“So after I sign, what happens?”
“The cuffs will be changed to something a little more subtle, and you will be further assessed for several days.Then you have a choice.You can either be given housing, or Farrow can collect you.You’ll be given a schedule and will be expected to attend classes and such.Clause twenty-three covers what happens if you don’t show up.”
“But how will I get there?I don’t know how to exist in this world.I can’t even read anything.”
“That will be the first magic you learn, one you do on yourself.”
I stared at him as my heart gave a panicked jig that ended with it lodged in my throat.“That sounds unsafe.”
Beak smiled like I was amusing, but then they had seen me with my pants off.“It’s a good test of magic.”
Great, so if I made my head explode, they only had to clean up blood and brain matter, not fix their world.I stared at the screen.There wasn’t another option.I couldn’t go home as my life had been folded up.This was my new world.
My new life.
“How do I sign?”
Chapter30
Farrow
The new apartmentwas filled with boxes as I’d only moved in last night, not that I’d had a lot to move.I hadn’t seen my brother since he’d released the videos, but he’d tried to call me twice and had sent a handful of texts.The first couple had been angry, then they’d become pleading.His friends had cut contact, and our parents were furious with him.He was in a world of shit of his own making.
Now he had to sort out how to pay rent on his own, as my name had been removed from the lease the moment I’d collected the keys for this place, as every person was only allowed one house.While it didn’t have any river views, it had a fabulous view over the city, and a very large mirror in the bedroom.
Timothy’s things from the human world had been delivered, and the boxes had been placed next to mine, which was a good thing as it meant that he’d passed the checks.Every item would’ve been examined and determined to be safe both before being packed and then again on arrival in this world.None of which quelled the anxiety turning in my stomach.He’d been arrested—and I hadn’t warned him—and the personal videos had been posted.
For finding a sorcerer willing to help with repairs, I’d received a bonus and had to sign a clause that I wouldn’t discuss it.The bosses didn’t want guardians trying to catch sorcerers.It was much better to watch and report.
Now I waited for him to be delivered to me.
At least he wanted to see me.
My stomach grumbled, but I didn’t want to be cooking or eating when he arrived.I checked my phone, but there were no messages from him or Bridges.Had something happened?
To distract myself, I unpacked another box of my clothes, hoping that Timothy hadn’t changed his mind.I was tempted to unpack some of his things so that it looked like his home too, but I also didn’t want to overstep, given everything that had happened since the last time I’d seen him.
I paced the bedroom, watching as the city lights flickered to life, then began unpacking another box.
The bell on the front rang.I froze and drew in a breath, not sure what to do.
Open the door, obviously.
But then what?
This wasn’t something we’d ever discussed because there hadn’t been an us or a future to discuss.And there may not be…
I bounded down the stairs and over to the door, pausing for a heartbeat before unlocking it.Timothy stood on the walkway with a Bridge officer for an escort.Around his wrists were two metal cuffs that could have been jewelry, but I knew better.I nodded at the officer before glancing at Timothy.“Hi.”
“Hi.”He gave me a tight smile.“Nice place.”
“Yeah, I’m still moving in.”I ran my hand over my ridge of hair.I didn’t want to get into all of that now.
“Can you sign this to say he arrived?”The Bridge officer held out a tablet.
I signed, knowing that if Timothy ran off, I’d have to call it in, but in those decorative cuffs that he wore, there’d be a tracker.No one wanted him to be unhappy, as he was here to fix things.
I handed the tablet back.“Thank you.”
