* * *
With Cassian’shelp and a few late-night hours of practicing with Alyssa in the omega lodge, we show up to class exhausted but ready to cast the newest magic we’ve learned.
Even Professor Cadigan can find no fault in our work as he goes from worktable to worktable during the practical portion of our lesson.
No fault in our magic, but his thoughts stray as he stops at our table. Dark, dangerous thoughts. Thoughts of a silvery, seven-pointed star. The very star that graces the Baphomet masks of the Soldiers of Saint Aldous. But the thought is gone just as quickly as it flashed through his mind, so fast I can’t be sure I didn’t imagine it.
I draw on my affinity, desperate to catch something more. Desperate to see that split-second flicker again, but I glean nothing else from the older alpha during the rest of class, no matter how hard I try.
I’m left exhausted after straining so hard to use my affinity, and head back to my nest over lunch to grab a quick catnap before my afternoon classes.
I can’t shake the feeling that there’s something more to Cadigan’s hatred of me, but I find myself hoping it’s merely because of my entanglement with Ian. If it’s anything more, saints, it’ll crush the alpha I love so dearly.
I try to shake those dark thoughts as I head into Omega Seminar but find the mood in the omega lodge is just as subdued as my own.
“And that’s everyone,” Leigh says with a sad smile as I take my seat.
It’s just the four of us and Leigh now. No new omega students enrolled due to the Council’s decree, and Bridget graduated in the spring.
And Trinity… Her absence is like a kick to the gut, a physical weight on my chest that makes it hard to breathe.
“This is weird as shit,” Bitsy mutters.
“Language, Miss Jordan,” Leigh chides, with a roll of her eyes, but there’s a hint of a forlorn smile on her lips. “Well, I suppose we should begin. I’m sure you all know the drill by now. Doctor Huong will arrive any minute now and she’ll ask after your health as she does at the start of every term. Ah—and that’s her now.”
I’m the last to be called back, and I’m surprised when the young omega healer pulls me into a tight hug.
“I heard about your summer, Juniper. I am so sorry you’re being put through this.”
“This is so much bigger than me,” I murmur. “Rose Pharmaceuticals is handing omegas with affinities over to Radcliffe Industries.”
Mai shudders. “Your father is an evil man, Juniper.”
“I know. I have to… I have to find out how to stop him.”
She frowns. “You’re just one person.”
I shake my head. “It won’t be me alone. I have the love of some extraordinary mages.”
For the first time, she smiles. “And I suppose you’ll want to give them access to the omega residences and your cottage? The blood ward Professor Reinhardt put on your cottage remains, but I’ll have to add your guests to the wards once more. Standard procedure for the start of term. Can I get the names of your guests, please?”
“Luca Anders, Simon Monroe and Cassian Leclerc.”
I pause, glancing up at the other omega. Do I dare mention Ian? Even though he’s no longer my professor, our relationship goes against school policy, and I’d hate to get him in trouble. He helps maintain the wards and was able to enter them easily last term. But knowing who’s permitted within the wards could protect my fellow omegas in case someone gains unsanctioned access like Rad did last year.
“Are you seeing anyone else, Juniper? You know our conversations are always confidential.”
“Even if it breaks the rules?”
“Even if it breaks the rules. As long as you’re being safe and don’t feel pressured or otherwise coerced?”
“No! No, not at all. It’s just… it’s Ian.”
Mai beams at me. “I’ve been rooting for you two. Even though it goes against school policies. Ian’s a good man, Juniper, and he deserves the love of a woman like you. Still, as the physician in charge of your wellbeing, I have to ask: you’re sure you don’t feel pressured by his position of authority?”
I shake my head. “No.”
“I’m happy to hear that. Even if I wasn’t so fond of you and even if Ian wasn’t my best friend, you’d have my confidence in this matter. Healer-patient privilege. But you must be careful. The repercussions if you’re caught could be severe.” She eyes me with a mischievous smile. “Though I’ve never been good at following the rules myself. Daniel and I started seeing each other when I was his student. Truthfully, I always found the sneaking around kind of exhilarating.”
