Seren's expression sobers. "You really haven't noticed? In Magical Theory, when Professor Thorne mentioned your 'special sessions,' those two actually agreed on something. The looks they were exchanging..." She shivers. "Let’s just say I’ve seen less intense planning sessions before actual battles."
"Perfect," I groan, rubbing my temples. "Just what I need. More drama."
"Hey," Seren's hand finds mine, squeezing gently. Her usual playfulness gives way to genuine concern. "You okay? I know I joke, but seriously – if any of this is too much..."
I force a smile. "I'm fine. Really. It's just..."
"A lot?" She nods. "Well, if you ever need a break from all the testosterone and brooding, you know where to find me. We can stuff our faces with chaos cookies and practice hexing the patriarchy."
That pulls a genuine laugh from me. "Thanks, Ser. I might take you up on that sooner rather than later."
As we round the corner to our next class, a familiar figure materializes from the shadows. Malrik steps into our path, silver eyes locked on mine with an intensity that makes the air feel thick. The rest of the world seems to fade away, sounds muffling as though underwater.
"Kaia," he says softly. "A word?"
Seren’s eyebrows shoot up, and she gives me a not-so-subtle thumbs up. "I’ll save you a seat," she whispers, practically skipping into the classroom. "Try not to get devoured by the sexy shadow man!"
Heat floods my cheeks as I turn back to Malrik. He's closer now, having moved with that liquid grace that makes him seem more shadow than man. My own shadows curl around us both, as if trying to draw us even nearer. The air between us feels charged, dangerous.
"What's up?" I ask, aiming for casual and missing by miles.
Malrik studies me for a moment, something unreadable flickering across his face. "Be careful with Darian," he says, voice pitched low enough that I have to lean in to hear him. "He's not what he seems."
"What are you talking about?" The warmth in my chest curdles into defensiveness. "Darian's been nothing but helpful."
Malrik's jaw clenches, a muscle ticking beneath his pale skin. "There are things you don't know about him. About his past—"
"Stop." I cut him off, frustration bubbling up inside me. "Is this what all of that was about in class last week? You all think I can't take care of myself? That I need protection from the big, bad shadow mage?"
My shadows flare in response to my anger, coiling around my arms like dark vines. But Malrik doesn't back away. If anything, he moves closer, until I can see the faint violet flecks in his silver eyes.
"This isn't about protection," he says, each word carefully measured. "It's about power. And the price it demands." His hand lifts, almost touching my cheek before dropping away. "Just... watch how your shadows react when he's near. They see what you're choosing to ignore."
The warning bell rings, sharp and intrusive. Malrik steps back, his usual mask of cool indifference sliding into place.
"Ask yourself why Thorne chose him to train you," he adds quietly. "Of all people."
I scoff, glaring at him.
That's ridiculous, right?
Before I can respond, he melts into the shadows, leaving me with the ghost of his almost-touch on my skin and questions burning in my throat. My shadows twist restlessly around my ankles, and for the first time, I wonder if they're trying to tell me something I've been too stubborn to hear.
Mouse appears at my feet, violet eyes gleaming with unusual intensity. He headbutts my leg gently, as if in warning or comfort—I'm not sure which.
What terrifies me most is the growing certainty that Malrik might be right. And if he is, what exactly have I gotten myself into?
Chapter 23
Kaia
I slip into Professor Idorath's classroom, Malrik's warning still echoing in my mind. My shadows haven't settled since our conversation, twisting and writhing like agitated snakes around my ankles. I catch Seren watching me with concerned eyes, but I shake my head slightly. I'm not ready to discuss whatever that was with Malrik—not when I'm still trying to convince myself he's wrong about Darian.
The familiar routine of class should be comforting, but all I can focus on is the weight of different gazes on me: Seren's worry, Malrik's intensity from across the room, and Darian's warm smile that suddenly feels calculated. He sits across the room where Alenya is practically drooling over him, but his attention is fixed on me. His smile is warm and inviting, designed to put me at ease—but my shadows pull back slightly, and I can't ignore their warning this time. I also can't help but snicker as Alenya notices the silent conversation Darian and I seem to be having. The look of annoyance on her face brings me joy.
"Today we'll be working with binding runes," Professor Idorath announces, his chalk scratching precise symbols ontothe board. "Partner up. And try not to blow anything up this time." He looks pointedly at Finn, who merely grins and waggles his eyebrows.
Before anyone else can move, Torric drops into the seat beside me, his presence radiating heat like a furnace. "You look like you're having a fantastic morning," he says dryly.
