything yet. For all I know, King Welson and his council already know whether or not there will be war. I have no other specifics except that my brother believes there will be war. He isn’t allowed to divulge the classified information that has led him to that belief, nor would he.”
    “Could he have made it up to mess with your thoughts?” She and her sister had shared similar pranks, although never as dark as war.
    “It’s unlike him to joke, especially about matters such as this. The man doesn’t even drink. I think he was dropped as a baby and his sense of fun never developed.”
    Effie couldn’t ignore how strange it seemed for Alex to be sharing this supposed secret information with her when they’d just met. Men had all sorts of so-called secrets to tell her, especially after they’d been drinking, but none like this. Reela would’ve said something if he were lying, though. She always did.
    “Do others know, or are we the first you’ve told?” Effie asked.
    “I’ve known for weeks, so it’s been difficult not to bring it up, but I try to refrain. It’s not my place to create panic.” With that, he finished all that remained in his glass.
    For weeks? “You knew before signing the service agreement to fight and still did so?” Effie asked incredulously.
    “You wouldn’t?” Alex took the golden wine and filled his glass to the brim.
    That froze her in thought for a breath. “Give me more of that strong wine and I may have an answer before the night is over.”
    Their conversation took a pleasant turn to their expectation of the upcoming evaluation week and then eventually to their families. She found that he had a lot to share of himself. Although it was done humorously, it was also mostly negative. She was not familiar with self-deprecating warriors and told this to him when their discussion of their siblings was put on hold for a refill.
    “I have to make up for all the teasing I should have received from my brother while growing up,” he answered. “You’re the eldest sibling. Don’t you tease your sister?”
    “Only when she deserves it.”
    “How often is that?”
    “All the time,” Effie said truthfully. “But she’s a chemist, so that’s half the reason behind it.”
    “I say