Aurora Rising Read Online Free PDF Page A

own private suite would be similar and, if so, she was going to have to get some things to give it life. The balcony drew her attention and she moved out onto it.
    Her breath caught at the view. Blue-green water stretched out forever, more beautiful than she remembered. A few water-craft dotted the surface. The sun was lowering to the water, giving the sky a warm glow. It was later than she figured. No wonder, when Tasc mentioned eating, her stomach reacted with interest. She really was hungry. With one last look out over the ocean, she went inside. Washing up quickly, she headed right back out the door to eat.
    “Hi.” The young cheerful voice surprised her.
    Rori turned to see a lean, white-blond haired boy, who she guessed was about eight, standing by the door next to hers. “Hi.” She smiled back.
    “Did you just move in?” The boy’s curiosity bubbled up.
    “I’m just staying here for the night.”
    “I live here. My dad works upstairs monitoring problems. He’s one of the people who decide when the Guardians need to be sent out.”
    Rori felt the wave of pride come through the boy so strong she didn’t need to use her talent. “That’s an important job.”
    The boy nodded, obviously pleased at her comment. “Have you met the Guardians?”
    “Not yet.”
    “I know them all. One day I hope I’m strong enough to be one. My dad’s a strong talent, but not Guardian level. His is more an administrative type.”
    Rori felt the corner of her lip twitch and had to fight to keep from laughing. There were no secrets with children. “That is just as important as a Guardian or any rescue team. They couldn’t do their jobs if they didn’t have someone feeding them the details.”
    “I know.” The boy again looked satisfied at her comment.
    “Tad, what are you doing?” A female voice came from inside the apartment.
    The boy looked back inside. “Waiting for you and just talking.”
    “Talking?” A second later, a petite woman in her early thirties appeared in the doorway. “Oh, hello.”
    “Hello,” Rori greeted back.
    “I didn’t know anyone had moved in there. I’m sorry if he’s bothering you. He’s not at all shy as you can see.” She smiled fondly at her son.
    “I’m just staying here tonight and he’s no bother. I’m Rori Straye, nice to meet you, Tad.” She held out her hand to the boy.
    “I’m Dena Tern. If you need anything, just let me know,” the woman said.
    “Thank you.”
    “We’re going down to eat at the dining room tonight,” Tad burst out.
    “That’s where I’m headed. Maybe you can show me so I don’t get lost.”
    “I know the way,” he assured her, puffing out his small chest.
    “I thought you might.”
    “Are you alone?” Tad’s mother asked. “Would you like to join us?”
    “I’d love to. I just got in today and haven’t met anyone yet.”
    “Well, just stick with Tad. He knows everyone.” The woman shook her head. “I don’t know how he does it. I’m with him all the time and I don’t know half the people he does.”
    Tad took Rori’s hand as they walked. The central dining room was a large room broken into smaller areas by an array of plants and a waterfall that bisected it.
    “Wow, this is nice,” Rori commented as they stepped in.
    “Yeah, the food is really wonderful too.” Dena led the way to the buffet. “Tad loves to come down here. So we come down at least twice a week. Once on our own when his father’s on duty and another time with his father. I have to admit I like the freedom of coming here and not cooking all the time. It really is handy.”
    They were waiting in line when Tad tugged on her arm, all excited, motioning to the exit. “Look over there. There’s Keyen. He’s one of the team leaders of the Guardians.”
    Rori tried to see but only caught a glimpse of a tall, dark-haired man as he disappeared out the portal. She wished she could’ve gotten a better look. It would’ve at least been nice to know what they