“They weren’t supposed to leave the testing facility,” he says. “They did anyway.”
I go still.
“And your brother,” I say.
Another pause.
“Was one of them before Lumi brought him back.”
Outside the window the trees stand in the dark and the bonds pull west and I let them pull. I carry all of it — the pack and the distance and the James case and the bruise on my wrist that isn't a bond yet and RJ's howl still lodged behind my sternum.
I'm going to find every crack in this place, and then I'm going to use them to get back to my mates.
Chapter two
Alex
The knock is unhurried. Not the knock of someone with a folder and a schedule — just a knock. I open the door.
Late thirties, dark hair, decent jacket. Handsome in a way I register and set aside. He introduces himself — acting headmaster, biology professor, both at once, which he says like it mildly amuses him.
"Welcome to Frosthaven," he says. "I know the circumstances aren't ideal."
Not a folder. Not orientation protocol. Just that.
"I don't want to be here," I say. "Send me back."
He doesn't flinch. "That's not my decision."
"Whose is it."
"The panel's." A pause. "For now."
He doesn't apologize. Doesn't tilt toward something easier. Just stands there and lets the weight of what I said exist in the room.
I've been managed by people in authority my whole life. Redirected. Handled toward outcomes they'd already decided on. Tomlinson just stood there.
I don't know what to do with that yet.
"The students will be curious," he says. "You don't owe anyone an explanation."
"And faculty."
"Know what they need to know." He holds my gaze, steady and direct. "Whatever happened at Feral Academy — you have space to breathe here. That's what I want you to know."
I look at him. He means it. I nod.
"My door is open if you need it." He nods at Dalton. "Mr. Dalton."
He leaves.
I look at Dalton.
"Briefed how," I say.
"Enough to know you're not a standard placement. Not enough to know why."
"So he's just — like that."
