Page 48

"That reaction is strictly from the script, and the book," I say, turning as Chloe, the original author of Empire of Beasts. “That was all her.”

She steps up to us holding a pair of celebratory flower bouquets. "Shut up! You two were absolute perfection," Chloe says, her eyes glowing with genuine emotion as she hands me a bundle of purple irises and Caylen a wrap of golden sunflowers. "Watching Prince Jin finally discover Lord Rozz's true identity gave me actual chills. Chills! It was everything I dreamed of and more when I wrote the book."

"Thank you, Chloe," I say warmly, bowing my head respectfully to her and Director Kang as he joins us.

"Outstanding work, Teagan," Director Kang says, giving me an approving nod. "You brought so much heart to Prince Jin this season. Get some rest. You’ve sure as hell earned it."

As the crew begins bustling around set, my eyes instinctively search the crowd until they land on a tall, familiar figure standing nearby. Ryker. Gods, he’s so damn handsome. Not just because of his towering height, broader shoulders, or the span of his large purple wings folded neatly against his back, but because of the sharp, stylish vest he’s wearing over a crisp black shirt. He tailored it himself last week, the whole outfit designed to accommodate his wings and tail.

He’s watching me with those striking cerulean eyes, an affectionate smile tugging at the corner of his lips. The moment my eyes meet his, the lingering exhaustion from a twelve-hour shoot vanishes. I head straight for him, stepping out of the main pathway as production assistants roll past with light stands.

"You were brilliant," Ryker says quietly as I reach him. He reaches out, his claw-tipped fingers gently resting at the small of my back. We’re so close that our shoulders touch. Ever since our very public walk across the quad and the... sexy times back in our dorm, there hasn’t been much distance between us.

"Thanks, Ryker!" I murmur, leaning into his side. "Did you hear Chloe? She actually liked the reveal scene." Monster gods, I have no idea why I was so nervous. It was my favorite scene in the book, and I just wanted to do it justice.

"I was standing next to her, behind Director Kang's monitor," Ryker says, a touch of pride lacing his smooth, gravelly voice. "She was holding her breath the entire time you delivered your lines. I swear, her eyes were sparkling."

A warm flutter settles in my chest. "High praise coming from the creator herself." I look up at Ryker, taking in the serene, confident expression on his face. "Speaking of major accomplishments... did you drop off the paperwork?"

Ryker’s purple tail flicks happily behind him, the spade tip lightly tapping my calf. "I did. As of two hours ago, I’m officially a declared Textile and Fashion Design major."

"Look at you," I say, reaching up to gently squeeze his forearm. "A college student with an actual official direction."

"Only because a certain purple-haired human wouldn't let me hide in the shadows." He leans down to press a sweet kiss to my temple. The touch sends a familiar, cozy spark down my spine.

Before I can flirt back, my phone vibrates in my pocket. I pull it out to see my mom’s name flashing across the screen.

"It's my mom," I say, glancing up at Ryker. "She's probably calling to check if Ethan and I have survived finals prep without burning down Karloff Hall."

"I'll give you some space and grab your stuff from the trailer," Ryker says.

I swipe to accept the call, bringing the phone to my ear as I step into a quieter hallway just off the soundstage floor. "Hey, Mom!"

"Teagan, honey! Oh, it’s so good to hear your voice." My mom’s warm, energetic voice floods the speaker, instantly making me feel young again. "Are you eating well? Is Ethan eating? I tried calling your brother an hour ago, but it went straight to voicemail. The little turd is probably still asleep."

I laugh softly. "Ethan was up until three in the morning finishing his project, Mom. He’s fine, just catching up on sleep. And yes, we're both eating."

"Good, good," she hums. "Now tell me everything! You sound breathless. Are you still on set?"

"I literally just wrapped five minutes ago. Season one of Empire of Beasts is officially done!"

"Oh, my sweet boy! I knew you would do amazing! How was the final scene? Did Director Kang treat you well?"

"Director Kang was great! And Chloe Lee was actually on set today," I reply with a swell of pride. "We shot the big climax where Caylen’s character, Lord Rozz, finally reveals he isn't just Prince Jin's bodyguard. Chloe said it gave her chills!"

"Oh, I can't wait to watch it!" Mom replies. "Going from those single-year idol contracts where you felt so overworked to actually originating a lead role you love... it feels like you're finally where you're supposed to be."

"It really does, Mom.”

"And how are your classes? You haven't neglected your university work for the acting, have you?"

"Never," I reassure her, smiling to myself. "Finals week is coming up, but I turned in my big term paper, and my professor already dropped the grade. Aced it. Ethan and I have been hitting the library every night with our suitemates."

"I'm so proud of you both," Mom says. Then, her tone lightens playfully. "And how’s your gargoyle doing? Ethan mentioned you two have been spending even more time together."

My cheeks heat, but I can’t help the smile that pulls at my lips. Ethan definitely didn't keep his mouth shut about anything. That jerk.

"Ryker is amazing, Mom. He actually officially declared his major today. Textile and Fashion Design."