“We didn’t know what you wanted,” Baz says, “so we just got one of everything.”
“Perfect. One of everything isexactlywhat I wanted.”
The guys grab a few plates and napkins and settle into the living room while I finish up the tea.
It’s Monday, first school day after our epic weekend adventures, but all classes have been canceled until further notice. None of us was surprised at the announcement; Trello’s blaming the explosion and flood at Hot Shots on a gas leak, and says the quote-unquote team needs time to investigate.
She also says APOA is running a bit short-staffed this week, with Casey Appleton called away suddenly on urgent matters overseas. In a shocking coincidence, our new librarian, Janelle Kirkpatrick, has been called away by a family emergency.
Lots of exciting comings and goings at Arcana Academy of Bullshit.
“Ah, the Sun finally rises.” Baz laughs as Ani emerges from my bedroom, sheet marks creasing his face, his T-shirt on inside out and backward. “Rough night?”
Ani smiles, then looks at me and winks. I return his easy grin, but something about his energy feels off this morning.
He joins me at the kitchen counter, grabbing a mug of tea and leaning in to kiss my cheek. Behind us, Baz and Kirin whistle like the man-children they are, and Doc lets out a soft chuckle.
But I let out a relieved sigh.
That kiss just made everything right in the world again.
“You okay?” I ask his softly, squeezing his hand.
“Better now.” He sips he tea, then lowers his mug to grin at me. “I kind of like waking up to you.”
Another throat-clearing, and I lower my eyes, biting back a smile.
The guys continue their gentle teasing, but I know it’s just that. There’s no jealousy in their energy, no rivalry. Just brotherhood and friendship.
I bring the others their tea and take a seat on the couch between Kirin and Baz, reaching for a chocolate coconut muffin.
We take a few more minutes to enjoy our breakfast and each other’s company, but there’s only so long we can put off the inevitable.
After polishing off my second muffin, I finally lean back on the couch and say it.
“Okay, Doc. Give us the update.”
The energy in the room shifts, the warmth of our earlier camaraderie replaced with tension and concern. It’s the first time we’ve all been together since that night at the Towers of Breath and Blade, and after two days of prisoner interrogations, there’s no way Doc’s news is going to be happy.
“There is no easy way to say this,” he says, setting down his mug. “So I’m just going to put it out there. Professor Maddox and I have made a breakthrough with our guests, and we’ve got good news and bad. The good news is—there’s only a single entity possessing both Janelle and Casey, which means we can narrow our focus. The bad news is…” He lets out a long breath, and I know before he even says the words what’s coming next.
“That entity,” he confirms, “is Professor Phaines.”
A sharp pain pierces my chest, the memories of my torture at that man’s cruel hands never far from my mind.
“Great.” Baz is on his feet in a heartbeat, a surge of anger rushing through him. “So when can we go dismember him?”
“I’ll get the chainsaw,” Kirin says, squeezing my knee.
Ani raises his hand. “Flamethrower. Just say the word.”
“I’d love nothing more than to do just that,” Doc says, meeting my gaze. “And we will—I promise you.”
“But?” I ask.
“We have to find him first.”
Thirty-Two
