When the emergency lights flicker on, I'm standing alone. Mouse has returned to normal size, looking smug. My shadows ripple with satisfaction.
Darian is nowhere to be seen.
"Well," Finn says, appearing beside me with a grin that's only slightly forced. "That was exciting. Also, remind me never to piss off your cat."
"Mouse isn't—" I start automatically, then pause. "What just happened?"
"Would you believe me if I said temporary magical blackout?" He offers his arm with an exaggerated bow. "Totally normal. Happens all the time at fancy parties."
I know he's deflecting. I know there's more going on than anyone's telling me.
But my shadows are calm now, almost pleased. Mouse purrs at my feet. And when I glance around, I catch glimpses of the others—Malrik melting into the shadows, the twins moving to cover the exits, Aspen speaking quietly with some of the faculty.
All of them watching out for me, in their own ways.
"Fine," I say, taking Finn's arm. "But this conversation isn't over."
His grin softens into something more genuine. "Wouldn't dream of it, trouble." He glances at Mouse. "Though maybe we should let Bob explain. He's been dying to tell you everything."
Despite everything, I laugh. And if I lean into him a little more than necessary as we head for the exit, well... my shadows aren't telling.
The night isn't over. Questions still buzz under my skin, and my necklace still pulses around my neck.
But for now, surrounded by people who apparently "give a damn" whether I want them to or not, I let myself breathe.
Tomorrow will bring answers. Or at least better questions.
Chapter 41
Kaia
The air carries a bitter chill, but I barely notice as I pace the length of my room. My shadows trail after me restlessly, their agitation matching the storm in my head. Mouse watches from my bed, his violet eyes tracking every movement, still tense from earlier. I needed some time to clear my head but I honestly think I’m just making it worse at this point. Like talking myself off a ledge that’s five miles down the road.
"He was right there," I mutter, running my fingers over my necklace. It hums against my throat, warmer than usual after tonight's chaos. "Thorne was pulling some shit all along, and I never really saw it."
I’m so stupid.
A soft knock interrupts my brooding and self loathing. Before I can decide whether to ignore it, Finn's voice filters through the door.
"I come bearing peace offerings. And snacks. Mostly snacks."
My shadows ripple toward the door eagerly, still keyed up from the chaos of the ball and Thorne’s betrayal. Even Mouse perks up, though he seems more alert than usual.
"Go away, Finn."
"See, I would, but Bob's already letting me in."
Sure enough, he’s slipped under the door and is now tugging at the handle from the other side. I throw my hands up in exasperation as the door swings open.
Finn stands there grinning, arms full of what looks like half the kitchen's worth of food. His easy demeanor, complete with that familiar sparkle of mischief in his eyes, is at odds with the faint bruise darkening his jaw—a mark from tonight's chaos. It’s as though he’s determined to brush off the tension with charm and a tray of sugar. "I figured we could all use a midnight feast after... you know, the whole 'evil professor' thing."
"We?" I ask, just as more footsteps echo down the hall.
Aspen appears first, carrying drinks and wearing an expression that manages to be both apologetic and determined. His water rune still shimmers faintly from earlier. Torric follows, his fire rune flickering with residual energy, and finally, Malrik materializes from the shadows themselves, because apparently near-death experiences haven't taught him to use doors like a normal person.
"No," I say firmly. "Absolutely not. I don't need an intervention."
"Good, because this isn't one," Finn says cheerfully, already spreading snacks across my desk. "This is just friends making sure you don't brood yourself into oblivion. While eating sugar."
