I don’t belong here.
I sigh, and curl up on the extremely comfortable bed, finally letting exhaustion wash over me. My shadows drape around me like a protective cocoon while Mouse purrs steadily by my feet. The events of the last twenty-four hours swirl through my mind—not just the parade of impossibly attractive men, but everything else too. The lingering question of why I'm really here. The overwhelming sense that I'm completely out of my depth. The growing certainty that I'm not going to survive whatever comes next.
But between my shadows' gentle presence and Mouse's soothing purr, sleep claims me before I can spiral too far into doubt. My last coherent thought is a half-formed prayer that tomorrow might make more sense than today.
I really should have known better.
Chapter 8
Kaia
The morning chimes echoing through Arcanum's halls feel more like a death knell than a wake-up call. I groan, pulling my pillow over my head as my shadows flicker restlessly around the edges of my bed. Mouse, sprawled across my feet, lets out a small chirp that somehow manages to sound judgmental.
"I know, I know. First day. Have to get up." I sit up, watching my shadows twist anxiously around my ankles. "Any chance you guys could behave today?"
A tendril of shadow flicks a textbook off the desk in response.
"Right. Stupid question."
I drag myself out of bed, the cool stone floor sending a shiver up my spine. The uniform hanging in my closet seems to mock me with its crisp lines and perfect creases. I pull it on, grimacing at the stiff fabric but at least happy with the color choice. Black is definitely my color.
As I fasten the last button, my shadows dart around the room, tugging at loose threads and ruffling papers. "Seriously, guys?" I mutter, trying to smooth my uniform back down. "We talked about this. Best behavior, remember?"
A tendril of shadow curls around my wrist, almost apologetic. I sigh, grabbing my bag and heading for the door. "Come on, Mouse. Let's go face the music."
With the chaos of everything yesterday, I’m not surprised that the stairway down to the common room takes my breath away. It really is stunning in its textures and the movement of light and shadow make it feel alive.
I finally reach the common room, my stomach growling because I definitely missed dinner. But more pressing than food is figuring out where I'm supposed to go. I spot Torric hunched over a piece of paper at the table, his brow furrowed in concentration.
"Hey," I say, approaching cautiously. "Is that your schedule?"
Torric grunts, not looking up. He jerks his head towards the counter, where I see a stack of similar papers.
I roll my eyes. "You know, a simple 'yes' would have sufficed. Or maybe even pointing? I hear that's all the rage in polite conversation these days."
He finally looks up, his golden eyes narrowing. "I answered your question."
"Yeah, with all the charm of a grumpy troll," I snap, stomping over to grab my own schedule. I try to play it off with the joke, but the frustration bubbling under the surface has other plans. My shadows flare before I can stop them, darkening the space around us. Torric’s brow seems to furrow in confusion.
Great. First day, and I'm already living up to my reputation as the weird girl. I take a deep breath, trying to rein in my temper and my powers. "Look, we're stuck here together. The least we could do is try to be civil."
Torric's expression softens slightly. "You're right. I'm... not great with mornings. Or people. Or mornings with people."
The change in his expression catches me off guard. I wasn’t expecting him to back down, but I’ll take the win and despitemyself, I feel a smile tugging at my lips. "Well, that makes two of us. Truce?"
He nods, the ghost of a smile on his face. "Truce."
I glance down at my own schedule, groaning. "Now, any idea where Rune Methodology is?"
“Yeah, you can follow me,” Torric says, gathering his things. He hesitates for a moment before adding, “Just... try not to let your shadow cat eat anyone on the way.”
Mister grump has jokes this morning. Great. My shadows twist around my legs as we walk, flicking curiously at the edges of the corridor like they’re mapping the way.
???
The Sorcery Wing's classroom is a circular chamber filled with workstations, each bearing an array of crystals, runes, and what looks suspiciously like scorch marks. I slip into an empty seat near the back, trying to ignore the way conversations halt as I pass. My shadows, agitated by my nerves, keep tugging at the hem of my robes.
"Is this seat taken?"
