The elevator ride to Laurana's office felt longer than usual.
Mera stood next to me, her tail swishing against the back of my leg in a pattern that suggested nerves more than anything else. She'd changed into actual clothes before we left. Black jeans that made her legs look endless. A cropped burgundy top that showed off the red skin of her midriff. Her horns had regained some of their usual luster after the rest, though they still looked duller than normal.
"You've been quiet." I glanced at her reflection in the elevator's polished steel doors.
"Thinking."
"About?"
"About how your professor wants to see both of us. Together. In her private office." Mera's green eyes met mine in the reflection. "That woman doesn't do anything without a reason. Usually several reasons stacked on top of each other like a very attractive layer cake of manipulation."
"You sound almost impressed."
"I am impressed. Doesn't mean I trust her."
The elevator dinged. Floor seven. Faculty offices.
