“By the way,” Slater changed the subject, and Bram relaxed more as he did. “I told you that I got my official invite to take the entrance exams at Apex Elite Academy, right?”
Bram nodded. “You did. It’s an awesome opportunity for you, Slater.”
I smiled. “I meant to tell you congratulations! That academy is a huge deal from what I’ve heard. What are the entrance exams like?”
Slater grinned, leaning back in his chair. “Tough. They’re designed to push you to your limit. Magic control, physical endurance, tactical thinking—it’s all part of the vetting process. And then, there are the specialized houses.”
“Houses?” Bram furrowed his brows.
“Eight of them,” Slater explained, excitement flashing in his red eyes. “Each one is tailored to a specific skill set. Students are sorted based on their strengths after the first year. Trust me, getting through the exams is only the beginning. I’m so fucking excited, though, you know?”
The room buzzed with anticipation as we speculated about the academy Slater would have the chance to attend. Even Charles talked to him about how amazing the opportunity was.
Chaos magic vibrated in my stomach out of nowhere, causing Demo to manifest, slinking out from under the table with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
“Demo, no,” I warned her.
She darted toward the sitting room, ignoring me completely.
A crash followed moments later.
“Demo!” I called out in horror before swinging my gaze toward Melinda. “I’m so sorry.”
Chaos manifested from Bram and bolted after Demo, barking wildly.
The sudden noise startled everyone, but Slater laughed as he stood up and stretched. “Chaos magic is...chaotic, and we get it more than anyone else would.”
“He’s right. It’s fine.” Melinda giggled. “My chaos manifestation always sneaks away. They’ll come back.”
Sure enough, they returned a few moments later, jumping back into us.
“Your magichasgrown a lot,” Slater commented to Bram. “It’s awesome.”
Bram shifted uncomfortably before standing up. “I’m working on controlling it.”
“I can help you practice as soon as we get the time,” Slater offered. “My chaos manifestation is a snake, not a wolf, but the principles are the same. I also only have one chaos manifestation in contrast to you having several different forms. Control takes practice, and I’m sure you need extra control considering you have more than just the wolf manifestation that can come out.”
Bram hesitated, then nodded. “I’d appreciate that.”
Just as the moment settled, my shadow twitched from my palm and lashed out, smacking the wall with a loud thud.
I froze, horror washing over me as everyone turned to look. “Sorry,” I muttered, my cheeks burning.
“It’s okay,” Slater said gently, though his eyes lingered on the dark tendril retreating to my palm. “That thing looks dangerous.”
“It is,” I squeaked.
“But alsosupercool,” he added cheekily.
“I guess that’s my cue,” Dex chuckled, stepping out of the shadows.
As we stood to leave, Slater reached out and hugged Bram tightly. “Reallyconsider it, okay? Youarefamily, whether you want to let us adopt you or not.”
Bram didn’t reply, but his grip on Slater tightened briefly before he stepped back.
Melinda moved forward and carefully hugged Bram and I both, but she lingered on Bram. “Please consider what we said, Bram. Wewantyou around.”
“I’m not used to people wanting me around,” he muttered as he pulled back.
