Twenty-Two
Zamir
The atmosphere in theSanctuary was tense.
The headmaster was holed up in his office, and according to Touya, he hadn't left it since Keoni chewed him out yesterday.
Keoni was acting like nothing was wrong, but I didn't need to use my powers to tell it was just that: an act.
I wanted to ask him why he'd blown up, or what he'd whispered in the headmaster's ear that had made him look so shocked, that had filled him with pain. But if he'd wanted us to know, he wouldn't have whispered it, so I didn't ask.
Nolan was at his bar, and tomorrow, we'd be going camping with Sofia and some of her friends. I didn't know those people, but neither did Nolan, so hopefully it would be fun. Maybe the two of us would sneak off to get some alone time.
"How are things with you and Nolan?" Keoni asked, and I smiled. He made a gagging sound, his eyes sparkling with mirth. "Oh no, you've joined the lovesick gang."
I laughed, but he wasn't wrong. "Sorry," I said, though I didn't feel bad at all. Maybe a little that Keoni was the only single one left in our group, the only one who wanted a partner, at least. But I didn't feel bad that I had Nolan.
"He told me he loves me," I admitted, and Keoni's eyes widened.
"Zamir! I'm so happy for you. Did you say it back?"
"Of course."
"When you left with a bag and the cat, I thought you were moving out," he said, and I winced.
"I was. But Nolan convinced me to wait."
"Because of Zephyr?"
I nodded, and Keoni frowned, though he didn't say anything.
"Nolan feels guilty. It wasn't his fault, but he still feels responsible that he couldn't help."
"He's a good guy, your mate," Keoni murmured after a moment, and I nodded, agreeing completely.
"Did I tell you he knew my mother?"
"Really?"
I told Keoni everything I'd learned about my mom, and he listened intently, a soft smile on his face.
Suddenly, I realized I was glad Nolan had convinced me to come back, because no matter how unfair the headmaster was being, the Sanctuary was my home. I wanted it to be Nolan's home too, and I'd keep trying until that happened.
*****
Later that night, I was about to head to Nolan's place—I'd decided to stay at the Sanctuary until it was closing time at The Lair—when the door to the headmaster's and Touya's office opened as I was passing by.
I glanced up, meeting the headmaster's gaze, and he opened the door wider in silent invitation.
I followed him to his office, hovering beside a chair as he settled in his behind the desk.
"Sit down, please." His voice sounded rough, like he hadn't spoken in a while.
"Is everything okay?" I asked, though I knew it wasn't.
Zephyr sighed. He looked exhausted.
"I wanted to apologize."
