It was only two weeks, but with what was at stake, it seemed so far away.
Lucas put his hand on Marcus’ shoulder. “I think all of us would like some time with our kids. This has been a lot to process.”
“Agreed,” King Ethan said. “Kalina, your mother and I wish to speak with you privately.”
“What about?” Kallie’s voice cracked.
“It’s about you and your brother. Is there somewhere we can go?” her mother asked kindly.
Kallie nodded, but I could tell she was frightened. Whatever they wanted to say was super important.
“You may use my office,” Hemlock said. She conjured a door, which materialized in the wall. “Doctor Taurus does not have access to it, and the two of you can leave back to Malovia through a portal there.”
“Bye,” I whispered as Kallie’s parents escorted her out. She gave a short wave, but her complexion was pale. For as brave as she was, this conversation was freaking her out.
“Your family can have this room,” Mama said kindly to Nadine. “My husband and I have to visit our son.”
“And speak with our oldest,” Daddy added grumpily. I wrinkled my nose.
“I will aid Takahashi in getting off campus unseen,” Hemlock stated. “This room will remain open until the last person leaves.”
She and Takahashi made way for the door, until she turned briskly and stated, “By the way, Ava, if you and your friends eavesdrop on me ever again, you will be extremely sorry. Don’t make it a habit.”
“Crystal clear, ma’am,” I said with a salute.
Charlie nudged me as they walked out.When are we going to tell your parents about… us?
We’ll take them back to our cell, and I’ll break it to them easy, I replied.Might as well tell them since they’re here in person.
I cleared my throat. “We should go back to my cell. Nobody will overhear us talk there.”
“We?” Daddy said flatly.
“Yes,we,” I said. No way I was telling them about all this without Charlie. “Let’s go.”
My parents followed Charlie and me out of the illusion room and back to our cell. Oberi skipped ahead of us, holding his tail high. I power-walked all the way back, hoping I wouldn’t run into anyone who’d spill the beans before I could.
“This doesn’t look like the Elementai cellblock,” Mama said, looking around.
“They moved us,” I stuttered. Shit, I was so nervous. “Almost there…”
“Mister and Mrs. Wahkin!”
My blood completely drained out of my body as I saw Professor Warbright round the corner, holding a file of sheet music and trying to wave us down.
Charlie stumbled, and his face went white. Warbright came bustling toward us. Mama’s mouth dropped open slightly. Daddy narrowed his eyes, as if he wasn’t sure if he’d heard him right.
Oh, fuck no.I tried to hasten my steps, but for an old chubby guy, Warbright wasfast.“Mister and Mrs. Wahkin, wait!”
Ancestors, we were so fucking busted. I was forced to turn around and face Warbright as he came to a puffing stop beside us. I plastered on a smile as best I could. “Hello, Professor.”
“I haven’t seen you two in quite some time! I heard about your wedding!” Warbright beamed. He began vigorously shaking my hand, then Charlie’s, as he said, “I want to offer both of you my congratulations on becoming husband and wife. It’s always so wonderful when students here at the Institute make a life-long commitment.”
I dared to glance over at the corner of my eyes. Mama had gone still with shock.
Daddy— oh ancestors,Daddy.I’d never seen him look so stone-cold. His hands shook at his sides as he stared Charlie down, eyes burning like he was imagining strangling him.
Your dad’s looking at me, isn’t he? Charlie asked across our bond.
