There was an obnoxious noise from Jaymin’s throat. “I— I—” Jaymin stammered. “Ava’s not fit to be married!”
“Ibeg to differ,” Hemlock argued.
The Warden was obviously pissed. I could hear his heavy breath from here. He stomped toward Hemlock and spoke in a low, intimidating voice. “Tell me, Natasha, what’s to keep me from firing you right now for such insubordination?”
Hemlock laughed. “Insubordination? Really, Ophio? I’ve been at the Institute for over twenty years. There’s no alchemy professor in the world who could replace me. And I am well within my rights and certifications to approve the marriage application and officiate the ceremony. So whatinsubordination, exactly, are you referring to? Because whatever you think I’ve done wrong here, I’m sure the United Supernatural Union would disagree.”
Holy shit. Hemlock wasbold. She basically just told the Warden to tread carefully, because she wasnota bitch to be messed with. I never thought I could love a professor more.
The Warden’s breath became even shallower. He seemed on the verge of exploding. “You can only protect these students for so long, Natasha. Eventually, theywillslip up, and I will have them.”
He tossed the marriage license into the air, and I felt it flutter to the ground at Ava’s feet. The Warden whirled around and stomped out of the room. Jaymin and the guards followed closely behind.
I breathed a sigh of relief, and my racing heart began to slow. I rushed to Ava’s side, and she curled into me.
“Ancestors, Charlie, I was so scared,” she breathed. “I thought he was going to take you away.”
I kissed the top of her head. “Never.”
Hemlock scooped our marriage license up from the ground, but everyone else remained frozen in stunned silence. “Congratulations on your marriage.”
“Thank you,” I replied.
“I must file this paperwork as soon as possible,” Hemlock said. “For now, I suggest the two of you stay out of Doctor Taurus’ way.”
Her shoes clicked as she left the room.
Ava drew away from me and cleared her throat. “Thank the ancestors that’s over.”
Her tone was hollow. We were all shook from the Warden’s sudden appearance.
Well,almostall of us.
“Let’s celebrate!” Alistair suggested. He couldn’t care less that the Warden stormed in here. He just wanted an excuse to party.
“We don’t have to—” Ava started, but Ivy cut her off.
“I’ve got you covered,” Ivy practically sang. “Drinks on me!”
“Hey, Hemlockdidtell us to stay out of the Warden’s sight,” Chancey said slyly. “What better place than The Devil’s Playground?”
Our friends started cheering, but it felt forced. They were trying to take our minds off the Warden. I felt jumpy and uneasy as we snuck toward the secret nightclub. I thought for sure the Warden would find some way to invalidate our marriage and take me away. But somehow, we made it to the club without being caught.
Ivy slipped behind the bar and started pouring drinks. “Let’s have a toast! Shots all around.”
My shoulders sagged. “Come on, guys. Let’s not get too wild.”
I knew how Ava got when she drank. Once she started drinking, she couldn’t stop.
“But it’s your wedding,” Ez protested.
I scowled. I knew he was still holding that camera. “Do you really want your parents to see you getting wasted on video?”
“They’ve seen worse,” Ez said with a laugh.
Ivy ignored my protests and kept passing around champagne. “A drink for the bride!”
I heard the glass clink against the counter, but I grabbed the drink before Ava could. Our hands brushed together as she reached for it.
