Read Online Illusions by Aprilynne Pike - Free Book Online Page B

politely, then slowly withdrew, sneaking one last peek before disappearing around the corner. In that moment Laurel was sharply reminded that, in spite of being powerful and revered, Yasmine was still only a child—and so was Laurel, especially to someone as ancient and wise as Jamison.
    â€œSo,” Jamison said once Yasmine’s footsteps had faded, “what can I do for you?”
    â€œWell,” Laurel said shyly, increasingly certain that her actions back at the gate had been rash and unjustified. “It’s important,” she blurted finally, “but I don’t know that it justifies all this,” she said, gesturing to the grandeur surrounding them.
    â€œBetter overprepared than overconfident,” Jamison said. “Now tell me.”
    Laurel nodded, trying to stifle her sudden rush of nerves. “It’s Klea,” she began. “She’s back.”
    â€œI did expect that.” Jamison nodded. “Surely you didn’t think we’d seen the end of her?”
    â€œI didn’t know,” Laurel said defensively. “I thought maybe—” She cut herself off. That wasn’t the point. She cleared her throat and straightened. “She brought someone with her. A faerie.”
    This time Jamison’s eyes widened and he glanced at Tamani. Tamani met the old faerie’s gaze, but said nothing, and after a moment Jamison returned his attention to Laurel. “Go on.”
    Laurel related Klea’s story—how Yuki was found as a seedling, how trolls had killed her parents. “Klea asked me to keep an eye on her. To be her friend, I guess. Because she knows I managed to escape from the trolls before.”
    â€œKlea,” Jamison said softly. He looked at Laurel. “What does she look like?”
    â€œUh . . . she’s tall. She has short auburn hair. She’s thin, but not skinny. She wears a lot of black,” Laurel finished with a shrug.
    Jamison was studying her, unblinking—a tingling sensation made her forehead warm. It was so subtle that Laurel wondered if it was just her imagination. After a moment his gaze grew unnerving, but as Laurel turned to Tamani for guidance, Jamison straightened and sighed. “Never was my particular talent,” he murmured, sounding disappointed.
    Laurel touched her forehead. It felt cool. “What did you just—”
    â€œDo come sit,” Jamison said, turning away from her question to address Tamani. “I feel I have to shout with you standing so far away.”
    Swiftly, but with a jerkiness that spoke of reluctance, Tamani pushed away from the wall and took a seat beside Laurel.
    â€œAny sign this faerie has hostile intentions?” Jamison asked.
    â€œNo. Actually, she seems rather shy. Reserved,” Tamani said.
    â€œAny outward signs of power?”
    â€œNot that I’ve observed,” Tamani said. “Klea claims Yuki doesn’t have any abilities beyond being a plant. She called her a dryad, but we have no way of knowing whether that’s a ruse.”
    â€œIs there any reason for us to believe this wild faerie is a threat to Laurel or to Avalon?”
    â€œWell, no, not yet, but—at any point—” Tamani stopped talking and Laurel saw him fix his jaw the way he always did when he was trying to put his emotions in check. “No, sir,” he said.
    â€œAll right, then.” Jamison stood, and Laurel and Tamani rose to their feet in response. Tamani started to turn and Jamison stopped him with a hand on his shoulder. “I’m not saying you were wrong to come, Tam.”
    Tamani looked at Jamison, his expression guarded, and Laurel felt guilt smolder inside of her—after all, she was the one who had been so insistent. She had wanted Jamison’s advice so badly.
    â€œWe could not have foreseen this turn of events. But,” Jamison said, raising one finger, “you may find that less has changed than you