She shakes her head, a single tear falling from her eyes. “I wish you could…remember ours, Shadow,” she whispers. I frown and nod.
“I wish I could, too.”
She turns on her feet, tossing over her shoulder with slight pain in her voice, “Please eat. We shall have time to worryafteryou have eaten.”
I nod and lift the spoon to take a sip of the stew. I moan softly as my taste buds tingle in delight. I wasstarving.
“Thank you, Milly.” She beams instantly at me in response and floats up as she starts to tidy up her space. I observe her as I eat, and when I’m finished, I find myself lying back down and falling asleep.
Chapter 27
Grace
October 5th
Istartle awake to the sound of a door closing. I stretch my arms over my head as I open my eyes to see Milly standing a few feet in front of me.
“Shadow,” she says affectionately.
I grin up at her; just my nickname passing her lips is enough to light my blood on fire. She steps to the side, and behind her is Professor Blackthorne. My grin instantly turns into a grimace as I shoot up from my position on the floor. Bright spots cloud my vision from the sudden movement. I blink them away as I look between the two of them.
“Absolutely not,” I retort, trying to stand up slowly. “This man did not even want to help me out of the woods. He wanted me away from here, and on top of that, told me that he would not save me again. How do I trust he wants to help again? What's in it for him?” I cross my arms in a glare.
Professor Blackthorne and I both lock eyes in a glare as Milly tries to play peacemaker.
She feigns shock as she lifts her hand to cover her mouth and promptly turns to Professor Blackthorne. “My sincerest apologies, Archer. She is simply not accustomed to your…firmer disposition is all.”
His jaw is clenched as he nods at Milly, but refuses to remove his glare from mine. I stick my chin up a little higher, squeezing my eyes tighter, making my facial expression one full of distaste.
“No, don’t apologize. He knew how he treated me,” I snap out.
He sneers, “I simply warned you, Miss Gates. I have witnessed a fewtimes where you have not been cautious. I even saved you again these last few weeks. You don’t need to waste your time doubting me. As for a reason? Revenge.” He grins menacingly. I sputter, opening and closing my mouth, trying to find a response when he lifts his hand to halt my words.
“You do not need to defend your choices. You made them knowingly. But there are hundreds of students on this campus, hundreds of citizens in this community, at risk in Priest Brown's hands. I do not want to see you sacrificed, which is why I am here…even if you are slightly…oblivious.” I huff and turn back toward the couch and sit down.
“Grace, I assure you that Archer is present purely out of compassion. His intention is to be of aid to us. He has spent many years helping prevent the evil hand of Priest Brown, as I have shared.” She lifts one of her brows, waiting for me to acknowledge what she is saying. I bring my hand up for hers. She places it in mine as I softly stroke her hand.
I glance over her shoulder and see him still holding a slight glare. I sigh. “I’m sorry, Professor Blackthorne,” I bite out. Milly squeezes my hand tighter, and I squeal softly.
Milly smiles at my half-assed apology. “Thank you, Shadow. Now let’s?—”
I interrupt her, “Even if you exude assholery.” I smile sarcastically at him.
Milly throws her arms up in exasperation, and I see Professor Blackthorne slightly lift the corner of his lip in a smile.
It’s at this moment that I find myself maybe not hating my professor as much as I did a few minutes ago, in a silent agreement. Going forward, I think we have found a common ground in ruffling Milly’s feathers.
He nods his head at me, and I nod back, simultaneously ignoring Milly explaining the importance of teamwork.
“Is this the mirror?” he asks as he approaches it slowly. The ornate golden design on the edges shimmers softly, creating a constant aura around it. Or maybe it is the mysterious glass at its center.
“It doesn’t have a reflection…” I watch him observe, almost nervous to touch it himself.
I hum in agreement, letting him come to his conclusions as Milly returns to sit next to me. She grabs my hand and puts it in her lap, fidgeting with the rings on my fingers. She’s nervous, but her face radiates confidence and poise.
“Where did you find this?” he asks, looking at the two of us with shock on his face.
“Milly found it, actually. It was kind of weird, too.”
