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“Well, I didn’t think we’d be walking this long or I would have worn my usual boots.” She fidgets some more, taking a large step. “These stupid heels were a bad idea.”

I look down at her smooth, toned legs. Sure enough, her feet are strapped into heels that can only be described as a death contraption. I’m surprised the trees aren’t dying by the way that pointy part pierces the roots.

“I can fix that.” I release Akemi from my arm. She should be fine on her own and is too preoccupied with the stars anyway. I swing Ramona into my arms and—“Argg! Fucking suns, Ramona, get that out of my face!”

“I swear, if this is some sort of prank and you made me walk all this way only to go to some makeshift campfire, I will bury this dagger into the side of your neck.”

“Easy does it, spitfire,” I soothe the 5’2” wild little beast in my arms. Despite the way my heart ricochets in my chest, her weight seems to ground me. “I’m just helping a friend and her silly shoes make it to the party of the year in one piece.”

She rolls her eyes, then manages to tuck her dagger that was previously poised at my throat to… somewhere under that little dress of hers. I wonder how many daggers she’s able to fit—

I shake my head, attempting to clear the images of smooth skin pressed into the length of a hard metal—

Fucking, fuck! What is wrong with me? Ramona is my friend.

I just want to impress her and the rest of the academy, that’s all. I’ve always been one for a little show, and so what if Ramona happens to see my greatness in the meantime? She probably already notices how tall, buff, and extremely handsome I am.

“Wipe that smug grin off your face, Leaf,” she snarls.

“Thank you!”

“What?”

“You were saying ‘you’re welcome,’ so I just responded as such.”

“But I didn’t say—”

“You did. Just in your own special little way.”

“I’ll show you special little—”

“We’re here!” I drop Ramona down to the ground a little faster than she anticipated by the string of colorful curses coming from her mouth.

Akemi looks around skeptically. “I don’t see a party.” She turns in a circle. “Nor do I hear it. Leaf, you have some explaining to do. I didn’t get all dressed up for a fake party.”

“My crop top,” Ramona mumbles.

“Right through here, ladies!” I gesture between two massive tree trunks, pulling a thick layer of vines aside.

Both Akemi and Ramona stand with their arms crossed.

“Fine, follow me.” I stride through the vines, knowing they’ll follow.

“Six layers of Hel, Leaf!” Akemi says from my side.

“What do you think?” A bubbling sensation fills my chest as Ramona’s green eyes widen in shock.

Music that was previously blocked by some magical barrier now thumps wildly as cadets of all years mingle amongst the trees. Sun orbs float by the thousands in strands of golden light, hovering in waves and swirling between the trees like ribbons. Fire dances from the center of the gathering in a great, beautiful display. The sun’s magic surrounds us in the form of firelight, orbs, campfires, and—most notably—the illusion cast in a dome over the entire party.

“This is all hidden under a myrage, isn’t it?” Akemi asks, wonder filling her gaze as she takes in the intricate web doming above.

“This has to be as large as the amphitheater,” Ramona adds.

“Are you impressed?” I lean against a tree. Nope. Gryphon. I lean against Gryphon.

Ramona rolls her eyes.

“Glad you made it, Kem!” Gryphon says, handing Akemi a drink first before grabbing more for me and Ramona.