I finished the text conversation with the boys, mostly because of Vaxan reminding us we needed to get to our respective classes, studies, or tasks.
Just as I slid my phone into the pocket of my coat, commotion reached me. It was coming from the double doors ofThe Archive Annexat the far left of the corridor a few feet from the exit. The room was kind of like a spillover forThe Central Archives, which was the main library of Loxley Academy.
My intent to ignore it and continue on to my class went to hell when I heard Octana’s voice from inside.
“Is this my punishment?”
I frowned, slowing in my step.
Then another voice reached my ear. River.
“Me suddenly stopping when you were right on the edge?”
“Yes. Is it punishment for the Cafeteria thing? The theatrical nature of it was your call. But I obviously didn’t mean to actually get your handsome face with all that yogurt. I misfired when I got nervous with so many eyes on us.”
“What? No. Of course not, darling.”
“Oh, did you already… detonate?”
Rumbling laughter rang out.
“Again, of course not. I just lost control of my magic when you did that thing with your tongue… there. The glamor is down. I stopped to try to get control so I can re-erect it.”
I reached the room and peered inside.
AndI immediately wished I hadn’t.
Worse than I’d thought.
Way worse than I’d thought.
I jerked away and blinked, trying to rid my memory of the image of my friend half-naked, River actually fully naked, as they licked each other all over while humping against the stacks.
After Zayn had claimed the two of them were having a secret relationship, I hadn’t actually asked her about it. At least not outright. I’d hinted at it in case she’d needed to confide in somebody she’d know would understand the whole complicated deal.
But she hadn’t.
Well, if she needed me, I’d be here.
I felt a rush of Octana’s magic, indicating she’d erected a glamor this time, after River’s had fallen. The sounds were muted immediately, no signs of the two of them being in there now.
I pushed through the exit at the end of the corridor and stepped outside.
I could already see students gathering in the distance at Morphic Range.
Excitement rolled through me.
I was about to hurry over with a burst of speed when my phone buzzed in my pocket.
Once.
Twice.
I pulled it out to see two texts.
Torvek:I’m so sorry, snow cub. It’s out. I was just leaving a meeting in the Dracoryn Core when I heard whisperings in the corridors from diplomats, council members, and even aides.
Dad:We need to talk. Now. Yes, about Winter Nox. And the other two, while we’re at it.
