With her father's memory failing and her mother gone, Soraya Thenayu enrolls in distant Darkwood Academy and immediately becomes enemies with the richest kid at school. Between hiding her father's gift of illegally harvested magic, befriending socia...
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"A band?"
Ayla Leyo placed a hand on her hips, the creases of her blue eyes crinkled as she gazed down at the booth where Soraya and her friends sat.
"Jai mama," Rhys' crimson eyes glowed while flashing his mother a small smile. "Musica no utai est."
Soraya gripped the napkin in her lap, wringing it into a knot. The smell of spicy, sizzling meats and vegetables filled the air of Yohai Steakhouse, causing the girl's mouth to water.
"Venokoto yi pokimas? Quaeso?" Rhys asked, his ears perking up.
"Vos va bilisimo est," laughed Ayla. "Your father and I have to meet with Soraya's uncle before we can let you boys go, alright?"
Rhys and Ujuu gave their mom a thumbs up in reply.
"And Soraya..."
The girl froze at Mrs. Leyo speaking to her.
"I trust my son's judgement on character, you must be special if he likes you," she smiled. "And no need to be intimidated by me."
"O-okay," Soraya stuttered, blushing profusely while Ayla walked back to the kitchen.
Rhys took Soraya's hand into his own and stroked it with his thumb. "You're fine," he whispered, kissing her cheek.
Jacquelle rolled her eyes. "My dad would like you too..." she muttered under her breath in such a quiet voice that Soraya wasn't sure if she heard the blond properly.
"Salutem!"
Zaruna sped over to their table, giggling when Ujuu formed the shape of a heart with his fingers and pointed at her.
"Love you too," she winked. "Did your muzzer ahvedy take everyvon's orders?"
"She did indeed," Ujuu confirmed.
"I heard someting about a band?" Zaruna cocked her head, her magenta ponytail swishing across her white apron. "I can sing and play ze lyre, you know..."
"Jai! You should absolutely join us!" Ujuu's candy apple eyes sparkled as he gazed with adoration at his girlfriend. "We would sound so good with you-"
"It depends on how much room Soraya's uncle has on his ship," Rhys cut in, frowning at his brother. "We'll ask him if you can come along, but there are no guarantees."
"But adding harmonies would make us sound much better, plus, more hands on deck makes sense," Ujuu pushed back, much to everyone's surprise. "We all need to be prepared for what lies ahead."
Zaruna noticed the tension rising between the twins and grimaced. "I do not vant to cause trouble... I vill be back vith your food and drinks shortly..."
When the Rosinkin girl disappeared around the corner, Rhys shot Ujuu a glare.
