Underworld

Life's never too dangerous for ROMANCE

Ebony showed me her friends, the school, the recruiting office and the blacksmiths shop where my dagger had been made.

"We'll go back there later," he said. "Now. How do you know Hertarch?"

"How do I know what?" I asked.

"Our language. It's called Hertarch."

"Oh..." I said. I realised Pop had told me that a few years ago. "I don't know. I just...understood."

Ebony sighed. "Helpful."

I laughed.

"You like Eli don't you?"

"What?" I jumped. "W...what are you talking 'bout?"

"I'm not stupid," Ebony said, shaking her head. "You're in love with my cousin."

"Maybe," I said cryptically. Ebony shook her head and put her arm around my shoulders. "Need a matchmaker?" she asked.

"Don't you think my life is a little dangerous for romance?"

"No life is too dangerous for romance. Now, do you want me to get you guys together?"

"He doesn't even like me!"

"How do you know?"

I paused. "No," I said, shaking my head. "If I want to go out with him, I'll do it myself."

"Do what yourself?" Eli asked from behind them.

"Yikes, you stalker!" I gasped, jumping a little. Eli laughed. "I'm not stalking you, I'm just..." He stopped at Ebony's look.

"Is there something else you're not telling me?" I asked.

"No," Ebony said.

"Yes," Eli said, glaring at her. "Yes there is."

"What is it?" I demanded.

"Can't tell," Eli said. "I can't tell until the end of the journey."

I stomped my foot angrily on the floor and marched off.