Absently, I’m aware that I’m nodding like this is all okay, like I haven’t just learned I don’t stand a chance at this dream that I only just stumbled into. I’m surprised at how much that hurts.

It’s Roman’s fury that pulls me back. I focus on his fist on top of the table, his long fingers clenched tight enough for the veins to pop out. I don’t know why he cares so much. He should be glad his apprentice has the better chance.

“That’s why I warned you away,” Roman says. “They never train their apprentices enough.”

“Why do you care?” I ask, then turn to Willow. “And doesn’t it give you a better chance?”

“I like a fair fight,” she says.

Roman doesn’t answer.

“Well, I’m still planning to give you one.” Xander said he felt a lot of power in me—that I would be a natural. I have to believe that.

We eat in silence for a few minutes. When I’m certain they’re not going to give me anything else, I stand up. “It was nice meeting you.” I direct my words to Willow alone, because even though I’m not ready to call her my friend or anything, I know Roman’s not.

“See you soon.” Willow waves.

I push out into the night air.

“Ava.” His deep voice says my name with hesitation, like he’s not sure he has a right to use it.

I turn around and look into Roman’s serious eyes.

“Why’d you do that?” he asks.

I shrug. “It’s a long story.” I try to sum it up for him. “I want something different. Xander’s troupe offers me that.”

“No,” he says, his brow furrowed. “Why did you step into that dark alley with me and Willow? You clearly thought I was a threat, but you stepped in anyway. Most people would have ignored it or gotten help.” He says the last bit like that would have been the smart thing to do.

“Instinct.”

His face is grim.

I start to turn away.

“It was brave,” he says.

“Thanks,” I say. I don’t know what this is, so I start walking.

“I’m not sure it’s a compliment,” he says so softly I barely hear him.

It sounds like another warning.

CHAPTER 7