“What did it feel like? When you saw her, I mean?” Simon asked.

Like a punch to the gut. “I don’t know, it doesn’t matter now. She’s definitely not my type with that attitude.” I sighed with my shoulders.

The doors behind us opened and Conner stepped down the stairs first with Riley close behind. Our eyes met, and I couldn't stop myself from smiling again. Although I don't know if I really meant it now, I smile at practically everyone. This time she didn’t look away, but the look she was giving me made me wish she did. Heat pooled inside me, starting at my stomach and crawling upwards. She glared at me, judging everything about me and I did the same to her. Maybe this isn’t affection I’m feeling, maybe I just don’t like her.

Simon put her hand on my ankle and tapped me a few times. “It matters more than you think.”

I nodded halfheartedly and smiled. I wouldn’t mind talking about this more later when we were alone. Not that I didn’t like talking to Brooke too but she wasn’t good with emotional matters.

Riley stepped off the last step and followed Conner up the street with perfect posture. I wonder if they would be questioning anyone else from the Carrion, or if they would just head back to Militia headquarters.

“Ugh, I’m gonna go home. My dad wanted to have a talk with me after placement.” Brooke kissed Simon on the cheek. “And it’ll give me time to get dressed before you pick me up for dinner.”

“I’ll walk you home.” Simon stood up and helped Brooke to her feet. “I’ll stop by after dinner. You’ll be back by then right?”

“I should be. You guys have a good time, see you in the morning Brooke.” I grinned and she smiled back. She says my ‘too big for my face’ smile entertains her, whatever that means.

I stayed leaning against the rail and waited for my friends to be out of view before I ran down them. I have a few hours before I have to meet up with Carlos, and curiosity is definitely going to be the cause of my death. I paused at the corner of the block, before the Carrion grounds ended and turned into a residential area. This is a bad idea. Not only because I, a Lunite, am chasing after someone who would kill me without a second thought but because this is creepy. I may not be human but I know stalking is not a good way to get noticed.

Maybe I’ll see her again, and if I don’t than that’ll be fine too. If I don’t get a chance to see her again than that’s how I’ll remember her and I’ll never know any different. I can live with that, it’d be different if I chased her down and saw something completely different. Heh, with her attitude maybe I’d see a Solari in her place.

That’s not right, I’d know if she wasn’t human, wouldn’t I? Although I don’t know what’s worse, being pulled towards a Solari or a human. At least with a Solari I wouldn’t have to worry about outliving her. This is stupid. I don’t even like her, why am I thinking about this? Besides, with all the Militia tests and rules, she has to be human.

I turned around on my heel and started walking home. My phone buzzed in my pocket.

'I’m leaving early to avoid patrols. Heard what happened at the Carrion. Are you okay?' – Dad

Didn’t take long for Luke to tell him. I shook my head with a smile and didn’t bother sending a message back. I could see my house from the hill, sitting on the edge of the upper city with a steep fall behind it. I’d make it back before he left.