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“I’m sure you do.” Mr. Cunningham turns back to Charles. “And Charles, what are your thoughts on recent developments? Would you agree that the Noctu seem to be getting bolder? Some of the hunters are advocating for a tougher approach. Do you share that position?”
“I don’t think we need to change the way we do things. The number of incidents hasn’t increased significantly, and until now we’ve always succeeded in showing our enemies who’s boss.”
“Yes, exactly. Showing them who’s boss,” Mr. Cunninghamechoes, “but not defeating them, unfortunately. And there’s reason to believe the Noctu have changed their tactics. They send the fallen out individually to keep us busy. And meanwhile, their agents are relentlessly gathering dying breaths in the background.” He shakes his head. “But you’re an experienced hunter, so if you see it differently... By the way, have you recovered from your injury? I hear you were out of action for the last few deployments?”
Charles nods, and his expression grows serious. “A torn muscle, but that’s healed well. I’m no spring chicken, but I hope to be back out in the field very soon.”
Mr. Cunningham nods slowly and gives Charles a piercing look. I’m not entirely sure what to make of this exchange.
“Well, I hope you make a full recovery soon,” Mr. Cunningham continues. He turns to me. “How are you settling into our world? It can’t be easy being confronted with so much new information all at once. There’s a lot to learn, and you never had the luxury of time to build up your experience.”
“I’m starting to find my feet and feel more at home now. My connection with my key spirit is steadily improving. We’ve become a great team.”
“That’s good to hear.” He nods and turns to Kate. “And I’m sure it’s invaluable for you too, to have a friend at your side who started out in a similar situation.”
Kate nods. “Yes, I’m really lucky to have Teresa.”
He gives me another piercing look and then shakes his head apologetically. “Excuse me, I was just thinking of my granddaughter. She’s the same age as you, but sadly she doesn’t live in San Francisco, so I don’t see her often.”
“That’s a shame,” says Charles. “It must be hard when your family lives far away.”
“It is. But unfortunately, it can’t be helped,” replies Mr. Cunningham.
He looks past Charles and suddenly raises his hand to wave someone over.
“Samuel, how wonderful. Please, join us for a moment.”
I turn around to see the school principal, and unfortunately, he’s not alone. My heart skips a beat. The knot in my stomach tightens. The sight is almost more than I can bear. Ayden is wearing a dark, tailored suit that emphasizes his narrow waist and broad chest. He looks like a model and fits right in here at this elite event. The young woman at his side is no less captivating. Vicky is wearing a skin-tight silver dress that flows over her body like a waterfall. It accentuates her breathtaking figure and has a plunging neckline without being vulgar. Her hair is drawn up into an elaborate knot and her eyes sparkle under glamorous makeup. They’ve responded to Mr. Cunningham’s call and are coming toward us.
“Albert!” Mr. Collins shakes his hand. “Enjoying the evening?”
“Immensely. And all the more on seeing you here. Can I tempt you to a whisky later? Edoardo Fabrici’s here tonight too. Will you join us?”
“Gladly,” replies the school principal.
I can feel Ayden’s eyes on me, but I don’t dare look at him. Running into him here has really thrown me. It’s hard enough seeing him at school, but at least there it’s not unexpected.
I steal a glance at him. His eyes linger on me, their mesmerizing green hue even more intense in the light of the chandeliers. My heart beats a little faster, and I can’t stop my eyes from wandering over his body. Why does it have to be so painful? And it hurts even more when I look at Vicky standing by his side like some damn supernatural being with her arm hooked through his.
“Ayden, Vicky,” says Mr. Cunningham. “A pleasure as always to see you both. How are you? I heard about your friend. I’m so sorry. He was a wonderful young man.”
“Thanks, it’s not easy,” Ayden replies.
“No, of course not. As you know, I was a hunter in my day. And I once lost a good friend too. It’s something you never forget. To this day, I still think of him from time to time. But it gets easier, and now what I remember most is not his death but the good times we had.”
Mr. Cunningham’s words surprise me a little because I can tell they’re not just empty clichés. He’s speaking from experience. I respect him for sharing a painful part of his past.
“How are you doing otherwise? I heard your last deployment was a complete success. Your parents must be very proud, Vicky.”
“It was nothing, really. Two Noctu that we encountered on patrol.”
“Good, very good,” says Mr. Cunningham, nodding appreciatively. “You’re both exemplary hunters. I have great confidence in you. And I’m so glad you decided not to turn your back on the hunters in the end, Vicky. The news that you wanted out came as a big surprise. Your parents were so worried.”
“My life as a key carrier was all I knew, and I felt I needed to try something else. But in the end, I realized that I’m exactly where I want to be.” She smiles faintly with a sideways glance at Ayden.
“I’m so glad to hear that.” Mr. Cunningham nods. “And I’m sure it was a weight off your parents’ minds. Speaking of whom – I haven’t seen them in a while. Are they here tonight?”
“Yes, they are,” Vicky replies. She turns around and cranes her neck. Eventually, she spots them and waves, calling out, “Mom, Dad.”
