Ensnared (Sorcery and Science Book 5) by Ella Summers Page B

in and shut the storm out behind her. She dropped her hood, splattering the wall behind her. Her drenched boots squeaked and squelched, then came to an abrupt halt as she noticed the trail of puddles she’d left in her wake. Offering an apologetic half-smile, she didn’t move another step. Jason didn’t mention the trail of water streaming down her jacket onto the arm of his sofa.
    “We need to talk,” she began.
    At least on that they were of one mind. He said nothing, waiting for her to continue.
    “Cameron shouldn’t join us when we set out after lunch. He should remain in Eclipse, where he’ll be safe.”
    Not the topic Jason had had in mind, but he wouldn’t allow that to show on his face.
    “As we discussed in the library, Eclipse may not be as inaccessible as we’d previously thought,” he said.
    “Are you bringing the Books of Memory and Vision along?” she asked, looking at the books stacked beside his pack.
    “Yes, once we’ve gathered together all the pieces of the Recovery Scrolls, I want to set off to save Terra without delay.”
    “You are worried about her.”
    “Yes.” He’d waited too long already to search for her, and now the whole world was after her. Time was pouring out all around him, slipping through his fingers. “Cameron is worried too.”
    She sighed.
    “Why don’t you want Cameron to come?” Jason asked her.
    “It’s not safe. We’re up against elite assassins, and he’s untrained.”
    “The assassins of the Crescent Order are good,” he admitted. “But I am better.”
    She dipped the toe of her boot in the puddle behind her. “The Avans are on the trail too. Nemesis could be there.”
    “We’ll deal with that problem when it comes.”
    “That problem comes in the form of a fire-eyed insane Triad with enough power to take you on and every reason to hate all of us. We did thwart her nefarious scheme just a week ago.” She shivered. “And I’m pretty sure she’s one to hold a grudge.”
    Jason pulled the jacket off her and threw it onto the coat stand. He pointed at the sofa.
    “Sit.”
    She didn’t even argue. Once she’d settled into the cushions, Jason tugged off her boots and wrapped a thick blanket around her.
    “Thanks,” she said as he sat down beside her. “But I must tell you that this blanket is really scratchy. Don’t you have something soft and fluffy?”
    “I am not a soft and fluffy sort of guy.”
    “Of course not,” Isis said, biting back a smile.
    She looked entirely too cute. Jason wasn’t sure how to act around her.
    “Cameron,” she reminded him.
    Jason really didn’t want to talk about that right now. He watched her release my hair from her ponytail. Pink-blonde locks cascaded over her shoulders, wet and glossy.
    “What are you staring at?” she asked.
    “I’m not staring at all. I am glaring with sinister purpose, as is appropriate for an assassin of my reputation.”
    She snorted. “No doubt. And also keeping to your stealthy reputation, you are dodging the question.”
    Because he’d not asked her here to chitchat about Cameron.
    “I share your concerns. It’s a dangerous path, and Cameron has a knack for impulsively throwing himself in harm’s way,” he replied. “But if we don’t let him come with us to find his sister, he will never forgive us. Worse yet, he’ll run off after us anyway, get himself captured, and then we’ll have two people to save.” He met her eyes. “You know I’m right.”
    She held his gaze for only a second, then looked away, her eyes nervous. It wasn’t an uncommon reaction to him, so Jason was used to it. Just not from her. She’d never shied away from him before. Just how deeply had the Selpes scarred her?
    He reached forward, hoping to comfort her, but as their skins made contact, a spark shot from her to him, passing along a memory. She withdrew but not quickly enough. The picture was clear — that of Isis as she thrashed and banged herself against the walls of her prison