But then my stomach drops.
Minxy.
The thought hits out of nowhere.
Two days.
My breath stutters, and the room tilts. I grip the edge of the chair until my knuckles pop.
I’m going to get her out.
I don’t care what I have to do, or who gets in my way.
She must sense the spiral because her head tilts just slightly, enough for her eyes to find mine. No words. Just a slow inhale as her chest lifts and she mouthsbreathe with me.
I do.
And the panic uncoils as though she pressed a hand to my sternum.
PENELOPE
By the time class ends, my brain is buzzing from too much Talon, too much stress, too much everything. He waits for me by the door, pretending he isn’t watching every step I take.
He falls into step beside me as we leave the building, backpack slung over one shoulder like he’s trying very hard tolook normal. He’s not pulling it off. His fingers keep twitching, like he’s fighting some leftover current from this morning.
“You want me to ride with you or find my own way back?”
“Ride,” I say before I can stop myself. “It’s fine.”
That earns a tiny smile.
We walk across the lot together, and instead of silence, he clears his throat.
“Okay, serious question. Favorite movie?”
I arch a brow. “You’re doing small talk now?”
“Yeah, well.” His ears go pink. “I figured I should learn something about you besides how easily you can break my brain.”
I snort. “The Mummy.”
He blinks. “Yeah. That tracks.”
And somehow the walk feels… lighter.
We get to Gideon’s car, and I slide in, buckle up, then check my phone before starting the engine.
One new voicemail… from Abi.
My stomach drops.
I hit play and hold the phone to my ear.
Her voice spills through the speaker, syrupy and sharp at the same time.
“Penelope, darling! We have your dress fitting tonight; don’t forget. It’s at Gilbert’s at six. Don’t be late. And don’t worry about your father. I’ve already told him we’ll handle everything.”
Talon stiffens beside me. “Everything alright?”
